September Birthdays
Sep. 1st, 2006 12:33 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alisanneI see several people on my f-list have birthdays coming up this month, so, if any of you would like a BD drabble (I swear, I am serious about it being drabbles this time *scolds muse who obviously camnot count, since she thinks 4000 words is a drabble*) please give me a pairing and a word prompt, and I'll see what I can do, okay? *pokes ![[insanejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/ij-userinfo.gif)
wolfiekins*
In other news, I just squeaked in with my challenge response to the Hex Files August Challenge. It's called Fated and it's been posted at![[insanejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/ij-community.gif)
slash_heaven (which is the link here). It's also been cross posted to erised_diaries and harrylovesdraco, for those interested. :)
Title: Fated
Author:alisanne
Rating: PG-13
Summary: A simple training exercise results in an unexpectedly erotic encounter. Written for the August Challenge at the Hex Files: 'Harry and Draco deal with the heat.'
Word Count: 3150
Genre: Romance, Humor, Pre-slash.
Warnings: None.
Disclaimer: The characters contained herein are not mine. No money is being made from this fiction, which is presented for entertainment purposes only.
Beta reader:sevfan
~
Fated
~
“You know, all those times when I used to tell you to, ‘Go to Hell’, I didn’t think you’d one day actually do it, and take me with you, Potter.”
“Funny, Malfoy.” Harry sighed as he looked around. “And, I didn’t think it would be quite this hot,” he said. “Wherever we are.”
Draco looked around. “I’m not kidding. I think this is hell that you’ve brought us to, actually,” he said finally. “It’s certainly hot enough.”
“Whatever,” Harry replied, rolling his eyes. “You wouldn’t care nearly as much if it had just been me doing this.”
Draco shrugged. “Well, yes,” he admitted. “I had no idea you actually knew where it was, though. It’s a sound strategy, I will admit. It’ll take them ages to find us here.”
Harry glanced at Draco, startled at the compliment, then ignored him for the moment in favor of trying to decide where they had Apparated to. Wherever it was, was barren, and very, very hot. It could, in fact, have been Hell, had that been a real place.
“So, now what, oh leader?” Draco asked.
Harry pursed his lips. “The next step is to get as far away as possible from this spot, and go to a safe hiding place without Apparating,” he said, consulting the manual once more.
Draco nodded, trying hard not to notice how green Harry’s eyes looked. Maybe it hadn’t been such a bad thing to be paired with Potter for these exercises after all, he thought. It did mean that they could get to know each other better; be more than mere strangers.
Harry turned away to look again at their surroundings. Malfoy’s attitude was a nice surprise; he was glad he’d gotten partnered with him on this assignment. The blond had seemed... friendlier lately, and to Harry he’d even looked as if he’d wanted to join him for meals in the Ministry canteen on occasion, only, the fact that he was always eating with Ron and Hermione sort of precluded that.
Hermione had kept urging Harry to talk to Draco, saying that he seemed interested, but it was hard to make the first move, given their history. This exercise was the perfect opportunity to talk.
“Which direction is best, I wonder,” Harry said aloud.
“We can’t Apparate, but does it say we can’t cast another spell?”
Harry looked. “No, it doesn’t,” he said. “Good idea.”
Draco shrugged. “I have them occasionally,” he said. “Good ideas don’t belong to just you and Granger, you know.”
Harry, startled at the Hermione reference, nodded and kept looking around the terrain. There was not a tree in sight, and it looked to be a long walk to shelter.
A rustling sound beside him made him turn back towards Draco, only to see him removing his robes, being careful to keep his hair as neat as possible. With a muttered spell, Draco shrunk his robes and tucked them into his trouser pocket. The blond then proceeded to roll up his sleeves, topping it all off by casting a Cooling Charm on himself.
Harry’s breath caught in his throat as the blond’s rippling arm muscles were revealed.
“What?” Draco asked, and Harry flushed and turned away.
“I was just thinking that’s a good idea, actually,” Harry said, proceeding to do the same thing Draco just had.
When they were both standing there in their shirtsleeves, Harry said, “What do you think, a Point-Me Spell?”
Draco shrugged. “That should work,” he agreed. “The way I understood the rules, anything’s game as long as we don’t Apparate again,” he said. “I wouldn’t recommend we ask for the nearest city, though, since I suspect we are really far away from it.”
Harry nodded. “Nearest building?” he suggested.
