(Part One)

(Part Two)

When Harry entered his office at nine o’clock the next morning, he saw his large stack of mail. He sighed and looked back at Draco’s office with a forlorn expression. It was dark as Draco had a meeting early that morning with Theodore Nott.

He opened the first package labeled, “Confidential: Miles Bletchley Background Report.” Although Harry had run his own background report on the man after he had raised his suspicions, he wanted to read what the private sector had found on him. He was disappointed; the results were the same. It was as if the man had disappeared completely from the time that his parents died during the war until he began work at Malfoy Corp.

He sighed, and opened the package on Blaise. It was far thicker than the file on Miles. Blaise spent the war in Italy, where it appeared that Italian Aurors had quite a time with him. He apparently was rebelling from his mother forcing him to abandon his friends. However, when he returned to England after the War, his record cleared of any problems. He went into business with Draco Malfoy and opened his first nightclub. Business boomed, and he kept his nose clean. He became one of the richest men in Wizarding Europe, after Malfoy and just above Harry himself. (Harry was maintaining his place that he attained via his inheritance through investments, which were made for him by an advisor.) He was now VP of Malfoy Corp. and the owner of several nightclubs.

So, there was nothing new uncovered.

Harry sighed, and knew that both men seemed suspicious. However, he also realized that Zabini was slightly more. He had more of a history of crime, one of the murders had happened right outside his nightclub, and he had had that fight with Draco just moments before the bomb had gone off. Harry somehow didn’t feel right about Zabini doing it though. Why would he side with an anti-pureblood group? Miles Bletchley seemed to have a greater motive, with the deaths of his parents. But Miles didn’t seem any more likely; he seemed too happy.

He quickly tore a piece of paper from his notepad, and wrote a quick note to Robards, telling him to take Zabini into custody. He rolled it up, and attached it to the leg of the owl sitting in the cage in the corner of the office. He opened the window, and the bird flew out.

Harry sat back down and got back to work. Moments later, Draco walked in. The moment he saw Harry, a smile spread across his face. “Alex,” he said. “Good Morning!” He went over to him, and placed a quick peck on his lips.

Harry blushed lightly, “Draco, you can’t do that at work.”

“I know,” Draco said. “But we’re all alone and I had such a good time with you last night.”

Harry smiled, “Me too.”

Draco stepped away from him and walked into his office; the smile fell from Harry’s face like a skydiver without a parachute. Harry needed to tell Draco who he was, and soon. Otherwise, nothing he had gained with him would be salvageable.

Twenty minutes later the owl flew back in the room, swooping down and depositing the letter on his desk. He unrolled it as Draco called from the other room, “What just arrived?”

“Oh,” Harry said, beginning to read. “It’s just a note from Nott. He needs to reschedule your meeting with him this afternoon.”

“I see,” Draco said. “Fit him in somewhere over the next couple of days, please?”

“I will,” Harry responded.

The note read:

Dear Auror Potter,

We will arrest him tonight. I understand your need to wrap up any loose ends. Please do so in a timely fashion.

Sincerely,
Head Auror Robards

“Draco,” Harry said. “Would you like to go out tonight? I’d like to take you out.” He swiveled in his chair, looking at Draco through the doorway.

Draco looked up, grinning broadly. “Alex, this is all rather sudden, but all right. Could we leave straight from work though? I have an appointment at seven-thirty, as you know, in the conference room downstairs. The meeting ought to get out by eight though.”

“Sounds good,” Harry said.

Then, he stood and walked into Draco’s office, kicking the door shut behind him. He walked over to him, and sat down in his lap. He bent down and gave him a searing kiss.

When they separated, Draco’s lips were swollen, and his pupils were blown out. There was a moment of silence, before the corner of Draco’s mouth pulled into a mischievous smirk. “Why, Alex, I thought you said that we shouldn’t do any PDA at work,” Draco drawled.

“Well, Draco, I decided I would seize the moment,” Harry replied with a small smile. “However, if you want me to go back to my desk, that’s fine.”

“No… no,” Draco said, placing his hands on Harry’s butt and pulling him closer to him. “I don’t think I want you to do that… I’m just starting to have fun.”

He pressed his lips against Harry’s and Harry smiled into the kiss as his eyes fluttered shut.
xXx

That evening, at around seven-thirty, Harry sat behind his desk, sorting through the papers on his desk. The bright colors of sunset shone in the sky. Oranges, reds, and pinks filtered through the window, and displayed the colors on the walls of Harry’s office.

