My Own

Episode 5

Bet Your Arse

Draco turned his collar down in the mirror and turned to look at himself. He wore a hunter green silk shirt, which had light forest green pearls buttons. Complete with soft brown trousers, neatly ironed, and shiny dark brown shoes with green trimming. His tie and silk ribbon had the same green and brown diagonal stripes. Draco dug into his pocket and felt the smooth, silver, pocket watch tick. I look great, if I don't say so myself, thought Draco, as he smiled lewdly at his satisfying image.

"You do say so yourself," said Harry, from the doorway, impishly.

Draco glared in his direction. "Thought I told you to stop doing that mind-reading shit last week. It's an invasion of my privacy." Not only that, but it was creepy and uncomfortably reminded him of Voldemort. Draco inwardly shuddered.

"Hey! Not my fault," said Harry indignantly. "You were thinking very loudly. I'm surprised the pigs on the farm at the Burrow didn't hear you praising yourself again." Harry crossed his arms, as he leaned lazily on the doorway.

Draco looked at Harry's ensemble and decided that he'd have to beat back groupies, men, and women from him at the party. Even though had a goofy, somewhat nerdy look about him, Draco found Harry to be the sexiest man on earth. Well, maybe just above Kel... Still, Harry wore a casual white fitted tee shirt (his biceps beckoned Draco enticingly), with linen grey trousers and black shoes. His shoes weren't dusty but they weren't shiny either. Draco pulled his wand to fix that problem.

"It's called self-esteem, Potter," muttered Draco, as he pointed his wand at Harry's dull looking shoes.

"It's called conceitedness and ego, Malfoy," replied Harry, while he unfolded his arms and stood straight.

Draco shined Harry's shoes and smirked at the difference in Harry's alluring attire. They gleamed and Harry almost glowed with them.

"Are you saying you do not approve of my outfit?" asked Draco demurely.

Harry looked as though he wanted to burst out laughing, but kept his composure slightly unruffled. "Even though you look like a tree, you're pretty." Draco stared at him. "Oh yeah, I knew you'd shine my shoes for me so I didn't bother."

"Listen here you, I am not pretty, say handsome, good looking, gorgeous, well made, or well bred. Any of those descriptions, but pretty; I am not a woman." Draco put his hands on his hips and Harry turned red. "Moreover, you little bastard, I'm going to stop making sure you don't look like you just accio-ed clothing on when you walk out the door."

Harry snickered with jollity. "All right, you're well made. I don't think you have the ruggedness for handsome. Furthermore, you're going to be a woman anyway in a few weeks, so all the adjectives will apply to you anyway. Another thing, I'm not a bastard, my parents were married remember?" Draco glared at him in a way Snape would've been proud of. "And for the last time, I know you wouldn't let me walk out the door with you like that. That would make you look bad, and we know what happens when that occurs." Harry raised his dark eyebrows.

"Fuck you."

"Well you know-"

"Shut it!"

"Shutting." Harry motioned zipping his mouth shut.

*

They had Apparated to the location that was on the invitation, minutes later. The huge mansion would be swarming with celebrities from the Muggle and wizard world, so every precaution had to be taken. Two magical enforcement officers looked over their clothes and cloaks, while another two tested their wands and made sure none of their belongings carried any dark magic.

They got in a pumpkin shaped carriage that was pulled by two beautiful black horses. Draco leaned slightly out of the window just to catch all the enticing smells of the greenery around the path. He looked up to see a large manor house that positively glowed orange. Draco smiled at the thought that once he would've wanted a house that stood out exactly like that one. When he sat back in his seat, he noticed Harry stared at him. In a odd sort of way actually.

"What?" asked Draco, awkwardly.

Harry looked at him oddly again, and then looked out the window. "Nothing," he replied.

Draco raised an eyebrow, but shrugged and figured he'd ask Harry about it later. He took this time to look around at the interior of the carriage that gently jostled them. The theme inside the carriage was dark purple and misty blue. There were blue silk pillows that Draco examined closely, and found to his delight that they weren't magic or machine made. These were done by hand, he could tell because the stitching was precise, and the thread wasn't stiff or loose. The purple embroidery on the pillows was clouds. He smiled and scrutinised the rest of the space.

Draco looked around and touched the purple seats. His mouth opened in a tiny O of delight when he realised it was supple velvet. He couldn't help it when he found himself touch and sit repeatedly on seats. Draco reached up to touch the blue silk lining. He unconsciously hummed contentedly and slid his hands along the wooden sides. He fingered the odd signs and symbols engraved in the wood. Suddenly they glowed and he squinted at the neon colours. They felt like magic and Draco turned to ask Harry about it. Draco then noticed he was being watched with amusement.

"You're a material whore," said Harry, as he rocked to the movement of the carriage.

"You shag brooms," replied Draco coolly. "Point?"

"You come to the sound of silk sliding over your skin."

"And you, my dear sex slave, come to the sound of breaking broom twigs in your grasp."

"You, Malfoy, put those Afrisias to shame with your love of pillows," said Harry, as he gestured to the pillow in Draco's lap.

"Potter, you put your Nebula on auto-fly and have it bugger you senseless," said Draco, as he put the pillow back. He tried hard not to smile.

"Are you saying my Nebula can out bugger you?"

Draco feigned hurt and said, "Ouch. Touché, Potter. Touché." He mockingly applauded Harry who just smirked.

"These are plainly protection spells, and powerful charms that detect dark magic," said Harry conversationally. "Backup if the enforcement officers didn't find anything I guess."

Should've taken the DADA position at Hogwarts, thought Draco wryly. However, he knew that Harry got frustrated entirely too much when something didn't go his way.

"Sure you shouldn't have taken DADA position?" asked Draco, relaying his thoughts, as he laid back and enjoyed the rocking of the carriage. "Snape would've envied you openly."

Harry smiled lopsidedly. They discussed this old topic every now and then. "You know I suck at explaining things." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, and slightly winced from where it had been injured the day before. "A furious, envious Severus Snape would be quite amusing. Especially after what he's done."

Draco grimaced. "The bloody bastard did that on purpose. Making us wait like that, thinking I would have woman parts." Draco felt a bitter betrayal after he calmed down. He vaguely wondered why his emotions had been all over the map as of late. Sometimes, his emotions just felt jumbled, as though someone had went into his heart and started thrashing about.

"I know, you were hilarious and hysterical," chuckled Harry. "But it seems like Poppy was ready to hex us to hell."

Draco eyed Harry. "It wasn't my fault I reacted the way I did." He crossed his arms defensively over his chest. "I mean, Potter, they were traumatising me, it was awful. I know a lot more about the female reproductive system than I should be allowed to when I still have a perfectly functioning cock." Draco had his legs crossed at the ankle and smirked at Harry.