Draco, arms crossed, turned in a slow circle. Harry tried really hard not to check out his arse, although it looked to be a fine one.
“Worth a shot,” Draco finally said. “Although, unless we’re more specific, it could lead us to an abandoned building.”
“At least we would be out of the direct sun,” Harry said. “You don’t look as if you’ll tolerate too much of this sort of sun exposure.”
Draco inclined his head in what Harry assumed was agreement. “By all means, then, Potter,” he drawled, amused. “Get on with it, so we can protect my delicate skin.”
Rolling his eyes, Harry cast the spell, casting for the nearest shelter, watching as his wand spun in his hand, finally settling on a direction. In the sky above, there was a bright red arrow pointing in the same direction.
“Great. Let’s go,” Draco said, taking off in the direction the arrow was pointing. Harry scrambled to keep up.
Harry trailed Draco for a while, surprised at how agile the blond was. He seemed to flow over the dunes, not stumbling or losing his footing in the sand much at all, although even he seemed to grow warm after a time.
The view from the rear wasn’t bad either; Harry had to admit to himself. Draco really had a fine arse, and the distraction that arse provided had to be the reason he missed the settlement at first.
Draco veered to the right and paused, and Harry followed, almost running smack into him before raising his head and looking around.
His Point-Me arrow was directing them towards what appeared to be a collection of tents.
“Northern Africa, maybe. Nice choice,” Draco murmured, before setting off towards the welcome sight.
Harry hurried after, and they arrived at the same time. The area appeared deserted, however, not even an animal could be seen.
What they seemed to have stumbled upon was an oasis, with a group of large tents, canvases flapping in the breeze.
“Hello?” Harry tentatively called out. “Is anyone here?”
No one answered, and Harry sighed. He turned back towards Draco and then froze.
“What are you doing?” he yelped.
Draco was in the process of raising a tent flap to walk inside.
“I’m hot,” he said imperiously. “No one’s here, so I’m going inside where it’s cool to relax and wait for them to retrieve us.”
“But... it could be someone’s home,” Harry protested.
“Then they should have put a lock on it,” Draco replied with a sniff.
Harry rolled his eyes as Draco stepped inside and the flap closed behind him.
Draco stuck his head back out. “Oh relax, Potter,” he said. “I checked for inhabitants as we walked in. There’s no one here. And it’s lovely and cool inside,” he said. “Although... perhaps you should stay out there and stand guard, while I take a nap?”
As Draco’s head disappeared back into the tent, Harry’s mouth fell open in outrage.
“No fucking way,” he muttered, marching for the tent flap.
He shoved it open and stepped into the cool interior. Richly colored, plush rugs lined the floor, and there were low benches and couches lining the walls. There was even a long passageway leading back to what appeared to be other rooms.
The lighting was provided by flickering candles that covered many of the flat surfaces, and that cast shadows into the corners.
“Wow. Wizard-space,” Harry breathed, forgetting his irritation as he looked around in wonder. No matter how jaded he became to the use of magic, this always awed him.
Draco, already lounging on a couch, had his hands clasped behind his neck, and he was surveying Harry’s body with surprising intensity. At least, it was surprising to Harry.
“Mmm, yes, appears so. Why don’t you relax?” he said. “Take a rest.”
Harry sat down. “Yeah, okay,” he said, a bit uncomfortable. “How long do you think it’ll take them to get here?” he asked.
Draco shrugged. “I think we might have a bit of wait until they can find us,” he said. “In the meantime... why don’t we relax and talk; get to know each other?”
Harry nodded, surprised at the way Draco’s thoughts seemed to be mirroring his. “You know, I was just thinking that we should talk. If we’re to be partners, we do need to know more about each other.”
“Indeed,” Malfoy murmured. “Shall we trade questions?” and Harry wondered why, suddenly, he was noticing how soft Malfoy’s lips looked in the muted light.
“Ah... yeah, sure,” Harry said, suddenly not so sure that was a good idea.
Draco raised an eyebrow. “All right. I’ll start, then. Maybe you can tell me why they put us together as partners for this exercise?”
Harry flushed, hoping the dim light would hide his color. “I... erm... have no idea,” he said. “Hermione...”
Draco held up a hand. “Spare me your girlfriend’s theories. I want to know what you think. Why do you think they put us together?”
Harry’s eyebrows shot up. He thought Harry was dating Hermione? Interesting... Harry looked away from the piercing grey eyes. “They thought we would work well together?” he ventured.
