Snarry-a-Thon14: FIC: Narcissa Malfoy, Matchmaking Queen Title: Narcissa Malfoy, Matchmaking Queen Author:hdwriter Other pairings/threesome: past and brief Harry/OMC Rating: PG-13 Word count: ~6600 Content/Warning(s): None Prompt: Narcissa Malfoy is grateful for all Harry's help during the post-war trials and sets out to find someone to make Harry happy. She coerces Severus into helping her in her matchmaking efforts. Summary: Harry lets Narcissa 'help' him find a date because what can it hurt? He's not interested in settling down, anyway. But when Severus Snape is pulled in as chaperone, Harry discovers he might have some ideas about his love life, after all. A/N: I always enjoy the idea of Narcissa getting involved (in a positive way) in Harry's life, so this prompt drew my attention immediately. I hope it pleases you (and I'm sorry the rating isn't very high). Huge thanks to nenne for a very quick and thorough beta!
Narcissa Malfoy, Matchmaking Queen
"Harry, are you sure it's safe?" Hermione asked yet again, worrying her hair around her forefinger.
"Leave it, 'Mione," Ron said before Harry could respond. "Harry's a big boy. And Mrs. Malfoy did save his life."
Harry rolled his eyes when Hermione cuffed the back of Ron's head. He wished he didn't need to be here for this conversation, and he lay back on the grass, looking up at the blue sky.
"It's been a year already," Ron was saying, frustration coloring his voice. "Why can't you let it go?"
"I can't believe you're being so calm about this, Ron. Don't you think Harry has enough on his plate right now? If Mrs. Malfoy really wanted to show her gratitude, she'd leave Harry alone --"
Harry waved his hand. "Stop, both of you." He closed his eyes. "I appreciate your concern --" though she could surely hear that he didn't – "but I'm not an idiot, Hermione. Narcissa Malfoy isn't going to hurt me. She's trying to help, and even though I don't think I need her help, I'm going to let her. No harm, no foul, and she'll be happy."
Silence. For a moment, Harry enjoyed the warm breeze on his face. Then he opened his eyes and faced his friends. "What?"
Ron fought a grin, but Hermione looked hurt – and frustrated. "I'm worried about you, Harry. The last time you let Mrs. Malfoy 'help' you, you spent an evening trapped with that awful Parkinson boy, remember?"
"Merlin's sake, 'Mione," Ron cried. "It was Christmas – of course, he remembers!" He jumped to his feet. "I can't deal with this anymore. Sorry, mate," he added, glancing at Harry before drawing his wand and Apparating off with a crack.
Hermione barely flinched, her brown eyes searching Harry's face. "You don't need to let her set you up with dates, Harry. If you want to meet someone, I know plenty of people --"
Harry snorted. "I'm not itching to meet people, Hermione. I get letters and invitations all the time. I want to be left alone – but I'm not going to insult Narcissa by telling her that. There's not much she can do, you know. The Ministry has tied her hands, and she needs to be able to show her gratitude to me somehow. This is a pretty harmless way, don't you think? I can handle a couple of boring evenings."
Now she scowled. "What if they're not boring? What if she chooses someone who has it out for you – tons of people do, especially the types she knows!"
Harry sighed. He knew this was at the bottom of it all. Hermione hadn't forgiven Narcissa – or any of the Malfoys – for what she experienced in their home. He didn't blame her; it was hard for him too, even though Narcissa never took him near that wing of the manor. They'd closed it off, in fact, and were using magical means to completely rebuild it.
Plus, he suspected Hermione still struggled with his sexuality, though she vehemently protested against that when he brought it up last summer. "She's very careful," he said now, gently. "She would never set me up with someone who might hurt me. She only wants to see me happy --"
"Happy?! That Parkinson bloke practically molested you – in public!"
Harry tried to hold back his grin. He'd been doing his share of molesting too, but Hermione had never seemed to understand that. And granted, it wasn't smart of them to get carried away in the garden behind the restaurant, but Narcissa had been just as horrified as Hermione. "I'm not an invalid, Hermione," he said. "I could've left at any time, you know. And Narcissa apologized repeatedly."
