All Over Again

Draco was standing by the river, which river he wasn't sure, but there was a river and he was standing next to it looking down. His reflection startled him, as if the person looking back at him was different than the person he expected to see. Somehow the only thing he had in common with that person on the surface of the water was his appearance. Then he saw a tear falling down the cheek of the reflection. Draco lifted his hand to his own face and felt the wetness that was now streaming down his cheeks. Feeling ashamed, Draco used his hands to cover his face as he took a step back from the water. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned around.

"Don't cry now, this will all be over soon," Harry said, cupping Draco's face in his hand.

"I miss you," Draco said, his voice cracking.

"I know, thank you for the locket, it explains everything," Harry said, leaning in for a kiss.

Draco leaned in too but suddenly he was being forced backward into the water by a new pair of hands. Turning his head from Harry, he saw faces in the water, pulling him down with them. Faces of Death Eaters. The face of his father.

"It won't be that easy, my son," Lucius told him, in a deep voice.

Draco looked back at Harry who was shaking his head and turning to walk away. Draco opened his mouth to scream back to him, but no sound came out and he was pulled underwater.

**

Draco awoke gasping for air as he sat up in his bed. He was sweating profusely and breathing hard. It had been a dream, and a bad one at that. Draco had never been one to have nightmares; it was always Harry, and Draco was always there for him when he woke up in the middle of the night talking of Voldemort and how sorry he was for the friends he'd lost. Now it was Draco's turn and he was alone without Harry, with no one but himself to calm him down. Sighing, he got up and went to the bathroom to wash his face. Draco didn't even want to see his reflection after that dream. Quickly and without looking in the mirror, he went back to his bed and pulled out a bottle of dreamless sleep potion from the bedside cabinet.

"Bugger," he muttered, before downing the potion and pulling the blankets over his head.

**

Harry had almost forgotten how pleasant breakfast with the Weasleys could be. Everyone was eating outside again since the table from last night was still set up and the August heat didn't set in until noon. Harry was feeling more and more like he never left with every moment that passed. They had welcomed him back with no question and he couldn't be more thankful. Harry brought himself back to the conversation as everyone was discussing Rose's early sign of magic.

"This morning she banished her socks and I still haven't found them," Hermione was saying.

"Amazing, absolutely amazing and only her second day in the world," Arthur said.

"It's no wonder. She's obviously got her mum's brains," Ginny said.

"Thanks Gin!" Hermione said.

"What about me? She's showing that Weasley gumption!" Ron said.

"Gumption? Now where'd someone like you learn a word like that?" Fred teased.

"Yeah, Ron, been sitting 'round reading the dictionary?" George asked.

"Bugger off you two and go invent something!" Ron said.

"Oh no, George, he's done it, he's finally called us out," Fred said dramatically as he threw his head back and swept his hand over his forehead.

"No! Fred, not now, you can't leave me alone in this horrible world!" George said.

"Okay, boys, that'll do," said Mrs. Weasley, as she stood and began clearing the table.

"C'mon, Ron, no need to look so sad," Ginny said, giggling as she stood to help her mother.

Ron looked mutinous as he and Hermione left the table to change Rose's nappy.

"Oi, Harry, Fred and I need to run down to the shop to sign off on some shipments, you wanna come with?" George asked.

"Yeah, why not," Harry answered.

"Just make sure you're back for lunch. We're having Rose's lunch party today," Mrs. Weasley told them.

"Yeah, alright, mum," Fred said.

**

Harry couldn't even remember the last time he had been to Diagon Alley, let alone the shop. It had almost completely recovered from the war and it made Harry happy to see the place come back to life. It reminded him of the first time he had ever been to Diagon Alley with Hagrid, kids running around enjoying ice cream and parents strolling along talking animatedly. As they passed Quality Quidditch Supplies, Harry noticed that there was even a new broom out and, like before, kids were swarming the window with large eyes. Smiling, he continued to follow the twins down the street to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.

"Look, Harry, our own sister is competing with us," Fred said, smiling and pointing to Ginny's bakery.

"I didn't realize pastries were competition for a joke shop," Harry said sarcastically.