Draco laughed, and the sound was surprisingly pleasant. “Mmm, optimistic, but no, they had no way of knowing that.”
“What do you think, then?”
“Honestly? I think it’s a sort of test.”
Harry blinked, settling back into his chair, which was quite comfortable. “Well yeah, this whole thing is a test,” he said.
Draco smirked. “Yeah, but I think it’s more than a test to see how long we can elude the Aurors.”
“What else do you think they’re testing, then?”
“I think they want to know how well we can overcome our inherent dislike for each other and get out of a dangerous situation.”
Harry looked around. “This isn’t a dangerous situation, though,” he said.
Draco shrugged. “Well, it could have been,” he pointed out. “We’re in an unfamiliar place. If we’d been in a battle, perhaps Apparated away to safety, with wizards following, then what? If we’d followed our usual pattern, we would have argued and separated. We’d have been wandering about the desert for hours, possibly in danger.”
“And this way, by cooperating, we’re in a relatively safe place,” Harry finished.
Draco smiled. “They do say to expect the unexpected in Auror training,” he reminded Harry.
“So they do. So, do you think we’ll beat the record?”
Draco shrugged. “I don’t see why not. They won’t have expected us to come somewhere so hot. Most people probably went somewhere cold, just because it’s been so hot in London this summer. I think they’ll catch the berks who went to someplace like Australia first. Who would think to go someplace even hotter? It was genius, actually, Potter.”
He sounded admiring, and Harry was gratified.
“Harry,” he said.
“What?”
“We’re Auror partners, and we’re likely to be for a while, so call me Harry.”
“Does that mean you’ll call me Draco?”
“Sure.” That thought made Harry grin. “I have one question for you, though, Draco,” he continued.
Draco settled back into his relaxed sprawl. “All right,” he said. “It is your turn. Ask.”
“Why do you think Hermione and I are dating?”
Draco’s eyes shuttered. “Who says I think about that at all?”
“You said so earlier,” Harry reminded him gently. “You called her my girlfriend. She’s not. She’s dating Charlie Weasley.”
“Oh? Oh!” Draco appeared flustered. “It... no reason, really. You do spend a lot of time in her office. Not that I watch, or anything, I’ve just... noticed. I thought I heard someone else say that,” he said after a moment. “It might have been one of the other Auror trainees.”
“She’s not really my type, actually,” Harry elaborated. “I’m not really into girls.” Draco choked, and Harry leaned forward, hoping this didn’t mean Draco was going to be difficult. “Are you okay?” Harry asked.
“I’m fine,” Draco wheezed out.
At Harry’s worried look, he tried to smile. “Something caught in my throat.”
“So, it’s not that you’re jealous then?” Harry asked, deciding to go for broke.
“Jealous? About what?”
“Our relationship.” At Draco’s puzzled look, Harry elaborated. “The one between me and Hermione.”
Draco snorted. “Certainly not.”
He looked away, but Harry could see that he was pleased, and he smiled. Hermione was right! Draco was interested, that was why he’d been hovering around them lately.
“I’m glad they made us partners, actually,” Harry offered.
Draco turned to look at him. “Oh? And why is that?”
“We couldn’t be here together, otherwise,” Harry said. “And we wouldn’t have had a chance to talk like this.”
“Mmm, that is certainly true. So,” Draco looked away, clearly changing the subject. “I wonder how much longer the retrieval will take?”
They chatted desultorily for a while, Harry trying hard not to admire the play of the candlelight on Draco’s skin, and as they touched on many subjects, Harry realized that they were more alike than not. Funny how Hermione had predicted that, too.
After an hour or so had passed, Draco began looking about.
“What?” Harry asked.
”They are taking too long,” he said, “and I’m getting hungry.”
“Yeah, breakfast was ages ago,” Harry agreed. “And that piece of fruit you ate is probably long gone.”
Draco turned back towards him, his face registering surprise. “You know what I ate for breakfast?” he asked. “Potter, I don’t even remember what I’ve eaten for breakfast half the time.”
Harry flushed, looking about the tent in an attempt to avoid Draco’s eyes. It was too soon to let on about his own attraction for the blond, wasn’t it? “I sometimes notice things you do,” he admitted after a pregnant pause. “Aurors are supposed to be observant, you know.”
“Mmm, true,” Draco said, sounding pleased.