Not that it was her fault. Pansy's cousin was much more attractive than she'd ever be, and Harry had wanted Philippe to touch him…and more.
Hermione huffed, crossing her arms. "I just think you should find your own dates, that's all."
"What if I'm not that interested in dating right now? That's why this is fine with Narcissa. She can set me up, I can go and eat, and then I can do my own thing. She's happy, I'm happy, and no one is hurt. I know you want Ron to propose so you can get on with your life, 'Mione, but I'm not you. I'm not ready to settle down. I've barely lived."
He didn't add that Ron felt like he did – that was their fight, and he suspected it was going to come to a head any day now. Ron suggested they take it slow after their epiphany (or Ron's epiphany) during the final battle last spring. But Hermione had been so delighted that Ron finally noticed her that she pushed for more. And now, a little over a year later, she was expecting a ring and a commitment.
Harry looked over the lake, enjoying the golden evening light. They'd had a picnic and simply enjoyed hanging out at Hogwarts today, glad to be done, to have their NEWTs, to be ready to move on. Harry knew he shouldn't have mentioned his trip to Narcissa's tomorrow, but he'd stupidly thought they were just being friends and relaxing.
"'Mione, I just want to enjoy my life a bit. Is that so wrong?"
He felt her arms encircle his waist from behind, and she leaned her cheek against his back. "No. It's not wrong." She sounded contrite, but he could still hear the hurt there. "I just --"
"We're all free now," he said. "We can find our own paths. And I like that the wizarding world doesn’t care about gender. I like that I'm not a freak for preferring men."
Her arms tightened a bit. "But you've never even given girls a try, not really. You didn't let Ginny start up with you last year, and you refused every girl who asked you out during Hogwarts. How do you know what you want when you've never even tried both sides?"
Last time they'd started this, Harry had just let it go and changed the subject. But this time, he couldn't do that. He turned around, gently removing her arms from him and holding her wrists. "Have you tried both sides? Did you consider dating a girl to be sure you weren't missing something there?"
"Of course not," she said. "I've always known it was Ron."
"So you're allowed to make that choice for yourself, but I'm not?" He tried not to get mad, but he suspected it was a losing battle.
"Harry, you've barely done anything. You spent your childhood and teen years fighting a crazy person. You had so much responsibility – you didn't get to just fall in love and enjoy a relationship. How can you know what you want, what works best for you, when you haven't even tried?"
"I did try with Ginny – don't you remember? We even had sex, though it wasn't pleasant." He winced. He hadn't meant to reveal that.
"What?" Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"Ginny wanted to be, um, close. She didn't want the war to start with her still being a virgin – or me, either. So we took care of that, and honestly, Hermione, that's all it took," he said, resigned.
"But – maybe it was just inexperience on both your parts? Harry, you should try again. You never know --"
"Hermione!" He squeezed her wrists before letting them go. "I'm gay! I don't like girls, all right? I never will. Not Ginny. Not any female. Why can't you accept that?" His voice cracked a bit, and he looked away.
"I just – I know how much family means to you," she said after a moment. "I know that you want children, you want that life. And if you – you'll never get that with a bloke, Harry." She sounded sad, defeated.
"I've already accepted that," Harry admitted. He shrugged. "I have Teddy. That will have to be enough – being his godfather, I mean. Andromeda has said I can be as involved as I want, and as Teddy gets older, I can even keep him for weeks at a time. He will be my family. It will be enough."
When the silence got long, he glanced over at her. She managed a smile, even through the tears. "Okay. I guess it will, then."
**
At the Manor, Narcissa poured tea for Severus. "You'll help me, then?" she asked.
Severus sighed. "I'm still unclear why you believe Potter needs your interference," he rasped. His voice would never be the same, but he couldn't complain. He was still a bit shocked that his anti-venin had worked, that he was still alive. And he owed Narcissa for much of that, as she had taken him from the infirmary at Hogwarts – where the house elves had placed him on that fateful day – to their Manor. She had nursed him back to health much like she would have Draco or Lucius.
Undeterred by Severus's tone, Narcissa took a sip of tea and continued. "You saw those pictures," she said. "In the Prophet, no less. Harry needs someone who has a little propriety, who will behave as he ought in public."