"Oh, Harry, still so young and naive," George said, laughing.

"Exciting name though," Harry said, looking at the sign that read Ginny's Bakery.

"Yeah, said she couldn't think of anything else," Fred told him.

"And that it wouldn't matter anyway once people tasted her stuff," George added.

"So? Is it good?" Harry asked.

"Ruddy delicious. Guess she got mum's gift in the kitchen," Fred said, as they arrived at the shop.

Harry laughed as they entered the shop. He was impressed when he looked around; it seemed they had bought the spot next door and now the shop was twice its original size. It was hard to walk around because it was so crowded, even with the new addition. Harry also noticed that they now had an entire room devoted to special products for Witches. There was also another room filled with animals, and not just Pygmy Puffs.

"Animals popular then?" Harry asked.

"You wouldn't believe these kids, they'll pay for little kittens in any color of the rainbow," George told him.

"Who runs the shop when you're not here?" Harry asked.

"Me and Katie of course," Harry turned to see who had spoken.

"Angelina!"

"Hey, Harry, how ya been?" Angelina asked, hugging him.

"I've been good. It's really good to be back," he said.

"Ha! Knew you couldn't stay away," she said, punching him lightly on the arm.

"Guess not," Harry said.

"Look, Harry, I gotta get back to work, see you soon?" she asked.

"Yeah, for sure," he said.

"C'mon, Harry, the shipment's here, give us a hand," George said, and Harry followed him to the back.

Harry helped the twins unload the new shipment and put all the boxes in the warehouse. They spent a little while longer looking around the shop, and Fred and George showed Harry some of the new items. Harry learned that Fred and Angelina had been dating for almost a year. He thought it wouldn't be surprising if George and Katie ended up together as well. This ultimately made Harry think of Draco, which made him feel really guilty for the way he acted last night. The moment to have their conversation was getting closer and closer and it was making him nervous. Harry realized that Draco would probably be at The Burrow again today for Rose's party. He would have to get over himself and talk to him.

"So, Harry, Fred and I have something we wanted to ask you," George told Harry.

"Yeah?" Harry said.

"We know ya won't be able answer yet," Fred said.

"Especially considering everything..." George said.

"But we just thought it might interest you and so we have to bring it up," Fred said, looking at George, who nodded.

"C'mon, guys, what is it?" Harry asked, starting to laugh.

"Well, we thought, if you decide to move back for real, you might want to run the shop with us," George said.

"I mean, you practically own part of it anyway," Fred said.

"Yeah, and you could help us invent stuff too," George added.

"Wow, you guys," Harry said. He didn't even know what to think--he had no idea what was going to happen with Draco.

"Just think about it," Fred said.

"Yeah, we know things aren't great between you and Draco right now, but you just get back to us," said George.

"Thanks, I'll definitely think about it," Harry told them.

"Good, then that's settled," Fred said.

"We should get back," said George.

"Yeah, mum will lose it if we're late," said Fred.

**

Draco's hair wouldn't cooperate. Even after he tried a few spells it would not stay put. After a while he decided it was purposefully uncooperative and wanted him to look bad in front of Harry. After last night, Draco was confused about what Harry thought. When Harry's hand had touched his arm, Draco's heart had fluttered and he'd actually thought Harry had wanted to kiss him. Looking back on it now, though, Draco realized how silly it was for him to have left like that. He hadn't known what to say and he'd been able to tell that Harry hadn't either.

Taking another look at his hair, Draco made a drastic decision. He knew it would seem like he was trying too hard but he decided he didn't care anymore. Maybe he was trying too hard but, if that would help get Harry back, he was fine with it. He picked up his wand and started performing intricate severing charms on his white blond locks. Draco couldn't remember the last time he had short hair; it was possible that he never did. His hair had always been a part of his identity, something that connected him to his Father and he didn't need that anymore. As each chunk of hair fell to the floor, Draco felt his past falling away. Draco couldn't have prevented or predicted the tears that came after however. He supposed it was natural, especially considering everything he had been through, everything they had all been through.