"I know you still have a perfectly functioning con-cock-tion," said Harry lewdly. He licked his lips, which made Draco wonder if they could get proper footing to tango in the coach.

"Are you trying to seduce me, Potter?" asked Draco, as he tried his best to will his arousal away.

"I am not trying to seduce anyone," replied Harry innocently. "I am merely interested in one or more of your tantalising body parts. You don't mind me exploring do you?" Harry emerald eyes suddenly darkened with longing, and Draco felt his breath catch.

"You naughty little thing, Potter," said Draco. He felt his member awakening with curiosity. Damn it... Harry leaned back and braced his arms on the seat. He then shrugged his cloak off of his shoulders and revealed a toned body that made Draco flush. Long defined limbs moved with natural grace of his body and Draco was quite tempted to sit in his lap.

Unfortunately, Draco could see the orange haze getting brighter and knew they would be at the mansion in a minute or so. "We don't have time, Potter."

Harry looked out the window and sucked his teeth. "Unfair..." Draco heard him mutter before he shrugged back on his cloak.

"Good boy," said Draco. Abruptly, Harry leaned forward and snogged the taste out of Draco. The carriage decided then to come to a complete stop.

Draco was somewhat dazed from the kiss, and had to take Harry's hand to get out of the carriage properly. There was a guy there at the golden gates that led up to the mansion to give them their cards. Draco noted how the guy kept glancing between he and Harry suspiciously as the while he explained how the key cards worked.

Draco of course, paid the silly man no mind. After all, the only thing he wanted to do right now was push Harry somewhere in a dark place and have his wicked way with him. Grinding and moaning... Draco knew he must've looked like some wanton character out of a book that waited for the right opportunity to pounce.

"Stop fucking me with your eyes," said Harry, looking straight forward, while he walked. "If I get a hard on, everyone will be able to see..." He turned and smirked suggestively at Draco.

Draco smirked back. "Everyone will be able to see what a lovely package I have." He walked with a bounce in his step. "I love having things that others can't obtain." Draco put his hands in his pockets as he looked at Harry, who had a bounce in his step as well.

"I noticed," stated Harry dryly.

After Draco smiled at Harry, he looked up the path to see golden mansion. It looked as if it were made of glowing gold. Suddenly Draco fervently wished that the mansion was his. He knew Harry would go on about squandering money... Why can't he think like a Slytherin for once, thought Draco, peeved with Harry's spending limits.

When Draco glanced at Harry, he noticed the man looked a bit overwhelmed at the grandness of the exterior of the house. Not surprising, thought Draco, smiling inwardly. Harry may have had money out his arse but living the life he's led, he was used to rationing out things. Draco was glad to show him a bit of his world, seeing that he was a Pureblood raised with ridiculous customs and etiquette. He drilled him earlier on how to behave around haughty individuals. Harry replied with a snide remark that earned him a smack on his arse. Draco hoped all his last minute preparations that day weren't for naught.

"Remember what I taught you," said Draco, sensing Harry's panic.

"I'm just not used to - to," stuttered Harry, all trace of bounce gone in his shaky step.

Draco gripped Harry's upper arm feeling strong muscle through the thin shirt. He bit back a sexual innuendo and focused on Harry's apprehension. "You'll be fine, think of it like a ball in Hogwarts. You may not know everyone or feel comfortable around them, but just improvise. Like you do in Quidditch."

Draco knew that once things were compared with Quidditch, Harry would get the hang of it soon enough. Snape always sneered at Harry for this. Draco thought it was funny, since secretly he did the same thing in his mind.

His last comment must have been received well since Harry sent an uncertain glance his way before reaching the huge double doors to the mansion. Draco smiled reassuringly and let Harry's arm go.

Draco looked at the slots for the invitations, and then paused before he put his in. He looked over to Harry.

"Do you have yours?" he asked.

"Er..."

Draco stared at him disbelievingly. "Don't tell me you forgot your invitation!"

"I can summon it you know."

Draco rolled his eyes expressively. "You can't summon everything! Besides, what if it gets ripped or something on the way here?"

Harry bit his lip briefly, before grim determination set in his face.

"Harry..." Draco looked at him pleadingly. "No, Harry. No."

Harry stretched out his hand.

Draco shook his negligently and leaned against the cool building.

"ACCIO INVITATION!"

Draco glanced at Harry to see he happened to be concentrating intensely. He raised an eyebrow at this, but said nothing as he waited for Harry to be done with it. Before he looked away though, he noticed a piece of parchment hanging precariously in the air above Harry's outstretched hand. It fell softly into Harry's up turned hand.

"Bloodly hell..." said Draco incredulously. "How'd the fuck did you do that?" He walked over to Harry, to find a pristine invitation that still smelt of citrus.

"Intense training from all of our teachers, remember?"

Draco's brow furrowed somewhat in thought. He briefly remembered Harry telling him about extra classes, but he never went into detail about it. They were in middle of their seventh year. Yes, he remembered. It was when he and Harry still had a pathetic loathing between them, when things were platonic. Were we really that innocent? Draco thought, fondly.

"Draco?" Harry's voice snapped him out of his nostalgia.

"Huh? Oh... Right," said Draco, unusually awkward.

"Ready?"

"Yeah," said Draco, while he shook his head to clear off the muddled emotions. "A few more things though Lord Potter."

Harry raised both of his eyebrows.

Draco faced him and jabbed a finger in Harry's chest with every statement. "First of all, I do not look like a tree. I am elegant," he said, not forgetting what Harry had said earlier. "Second of all, I could pass for rugged, I just choose not to because it is not to my liking. Third, if you walked out looking like a beggar I swear I would not be seen with you. I would calmly disown you, and show Kel the finer things in life. Lastly, I am not a material whore. However, you are a broom shagger, and just to prove my point we will have match for the snitch. Loser has to wear a shirt or some form of garb with a statement of whatever the winner wishes."

Draco put his invitation in at the same time Harry did.

Harry smirked at Draco confidently. "You're on."

~*~

This is Draco's sort of thing, thought Harry self-consciously. Harry felt he didn't belong here. In fact, the feeling was immensely strong. Ironically enough, he was a somewhat of a celebrity himself. Okay, a very big celebrity. However, Harry could swear Draco was more popular than he was. Draco causally greeted everyone, wizard and Muggle alike, as though they were old friends.

"Merlin," breathed Draco suddenly, as he painfully gripped Harry's upper arm.

"What?" replies Harry, wincing as he tried to look in the direction of Draco's rare excitement.

