Entry tags:

harry/draco, hp, my fic

Fic: Little Missives (Harry/Draco)
Title:Little Missives
Author: rickey_a
Genre: Drama/Romance
Word Count: ~1500
Rating: PG-Slash
Warning(s): None
Summary: This is a short sequel/epilogue to Getting There.
Author's Notes: I commissioned the incredible talents of oldenuf2nb to do some artwork for Getting There and decided to write this short little missive to add along with the updated posting on my website. Profuse thanks to winnett and spidermoth for the beta.

Little Missives

"Bugger," Harry said. The tip of his quill had snapped clean off. He was only halfway through his letter to Teddy, and he'd promised himself he'd finish it tonight. He'd been meaning to send his godson a letter for weeks, but kept getting distracted. As he rummaged through the top drawer of the desk for another quill, his hand pushed up against some sort of magical barrier. Opening the drawer wide and looking inside, he found another quill and took it out, but saw nothing else other than Draco's stock of writing supplies piled up against the back of the drawer.

His curiosity piqued, he pushed against what appeared to be the back wall of the drawer again. There was definitely a false backing. Harry wondered what it could be hiding. Given that the desk had once been Lucius', Harry would normally have been more concerned, but Lucius hadn't set foot in the Manor's study in over five years. Harry grabbed his wand and murmured a few basic Unlocking Spells. Nothing happened— not that he expected it would. He wondered what Draco might want to hide from him. He'd been living with Draco at the Manor for over a year, and this was the first time he'd ever come across something he couldn't access. He was well aware of some of the more questionable Malfoy or Black family heirlooms in Draco's possession. Harry tried several more Revealing Spells and found success on his fourth attempt. All that was hidden were a few pieces of parchment. Old love letters perhaps? Harry started to feel a touch guilty. Draco was probably upstairs in their bed waiting for him.

Two of the notes were quite small, and when he took a closer look he recognized them. To DM from DM was written on the outside. Harry remembered that night from two years ago. It was just after he and Draco had started their relationship, and he had resigned his position as an Auror. Draco had run away, and then one of those notes magically appeared. Reminiscing, Harry recalled the fear he'd seen in Draco's eyes, and how he'd wanted to comfort him with every fiber of his being. Draco had been as fragile as crystal back then. Harry had wanted Draco so much, but was afraid of being the sharp edge that would shatter him to pieces.

So it appeared that Draco had saved the notes. Interesting. They had never really talked about it. Harry had always assumed it had something to do with Draco's research at the Department of Mysteries. Now he wondered why Draco would've saved the notes at home instead of at his Ministry office.

Harry pulled the larger letter from the drawer and opened it. He knew he shouldn't, but he simply couldn't help himself. Old habits die hard.

Dear Mother and Father,

I know it has been some time since my last letter. While traveling I didn’t often have access to a long distance owl, but now I am at home in Wiltshire. I returned about a month ago. I hope you are both well.

I have news, which I have put off telling you for quite some time. Prior to my year of traveling, there was an accident at the Manor. Well, accident isn't really the proper word. I had been depressed and it became overwhelming. One night I set Fiendfyre loose in the Manor. It destroyed most of the first floor. I saw to it that the Manor be restored whilst I was away, but I am sorry to say that some things were destroyed beyond repair. I am quite ashamed of this, and that is why I have been unable to tell you before now. I was under professional care for some time after that. I like to think that I am better.

The main reason I am writing this letter is to tell you that I had a traveling partner this past year. More importantly, he has become my life partner and moved into the Manor with me. While our relationship is not public, I imagine there is the off chance that you might hear about it. Even more remote would be your return to Britain for a visit. I wouldn't want you to find him in his pyjamas eating toast in the kitchen. I do not wish to hide this from you. I know you do not particularly approve of my sexual orientation, but I feel that you must accept it.

My partner is none other than Harry Potter. I love him and we are happy.

Mother, I imagine that you have now called for father to come and read this letter along with you. I am sure this comes as a shock. No one was more surprised than me. I was at a very low point in my life after the accident. Harry came into my life and I have not regretted letting him in for one moment. We lived in my London flat for a few months and then, when I was ready, set off on our world tour. It was the most amazing experience. I saw so many things, and I cannot begin to describe all of the places and events that had a profound effect on me. I learned much about myself this past year. Most importantly, I realized that I had been more concerned with failing you rather than failing myself.

I found myself during my travels, funny how I had to travel the world in order to do that.

We are back home now, and Harry, who had quit the Auror Department, has begun working part-time in the Muggle-born Liaison office. Yes, the most famous wizard of our time works with Muggle parents who have discovered that their children can perform magic. He's happy about his job for the first time in years and I am thrilled for him. Tomorrow I have an interview at the Department of Mysteries. Harry arranged it, but has assured me that I have to earn the position on my own merit. However, I will not be dismissed solely because of my past. It will be a fair decision. I believe him, and for the first time in my life I am optimistic about my ability to do something on my own.

I'm sure all of this is difficult for you to digest. I imagine it's quite the bitter pill. All I ask is that you give it your consideration. I'd like for you to come for a visit and get to know Harry. I realize that it will be awkward at first, but it would mean the world to me. I miss you.

Your dutiful and loving son,
Draco

With the back of his hand Harry wiped the tears welling in the corner of his eyes and then folded the letter carefully. When he had replaced it in the drawer, he looked up to see Draco staring at him from the doorway.

"Oh," Harry whispered. "I'm sorry. I couldn’t… I was curious." He tried to look as apologetic as possible.

"I know. It's all right." Draco walked over to the desk.

"Did you ever send them a letter?"

"Not that one," Draco said softly. "Instead I wrote that I had returned to the Manor and was living with someone, and if they wanted to meet him, they could come for a visit."

"What did they say?"

"They wrote that if I wanted to see them, I could come visit them in France."

"Oh."

"We've had three similar exchanges this past year."

"They don't know it's me?"

Draco shook his head. They had managed to keep their relationship out of the press, even though most of their friends and coworkers knew they were together.

"You never told them about the Fiendfyre?"

Draco shook his head again. Harry stood and affectionately wrapped his arms around Draco. Against blond hair he whispered, "I think it's a beautiful letter. I think you should send it."

"I can't." Draco's voice sounded strained. "As I was writing it, I realized that the letter was really for me, not for them. There were things I needed to say— to admit. These..." Draco gestured to the drawer, "...are not things they want to hear. I don't think they'll ever understand, or ever accept."

"I love you." Harry kissed the side of Draco's head.

"I love you too."

"I think we should go to France," Harry suggested, and held Draco a fraction tighter.

Draco stiffened in Harry's arms. "The Chateau is beautiful in the springtime," he finally whispered after a silent minute. "You'd do that for me?"

Harry pulled back slightly so that Draco could see his face. "I would do that for you."

Turning Draco around, Harry leaned forward and kissed him— kissed him lovingly and passionately. Teddy's letter could wait. Tonight, Harry wanted to make certain that Draco knew how brave and beautiful he truly was. Harry wanted him to understand just how brave and beautiful he thought every single word confessed in that unsent letter.

The End