When he was done, the tears had dried up and he smiled as he looked at his reflection. He liked his short shaggy hair and he felt relieved. Like it was something he should've done when he first left Hogwarts. Now that he thought about it, it had never actually occurred to him that he should've cut it. Before he left the bathroom, he banished the hair that had somehow spread all over the room. He dressed and realized he only had a few minutes before it was time to go back to The Burrow.

**

The party was about to start and more people kept showing up. Harry noticed that Draco still hadn't made it and he was starting to think he might not come at all after last night.

"Don't worry, he'll show," Hermione told him.

"What?"

"Harry, I can tell you've been looking for him, your face says it all," she said.

"Oh, I was just... okay, fine, I'm just nervous," he said.

"I know you are, but don't worry about it. He wants to talk to you," Hermione said.

"I doubt it, especially after last night," he told her.

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.

"I ignored him all night and then when I tried to talk to him, he obviously didn't want to so he left. I shouldn't have drank so much bloody wine," he said, sighing.

"Come off it, he was probably just as nervous as you were," she said.

"I just want to get this over with."

"I know, just talk to him when he gets here okay? Look, Harry, I've got to go save Rose from Ron, he keeps shaking her," she said.

"Yeah, alright, see you a little later," he said.

She smiled and gave him a hug before rushing over to where Ron was actively showing his daughter to a few relatives. Harry continued to observe the guests as he stood by the table that now had assorted cakes and drinks on it. There were a lot of distant relatives of the Weasleys that he wasn't even aware existed. His eyes passed over Ginny who was talking to a very attractive guy he had never seen before. Ginny was touching the man's hair a lot and seemed to be very impressed with it. Harry's mouth fell open and his heart skipped a beat. It was Draco. He had cut his hair and Harry couldn't believe it was even possible for Draco to look sexier than he already was. It was amazing how the new look accentuated his angled features. Harry felt like he could just stand there and look at him all day. He was beautiful and, embarrassing as it was, Harry realized his pants felt tighter.

"Bugger," he muttered, trying to conceal his growing erection. It had been a very long time since Harry could even remember having one and now, with just one look at the blond, it was taking him over the edge. He awkwardly maneuvered his way over to the back door of the house. Luckily, almost everyone was outside and preoccupied with the newborn to even notice him. He made it to the bathroom and slammed the door. Once inside, he splashed cold water over his face. He wondered if he could simply use his will power to calm down. Yeah, right. Every thought somehow led back to Draco and Harry couldn't help it. Bracing himself with one hand on the sink, he unzipped his trousers and took himself in the palm of his hand. Closing his eyes, he thought of the last time he had been with Draco. It was in their kitchen at the flat they shared at the time. Draco was a passionate lover and the images of him underneath Harry made him moan out loud. He prayed that no one had decided to come back into the house because he knew how loud he had been. Breathing hard, he looked in the mirror. Realizing just how pathetic he looked, he knew he couldn't let it go on like this. It was getting ridiculous and it made him feel ashamed of his actions. Harry used his wand to clean himself up and washed his face once more.

He left the bathroom and was glad to find that no one had come inside or if they had they were gone now. Harry didn't care. He didn't care that there was a celebration going on outside. He needed Draco back and he couldn't believe that it had taken him this long to realize how worried he was about what had happened to Draco. Furious with himself, Harry marched outside to where Draco stood still talking to Ginny, slightly at the back of the group of people surrounding his best friends and their new daughter. They were facing the other direction and therefore hadn't seen Harry coming. Harry placed his hand on Draco's shoulder and put his mouth right next to the blond's ear.

"I need to talk to you," Harry whispered.

Draco shivered visibly, turned to face Harry and smiled. Harry felt his shoulders relax when Draco's grey eyes looked into his.

"Okay," Draco said, still smiling.

"Let's go," Harry said, slipping his hand into Draco's and pulling him away.

At that moment, everyone else ceased to exist as Harry walked in the direction he and Ginny had gone the previous night. For a few minutes, it seemed like the past two years had never happened and they were simply enjoying the day together. Then reality set in, along with the awkwardness and the information Harry realized he still needed. They made it to the river in silence and at some point he couldn't remember, Harry had dropped Draco's hand.