Severus quickly bit down in his biscuit before a laugh could escape. Of course, he'd seen the pictures, and there was no doubt that Harry had been just as culpable as poor Parkinson. Once he'd managed to swallow and get his amusement under control, he said, "Who is on your hook now? Draco?"
Narcissa almost spluttered. "Of course not," she said. "I want Harry to enjoy himself, to find someone who will care for him. Draco is not – well, he's a lovely boy, of course, but he's not in a position right now to settle down."
Meaning Draco was even hornier than Parkinson and had no qualms about one-offs. Despite his rocky past with Potter, Draco wouldn't hesitate to bed him and leave him. Severus was impressed, though not surprised, that Narcissa knew this about her son.
She sighed. "Draco will be next. But Harry – he's the one who needs someone right now."
"Why the hurry? He's still young – not quite out of his teens." Severus doubted Harry wanted to settle down anymore than Draco did, though Harry seemed to have more of a conscience about it. After his public pictures with Parkinson, Severus had heard nothing for the past few months.
Narcissa smoothed her hair, giving Severus a piercing look. "Harry is special, Severus. He hasn't had the guidance as a youth. He doesn't know about our ways, and yet, he's proclaimed as the future of us all. How can he lead if he doesn't have a man by his side who will offer him insight into the traditions we hold most dear? He's a good man, but he's ignorant of far too much."
Ah, now it was making sense. "So you want to marry him off to a pure-blood who will keep him under control."
She gave him a slight smile. "He doesn't need a nanny, Severus. He needs someone who can stand at his side as his star rises. Someone who will know how to temper his impulsiveness while still encouraging his innate goodness."
Severus's brow rose. "You have a high opinion of him."
She waved her hand. "As do you," she countered, no question in her voice. "That's why I want you to help me find him the perfect fit. Someone he can love safely. Someone who will add to his life rather than be a hindrance."
Severus snorted. "Why on earth did you set him up with Parkinson, in that case? Surely you never thought --"
"After the failure with Mr. Wood last fall, I thought someone fresh and new – and older – might work. But Philippe was a poor choice."
Severus took another bite, wondering what had happened between Potter and Parkinson after the picture was taken. He tried not to let himself picture Potter naked, writhing in ecstasy -- enough. Carefully wiping his mouth, he said, "What exactly do you want me to do?"
Narcissa smiled. "Why, Severus, I want you to chaperone his next date. With your wise direction, Harry can enter into a relationship with the safety net he needs."
"Chap – are you insane?" Severus couldn't sit still and stood to pace in front of the picture window looking out over their gardens and a distant pond. "Potter would have a miserable time with me anywhere near him, let alone sitting with him and a date."
Narcissa sipped at her cup, watching him as he paced.
"You must realize what a ridiculous thought this is – I won't do it!"
At that, her delicate brows rose. "But Severus, I thought you wanted to be a part of the rebuilding of our society? Surely escorting Harry, our Saviour, into the next age will show your earnest desire to see things improve. Am I wrong about your hopes?"
Severus gritted his teeth. "It's not that --"
"Good." Narcissa set down her cup. "Harry will be meeting Mr. Terpening at seven o'clock, at McDougal's just outside Diagon Proper. The reservation is for three, and I expect you to be early, to be present for the entirety. Please do not allow them to leave alone together, Severus. We don't need a repeat of the last debacle." She threw him another smile and rose, walking from the room with her usual grace and dignity.
"Bloody hell," Severus muttered.
**
Harry Apparated to the address Narcissa sent him, wondering yet again why he allowed her to do this. At least I got a decent shag out of it last time, he thought with a grin. Of course, it wasn't really much better than decent, and although Harry enjoyed sex as much as the next bloke, he was getting tired of the shag-em-and-leave-em mentality that seemed so prevalent amongst his peers these days.
He frowned at that thought. He'd told Ron he wasn't ready to settle down – and he wasn't – but he had to admit the idea of finding someone who truly loved him was intoxicating. Then he shook it off. Now wasn't the time for that. He'd be stunned if Lloyd Terpening turned out to be the love of his life.