"It's J. K. R.!"

"Who?" Harry looks bewilderedly at him.

"'Who?'" he repeats, mocking Harry's obliviousness. "J. K. Rowling, you silly berk."

Harry blinks.

"The Muggle born writer who writes the Julie Cristal series!"

Harry assumed he must still have a befuddled look on his face since Draco huffs in exasperation.

"The Julie Cristal series, in short, is about a Muggle girl who happens to be a military brat that gets dragged around the world with her parents. Her dad is like a general or something high ranking like that, while her mother is a silly bint. Neither of them cares for her, so she's left to her own devices while in school wherever they're at during the story. She meets of sorts of people and has the most awe striking adventures even for a Muggle."

Harry briefly wondered if Draco had any breath left after his little rant. With Draco still staring intently at him, he asked an innocent question.

"How many are in the series?"

"Merlin, Harry! Where have you been?" said Draco. When he held up his hand, it was obvious he would tick them off on his fingers. "There's Julie Cristal and the Golden Amulet, Julie Cristal and the Cave of Thieves, Julie Cristal and the Spy of China, Julie Cristal and the Chalice of Life, and then lastly, Julie Cristal and the Conquerors of Atlantis."

"I see, five..." said Harry faintly. Had he actually been missing out on a part of Draco that seemed to enjoy this series?

"You've got to read it! The last one was published just a few months ago," said Draco enthusiastically, moving him with a tug.

"When I get up to Flourish and Blotts-"

"That place doesn't have any more copies. Besides, we have the whole series at home."

"We do?"

Draco looked up at Harry with a slight frown. It was then Harry realised they were very close to this J. K. Rowling character. She was pretty witch with long crayon yellow blonde hair, and bright blue eyes. Maybe she was in her late twenties. Or perhaps, just breaching her thirties... Upon closer inspection, Harry could see she was years older than he was, but held on to the solid nature beauty of nature and genetics. She wore a long periwinkle, sleeveless dress, with nearly transparent stars on it.

"Draco!" said the woman, with delight of spotting him closely by Harry's side.

"Joanne!" said Draco, in like. He wrapped his arms around her and Harry saw her smile warmly at him.

Feelings of being out of place and warm comfort warred within him. He wondered if he should blend into the party or stick around just in case Draco decided to introduce him. However, it seemed the option seemed to be taken out of his hands, as a very familiar brunette witch waved to him in a dark purple dress.

"Harry!" she exclaimed, and engulfed Harry in a hug before he could escape. He was surprised that she made it so quickly over to him with all the people in the way.

She pulled back so Harry could see her face, which made him exclaim, "Hermione?" He was met with a roll of eyes and quirk of a smile.

"What are you doing here?" he asked clumsily. It was not a usual sight for him to see Hermione all dolled up and stunning.

"Oh," she said, then pointed casually over her shoulder at J. K. R. and Draco talking animatedly. She acted as if it was a normal thing to do to point out a very famous author (from the enthusiasm of Draco). "Joanne's is helping me with the uncensored version of Hogwarts' history. She's excellent with Latin, and myths. She's relatively like a walking library." Hermione beamed at her with admiration.

His mind was trying to process just how much Quidditch had taken up of his time. It was almost as though he and the people who supposed to be closest to him were drifting apart. He'd try harder in the future to remain in contact with everyone more often.

"Harry!"

He turned his head to see Draco smiling at him and J. K. R. smiling curiously. He didn't feel comfortable calling her Joanne, even though he was probably about to be introduced to her. He just knew he was going to say something stupid.

"You'll be all right," said Hermione sympathetically, while she nudged Harry on.

Harry looked back at the two blondes. I know I'm going to make my idiocy known. He walked over to them and J. K. R. stuck out her hand.

"Harry," she said, feeling warm to touch.

"J. K."

Harry wanted to sink into the floor. Now.

"How formal," she said teasingly, before she chuckled at Harry's nervousness.

Harry risked a glance to see Draco staring at him with that slight frown.

"Puddlemere United, eh?" prompted J. K..

"Uh, yeah Quidditch," said Harry awkwardly.

"What do you love about it?"

"I like playing with balls." answered Harry, without thinking. He wanted to hit himself on his forehead very badly. Badly.

What the fuck?

J. K. nearly spat out the champagne she was sipping and turned very red. Presumably, to keep herself from laughing. Draco looked half caught between horrified and amused.

"Indeed he does," said Hermione, from Harry's left, with a suggestive eyebrow waggle in Draco's direction.

This, however, does it. J. K. laughs uncontrollably as she held her drink away from her mirth filled body. Harry glanced at Draco to see him snicker while he attempted to restrain his blush. When Harry turned to his left, he only met a flushed Hermione sniggering into her champagne glass.

Suddenly, some non descript woman with dark hair dropped by J. K.'s shoulder and said something. J. K. raised a faintly interestedly eyebrow.

"Sorry but I have to go," she said, though one could tell she wanted to laugh much more. "It was very nice meeting you, Harry. However, I feel we'll meet again somewhere." With that, she winked at Harry and made her way out of sight.

"You like playing with balls, Potter?" demanded a confused Draco, with his arms crossed.

Hermione just sniggered more into her champagne shamelessly.

This is not my night...

~*~

That was not Harry's last introduction while he toured the party with Draco. It seemed as though he knew everyone and vice versa. However, Harry thought about the more animatedly celebrities, mostly Muggle or Muggle born, he met before the dinner food is actually laid out in the dining hall.

One musical celebrity stood out in particular, leaving Harry feeling old and out of the loop.

"Oh ho! Is that Draco I see?" said a loud male voice, over the crowds of people.

Draco frowned slightly and turned in the direction the call. Suddenly, Harry could see a tall, thin black man with long curls making his way over to them. At first, Harry felt very uncertain about the blatant presence the man would create, given his boldness of calling out to Draco loudly. As Harry saw the man near, Draco formed an odd sort of smile on his lips, and for some reason beyond him, he felt Draco's attitude change. He was right of course, but wasn't happy about it.

"Oh shit, what's up Drake!" exclaimed the man, in his midnight blue suit with a matching hat, which vaguely reminded Harry of the seventies for some odd reason. He had a slightly lighter blue fur coat on his thin frame.

"What up Snoop!" replied Draco, demeanour of prim prince gone. The sight of hands slapping hard against each other, then the handshake transforming into a rough embrace.

"Damn, I ain't seen you in months! Where you been?"

"The magazine business is competitive. But I've been holding it down, you know, doin' the damn thing."

Harry couldn't help his incredulous look in Draco direction. Am I dreaming? Snoop (Harry thought was an oddly amusing name), looked over Draco appraisingly as he spun around.