Harry moved closer to the river and he could feel Draco doing the same. Neither of them said anything for a few minutes and Harry continued to watch the water moving smoothly over the rocks.

**

Draco was nervous; this scene was far too similar to the dream he had the night before. It wasn't until now, standing with Harry at the river, that he had even remembered having the dream. He took a closer look at the surroundings of the river and realized, with a sharp gasp, that this was the same river from his dream. Harry had turned his head quickly to look at him when he heard the sound. He had that famous Harry Potter look of worry on his face and Draco felt a small amount of relief. He still cares, he thought.

"What is it?" he asked.

"This place, I dreamt about it last night. I didn't recognize it in the dream," Draco said.

"Was it a bad dream?" Harry asked.

"Um, yeah, now that I think about it," Draco said, not looking at Harry.

"Was it... I mean, did it have to do with... us?" Harry asked, his voice cracking slightly.

"Yes... and my father," Draco said.

"Oh, Draco..." Harry said, touching Draco's arm. Draco looked at him; he wanted to cry but he couldn't break down in front of Harry, not yet anyway. Harry's hand dropped and he turned away, taking a few steps in the opposite direction. Draco wanted to stop him and apologize for everything, but he didn't know where to start.

"Why did you do it?" Harry asked, his voice barely audible. Draco had to step closer to hear him.

"Harry, I--," Draco started, but Harry whipped around and cut him off.

"I searched everywhere for you, Draco, everywhere! I even tried to break down those bloody wards at the Manor but, I don't know, I thought maybe my magic had deserted me or something cause I couldn't do it. I even thought you were dead at one point. For all I knew, you were. Then I stopped looking and sat around the flat for weeks trying to figure out what I had done wrong! I loved you, damn it, why did you do it?" Harry finished, looking on the verge of tears and shocked that it had come out this way.

"Harry, I'm so sorry. There's so much you don't know..." Draco said, voice cracking. Harry closed the distance between them completely and took Draco's face in his hands. Draco looked into the face that was mere inches from his. He just wanted to kiss Harry and hope that it would explain away all the worry. Harry touched his forehead to Draco's and then he kissed him. Draco melted into him instantaneously and tilted his head so Harry had easier access.

**

Slowly and reluctantly, Harry broke the kiss. He hadn't been able to help himself and now he wanted to hit himself for having such poor self-control.

"So, tell me, I want to know everything, Draco," Harry said, pulling away from the blond.

"They took me, Harry, they took me away from you," Draco said, in a low whisper.

"Who? Where are they?" Harry demanded. He needed to know who was responsible for this.

"A few Death Eaters that somehow slipped under the radar. They brought me to my father. He was determined to take over in the Dark Lord's place," Draco said.

"I thought they were all dead," Harry said.

"They are now," Draco said, reaching out and touching Harry's face.

"So," Harry began reaching into his pocket, "is that why you gave me this?" he asked pulling out the locket. Harry watched Draco's eyes widen as he saw the locket.

"So you did open it," Draco said.

"Start from the beginning," Harry said. Sighing, Draco gestured to a rather large rock a few feet from the river where they sat down.

"At first they just kept me locked up. My father said I wasn't ready yet. I had no idea what that meant at the time but I know now it's because he hadn't found my mum yet." After Harry defeated Voldemort, Draco had sent his mother into hiding until they located Lucius.

"Where were they holding you?" Harry asked.

"At Nott's house, that's where they set up headquarters after they moved out of the Manor. They knew the Ministry would check there so they put a Fidelius charm on Nott's and it became their hideout. They kept me in the dungeon for almost three months," at this Draco's voice cracked and Harry squeezed the blond's knee, urging him to continue.

"After that, they made me their personal servant and my father told me it was my punishment for betraying him and being with you. I knew I was going to kill him at some point, I just didn't know how or when. Then the day came when he found my mother. Oh, Harry, I still feel so guilty." Now Draco was actually crying.

"Why? It's not your fault he found her," Harry told him.

"Yes, it is," Draco said, sobbing.

"How?" Harry asked.

"He used the Cruciatus on me. I couldn't fight it, Harry, I'm not like you. I was so weak," Draco said.