He went inside McDougal's, glancing around and appreciating the tasteful décor. Narcissa, of course, wouldn't settle for anything but the best. "Harry Potter," he told the maître d', who simply nodded.
"Right this way, Sir," he said, not even glancing at Harry's forehead. But the table he led Harry to already had an occupant – and it wasn't Lloyd.
"Snape?" Harry said, confused.
Snape sighed, looking put upon. "Sit down, Potter. I'm here as your chaperone, at Narcissa's insistence."
"But – chaperone? I'm not fifteen, you know. I can be alone with a bloke." Harry sat, bemused.
"Well, I'm not the one you need to convince of that," Snape muttered. "And if you could keep it in your pants in public, this would be moot."
Harry knew he was blushing. "I wasn't trying for public indecency. Philippe had wonderfully strong hands, and he --" He broke off, wondering if his face was actually putting off heat.
"Yes, I'm sure he did," Snape said dryly. "Regardless, there will be none of that on this date – at least not in public."
"Well, if Lloyd is anything like Lisa," Harry said, "you needn't worry."
Snape snorted, and Harry realized with a bit of shock that he was amused. "I am not the one worrying, Potter. Believe me, this was not my choice."
Harry studied him for a moment, taking in the silky black hair, the healthier looking skin, the dark eyes. Those eyes were something else, and now that Snape no longer had to play the role of bastard – not that he'd ever be considered a 'nice' guy – Harry usually enjoyed his rare interactions with the man. They weren't enemies, and Harry knew better than most how Narcissa ruled the men in her life. "She took care of you, after the bite."
Snape inclined his head. "Indeed, she did."
Harry hesitated then said, "I'm sorry about all that, you know. I should've made sure --"
Snape lifted his hand. "You had enough on your plate, Potter. You must realize that I suspected what could happen – I had a contingency."
Harry chewed his lip. "But I just left you there --"
"Did you think I was alive?" Snape asked.
"No – but I'm glad you were," he added in a low voice.
Snape almost smiled, and Harry stared. "I am also glad I lived." Then he glanced over Harry's shoulder and the smile dropped from his face as he rose. "Mr. Terpening."
Harry also jumped up, turning around to see Lloyd – a medium-sized bloke with faded brown hair and light blue eyes – approach. Lloyd didn't look very happy to see Snape there, and Harry wondered if the date would be over before it began. "You must be Lloyd," he said quickly, holding out his hand.
Lloyd took it, but his eyes never left Snape. "What are you doing here?" he asked.
Harry frowned at the unpleasant tone. "He's here because he's my friend," he said. "I asked him to join us, since we'd never met and he knows us both."
Lloyd gave Harry an incredulous look. "What? You're friends with this Death Eater scum?"
Harry dropped Lloyd's hand. "I think this date is over," he said calmly, and he could hear the ice in his voice. "Have a lovely evening, Lloyd. My friend and I will be eating without you." And he sat down, his back to Lloyd, not even waiting to see if Lloyd would leave. After a couple of tense moments though, he heard angry steps moving away from them. Only then did he look at Snape. "Sorry about that."
Snape raised his brows. "You're sorry for defending me so valiantly?" And despite the sarcasm, Harry heard the appreciation in his voice.
"I'm sorry there are so many berks around who can't see past their stupid, little noses," Harry clarified.
Snape smiled – a real smile this time – and Harry's breath caught. "Well, shall we look over the menu then?"
And like that, the tension dissipated. Harry ended up having a great evening – more fun than he'd had in a long time. Snape was a great conversationalist, and his sarcasm kept Harry laughing more than he could remember.
At the end, Harry stood at the Apparition point and held out his hand. "Thank you for a lovely evening, Severus," he said.
Snape – who truly was now Severus – took his hand solemnly. "And thank you, Harry."
Harry grinned, squeezing Severus's long-fingered hand. "I'm sorry you have to face Narcissa alone."
Severus snorted. "Sure, you are."
Harry's grin grew. And then, with an impish feeling, he stepped forward and kissed Severus's cheek. "Till next time," he murmured, pulling his hand away with some regret. With a crack, he Apparated away.