"I see. Well, that's good, that's good. Glad you got a lil' change in your pockets, man," said Snoop, as he flexed his diamond covered fingers. "We need to hook up again, man. When we gonna do that?"

Draco looked thoughtful. "Well, I can get you a ad or two featured in my article about club spots for next month. You know they want you back in London." He smirked at Snoop.

"They slow on it though. Don't know how to contact nobody," said Snoop, as he rolled his eyes.

Suddenly, they turned on him hanging in background. Harry felt almost insignificant compared to the man who just screamed coolness.

"Who this cat?" asked Snoop, with an incline of his head in Harry's direction.

Draco looked indifferently over Harry. He shrugged.

"He's my bitch," stated Draco flatly.

Snoop jumped back and whooped. "Oh shit! Dog you gon let him bitch talk you like that?"

Probably enhanced by Snoop's commentary, Harry felt his indignation rise. "I am not your bitch, you material whore. Besides, that is a Quidditch match we have yet to play." He glared heatedly at Draco.

"You play Quidditch?" asked Snoop.

Harry attempted something, what he'd hoped would work. "Fo' sure." Snoop smiled in a way that turned his eyes into slits.

"Professionally?"

"You know it," said Harry, feeling odd that the words came from his mouth the way they did.

"Which team?"

"The P. U."

"Puddlemere United."

"That's the one," said Harry, somewhat elated that he overcame his nervousness enough to communicate blandly.

"Ah shit. You gotta teach me a lil' something next time we get together all right?" said Snoop, as he held out a black card with the picture of a dog and a caramel skinned female with a overly large backside on it.

"No problem, man," replied Harry, using the same infliction as Snoop.

"Right..."

"Yo, Snoop, come mere, we need to go!" shouted a guy across the room.

"Well, Berlin's calling me... Later ya'll."

Harry smirked at Draco, before he looked down at the card.

"Didn't know you had it in you, Potter." Draco stared at him slightly amused.

"Neither did I," replied Harry.

*

Frankly, Draco became bored with the overzealous and snooty personalities of the mass of people. He was overjoyed when Terry announced that they would be dining now. Strangely enough, Draco hadn't even greeted him yet. There were so many people there it would be hard to specifically search someone out. More likely, he came across different people he wouldn't mind talking to.

Draco looked over the crowds for Harry; apprehensive about whom he would sit next to if he didn't find Harry. Luckily, Harry wasn't far from him and startled him when he interlaced his hand with Dracos'. Harry squeezed and smiled warmly at him.

"I almost thought that I lost you to the wolves," said Harry, as he moved forward with the mass. Harry's eyes seemed to be darting over the crowd expertly as if searching for threats.

"Wolves?" asked Draco, amused with such a term.

"Haven't you noticed everyone checking you out?" A puzzled Harry looked at him.

"People are checking me out?" said Draco, giving Harry an appraising look.

"Yeah..." Harry pointed vaguely the direction of a group of females wearing pastel colours. Wrong season, thought Draco. Spring passed a long time ago. Harry voiced snapped him out of fashion critic mode.

"They were talking about your grace and beauty." Harry supposedly imitated him being graceful and melodramatically strode forward.

"Hey!" Draco hit his arm. "I do not walk like that!"

Harry snickered. "When's the last time you've seen yourself walk?" He raised his eyebrows.

"Whatever, Potter," said Draco, as he glared at the snickering man. "You see them?"

He pointed to a group of particular shady looking characters that wore dark colours. Harry nodded his head with a slight uneasy expression.

"They're artists. They were talking about your fine biceps and tight arse." Draco almost laughed at the blush that invaded Harry cheeks, as one of the artists caught his eye and smiled.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," said Harry, waving it off as nothing.

Draco always thought Harry thought too little of himself. As it was, Draco just rolled his eyes.

"I think they want to paint you," said Draco, as he saw the hungry looks the artists sent Harry's way.

Horror was the only thing to describe Harry's expression. It was clear he noticed the looks meant for him as well.

"They look as if they want to eat me...." trailed Harry, as he grabbed Draco's arm and forced them forward into the dining room.

"Mmm, Harry-pudding," murmured Draco, as he was dragged along, not noticing because he was too caught up in arousing memories.

It was then Draco suddenly had a peacock feather in his face. He spluttered and Harry instantly released him.

"What the fuck was that?" cursed Draco, as he checked his face for any of that horrid assembles of colours.

He felt Harry's hand on his shoulder and looked up into the face of Adrienne La Roux. She wore royal blue robes and gloves, with the peacock feather in her unbound hair to match. She had doe like, moss green eyes, with a little snub nose, and thin lips. Sure she may have been beautiful and fierce with her gold red hair, but quite frankly, when it came to competition, Draco considered all to be enemies. Especially, La Roux.

"Malfoy," condescended La Roux.

"La Roux," sniped Draco. He didn't like her, and showed his displeasure of seeing her very evident.

"Harry," smiled La Roux, as she eyed Harry with blatant approval.

Draco raised an eyebrow, grabbed Harry's arm, and walked away from her before Harry had the chance of being polite to her. Her. Of all people.

"Who was that?" asked Harry, confused.

Draco frowned at Harry's question, but was immediately entranced by the dining hall. It was outdone in the most exquisite designs of fierce magical beasts on the golden walls Draco ever saw. A huge plush carpet his feet instantly sunk into seemed to be from India. He could tell just by looking at the fabric as he walked, or rather, was led by Harry. There was a story of love and war taking place upon the carpet. Draco saw the light brown complexion of the beautiful woman, with black hair, long and shining in the light of her luminescent hero. He unconsciously smiled.

He looked up to find pure white chandeliers, large, screaming wealth and heritage, generously bestowing their greatness upon them. He looked past the chandeliers to see another picturesque story. This time it had the battle between heaven and hell. It fascinated Draco to no end. There were even off white marble statues along the room. There was just so much to look at. Not to mention that the magically enhanced table (it was just one) was also a work of art.

"Come on, there's a few empty spots right there," Draco vaguely heard Harry say.

Looking at all the different but equally, wonderfully crafted chairs had given Draco a sense of delight. Delight in wondering what his chair would be like.

They passed by several who had already had chairs, most of them talking about inane things, as most did in these kind of get together. Though he had caught Joanne's eye and waved at her. She looked around clearly wishing they could sit together, since she looked bored. Probably to have Harry entertain her, though Draco amused. He sent an apologetic smile to Joanne.

Harry showed him a black chair that had, engraved with gold, two men intertwined intimately. Various positions were engraved into the chair. Draco raised an eyebrow as Harry sat down.