Harry knew that Alex Selwyn made quite a picture in his blue bespoke suit, cleaning his desk sadly. He was going to miss Alex a lot… his life was a lot simpler. He was anonymous as Alex; he could be with Draco. Harry knew that Draco was going to be very angry when he realized Harry’s true identity… everything might be over then. May be, however, Draco could see past it. At least, that is what Harry hoped. He knew that it would be difficult for a while, but he couldn’t give up hope.

He just couldn’t.

He had an entire plan that night to tell Draco. First, they would go to the theater and see Draco’s favorite play. Then, they would go to supper at a nice Italian restaurant Harry knew. Everything would go perfectly, and Harry would take Draco back to his place, to tell him the truth. Beyond that, Harry had no plan. Everything would rest on Draco.

He was almost finished cleaning his desk when he heard a knock on the office door.

“Come in,” he called.

The door opened, and Harry looked up.

Miles Bletchley stood in the doorway, as the light outside grew bloodier.

Harry’s brow furrowed. “Mr. Bletchley,” he said, “what are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be in a meeting with Mr. Malfoy in the conference room downstairs?”

His hand fell towards his pocket that held his wand.

However, Bletchley took out his wand more quickly. Harry swore mentally. Bletchley pointed it at Harry, and Harry raised both hands in surrender.

Bletchley looked at Harry tearfully, “I am so sorry, Mr. Selwyn.” He took in a shaky breath, “Stupefy.”

Harry fell back and his world went black.

xXx

When Harry awoke, he saw first Draco tied up with rope to the chair opposite him, gagged by a cloth similar to the one he felt in his own mouth. The only source of light in the room was a candle on a wooden table between them that let off a yellow glow. In each corner of the room stood a man, shrouded in darkness, each in a black suit. The sky was completely dark outside.

“Ah,” a man’s voice said, “Mr. Selwyn, you are awake.” Harry looked to the side and saw two Mr. Bletchley’s, identical in face and stature. That was where the similarities ended. One twin looked like part of the Mob, in a black pinstripe suit, and looked completely confident. The other stood slightly behind him, crouched into himself, close to tears, in his typical business suit.

“Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Selwyn,” he said. “I’m not sure if you remember me; we were at Hogwarts together. I’m Kevin Bletchley. I know you know my brother, Miles.” Miles whimpered slightly behind him. “We are the founders of the League of Justice. I, however, am the commander.”

Miles looked up sharply. “Kev,” he said, “I thought we were both in charge.”

Kevin looked at him over his shoulder, “Please, Miles, don’t be ridiculous.” The man in the corner behind Miles lifted his pistol and fired at the back of Miles’ head. Miles fell forward, dead instantly. Draco jumped a little at the shot. Kevin shrugged, “He had outlasted his usefulness.” He paced a little, before taking the cloths out of his and Draco’s mouths. “Please,” he said. “Talk.”

“Why are you doing this?” Draco yelled.

“Calm down, honey,” Kevin said. “Too loud, and you’ll be like my brother.” Draco looked on dispassionately and Kevin continued, “I want to kill all inbred, pureblood scum, like those who killed my parents. So my brother and I set up this whole organization to take them out. We’ve already killed a Bulstrode bitch, a Nott bastard, and a Gant whore. It’s only a matter of time before we eradicate all of you. Then, the true superiors will rule.”

“Weren’t those the same ideals that led to the past Wars?” Harry said.

Kevin walked up to Harry and punched him in the face. Harry felt his teeth jostle. “Never insinuate that we are the same as them,” Kevin snarled in his face, then he spat at Harry. Spittle landed on his face.

“Why did you take Alex as well?” Draco pleaded, “It’s me that you really want. Just let him go, I’ll do anything!”

“Hmmm… ” Kevin smirked. “No. He’s still pureblood scum that deserves to die, even if he is American. Also, he can be used to torture you very easily, and vice versa, of course.” He began to walk towards Draco, and Harry prepared for the worst, when a loud voice boomed from outside, amplified by a Sonorus Incantation.

“Mr. Bletchley, we know that you are in there. We both know how this is going to end. Let your hostages go, and come quietly,” Robards’ voice said.

Kevin looked outside, and said, “Fuck.” He looked around the room and said, motioning towards the men, “You two, come with me. You other two, guard the door. Make sure they don’t escape.” Everyone left the room, except for Harry and Draco. The door shut.

“Oh my God, Alex,” Draco said. “Are you okay? I am so sorry; this is my fault. You were waiting for me!”

“I’m fine, really,” Harry said. He began to feel the queasiness in his stomach associated with his body changing from the glamour spells; they were wearing off. He had planned for them to vanish naturally when they were back at his place. It was bad timing now, though. “I just have something to tell you. It’s import-Fuck!” His bones began to compress as he grew shorter. “You see I’m not who I said I am…”

“Alex?” Draco whispered.