“So, should we look around for some food?” Harry asked, desperate to change the topic.
Draco acquiesced, and, standing up, they started down the hallway to explore the rest of the tent.
It was a narrow passageway, and their shoulders kept brushing, sending tingles down Harry’s spine. By the end of the hall, Harry was quite hyperaware of Draco’s body. It was harder to keep his hands to himself now that he figured Draco was available.
He turned to face the blond, intending to suggest they separate and continue searching, when Draco did the same, their faces ending up only a few centimeters apart.
Harry’s train of thought completely derailed.
Draco paused, and then, seeming to come to a decision said, “Fuck it,” and leaning forward, pressed slightly dry lips to Harry’s.
The movement pressed Harry up against the wall, Draco’s body following to slide roughly against his.
Shock was quickly followed by excitement and eager participation on Harry’s part. You’re actually kissing Malfoy! his mind was shrieking at him, and he growled at it to shut up so he could really enjoy it.
Draco’s tongue swept inside his wet mouth, and Harry moaned at the sensation of it being expertly and thoroughly explored. His hands clutched at Draco’s arse, and he tried to haul him closer, his hips making little rocking motions.
Eventually, the need to breathe won out, and as they pulled apart, panting. Draco rested his forehead against Harry’s.
“So, is this your way of saying you’re interested?” Harry whispered.
Draco chuckled softly. “Well, subtle methods didn’t seem to be working.”
“Subtle methods?” Harry repeated. “Was that what all the hanging about and staring at us was?”
“What was I supposed to do?” Draco asked a bit defensively, pulling back to look at Harry properly.
“You could have said something to me.”
“Really? I should have come up to you at work, perhaps, and asked you out?” Draco said. “In front of the woman I figured was your girlfriend? You would have hexed me into next week.”
“Well now you know I wouldn’t have,” Harry pointed out. “So, now what?”
“I say we kiss s’more,” Draco said, leaning in.
“I’m all for more kissing,” Harry agreed, relaxing as Draco’s arms slid around him.
Draco teased his lips lightly, and Harry moaned, opening his mouth to grant Draco’s tongue access once more. As their mouths slid together, Harry’s eyes fluttered closed, and he let himself fall under Draco’s sensual spell.
“Perhaps we should move into a more comfortable position,” Draco murmured in his ear, and Harry allowed himself to be maneuvered backwards and onto one of the conveniently placed couches.
As Harry relaxed back into comfortable softness, Draco’s weight settling on top of him, his legs opened to allow Draco to get closer still and their groins slid together.
It was in the middle of Harry’s rocking up to rub as best he could against Draco’s corresponding hardness, that he heard the distant crack of Apparation.
It took Draco a bit longer to realize what he’d heard, and he even as he was pulling away from Harry’s clingingly addictive mouth, there were voices coming closer.
“Potter! Malfoy!” a feminine voice called out clearly.
“That’s Tonks,” Harry said, licking the last of the Draco taste off his lips.
“So it appears,” Draco said, his eyes glued to the movements of Harry’s tongue.
Harry blushed at the look in Draco’s eyes. “We have to get ready to go before they see us,” he said.
“Perfect timing,” Draco groused as he climbed off of Harry and began straightening his clothes. It was just in time, as Tonks poked her head into the tent just as Harry stood up.
“There you are,” she said brightly. “You two led me on a merry chase! You won. Took us the longest to track you two. Everyone else is accounted for.”
“Great,” Harry said, stepping forward.
“Nice place you found here, by the way,” she said, looking around. “Never seen anything like it. Might have to come back and check it out sometime...”
As Harry followed her outside, Draco right behind him, a figure materialized from the shadows.
She smiled, and with the wave of a hand, the tent went dark.
“Be welcome when you need a haven once more, fated lovers,” she whispered, and Draco, several feet outside, stopped and turned around, looking back at the tent.
“What is it?” Harry asked, sensing Draco’s confusion.
“I thought I heard someone say something...”
“That was me, telling you that we have to get back right away,” Tonks said. “See you back at the Ministry.” She Apparated away with a crack, leaving them standing there.
“So, I guess we really are dating,” Harry said, stepping close to Draco. “Want to Side-Along Apparate back?”
Draco smiled. “Why not?” he said, placing his arms securely around Harry.
“Do you think we’ll ever find this place again?” Harry asked, looking back at the oasis. “It was pretty romantic, a good place for a getaway, despite the heat.”