"We have to try that one," voiced Draco, as he looked at a particularly challenging position.

"Huh?" Harry looked in Draco's direction and Draco would've laughed if there weren't so many people around. Harry turned a dark red colour when he saw what was literally crawling all over Draco's chair. Draco settled for a chuckle and sat down on the plush gold seat in chair.

"Very detailed, isn't it?" suggested Draco, laying the hint down with a look that promised more aimed towards Harry.

"Er?" sounded Harry, as he continued to blush.

Draco rolled his eyes. "Please, Harry. It isn't as if we never tried any of those." Harry looked at him incredulously. "Okay, maybe most of them. But they do give me ideas." He winked lewdly and Harry just shook his head.

Draco just waited for everyone to get seated. He knew it would be proper manners to wait until everyone was seated before touching any of the food. Of course, it seemed some people didn't heed that and furtively snatched food when they thought no one was looking. Especially Cornelius Fudge. Greedy bastard. Draco continued to look around while he waited for everyone to get their arses in a seat.

~*~

Harry had been impressed when Draco pointed out things in the dining hall he hadn't noticed before. Terry must've done really well for himself to afford such grandness, thought Harry, as he still marvelled at the absurdity of it all. All this for a party, well a party celebrating... What the hell were they celebrating?

"Draco, what is this party for precisely?" he asked, his eyes straying to the risqué positions on Draco's chair.

"Terry has finally moved up a step in his record company Harry," stated Draco, with a slight crease in his brow. "He's a CEO of Hexed Bastards INC. Damn Harry, don't you read?"

Harry frowned at the sudden feeling of being condescended. "Look, you know why I don't read anything." He glared at Draco who glared back.

Harry turned from him to find a very familiar red head sit down.

"Ginny?"

She looked up and grinned widely. Harry smiled at her and Sunny, when Sunny sat down.

"Harry!" she exclaimed, with the brightest smile Harry could swear he ever saw on her face.

He saw Sunny glance at her before looking at him. Sunny held his hand over the table and food for him to shake.

"Harry," said Sunny, mockingly solemn as he shook Harry's hand.

Harry grinned back at him, sensing the undertones of the joke. "Sunny, you know Percy never likes it when you imitate him."

Sunny amusedly squinted at him playfully. "Ah, but Percy is not around."

Harry chuckled and nudged Draco, who had sat back and closed his eyes with hands folded in his lap.

"What, Potter?" asked Draco, all the while keeping his eyes closed.

"Hello, Draco." Harry couldn't help but worriedly look at Ginny. It didn't take Hermione to figure out that the tone was meant to be cold.

This, however, made Draco open his eyes. He looked levelly at Ginny.

"Ginny," he said evenly. He noticed Sunny and perked up. "Hey Sunny." They greeted each other, very much as Harry did.

Harry was about to ask her what was wrong when that woman, La Roux, sat down next to her. Harry heard Draco audibly stop speaking abruptly.

"Harry, darling. How are you?" asked La Roux, with strained politeness.

"Er, I don't think we've been properly introduced," replied Harry.

Is it just me, or is she trying to flirt? Harry noticed the suggestive looks she sent him.

"Malfoy, how rude of you," chastised La Roux. "You haven't introduced me to your companion." She smiled stiffly.

To which Draco smiled just as stiffly, back. "I'm so sorry." Harry didn't think he looked anywhere near sorry. "This is Harry, Harry Potter."

La Roux's eyes lit up and put a glove-clad hand out to Harry. "Adrienne La Roux."

Harry looked very uncertain about her intentions. There was no way someone could look and behave as she did without them. She didn't look as though she'd put her hand down anytime soon, so Harry shook it. It seemed she wasn't expecting him to shake though. I sure as hell wouldn't kiss the hand of a siren, thought Harry, eyeing her warily as she made nice with Ginny and Sunny.

Before Harry could quietly ask Draco about La Roux, the woman herself addressed Draco.

"So, Malfoy, how's your little paper doing?" asked La Roux, with obvious rudeness.

Harry saw a twitch under Draco's left eye and took upon himself to grab Draco's thigh to distract him. It worked. Draco looked as though he wanted to curiously glance at Harry but instead slowly smiled.

"Posh and Trendy is doing great," he said, taking care to sip his champagne so not everyone could see the glare Harry did. "How's your collection of columns?"

Harry barely stifled the snicker that threatened to come out. He looked up to see an uncomfortable Ginny and amused Sunny. Harry sent Sunny a knowing look. It was blatant La Roux and Draco had some personality traits in common. Meshes of polite, rude and exaggerated statements were a forte of the snobbishly wealthy.

Well at least I have something entertaining to watch, thought Harry, settling back into his chair while preparing for the argument that he knew would take place. Usually he didn't let Draco argue with anyone because it could go on for hours, and some very nasty things, which even made him angry, would be said.

La Roux flushed with barely concealed outrage. Harry had to stifle another snicker as he saw two light blotches of red colour her cheeks. Then as predicted, it was as if the outrage was never there, and La Roux smiled. A little coldly, Harry noted, as he could still make out some outrage still playing about in her eyes.

He supposed that when Terry Boot addressed the hall he would stop Draco and La Roux. However, until then, let the games begin.

*~*~*

Carlo could just see down the table. Draco seemed to be a bitch match with Adrienne La Roux of Quick Fabby. He'd never spared a glance at either of their magazines, but from what he heard, La Roux had nothing on Draco's magazine. He rolled his eyes and saw Harry and Sunny watching with amusement. Ginny, who had the misfortune of sitting next to La Roux, looked highly uncomfortable. He didn't blame her; he couldn't stand the dried wench anymore than anyone else who knew her.

He could still see people milling around the table still. Don't fucking people get hungry? Carlo thought exasperatedly. They were too busy gaping at the bloody artwork. He wished they all just sit down so they could get on with it. It was then some one tapped his shoulder.

He looked up to see the beautiful Delinda. He smiled at her. She looked gorgeous in her gold eye shadow and deep gold lipstick. She wore a golden silk Muggle dress that had long sleeves with fashionably spaced cuts, which revealed her toned arms. The strapless dress showed off how well her breasts defied gravity. The slit on the side, which had two spaced golden links at the highest points in slit, showed her toned legs. Completing the outfit was the fine grain gold body glitter she had applied all over.

"Carlo, I'm not some silly bint that'll jump into your bed at your so-called sexy smile," she said, with her hand on hip.

He didn't even notice he smiled at her that way, but still kept it on his face. "I was just appreciating your beauty."

She then eyed him appreciatively. "You're not too bad looking yourself, golden boy."