"Draco, you are not weak. You came out alive, didn't you? Besides I'm sure it didn't work on you the first time he used it," Harry said. Draco smiled slightly.

"It took him two weeks until I gave in. He said I would be rewarded for my work. I should've known, Harry! I should've known that my father has a fucked up idea of rewards. He... he made me," Draco said, pausing as he choked on his sobs.

"What did he do?" Harry asked him.

"He made me watch as he m-murdered m-my m-mum..."

"Oh, Draco..." Harry said, embracing Draco.

"After that, I knew what I had to do. I realized I would have to kill all of them before I could kill my father. I knew if any of them were left alive, they would just take his place."

"How many were left after Voldemort died?" Harry asked.

"Seven of them were able to get away, plus my father," Draco answered.

"How is it that the Ministry didn't know about this?"

"Staged their own deaths and then they were lying low until everything after the war got sorted out. Said it would make for a bigger blow when they came back into power," Draco said.

"So, I mean, how did you do it? Because they obviously didn't start another war and you're alive," Harry said.

"It took me a really long time to figure it out because I had to find a way to kill all of them at once so they didn't tip off my father. Then an opportunity came when they put me in charge of cooking for them," Draco said.

"What? Why would they do that? They were pretty much asking for it then," Harry said.

"Their plans weren't going so well and the other Death Eaters started to turn on my Father. I think after a while they just got used to having me around and I had gotten pretty good at convincing them that I was completely on their side at that point. I guess whoever their cook was at the time was rubbish so they appointed me. Nott basically had an entire apothecary in a closet down in the kitchen. I was able to brew a clear, tasteless, and odorless poison," Draco told him.

"Sounds like Veritaserum," Harry added.

"That's where I got the idea, that way I could slip it in their food while avoiding suspicion. The problem was, I didn't really have anyone to try it on and took several months to perfect it. I had to test it on small rodents I caught down in the kitchen. Finally it was ready and my only other obstacle was getting my father alone. I wanted to make him suffer like he made me suffer," Draco said.

"What did you do?" Harry asked, listening with rapt attention.

"I guess he was looking for ways to isolate himself from the others, you know, try to make himself feel more important. He stopped eating with them. I think he thought it made him seem more like the Dark Lord. So I had my plan, and I prepared seven bowls of soup, put the poison in and served them. Once they were all dead, I stayed in the dining room and waited, instead of serving my father his dinner. I knew that if I waited long enough he would get fed up and come to see what was taking so long. I waited by the door and when he came in, I immobilized him," Draco said.

"You... used the killing curse?" Harry asked. Draco looked ashamed at this question, but nodded all the same.

"I wanted to be the last thing he saw so I-I k-killed him," Draco finished.

"Wow," Harry said.

Neither of them said anything for a few moments. Harry's mind was spinning with questions. He couldn't believe all of this had happened and he knew nothing about it. He hadn't even heard one piece of news on the missing Death Eaters, but he supposed that had something to do with the fact that he had cut himself off. Had the others known all along? No, they couldn't have, they would have found some way to get in touch with him. Maybe they had tried and never found him. Then another question came to him.

"What happened to Nott's house?" Harry asked.

"I set fire to it. I needed to be sure they were all really gone. I needed to get back to you, Harry, thinking of you was the only thing that kept me sane," Draco said.

"I feel like such an idiot," Harry said.

"Come off it, Potter," Draco said, teasing him.

"No, seriously, I can't believe I just gave up like that. What was I thinking?" Harry said.

"Oh, no you don't. I won't have you feeling guilty for something out of your control," Draco told him.

"I was so stupid to think that, just because Voldemort was gone, nothing bad could happen. I mean, I really thought you had met someone else or something," Harry said, looking at Draco.

"Yeah, that's pretty stupid, after all we went through to stay together? After everything I gave up and all the shite my father put us through," Draco said, shaking his head.

"Hey, I was upset okay, I wasn't thinking straight," Harry defended.

"Clearly," Draco said, laughing at him, "it would've taken a lot more than some other bloke for me to have left you. I mean honestly!"