“I suspect we will,” Draco predicted.
As they Apparated away, anyone who had been standing there would have been astonished to see the tents fade away into nothingness, waiting to again be discovered by fated lovers.
~Fin
wolfiekins*In other news, I just squeaked in with my challenge response to the Hex Files August Challenge. It's called Fated and it's been posted at
slash_heaven (which is the link here). It's also been cross posted to erised_diaries and harrylovesdraco, for those interested. :)Title: Fated
Author:
alisanneRating: PG-13
Summary: A simple training exercise results in an unexpectedly erotic encounter. Written for the August Challenge at the Hex Files: 'Harry and Draco deal with the heat.'
Word Count: 3150
Genre: Romance, Humor, Pre-slash.
Warnings: None.
Disclaimer: The characters contained herein are not mine. No money is being made from this fiction, which is presented for entertainment purposes only.
Beta reader:
sevfan~
Fated
~
“You know, all those times when I used to tell you to, ‘Go to Hell’, I didn’t think you’d one day actually do it, and take me with you, Potter.”
“Funny, Malfoy.” Harry sighed as he looked around. “And, I didn’t think it would be quite this hot,” he said. “Wherever we are.”
Draco looked around. “I’m not kidding. I think this is hell that you’ve brought us to, actually,” he said finally. “It’s certainly hot enough.”
“Whatever,” Harry replied, rolling his eyes. “You wouldn’t care nearly as much if it had just been me doing this.”
Draco shrugged. “Well, yes,” he admitted. “I had no idea you actually knew where it was, though. It’s a sound strategy, I will admit. It’ll take them ages to find us here.”
Harry glanced at Draco, startled at the compliment, then ignored him for the moment in favor of trying to decide where they had Apparated to. Wherever it was, was barren, and very, very hot. It could, in fact, have been Hell, had that been a real place.
“So, now what, oh leader?” Draco asked.
Harry pursed his lips. “The next step is to get as far away as possible from this spot, and go to a safe hiding place without Apparating,” he said, consulting the manual once more.
Draco nodded, trying hard not to notice how green Harry’s eyes looked. Maybe it hadn’t been such a bad thing to be paired with Potter for these exercises after all, he thought. It did mean that they could get to know each other better; be more than mere strangers.
Harry turned away to look again at their surroundings. Malfoy’s attitude was a nice surprise; he was glad he’d gotten partnered with him on this assignment. The blond had seemed... friendlier lately, and to Harry he’d even looked as if he’d wanted to join him for meals in the Ministry canteen on occasion, only, the fact that he was always eating with Ron and Hermione sort of precluded that.
Hermione had kept urging Harry to talk to Draco, saying that he seemed interested, but it was hard to make the first move, given their history. This exercise was the perfect opportunity to talk.
“Which direction is best, I wonder,” Harry said aloud.
“We can’t Apparate, but does it say we can’t cast another spell?”
Harry looked. “No, it doesn’t,” he said. “Good idea.”
Draco shrugged. “I have them occasionally,” he said. “Good ideas don’t belong to just you and Granger, you know.”
Harry, startled at the Hermione reference, nodded and kept looking around the terrain. There was not a tree in sight, and it looked to be a long walk to shelter.
A rustling sound beside him made him turn back towards Draco, only to see him removing his robes, being careful to keep his hair as neat as possible. With a muttered spell, Draco shrunk his robes and tucked them into his trouser pocket. The blond then proceeded to roll up his sleeves, topping it all off by casting a Cooling Charm on himself.
Harry’s breath caught in his throat as the blond’s rippling arm muscles were revealed.
“What?” Draco asked, and Harry flushed and turned away.
“I was just thinking that’s a good idea, actually,” Harry said, proceeding to do the same thing Draco just had.
When they were both standing there in their shirtsleeves, Harry said, “What do you think, a Point-Me Spell?”
Draco shrugged. “That should work,” he agreed. “The way I understood the rules, anything’s game as long as we don’t Apparate again,” he said. “I wouldn’t recommend we ask for the nearest city, though, since I suspect we are really far away from it.”
Harry nodded. “Nearest building?” he suggested.
Draco, arms crossed, turned in a slow circle. Harry tried really hard not to check out his arse, although it looked to be a fine one.
“Worth a shot,” Draco finally said. “Although, unless we’re more specific, it could lead us to an abandoned building.”