Carlo, himself, already knew this. He wore light silver robes with wide sleeves that had dark script Latin stitched in them. He had kept it simple, though he liked to stand out in a crowd, which he already did with his massive height. He had taken cared to line his eyes with dark grey eyeliner. Even though he'd freaked a few friends out when he had first met them with his strange habit, they'd come accustomed to him sometimes sporting the spare make up. Besides, they went perfectly with his stone blue eyes.

"I have someone I want you to meet," said Delinda, as she looked around slightly.

He frowned, it was obvious that she didn't want anyone to see them associating with this person. "Who is it?" he asked.

"Not here," she said, and walked away quickly.

He got up and walked just as swiftly after her. They went unnoticed by the people who were appreciating the wall art. She stopped by a wall of rich white curtain and looked around furtively. This made him look around as well; a little cautious of why Delinda was actually risking whatever she was risking, associating with this secretive person.

"This way," she said, in a near whisper. She jerked her head and pulled back the curtain, to reveal a golden alcove. Carlo followed her quickly in.

She beckoned him further to come upon three white and gold wooden chairs. One of them was occupied with a dark shroud of a person.

"This is Madam W," stated Delinda, with her arms cross.

The makeup veiled woman held out a fingertip less gloved hand. "Hello, Carlo."

He warily shook her hand. Firm grip, he thought, sensing that this woman was dangerous if left to her own devices. Hazel eyes surrounded by dark kohl met his gaze, unflinchingly, made of steel.

She was dressed in dark robes and dark nail polish was visible on her nails. Thick black boots peeked out from her sea of robes.

"So what's this all about?" asked Carlo, figuring that if he got to the point they'd be out of there quicker.

Carlo saw the rough fingertips stand out on the black gloves as she stapled her fingers. "I have a very enticing proposition that I think you'll want to take."

Carlo suddenly didn't like the closure of the room. It felt too dark suddenly, even though the furniture and walls were white. He looked to Delinda and she gestured to the chairs sitting in front of the mysterious Madam W. He sat down cautiously and put his hand in his robes feeling his wand. Better to be prepared, than to be caught with your arse out, thought Carlo. It was a frequent saying of his grandfather's when he grew up with him.

Delinda sat down next to him, having one of her hands play with the strap of her heels on the non-slit side of her dress. He knew better though. Her wand wasn't too far from her calf. She would reach it before the Madam drew breath. He smiled knowing he had backup if it was necessary.

"You need not be so guarded friends," chuckled Madam W. "Nevertheless, I understand your wariness and will speak of it no longer." She smirked slightly at them and it made Carlo feel as though he should squirm away from it. He held still.

"Get on with it," he ground out.

An eyebrow raised and then a smile. "As you wish," she said. She sat back fingers stapled once again. "You two are both close to Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy am I right?"

Carlo almost started at the casualty of how she said their names. As though she knew them personally. He shifted somewhat.

"Yes," he said, in sync with Delinda.

"Well, I am very much aware of your feelings for both of them."

Carlo felt the colour drain from his face, and felt Delinda go impossibly still next to him. "What-"

Madam held up a hand to stop him. "You need not deny it. I know it and you know it. So let's move on to what I can do for you."

He was about to try to deny it again, but Delinda spoke without warning.

"Do for us? What would you want to get out of it?" asked Delinda, cautiously. She obviously was weighing her options in her head.

"Well, I wouldn't see them together, for one thing," said Madam W, waving it off as a perk. "They don't mix very well. Well, at least that's what I think. There are a lot of fans of theirs, or should I say a select few who would rather see them with someone else. They've put together their savings, in hope that you will make their dreams come true."

Carlo thought over what she had said. "But very few people even know about Draco and Harry."

The Madam nodded. "There are rumours and frankly the fans who are participating have seen those two together on occasion. They believe the rumours and so before the couple actually makes it publicly official, they want them to be with someone else. You know, an actual cute couple." She smiled frostily.

Delinda raised sceptical eyebrows. "All this, just for the fans who really hate Draco and Harry being together?"

"Well that is most of it. I mean these people are really passionate," continued Madam W. "Moreover, after the transition is complete, if you complete it, your professions will sky rocket. Their funds and word of mouth will help in this of course. Wouldn't you like to captain a different team or even have one of your own to manage?" She looked at Carlo questioningly.

Carlo couldn't help but feel slightly fulfilled at having his own team, or even just captaining one his father didn't help him get. He thought it over.

"How do we do this without hurting either of them?" he asked, with concern lightly tracing his tone.

Madam quirked a sardonic eyebrow at him. "Well, this obvious can't be done without hurting them. However, it can be you that comforts him. He is quite gorgeous with his fine hair."

When she mentioned him, a clear picture of white blonde hair flashed in his memory. He'd damn himself repeatedly for liking the arrogant bastard. In addition, he already hated himself for falling in love with him, especially when Harry was his friend. However, one can't help emotions. Definitely not.

Those frequent times when Carlo had to deliver messages to Draco when Harry was occupied with press conferences, photo shoots, or whatever else came with his fame had built up. He and Draco had built an antagonist friendship, though he was sure that Draco really did loathe him. It was nothing that couldn't change with a little persuasion.

"Besides, I know you want to be more than some Quidditch players manager, among the other tasks you perform for him," said Madam W imploringly. "Moreover, these people are paying you to become happy! One hundred thousand galleons each."

Carlo felt his eyes widen and knew Delinda probably had a confused look on her face.

"That much?" she breathed, holding her chest while she blinked repeatedly.

"Well, of course their payment is Harry with you," she point at Delinda, "and Draco with you." She pointed Carlo, who felt a little light-headed at the thought of Draco actually being with him. It made him dizzy. "The other larger part of the agreement is that when you get to wherever it is you want to be, you owe them. It's nothing crazy, but be assured that they will call it in." She looked at them both expectantly.

"We need to discuss this," said Delinda, looking as if she too was a little light-headed with this monumental offer.

She took Carlo's arm and hefted him over near the curtain. She cast a powerful spell to make sure the only two who would hear them speak was each other.

"What do we do?"

Carlo was shocked. He'd never seen this side of the woman. She looked breathless, somewhat anxious, and frightened all at once. Delinda had never appeared nothing but strong in his presence and in the presence of others.

"Well..." he started.

*

"Quite frankly, La Roux, I'm surprised your paper isn't being used as toilet paper," said Draco, a pitch louder than he meant. He attracted the attention of a few people surrounding them. Like he cared anymore.

La Roux and he got into a row earlier. He wanted to jump across the table and throttle her. Her! Her eying his Harry, being friendly with Sunny, and acting as though she and Ginny were best friends. Fraud! his mind screamed.