“I’m really-,” Harry began.

“Potter,” Draco spat. “I knew it was too good to be true. It was all just a joke.”

“Draco-.” Harry began.

“It doesn’t matter,” Draco growled. “Just use your Auror training and get us out of here, Potter.” His grey eyes seemed to grow cool in an instant. Harry’s heart cracked.

“All right,” he said. Harry cast a spell silently and wandlessly, levitating the glass of the oil lamp from the rest of it, and the flame upwards. He brought it behind his back, burning the rope until it broke. His wrists were red when he finally got it away. He took his hands from behind his back and untied his ankles from his chair. He then went to Draco and released him.

“Can you fight with your hands? We don’t have wands,” Harry said. Draco nodded in response. “Help me kick down the door,” Harry ordered. “On three: one…two…three!”

The door fell off its hinges. The men in black jumped into action, but Harry and Draco had surprise on their side. After a quick tussle, the men fell to the ground, unconscious. Harry and Draco searched the two men for their wands…and found their own.

Well, these people aren’t winning any points for intelligence, Harry thought. “Come on!” Harry said. “I need to get you out of here, since you’re a civilian.” They rushed to the door of the building, taking out the League’s men as they went.

When they arrived at the front door of the building, they rushed through it, and were quickly taken in mediwizards and mediwitches to look them over. They were finished with Draco long before they finished with Harry thanks to the burns on his wrists.

Draco stood when they were finished with him, and went over to Harry. “Potter,” he spat. “I will only tell you this once. I never want to hear your voice again. I would prefer it if you would not seek me out, and avoid me at all costs. I would prefer to never see your face again. If you attempt to contact me, I will not be held accountable for my actions. Do you understand me?” Harry sat there, mouth gaping. “I shall take your silence as an acceptance of my demands. Goodbye, Potter.”

Then, Draco walked away, his spine straight in his black suit.

Harry could not see anything but him walking away. Tears sprung to his eyes, but he would not let them fall. He felt a deep pain in his stomach and in his chest. He felt like his world was shattering, but nothing at all simultaneously.

A mediwitch returned with an anti-burn spray. She looked at him and said, “Auror Potter, do your wrists hurt badly?”

“No,” Harry said, looking down.

(Meanwhile, across the city, Draco apparated in front of the Nott household. Pansy opened the door. She ushered him inside. It was then that Draco broke.)

xXx

A week after the hostage situation, Harry stood in Andromeda’s doorway. “I wish you would tell me what’s troubling you, Harry,” she said, cupping her cheek in her hand.

“Really, I’m fine, Andromeda,” Harry said. “I’ll see you at Teddy’s party in a few days.”

“Yes, in two days,” she nodded. Harry turned and walked outside, apparating a few feet from the door.

She shut the door behind him quietly as Teddy was already asleep. She sighed, wishing Harry would confide in her. She knew he was troubled, and she counted Harry as a friend, since he spent so much time with Teddy. Andromeda simply wanted to help.

Then, she saw Narcissa’s owl fly through the window out of the corner of her eye. She removed the letter from the owl’s leg and read:

Dear Dromeda,

I hope this letter finds you well. Draco and I can hardly wait for Teddy’s birthday party! However, something quite troubling has happened to Draco. He came to visit me in France over the weekend, and seemed all out of sorts. When I asked him what was the matter, he began to cry in a way that I hadn’t seen since he was a small boy. He didn’t even cry during the war, Dromeda, so I was quite concerned. He managed to say that he had started dating his Personal Assistant, but he had discovered that he was actually an undercover Auror, investigating a murder case. I did not manage to get any more information out of him, however. My poor boy! Can you imagine someone horrid enough to do such a thing? Simply dreadful.

Well, I shall see you on Friday. We can speak more then.

Love,
Cissa

The pieces flew together in Andromeda’s head, as she realized who the mysterious Auror was. She quickly flew to her desk and began to write…

xXx

Two days later, Harry stood across the room from Draco. He had forgotten that he would be attending the party as well, as he served as an uncle to Teddy as well. He stared at him longingly, as Draco did his best to forget his presence. He sighed.

He felt a light tugging on his sweater. “Uncle Harry,” Teddy said. “I have a question.”

“Yeah, Teddy,” Harry said, looking down at him.

“Why don’t you and Uncle Draco talk to each other even though you look at each other like how Aunt Hermione and Uncle Ron look at each other when they’re being all mushy?” Teddy cocked his head.

Harry looked at Teddy, “Your Uncle Harry did something that he knew was bad, but he had no choice. Uncle Draco won’t forgive him, and for good reason.”