**
"All right, Severus, it's time to get serious. This time, I want to hear whom you would choose for Harry," Narcissa said. It had been a month and three dates since Lloyd, and Harry had yet to sit through an entire dinner with any of the men Narcissa chose. Instead, he and Severus had ended up enjoying the meal together, talking and laughing and sounding more and more like the actual friends Harry claimed them to be.
"I haven't the faintest," Severus said, sipping his tea. He kept his eyes down, though, knowing how quickly Narcissa saw through those she loved. Truth was, he'd enjoyed each 'date' more than the last, and the thought of Harry finding someone – other than him – to spend his time with made Severus feel…unhappy.
"Severus, you surely have an idea. You know him better than any of us nowadays, and it's clear that you understand what he likes." She tapped that morning's Prophet, with the picture of Severus and Harry walking down Diagon Alley and laughing. "He's finally getting over that horror of a war, and it's time for him to find what he truly wants."
"I think he's fine, Narcissa," Severus murmured. "Perhaps he's ready to choose his own –"
"Nonsense," she said. "He's still just a boy, for all he's leaving his teens behind this week."
Severus stiffened. "Why on earth would you think I'd know, then? I'm decades' older --"
"I meant he's a boy when it comes to relationships. Merlin's sake, Severus. I'm not trying to insult him – or you."
Severus tried to relax. Truth was, he'd wondered many times in the past month why Harry agreed to finish all these dinners with him – plus the few times they'd gotten together so he could 'help' Harry find this or that in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. He certainly couldn't be a father figure – not with his temperament – and he wasn't a 'mate' like Mr. Weasley. Was Harry doing all this out of guilt? Did he want to repay Severus for watching over him? Or worse, did he feel sorry for Severus?
Severus frowned into his teacup. Pity from the Boy – almost-Man – Who Lived. He wasn't sure he could handle that. "Perhaps it's time for you to play chaperone," he said. "He might take the date more seriously then." Even the thought of Harry taking a man seriously – but no, Severus had no place in Harry's life. Not like that.
Narcissa gave him a close look. "Why on earth would you suggest that? It's quite apparent that Harry appreciates your guidance, Severus. That's why I want you to start thinking of possibilities. You clearly know his tastes better than I, and it seems to me that you've become friends lately. He'll trust you."
"And you want me to repay that trust by setting him up with a substandard prospect?"
Her eyes narrowed. "Don't be ridiculous. I want you to consider someone who will actually suit him. Someone he can love, who will love him in return. I simply believe you will know of any possibilities better than I." She paused. "I'm getting desperate enough to consider Draco, Severus. If you don't come up with someone, the next date will be with Draco."
Severus grimaced. "Why would you do that to your son? Draco has no interest in Potter – other than the purely physical."
"I don't know about that." She tapped her French manicure against the delicate cup. "Originally, I obviously agreed with you. But lately, I've seen a change in Draco. He's becoming more aware of the world around him, and I think that he's had enough common experiences to Harry – they both went through the war, after all – that they might fit better than I first thought."
Severus ground his teeth. Thing was, she might be right. Draco had grown up surprisingly in the past couple of months, and he seemed more serious about everything. He'd even approached Severus and asked about getting his Potions Mastery. "I need to consider my future, after all," he'd said. He was Harry's age, and Merlin knew they had some kind of chemistry with all the fights and bickering they'd pursued. "Fine. Set him up with Draco, then," Severus said. He put his cup down and stood. "I don't believe you'll need my services for that date."
"But Severus --" Narcissa began, but he heard no more as he closed the front door behind him. As he strode toward the gates where he could Apparate, he ignored the leaden feeling in his chest. This whole thing was ridiculous. Harry Potter should find his future with someone who actually had a future – someone who could stand beside him and be his equal. Draco could definitely become that person. And if Severus's future became all the bleaker and lonelier because of it, then all was right with the world. It was no more than he deserved.
**
Harry entered the posh restaurant, looking for Severus's dark hair and surprised when he didn't see him. Severus always arrived first. "I'm sorry, but is there a reservation for Malfoy?" he asked. Narcissa always made these under her name.
"Yes, sir. This way, sir," the maître d' said, leading Harry toward an alcove in the upper level. Harry had looked up there, but he must have missed Severus somehow.