"Oh, what, like being abducted by Death Eaters?" Harry asked; it was his turn to tease.

"Git," Draco said, smirking.

"You love it," Harry said.

"Unfortunately," Draco said, sighing loudly.

"Okay, I have another question," Harry said, remembering something.

"Hmm?"

"What's all this about Ginny and her ex-boyfriend?" Harry asked.

"Oh, that," Draco said.

"Yeah, everyone kept mentioning it, but no one would tell me what it was about," he said.

"I almost forgot. Well, I don't know if you know this but I guess at some point after I was taken Ginny got back together with Dean--"

"What? But I thought--"

"Harry, just listen," Draco said.

"Right."

"Anyway, at some point, I can't remember exactly when, the Death Eaters thought it would be useful to have a Muggle-born around. I think maybe they were trying to pick up where the Dark Lord left off. They tortured him for a while and then kept him in the dungeon where they put me at first. I was supposed to be starving him, but I kept slipping him healing potions. They told us at St. Mungo's that it was what kept him alive," Draco said.

"When did he get to St. Mungo's?" Harry asked.

"I got him out and he helped me set fire to Nott's house, well sort of, there was only so much he could actually do. Then I took him to St. Mungo's. They insisted I stay too until I was nursed back to proper health. Dean is still there," Draco said.

"I can't believe this," Harry said, still completely upset with himself for being so selfish.

"Well, it's all over now, so don't worry yourself with it so much," Draco told him.

"So did any of the others have lockets?" Harry asked.

"My father was the only one alive who had one. When I think about it, it was probably the only real reason they let him be the leader," Draco said.

"Yeah, that makes sense. What do you want to do with this?" Harry asked, holding up the locket.

"I don't know, we should keep it for now I suppose," Draco said, sighing and taking it from Harry. Harry didn't know how to respond to this. Draco had said we, and it made Harry realize they needed to figure out what to do about their relationship. Draco seemed to know exactly what was going on inside Harry's head.

"So, I don't know where you want to go from here, but I came back for you, Harry, and I am willing to give you time if you need it," Draco said, looking at him.

"I really don't have an answer for you. I mean, most of me wants to just pick up where we left off, but how do we even begin to do that?" Harry asked him.

"We can start slow if you want. I know this isn't going to be easy for either one of us, but I want to at least try to make it work," Draco said.

"So do I. I guess I have a few decisions to make," Harry said.

"What, you have a few other blokes that you need to patch things up with?" Draco asked, sarcastically.

"Ha ha, no, Fred and George asked me to become a partner at the joke shop," Harry told him.

"Oh, well what are you going to do?"

"I don't know, I wanted to talk to you first before I made any decisions," Harry said.

"Do I affect your choice?" Draco asked him.

"Well, yes, I mean, I didn't know what was going to happen," Harry said.

"Rubbish, I think you knew we'd work it out somehow," Draco said, winking at him.

"That's what I'd hoped for," Harry said, smiling at the blond.

"Good. So now you're free to make the decision. Personally, I think you should go for it, that is unless you're planning on playing Quidditch professionally," Draco said. Draco knew how much Harry loved the sport at school and used to joke about playing for a team one day.

"Where'd that come from?" Harry asked, surprised.

"C'mon, don't tell me you haven't at least thought about it."

"Well, yeah... I suppose," Harry said.

"And?" Draco pressed on.

"I don't think it's realistic," Harry said.

"Oh, and beating the Dark Lord and falling in love with your worst enemy was?" Draco asked.

"Okay, so maybe I should change my idea of what's realistic, but I love Quidditch too much to make it my career," Harry said.

"Now, see, that is a Harry Potter kind of answer," Draco said.

"Yeah... uh oh," Harry said, remembering something.

"What?"

"We should probably get back to Rose's party," Harry said, standing up.

"Oh yes... that," Draco said, getting up as well.

"C'mon, you know you want to," Harry said, grabbing his hand and dragging him away from the river.

"Well if you're gonna make me," Draco muttered.

"Oh, and by the way... I'm in love with your new hair," Harry said, giving him a peck on the cheek. That shut Draco up.

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