"Draco." Harry's voice carried though his fog of angry thoughts, as the man squeezed his arm.

"What?" he grit out, seeing the glass in La Roux's hand tremble with anger.

"You shouldn't advertise your profession to so many innocent women and men," said La Roux, eyes wild with lividness. "Most of those scraps of cloth would make anyone look like a whore. Which you are obviously."

"Let's eat!" he heard someone's amplified voice carry over the crowd.

However, his head and body was filled with the most furiousness he hadn't felt in a long time. He stood abruptly hands shaking with repressed rage. He pulled out his wand and pointed it at her.

"Draco!" It sounded a lot like Harry. Draco turned to see that it was. "Just give me your wand." Harry's jaw was set firmly.

Don't trust me with it, eh? Draco thought mildly amused, but not enough to squash his anger. I wouldn't trust me either, thought Draco, with a look at La Roux. He dropped his wand in Harry's hand. He heard Harry let out a relieved sigh.

"Oh, you're the one who obviously licks the most arse and sucks the most cock around the house, huh?"

Harry turned with shocked gasp beside him. And Draco... Well Draco saw red.

Before he knew what he was doing, Draco picked up a bowl full of spaghetti and hurled it with all his might at La Roux's face.

"Bitch!" he spat, making sure he got enough mucous on her.

She stood up shocked. "You-" she pointed a shaking finger at him. "You pale, pointy faced, pillow biter!"

Draco quickly threw his champagne on her. He could see Ginny sliding abruptly close to Sunny.

La Roux whipped out her wand.

"Shit," he heard Harry say, just before Harry jerked him from the table.

Food flew and it hit someone other than Draco. The indignant man stood up flustered.

"I say!" He wiped watermelon off of his face and glared at La Roux, who tried peering around him for Draco.

"Sit down you idiot!" she screeched, and flung more food, which missed the man, but hit the woman beside him.

"Oh!" gasped the woman.

The man glared at her and settled for an icy smile. "Looks like he," he said, as he looked behind him at Draco, and then turned around, "had the right idea." The man levitated a bowl of strawberry ice cream (her most hated flavour) into her cleavage. He smiled triumphantly as she danced funnily trying to get the ice cream off her.

"Bastard!" she bit out, and flung pâté at him, which he quickly reflected that resulted in a spotted Ginny.

Draco couldn't help but feeling that little bit of joy at the sight of miss godly being covered in black fish eggs. He snickered wildly. A cry of outrage and then food started to fly.

Harry gave him a 'this is all your fucking fault you fucking, bloody bastard, you' look before taking off with him. They were running behind everyone and manoeuvring around the clamouring people who weren't throwing food like children. Luckily, Harry had given Draco back his wand and they both cast a charm on themselves to make sure they were impervious to the food being thrown.

They were near the exit when they stumbled into a wide-eyed Terry Boot.

"Terry!" said Draco, smiling as he hugged the brunette.

"Draco, Harry!" said Terry, as he then hugged Harry in turn.

He looked at them, still wide eyed. It uncomfortably reminded him of Colin Creevey. "So much excitement tonight," he breathed, as he looked over the crowds. "Wonder who started it all though."

It was then Draco felt Harry's righteous Gryffindor elbow in his stomach. He rubbed his mildly hurt stomach and looked up to see that accusing glare. Another jab.

"All right," whispered Draco, pissed off at being made to confess.

"Wow, did you see the way that Granger hurled that ham? I never knew she had an arm on her," said Terry, who was seemingly enjoying the little show. Draco resisted the urge to actually turn to look.

Suddenly, Draco smirked and said, "I did."

Terry suddenly snapped out of his daze and said, "What?"

"I threw spaghetti on La Roux."

"You didn't..."

"I did," replied Draco, grinning like a fool.

"He spat on her too," said Harry, with a roll of eyes.

"Eww, I heard you like to put snot into it too," stated Terry, with a wrinkle of his nose.

"I did."

A horrified expression came over Terry's face and Draco laughed.

"You are a sadist," accused Terry, pointing at Draco mockingly.

"He would know," said Draco, with a suggestive eyebrow in Harry's direction.

Harry blushed, a sight Draco never tired of in these few years. He looked so adorable when he did that.

Terry laughed and said, "It was getting a little boring. I bet the Prophet is going to have a field day with this. Do you want credit?" Draco shook his head. "Well, then your secret's safe with me, I'll talk to the others."

"Won't La Roux talk?" asked Harry worriedly.

"No one will believe her," smiled Draco.

"Yeah, they'll just think she's trying to ride on Draco's fame," confirmed Terry, which made Draco smile even harder.

"Don't encourage him," said Harry, trying to drag Draco near the doors. "Later Terry."

"Bye you two," said Terry, as he waved.

Draco waved back and when the door opened a blur of Aurors rushed past. He snickered drunkenly. Harry smiled lopsidedly and said, "Let's go home."

However, the plans to go home were delayed by running into a pair of Aurors. Blaise Zabini and Luna Lovegood.

"Blaise and Luna?" blurted out Harry, incredulously.

They look at each other with distaste.

"We aren't together," said Blaise hastily, as he held his hands up.

Luna frowned at him, obviously offended. "Yes, we aren't together. Though I don't think I'm that bad looking." She pouted.

What the hell? Luna Lovegood pouting?

"You've been hanging around Creevey too long," said Blaise, looking warily at Luna's pout.

"Yeah, it appears so," said Harry slowly. "However, you should know better, Blaise has a thing for blondes." Harry slanted his eyes at Blaise.

Draco raised an eyebrow, while Luna just softly exclaimed, "Oh!" Draco knew what he was referring to, but decided not to elaborate on it.

"So what happened here?" commented Blaise, as he stared behind them at the chaos.

"They can explain once we take them home," stated Luna serenely.

"What?" asked Draco. He appeared as if they already knew what happened.

"Take them home?" repeated Blaise.

"Do you really want to be in there with all that?" She gestured to the cracked doors behind Draco and Harry. "Besides, we can just say we were safely escorting the attendees home." She smiled triumphantly, in a dreamy Luna like way.

"You're brilliant," voiced Blaise, awe struck.

"Glad Creevey took that vacation now, aren't you?" said Luna, pulling out her wand and a colourful cube. She tapped it and said, "Portus."

"What the hell is that?" asked Draco, as gestured to the cube with colourful squares.

"A rubrics cube," answered Harry, smiling fondly at it.

"How do you know?"

"It's a Muggle child's toy," said Harry, caught up in nostalgia. "My Aunt bought my cousin Dudley one, but he broke it. She stopped buying them after a while since he was too stupid to figure them out anyway."