But no, when they arrived at the table, Severus wasn't there. Instead, a silvery blond stood and turned to greet them. "Potter," Draco Malfoy said, inclining his head.
"Where's Severus?" Harry asked. "Are you chaperoning now?"
Malfoy smirked, taking the menus from the maître d' and gesturing toward the other chair. "My mother felt we didn't need a chaperone."
"We – you're the one she wants me to have dinner with?" Harry didn't mean to sound so incredulous, but fortunately, Malfoy didn't seem to take offense.
Instead, his smirk deepened. "Yes, Potter, I am your date for the evening. Would you like some wine?"
Harry took the proffered wine list, but his thoughts whirled. Why wasn't Severus here? He had to spend an entire evening with Malfoy? Suddenly, the night that he'd anticipated all week seemed interminably long and grey. "I'm not that good with wines," he murmured. "You can choose."
Malfoy lifted an eyebrow – just like Severus, and Harry felt an unexpected longing. What was wrong with him? Yes, he'd begun to enjoy these set-ups because of the fun he and Severus would have at the other man's expense (mostly after the other had already left). And yes, something about Severus's dark eyes never failed to get Harry's blood racing, his heart pounding. And okay, the few times Severus's long fingers had brushed against his had actually made his skin tingle – surely that meant that their friendship was growing. He might have come up with a few other reasons to see Severus away from the 'dates,' as well, but that was only normal. After all, they were truly friends, weren't they?
"So, did Severus not want to come?" Harry asked, playing with his napkin and avoiding Malfoy's gaze.
"Why would he want to come? He has many better things to do than play chaperone to your pathetic love life, Potter."
Harry suddenly couldn't quite get his breath. Of course, Malfoy was right. Why on earth would Severus want to spend time with him, babysitting him, in essence? He swallowed. "I'm not feeling all that great," he managed to get out. "I don't think --"
Malfoy reached out and grabbed his wrist. "Now, now, Potter. My mother expects us to put in one dinner. Surely you can handle that." He gave Harry a challenging look. "Unless you're scared to be seen with me, of course."
Automatically, Harry muttered, "You wish." He straightened his shoulders. Fine. He could do this – only one evening. "What's good here?" he asked, picking up his menu.
"It's a five-star restaurant, Potter. Everything is good here."
Of course. Merlin, Malfoy was such a prat. Harry found something he thought he could stomach, even with Malfoy's presence. And then he tried to make conversation. "So what are you up to these days?"
That seemed to be a good question, and Malfoy went on for some time. Harry didn't really listen, but he put his 'dating' skills to use and managed to nod at the appropriate times and keep a pleasant expression on his face. Inside, though, he was thinking of Severus. How much had Severus hated their evenings together? Was he feeling relieved he didn't have to see Harry anymore? Maybe he was out on his own date now, looking deep into a man's eyes, caressing the other's wrist with those slender fingers.
"—and then I will have my Mastery. I suppose at that point, I can support our family," Malfoy said, lifting the wine glass which had arrived during his lengthy speech.
"What?" Harry finally tuned in. "What family is that?"
Malfoy rolled his eyes. "Our family. You do realize that's the next step, yes? My mother wants me to carry on the Malfoy name, to reestablish our place in society. And you desperately need some refinement, a way to show the wizarding world that you have an understanding of our traditions and values. Our marriage will accomplish both of those."
Harry's mouth hung open. When he could speak, he said, "Are you insane? I'm not marrying you."
Malfoy simply smirked. "Come now, Potter. You can't be that ignorant. All these dinners that my mother is setting up for you – that's always been the goal. You will find a pure-blood to fill in the gaps, and I will have the hero standing beside me. It's a perfect solution."
"But I don't love you," Harry blurted. "Hell, I barely like you."
Malfoy laughed. "Really, Potter. What does love have to do with it? Pure-bloods – all of acceptable society – have been marrying for family and social positions for centuries. We'll learn to get along just fine, and as long as you're discreet, you can even have someone on the side, if you wish. Of course, I'll have to okay him, but still --"
Harry stood up. "No. I can't believe your mother has had this in mind all along. I just can't. And I won't go along with it. I don't care what tradition is like. I'm marrying for love and nothing else." The flatware began to tremble a bit, and Malfoy frowned.