“At least we would be out of the direct sun,” Harry said. “You don’t look as if you’ll tolerate too much of this sort of sun exposure.”
Draco inclined his head in what Harry assumed was agreement. “By all means, then, Potter,” he drawled, amused. “Get on with it, so we can protect my delicate skin.”
Rolling his eyes, Harry cast the spell, casting for the nearest shelter, watching as his wand spun in his hand, finally settling on a direction. In the sky above, there was a bright red arrow pointing in the same direction.
“Great. Let’s go,” Draco said, taking off in the direction the arrow was pointing. Harry scrambled to keep up.
Harry trailed Draco for a while, surprised at how agile the blond was. He seemed to flow over the dunes, not stumbling or losing his footing in the sand much at all, although even he seemed to grow warm after a time.
The view from the rear wasn’t bad either; Harry had to admit to himself. Draco really had a fine arse, and the distraction that arse provided had to be the reason he missed the settlement at first.
Draco veered to the right and paused, and Harry followed, almost running smack into him before raising his head and looking around.
His Point-Me arrow was directing them towards what appeared to be a collection of tents.
“Northern Africa, maybe. Nice choice,” Draco murmured, before setting off towards the welcome sight.
Harry hurried after, and they arrived at the same time. The area appeared deserted, however, not even an animal could be seen.
What they seemed to have stumbled upon was an oasis, with a group of large tents, canvases flapping in the breeze.
“Hello?” Harry tentatively called out. “Is anyone here?”
No one answered, and Harry sighed. He turned back towards Draco and then froze.
“What are you doing?” he yelped.
Draco was in the process of raising a tent flap to walk inside.
“I’m hot,” he said imperiously. “No one’s here, so I’m going inside where it’s cool to relax and wait for them to retrieve us.”
“But... it could be someone’s home,” Harry protested.
“Then they should have put a lock on it,” Draco replied with a sniff.
Harry rolled his eyes as Draco stepped inside and the flap closed behind him.
Draco stuck his head back out. “Oh relax, Potter,” he said. “I checked for inhabitants as we walked in. There’s no one here. And it’s lovely and cool inside,” he said. “Although... perhaps you should stay out there and stand guard, while I take a nap?”
As Draco’s head disappeared back into the tent, Harry’s mouth fell open in outrage.
“No fucking way,” he muttered, marching for the tent flap.
He shoved it open and stepped into the cool interior. Richly colored, plush rugs lined the floor, and there were low benches and couches lining the walls. There was even a long passageway leading back to what appeared to be other rooms.
The lighting was provided by flickering candles that covered many of the flat surfaces, and that cast shadows into the corners.
“Wow. Wizard-space,” Harry breathed, forgetting his irritation as he looked around in wonder. No matter how jaded he became to the use of magic, this always awed him.
Draco, already lounging on a couch, had his hands clasped behind his neck, and he was surveying Harry’s body with surprising intensity. At least, it was surprising to Harry.
“Mmm, yes, appears so. Why don’t you relax?” he said. “Take a rest.”
Harry sat down. “Yeah, okay,” he said, a bit uncomfortable. “How long do you think it’ll take them to get here?” he asked.
Draco shrugged. “I think we might have a bit of wait until they can find us,” he said. “In the meantime... why don’t we relax and talk; get to know each other?”
Harry nodded, surprised at the way Draco’s thoughts seemed to be mirroring his. “You know, I was just thinking that we should talk. If we’re to be partners, we do need to know more about each other.”
“Indeed,” Malfoy murmured. “Shall we trade questions?” and Harry wondered why, suddenly, he was noticing how soft Malfoy’s lips looked in the muted light.
“Ah... yeah, sure,” Harry said, suddenly not so sure that was a good idea.
Draco raised an eyebrow. “All right. I’ll start, then. Maybe you can tell me why they put us together as partners for this exercise?”
Harry flushed, hoping the dim light would hide his color. “I... erm... have no idea,” he said. “Hermione...”
Draco held up a hand. “Spare me your girlfriend’s theories. I want to know what you think. Why do you think they put us together?”
Harry’s eyebrows shot up. He thought Harry was dating Hermione? Interesting... Harry looked away from the piercing grey eyes. “They thought we would work well together?” he ventured.
Draco laughed, and the sound was surprisingly pleasant. “Mmm, optimistic, but no, they had no way of knowing that.”
“What do you think, then?”
