Send me a pairing and a number

Draco was going to kill Robards and flee the country. How else was he supposed to deal with the fact that he spent eight months of his life training to be an auror only to be assigned as Potter’s partner. He stood there, frozen, as Robards continued calling out partner names, oblivious to his inner turmoil. 

How could he think this was a good idea? They’ll be throwing hexes within five minutes. Draco wasn’t entirely sure Potter’s would remain nonlethal. Looking over at the other man, Draco noted he was just as displeased as Draco, if not more so. Instead of feeling comforted, Draco was only more infuriated. How dare he be angry at this turn of events? If anyone had any right to be upset, it was him. After what he did… Draco shook his head to stop where that thought was going. It wouldn’t help to think about that now. 

Robards finished off by saying, “Alyssa will all give you the assignments to your  offices. Off you go.” Out of the corner of his eye, Draco saw Potter move towards where Robards was but he was gone by the time Harry got there. Of course the bloody savior would want to get out of it. It was a wonder why so many people looked up to a coward. 

There were few new recruits so it didn’t take long for him to get his office number. He immediately dashed out of the room, not bothering to check if potter was following. 

Naturally, he didn’t get the chance to take in the office before Potter came barging in, promising to kick Robards face in while asking for a new partner. Despite having similar thoughts earlier, Draco couldn’t help be annoyed. If Draco were to demand a new partner, there was no way in hell anyone would listen. He’d be thrown out before people take his considerations into account. But, of course, the Boy Who Lived would get what he wanted. 

“Once again the Golden Boy wants to use his status to his advantage. You know, in the real world, you don’t get to pick and choose.” Draco took a breath before continuing, “You’re stuck with me.”

“Shut it, Malfoy. I told you not to call me that,” Potter seethed. Not for the first time, Draco wondered how they got here. 

“You told me a lot of things, as you seemed to have forgotten.” Draco’s voice was meant to be biting, but instead it came out with no venom. He just sounded tired and resigned. Potter didn’t seem to know how to respond - He was best adept at handling anger. 

“Malfoy-” Harry said in a warning voice. 

“No, I want an explanation. I think I deserve one after everything,” Draco persisted. He was done playing games. “We were finally getting along. We were… friends. But you-” he stopped, not wanting to show anymore weakness. He just needed to understand. How could Harry leave after everything they’d been through. 

After the war, Draco didn’t have many people to turn to for comfort or anything else, really. A few people had returned to Hogwarts for their ‘eighth year’ including himself and Potter. Draco wasn’t exactly sure where the friendship started. Maybe it was in those late nights where they couldn’t sleep and instead stayed up talking or the seeker games they had when they wanted to get away. 

But it didn’t matter when or where or how it started, because Harry ended it. One day they were talking by the fire in the common room and the next Harry was back to being Potter. He was cold and distant, throwing insults as if they were back in third year. Potter wouldn’t even let Draco talk to him to find out what happened. 

Potter was pacing back and forth now, his hand running roughly through his hair. Suddenly he spoke, “You want to know what happened?” And then he was moving towards Draco. For a moment, Draco was afraid he was going to hit him but instead he stepped close, wrapped his arms around Draco’s neck, and kissed him. 

Draco froze. Never in a million years did he think this would happen. When he thought about it, it made sense. All those late nights talking about their hopes and dreams, the help they offered each other while studying, the dreams of men with green eyes and unruly black hair. It all made sense. 

Draco didn’t have time to respond before Harry was pulling back with wide eyes. “I’m sorry. I just- I’m gonna go. I’m sorry,” Harry said, taking quick steps backwards away from Draco. 

“Harry,” Draco breathed. Harry stopped and focused his gaze on the carpet beneath his feet. Now Draco could see that all this time, Harry was only scared. “Harry,” Draco said again, moving forward until he stood directly in front of the other man. Bringing his hands up, he lifted Harry’s face to meet his and their lips connected again. 

The kiss was gentle and sweet, conveying emotions they couldn’t put into words. Draco smiled into the kiss, knowing he would be more than willing to stay here forever.