"Calm down, Potter," he hissed. "You're getting all worked up about nothing."
Harry tried to calm down, but every word out of Malfoy's mouth just frustrated him more. "It's not nothing. How can you be so calm about marrying me, of all people? You've never liked me."
Malfoy frowned a bit. "That's not true." He waved his hand at Harry. "And sit down. People are beginning to stare."
Harry did, but he perched on the edge of his chair, his hands still gripping the table.
Malfoy leaned closer. "I've never disliked you that much. In fact, I was always fairly attracted to you. When you rejected me in the beginning of our first year, I was horribly disappointed. And then, I lashed out." He shrugged. "Our history isn't the best, but it will make our reconciliation that much better, don't you think? Everyone will attribute our antics to flirting and frustrated love. It's very romantic, after all."
Harry simply stared. Malfoy sounded no more excited or upset than he might while reading aloud Quidditch statistics. "You're saying you want to marry me. That you want to have sex with me, and sleep with me in your bed. Wake up to me every day, eat meals with me. That's what you're saying."
Malfoy shrugged again. "Sure. Why not? You're not bad to look at, despite the scruff and deplorable fashion sense. And I suspect you're fairly passionate in bed. I saw those pictures of you and Philippe, and as someone who's been with Philippe, I know he's not so great, so you must have been fueling some of that." He brushed lint from his sleeve. "It'll all be fine, and it'll give us each what we need."
Harry stood again. "It won't come close to giving me what I need," he said. "Tell your mother that I'll call tomorrow. Good night, Malfoy." And in the midst of Malfoy's objections, Harry walked away, stiff with anger and frustration.
**
Severus stood in the hallway outside the parlor, shamelessly eavesdropping. Harry had stormed in moments before, while Severus was taking care of business in the loo. Now Harry was in with Narcissa, and Severus couldn't help but be curious. Draco had returned the evening before filled with empty words and evasions. The Prophet's front page had been devoid of Potter pictures. Severus couldn't help but hope that things hadn't quite gone as planned.
"I need to know what you're thinking here, Narcissa," Harry said, his voice rising. "I've trusted you, and I believe you do have my best interests at heart, but last night wasn't what I wanted."
"Harry, dear, please sit down," came Narcissa's calm tones.
"I can't sit. I didn't sleep. I just kept tossing and turning – and what did you tell Severus? Did you force him to spend time with me? Was he hating every moment of it, just pretending to enjoy himself?"
Severus took a step closer, almost holding his breath. Harry's voice had broken on that last word – or had it?
"Harry, please." There was a rustling, and Severus guessed Narcissa finally got Harry into a chair. "I only want you to be happy," she said then, her voice touched with sadness. "You've had a hard life, and you deserve something good."
After a pause, Harry responded, his voice much lower. Severus had to strain to hear him, and he silently cast a spell that would allow him to hear without moving closer. "Narcissa, your care and concern mean a great deal to me. I don't want to insult you in any way, but – Mal-Draco said that you supported me marrying him. I can't --"
"Harry," she said quickly. "I only want to introduce you to men who can help you build a solid life in our world. You've had so little guidance on that account and even less time to learn about this world you've saved. That's why I've stuck to pure-bloods. They have the tradition that would benefit your already generous and giving soul."
"So you do want me to marry Draco?" Harry asked, sounding confused.
"Only if you want to, Harry. Of course, I love Draco, and I greatly care for you too. If the two of you made a match, I would be delighted. But I'm not trying to force you into anything."
"Did you force Severus to chaperone me? Did you promise him something in return?" Harry's voice shook a bit.
"No. I asked him to chaperone, and he agreed." There was another silence, and Severus wondered what Narcissa was planning. She was a wily one, and he knew better than to assume she would ever simply back down once she'd made up her mind – and she wanted Harry married.
"Then why didn't he come last night?" Harry finally asked.
Was Severus imagining things, or did Harry sound a bit forlorn?
"I thought you might like an evening with just you and your date. That's all."
Severus withheld his gasp. She'd lied – why?