“Honestly? I think it’s a sort of test.”
Harry blinked, settling back into his chair, which was quite comfortable. “Well yeah, this whole thing is a test,” he said.
Draco smirked. “Yeah, but I think it’s more than a test to see how long we can elude the Aurors.”
“What else do you think they’re testing, then?”
“I think they want to know how well we can overcome our inherent dislike for each other and get out of a dangerous situation.”
Harry looked around. “This isn’t a dangerous situation, though,” he said.
Draco shrugged. “Well, it could have been,” he pointed out. “We’re in an unfamiliar place. If we’d been in a battle, perhaps Apparated away to safety, with wizards following, then what? If we’d followed our usual pattern, we would have argued and separated. We’d have been wandering about the desert for hours, possibly in danger.”
“And this way, by cooperating, we’re in a relatively safe place,” Harry finished.
Draco smiled. “They do say to expect the unexpected in Auror training,” he reminded Harry.
“So they do. So, do you think we’ll beat the record?”
Draco shrugged. “I don’t see why not. They won’t have expected us to come somewhere so hot. Most people probably went somewhere cold, just because it’s been so hot in London this summer. I think they’ll catch the berks who went to someplace like Australia first. Who would think to go someplace even hotter? It was genius, actually, Potter.”
He sounded admiring, and Harry was gratified.
“Harry,” he said.
“What?”
“We’re Auror partners, and we’re likely to be for a while, so call me Harry.”
“Does that mean you’ll call me Draco?”
“Sure.” That thought made Harry grin. “I have one question for you, though, Draco,” he continued.
Draco settled back into his relaxed sprawl. “All right,” he said. “It is your turn. Ask.”
“Why do you think Hermione and I are dating?”
Draco’s eyes shuttered. “Who says I think about that at all?”
“You said so earlier,” Harry reminded him gently. “You called her my girlfriend. She’s not. She’s dating Charlie Weasley.”
“Oh? Oh!” Draco appeared flustered. “It... no reason, really. You do spend a lot of time in her office. Not that I watch, or anything, I’ve just... noticed. I thought I heard someone else say that,” he said after a moment. “It might have been one of the other Auror trainees.”
“She’s not really my type, actually,” Harry elaborated. “I’m not really into girls.” Draco choked, and Harry leaned forward, hoping this didn’t mean Draco was going to be difficult. “Are you okay?” Harry asked.
“I’m fine,” Draco wheezed out.
At Harry’s worried look, he tried to smile. “Something caught in my throat.”
“So, it’s not that you’re jealous then?” Harry asked, deciding to go for broke.
“Jealous? About what?”
“Our relationship.” At Draco’s puzzled look, Harry elaborated. “The one between me and Hermione.”
Draco snorted. “Certainly not.”
He looked away, but Harry could see that he was pleased, and he smiled. Hermione was right! Draco was interested, that was why he’d been hovering around them lately.
“I’m glad they made us partners, actually,” Harry offered.
Draco turned to look at him. “Oh? And why is that?”
“We couldn’t be here together, otherwise,” Harry said. “And we wouldn’t have had a chance to talk like this.”
“Mmm, that is certainly true. So,” Draco looked away, clearly changing the subject. “I wonder how much longer the retrieval will take?”
They chatted desultorily for a while, Harry trying hard not to admire the play of the candlelight on Draco’s skin, and as they touched on many subjects, Harry realized that they were more alike than not. Funny how Hermione had predicted that, too.
After an hour or so had passed, Draco began looking about.
“What?” Harry asked.
”They are taking too long,” he said, “and I’m getting hungry.”
“Yeah, breakfast was ages ago,” Harry agreed. “And that piece of fruit you ate is probably long gone.”
Draco turned back towards him, his face registering surprise. “You know what I ate for breakfast?” he asked. “Potter, I don’t even remember what I’ve eaten for breakfast half the time.”
Harry flushed, looking about the tent in an attempt to avoid Draco’s eyes. It was too soon to let on about his own attraction for the blond, wasn’t it? “I sometimes notice things you do,” he admitted after a pregnant pause. “Aurors are supposed to be observant, you know.”
“Mmm, true,” Draco said, sounding pleased.
“So, should we look around for some food?” Harry asked, desperate to change the topic.
Draco acquiesced, and, standing up, they started down the hallway to explore the rest of the tent.