“That’s stupid,” Teddy wrinkled his nose. He pursed his lips for a moment then said, I wanna play a game with you, but I have friends here right now. Could we play it after they leave at eight?”

Relieved that he had dropped the subject, Harry said, “Sure, kiddo.”

Teddy nodded seriously, and walked away.

xXx

“Teddy?” Harry said. “Are you ready to play?”

Teddy turned away from Victoire and said exasperatedly, looking every bit like his late father, “In a minute. I’ll be right up.” Then he turned back to her, talking to her animatedly.

Harry laughed silently as he made his way up to Teddy’s room. He looked inside the room and he stilled in the doorway.

Draco Malfoy sat there, looking quite out of place in the child’s bedroom. He had a peaceful little smile on his face. He looked up, sensing someone’s presence, and the smile fell from his face.

They rested there awkwardly for a moment, before Teddy rushed in, pushing past Harry in the doorway. He sat next to Draco on the rug.

“Uncle Harry,” Teddy said seriously. “Could you come here?”

Harry walked over and sat. Draco would not meet his eyes. Harry just felt numb.

“We’re not really going to play a game,” Teddy said. “Uncle Harry, Uncle Draco, you’ve been acting really weird all night. I want you guys to fix it before you come downstairs or I’ll be very upset!” Teddy threatened. He then smiled, “I’ll be downstairs drinking juice.” He then stood and ran downstairs. Harry was again struck by how much Teddy was like his father.

They sat there for a moment in awkward silence before Andromeda and Narcissa walked by. They stopped in the doorway. “For the record,” Andromeda said. “I agree with my grandson.”

“As do I,” Narcissa said. “We were going to ambush you ourselves, but Teddy seemed to do a good enough job. Without our interference, I might add. We’re going to lock you in there until you rectify what has happened.”

The door shut and locked with a click. Harry and Draco sat there awkwardly for a moment. Harry shifted slightly, before he said, “Draco, I-.”

Draco interrupted him, “I just don’t understand one thing, Potter.” He swallowed, before he spat out, “Why would you, Scarhead, go out on a date with me if you were hiding who you were? I mean, you didn’t pressure me to go to bed with you, so it can’t be that. It goes against all of your stupid Gryffindor justice. So, why, Potter?”

“I knew it was the only chance I was going to get with you,” Harry said. “I’ve been attracted to you since I was in my sixth year at Hogwarts, even though I didn’t really realize it. Then I got a case to go undercover as your PA. However, as we spent time together I realized that I didn’t just find you attractive, but that I was growing to love you.” Harry tried to lean towards Draco, but he backed away. Harry swallowed. “But I also was wracked with guilt. I had planned to reveal my true identity the night we were held hostage. I really am sorry that I did this to you Draco, but I had no choice.”

“Yes, you did,” Draco said. “You could have told me who you were… before you took me out.”

“I didn’t know that that wouldn’t have compromised everything,” Harry said. “There was a lot at stake; justice for three lives depended on my success.”

“I could have told you that Blaise wasn’t a double agent,” Draco said. “I knew that there was something suspicious about Bletchley too.”

“I really am sorry,” Harry said. “I know this might be overstepping, but could you please give us another chance? Please?”

Draco seemed to think it over for a moment. “I don’t know, Potter…”

“We’ll have a great time; I promise,” Harry said. “I owe you a date anyway, remember?”

“How much of Alex was you, Potter?” Draco said. “I need to know that first.”

“The only difference between Alex and me were our backgrounds and our appearances. Our personalities, our habits, and our beliefs are the same,” Harry said.

“It’ll take me a long time to trust you again, Potter,” Draco said. “But I’ll go on your date, if only to get my mother off of my back.”

Harry grinned broadly. “We can go to the coffee shop across from your office. If everything goes well, we can go to supper after. Does Sunday at three sound good?”

Draco nodded, and smiled, “It’s a date.”

The door unlocked.

xXx

The coffee house was filled with small tables surrounded by a mish-mash of eclectic chairs. Behind the counter were two baristas, who looked to be in their early twenties. The door opened, and the bell attached the door jingled.

Draco and Harry walked in awkwardly. They didn't quite know what to say to each other anymore, although words had come so easily in Teddy’s bedroom. Harry felt the awkwardness left behind by his deception; Draco didn't know where Alex Selwyn ended and Harry Potter began.

Harry broke the silence. "Why don't you go find us a table? I can go get us the coffees."

Draco nodded, and began to reach for his wallet inside his pocket, "Let me just-."

Harry interrupted him, "I've got it. After all, I asked you out."

Draco smiled graciously. "All right, I want..."

"Coffee, two sugars," Harry grinned. "I know."

Draco smiled back at him. The old ways were mixing with the new ones.

It was a new beginning.