"Narcissa, I don't – I'm sorry, but Draco isn't the person for me. There's just too much bad history between us, and I have no interest in him like that." Harry sounded incredibly awkward, and Severus felt sympathy mixed with respect. Not just anyone could stand up to Narcissa, especially about her only son. "I'm a little surprised you thought I could," he added.
When Narcissa responded, Severus could hear the smile in her voice, and he leaned even closer, despite the spell. "Why wouldn't I? You clearly got past your even worse history with Severus, and the two of you seemed to be quite friendly."
"Oh, but – I mean – I thought you asked Severus to spend time with me. That wasn't his choice."
"But it was yours," Narcissa said calmly. "Besides, I can't make Severus do anything. Yes, I did ask him to play chaperone, but I never even hinted that he needed to remain once your dates left. And I believe every single one of them left well before the dinner actually began." She sounded far too innocent.
"But – you didn't ask him to stick it out?" Hope warred with longing in Harry's voice.
"Of course not. I never thought for a moment he'd stick around. When I realized that each of your dates was actually with Severus rather than the boys I chose, that's when I realized that perhaps you truly were capable of making your own choice."
"My own --" Harry broke off, and Severus could almost feel his blush. "But he'd never consider me," he said, his voice low and sad. "I'm just an annoying kid to him."
Severus's heart rose, and his mind whirled. Was he saying – did he want Severus?
"Oh, Harry. Though Severus hasn't said much about your time together, the fact that he continued to go speaks volumes. He most certainly does not find you annoying. And I suspect you've not been a kid to him for quite some time."
Severus couldn't remain in the corridor any longer. He stalked into the room, not stopping until he stood slightly in front of Harry's chair. Harry stared at him, his cheeks burning red, and his mouth gaping in shock. "Potter, you are such an idiot," he said. Then he reached down and removed Harry's cup from his hand before he dropped it. Before pulling back, he gently touched Harry's cheek. "Harry," he amended. "You cannot possibly believe I spent those evenings with you out of any kind of obligation. That is not and never has been my style."
Those perfect green eyes held hope. "So you stayed with me because --"
Severus gathered his courage. "Because I wanted to. Because I wanted to be on a date with you. Because, for the first time in a very long time, I can see a future. With you."
Slowly, a smile broke through, and Harry stood. "Good," he said simply, before pulling Severus's head down. As their lips met, Severus moved to press his body flush with Harry's, savoring the taste of Harry's sweet lips, his sinuous tongue. As Harry moaned, Severus suddenly remembered where they were – and who was watching.
He pulled away, only removing one hand from Harry's body to make sure the physical response to the kiss wasn't apparent. Then he glanced at Narcissa. "I believe we can take it from here," he said. He nodded his head and gave a soft smile. "Thank you, Narcissa, for bringing us together," he added.
Narcissa, already moving toward the outer door, simply gave a gracious smile in response. "I'll expect an invitation," she said, right before the door closed behind her.
"Now, where were we?" Severus said, pulling Harry to him once more.
**
Epilogue
"I can't believe you're marrying the greasy git," Ron groused. "I mean, I'm all for finding the man you want, but seriously, mate. He made your life miserable, and he's just not attractive."
Harry only laughed, letting Hermione straighten his tie yet again. He glanced at the mirror, but truth was, although he did want to look the part for their traditional Wizarding bonding, he knew Severus would take him just as he was. "His attractions may not be obvious to everyone, Ron. But that's the way I like it. I want to be the only one who knows how amazing he is."
Hermione hugged him suddenly. "I'm so glad you're happy," she whispered. "This is all I wanted for you."
Ron's arms suddenly joined hers from behind. "Me too, mate," he said. "I'm glad it's you and not me, but I only want you to be happy."
And as Harry went down the stairs in the Manor to join Severus before a roaring fire and the Yule decorations, the small but prestigious crowd sitting behind, he couldn't keep the smile from his own face. He took Severus's hand, saw the love in those dark eyes, and knew that he'd found what he always wanted.
When the time came for their kiss to seal the bond, Harry murmured into his husband's mouth, "I will make you happy, my love."
"You already have," came the response. "You already have."