It was a narrow passageway, and their shoulders kept brushing, sending tingles down Harry’s spine. By the end of the hall, Harry was quite hyperaware of Draco’s body. It was harder to keep his hands to himself now that he figured Draco was available.
He turned to face the blond, intending to suggest they separate and continue searching, when Draco did the same, their faces ending up only a few centimeters apart.
Harry’s train of thought completely derailed.
Draco paused, and then, seeming to come to a decision said, “Fuck it,” and leaning forward, pressed slightly dry lips to Harry’s.
The movement pressed Harry up against the wall, Draco’s body following to slide roughly against his.
Shock was quickly followed by excitement and eager participation on Harry’s part. You’re actually kissing Malfoy! his mind was shrieking at him, and he growled at it to shut up so he could really enjoy it.
Draco’s tongue swept inside his wet mouth, and Harry moaned at the sensation of it being expertly and thoroughly explored. His hands clutched at Draco’s arse, and he tried to haul him closer, his hips making little rocking motions.
Eventually, the need to breathe won out, and as they pulled apart, panting. Draco rested his forehead against Harry’s.
“So, is this your way of saying you’re interested?” Harry whispered.
Draco chuckled softly. “Well, subtle methods didn’t seem to be working.”
“Subtle methods?” Harry repeated. “Was that what all the hanging about and staring at us was?”
“What was I supposed to do?” Draco asked a bit defensively, pulling back to look at Harry properly.
“You could have said something to me.”
“Really? I should have come up to you at work, perhaps, and asked you out?” Draco said. “In front of the woman I figured was your girlfriend? You would have hexed me into next week.”
“Well now you know I wouldn’t have,” Harry pointed out. “So, now what?”
“I say we kiss s’more,” Draco said, leaning in.
“I’m all for more kissing,” Harry agreed, relaxing as Draco’s arms slid around him.
Draco teased his lips lightly, and Harry moaned, opening his mouth to grant Draco’s tongue access once more. As their mouths slid together, Harry’s eyes fluttered closed, and he let himself fall under Draco’s sensual spell.
“Perhaps we should move into a more comfortable position,” Draco murmured in his ear, and Harry allowed himself to be maneuvered backwards and onto one of the conveniently placed couches.
As Harry relaxed back into comfortable softness, Draco’s weight settling on top of him, his legs opened to allow Draco to get closer still and their groins slid together.
It was in the middle of Harry’s rocking up to rub as best he could against Draco’s corresponding hardness, that he heard the distant crack of Apparation.
It took Draco a bit longer to realize what he’d heard, and he even as he was pulling away from Harry’s clingingly addictive mouth, there were voices coming closer.
“Potter! Malfoy!” a feminine voice called out clearly.
“That’s Tonks,” Harry said, licking the last of the Draco taste off his lips.
“So it appears,” Draco said, his eyes glued to the movements of Harry’s tongue.
Harry blushed at the look in Draco’s eyes. “We have to get ready to go before they see us,” he said.
“Perfect timing,” Draco groused as he climbed off of Harry and began straightening his clothes. It was just in time, as Tonks poked her head into the tent just as Harry stood up.
“There you are,” she said brightly. “You two led me on a merry chase! You won. Took us the longest to track you two. Everyone else is accounted for.”
“Great,” Harry said, stepping forward.
“Nice place you found here, by the way,” she said, looking around. “Never seen anything like it. Might have to come back and check it out sometime...”
As Harry followed her outside, Draco right behind him, a figure materialized from the shadows.
She smiled, and with the wave of a hand, the tent went dark.
“Be welcome when you need a haven once more, fated lovers,” she whispered, and Draco, several feet outside, stopped and turned around, looking back at the tent.
“What is it?” Harry asked, sensing Draco’s confusion.
“I thought I heard someone say something...”
“That was me, telling you that we have to get back right away,” Tonks said. “See you back at the Ministry.” She Apparated away with a crack, leaving them standing there.
“So, I guess we really are dating,” Harry said, stepping close to Draco. “Want to Side-Along Apparate back?”
Draco smiled. “Why not?” he said, placing his arms securely around Harry.
“Do you think we’ll ever find this place again?” Harry asked, looking back at the oasis. “It was pretty romantic, a good place for a getaway, despite the heat.”
“I suspect we will,” Draco predicted.
As they Apparated away, anyone who had been standing there would have been astonished to see the tents fade away into nothingness, waiting to again be discovered by fated lovers.
~Fin