"What's the point of them?"

"Can we do this when we're at your house?" asked Blaise impatiently.

"Everyone touch on this at three," interrupted Luna, before Draco retort. "One, two, three!"

Draco hated port-keys. With a passion. He was amazingly thankful that he'd been too angry to get properly buzzed with alcohol.

*~*~*

Carlo and Delinda were sitting in the safe confines of a pumpkin carriage. They had barely escaped the food war inside the mansion. It had spread out into the main hall of the huge estate. However, they had come to an agreement, but not without feeling a little guilty and excited.

"Think we did the right thing?" asked Delinda, as she leaned back.

Her curls had become somewhat shifted and she panted from running out the mansion. They both somehow had escaped without having food touch their skin.

"Delinda," said Carlo, leaning forward as he looked at her intently, "this an offer of a lifetime. I've never felt this way... It's crazy but I'd do anything for the haughty prat. This way, we can do it without feeling bad."

Delinda looked at him suddenly looking tired.

"Well, almost," he admitted. "But just think about it, if everything goes according to plan..." He couldn't help but smile absent-mindedly. "Besides, you already know what we discussed and the Madam will fine tune the details anyway once we get in contact with her."

He glanced at her to see a small smile.

"I think we should do it soon," said Delinda.

"How soon?" replied Carlo, having a feeling something was about to happen.

Delinda smiled furtively. "Let's make a wager."

Carlo felt his eyebrows rise. "What the terms?"

"Well, whomever gets their soul mate first... Well figure out the rest when the winner is determined."

"How do you figure it'll be that easy?"

"Well, Harry and Draco haven't been spending too much time together over the past year. I'm sure we can work that to our advantage. I'll keep Harry away and you keep Draco occupied. Then we switch places and plant seeds of doubt." She had a wry twist of lips that looked oddly evil on her pretty face.

"Seeds of doubt?" repeated Carlo. More like seeds of evil, mistrust, and lies, he thought. Nevertheless, he was intrigued.

"I know you want to," said Delinda, smiling normally again. "Besides, I know I'll win."

Carlo rolled his eyes. "Well, this is gonna be fun."

"You bet your arse," she laughed.

*

Just as predicted Draco landed in a heap next to Harry, who strangely landed on his feet.

"Why can I never land on my feet?" muttered Draco, brushing him self off and straightening his clothes.

"Well, you have to picture yourself landing on your feet," voiced Harry. Draco looked at him. "You see, the port-key is a very disorienting thing and so it's hard for some people to focus. Going through all those vortexes of space and places, it's never pleasant to be stuck the middle of those things no matter how fast you go."

Draco stared at him. "Have you been doing the Granger thing?"

"What are you talking about?" frowned Harry confusedly.

"Have you been walking around eating books?"

"Oh cut it out! You don't have to insult her natural intelligence! Besides, we learned that in school!"

"You actually studied?" criticised Draco. "All of a sudden you're like a walking fountain of knowledge!"

"Would you prefer me stupid?" bellowed Harry angrily. "So you can feel superior like you did with Crabbe and Goyle? So sorry to fuck up your huge ego! Besides, I haven't been the one walking around with cramps and PMS!"

"You-"

"Hey!" shouted Luna.

They both turned to look at her. Draco felt that wild anger resonate within him and tried to quell it. He felt hurt as well, but wouldn't give Harry the satisfaction of seeing it. His mind growled.

"Whew! You two cut it out!" snapped Luna, which was strange since you rarely saw the woman angry. "Now while you two were taking pisses, Blaise and I have discovered a reason for your... er strange changes in personality and emotions."

"Yeah, we have," confirmed Blaise, looking very grave.

"Well, what is it?" asked Draco impatiently, with his arms.

"Several wards were put on your house when you moved in just in case some Voldemort sympathisers decided to find you," started Blaise.

Blaise, with the help of Luna's calm voice, explained their wards had been tampered with. The wards that protected them from dark magic that could effect their personality and emotions had been damaged. There were other wards as well that conflicted with each other, so it effected them because they spent extended times in the house. Even if they were only sleeping. The wards still protected the outside, but since they were damaged and trying to keep their selves intact, wild magic had seeped into the house.

"It was dark magic that touched this house," said Luna tranquilly. "There aren't many charms strong enough to damage your wards, and much less of them to cause these kind of results. That's proof right there that this was the work of dark magic. The other reason is... Well, being the Aurors that we are, Blaise and I felt it."

Draco looked at them, letting the new information sink in.

"Yeah we did," said Blaise, looking around the house as though it would kill them all any second. "Speaking of which, a few of us were to be dispatched if the wards had been tampered with to begin with..." He stood suddenly. "I'll be right back."

Blaise disappeared out the house.

"How long has it been since you've had company?" asked Luna.

Draco shrugged. They hadn't really been able to have company lately. Especially with the new endorsements, his company was negotiating. Harry had to practice and make deals with new sponsors as well. They had both been busy and if they were going to meet with anyone, it wouldn't be at their place.

"No wonder you haven't noticed," commented Luna, wrapped up in her own world. "You've spent so much time in here you've gotten used to the effects. Well, not used to it, you just expected it to be normal... Well, it's kind of hard to explain."

"Don't worry, I get what you mean," said Harry tiredly, pinching the bridge while sighing.

Well, that explains it, thought Draco, feeling an impending headache.

Blaise appeared back in their living room looking pale and drawn. "This is definitely a dark witch or wizard's work. We have to take down these wards and replace them. As well as add new ones. Whoever was here was looking to get inside your house and be a voyeur. They were probably going to place recording devices in here or something of the like. Could be ransom, but... Something just doesn't feeling right. A reporter that knows dark magic..." He shifted all his weight to the right side with a pensive expression.

"Doesn't make sense," sighed Luna. "However, we can repair your wards somewhat. And you'll need a new password to the house."

"I know, I already got one," said Harry cryptically.

"I'll get some guys together tomorrow to see if we can't help put up new ones," smiled Blaise.

Draco's head then decided to hurt. Oh hell... "So what's the new password, oh mighty one of magically enhanced intelligence?"

Harry scowled but answered the question. "Beware all ye who worships the darkness."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Maybe having damaged wards isn't a bad thing." He dodged a pillow. "We should get Dumbledore on it though."

"Good idea," said Luna, as she stood. "Where do you keep your parchment?"

Harry pointed somewhere vaguely.

Draco looked at Harry. "I bet no one will guess that password." He snickered tiredly.

Harry looked at back at him, just as fatigued looking. "You bet your arse."