Chapter Text
i.
a tale begins
There are a lot of fairy tales in the world to last a life time. Different stories, different plots, different challenges to ensnare even the monstrous of all.
In between two worlds, to connect is impossible. Even more so, when the littlest of tick can anger the powerful and the mighty. So, you see, in a game of chess where the king and queen are both as equally capable as the opposing team — it is a fair play to weigh the unjust.
“I see,” Lucius nodded coldly, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration and grip tightening.
“Lucy darling,” Narcissa called calmly, reaching out. “Think straight"
“No. Let met get this straighter” he snarled, “The awfully toad like Muggle Minister threatened us — the Malfoys — to leak our profiles and identity to the public”
Sirius shrugged, shaking his head. “Yeah, no. To be precise, leak who you guys are in their public. That is to say, their world. Muggle World. You know the place where magic is nothing but a mere illusion?”
Noticing the way Lucius did not appreciate what he said, he added, “He cut ties with Fudge and revoked the protection program you signed with him. In a month or so, if not properly handled, your name will fall under every muggle’s radar”
Then he smirked coyly, “I can just imagine thousand headlines. Malfoys: The Joke of the Century, The Fairytale that is Bullshit, or get this Malfoys to the Mentals!” he chuckled, having fun at the thought.
Narcissa raised an eyebrow, “Mentals?”
“It’s like St. Mungos but it’s only for people with mental illnesses which is bound to happen to you. Poor Lucy. What will it make of you?”
Lucius’ gaze flickered something dangerous, his fingers tapping at the side of his cane, weighing what to say next and Sirius just know how to fill it to prompt a satisfying reaction out of his cousin’s husband.
He lifted the corner of his lips in a mocking way and crossed his legs, “And it might destroy your image to the Ministry and risk your lives in the whole of London. You see the Muggles are dangerous. They don’t have wands but they can be the absolute worst.”
Then Sirius looked the other way—in deep thought—snarled in disgust. “They abuse animals! Dogs! A whole lot of them”
However, only one thing caught Lucius’ attention. “Are you calling me incompetent?” he glared, his eyes glowing in rage. The snake on his cane seem to move, hissing in subtlety.
Sirius laughed, raising his hands in surrender. “Calm done, bud. I am merely stating facts about Muggles here. No way an attack to your incompetency”
He grinned when Lucius seemed to emanate that dark rage around him, his fingers stopping and his whole body tensed. He saw the way Narcissa tried to calm her husband down by putting a hand on his thigh, “Lucy, darling”
Lucius glared even more. His hands itching to get a hold of his wand and cast a curse in Sirius’ way, “He’ll pay. He will suffer”
“Alright. Geez. Calm down, grandpa” Sirius continued to jab playfully, wanting to really see him all fueled and losing poise.
But then, the corner of Lucius’ lips curled, “What do you suggest then, chihuahua?”
What the fuck.
“Did you just—actually, why don’t we let the Muggle Minister exploit your name?” The disrespect is waving around here, “And I am fucking Padfoot”
Lucius raised an eyebrow tauntingly, “How about we reveal to the Ministry you’re an illegal animagus?”
Sirius smiled cheekily, “How about we don’t?”
“Then what do you suggest? I require a good answer. A better replacement for that old pug. Someone who can put that person in its rightful place after trying to disrespect my family”
Sirius grinned deviously. Oh, he will love this, “I know the best one. But he, for sure, won’t do things for free”
━━━━━
“Can I please get my blood pressure here?”
James blurted out, his voice coming out in a panic whisper, “And a nice sedative, please”
Lily rolled her eyes. How is this man even more dramatic than she is?
“Can you relax?”
“How can I relax, Evans? My whole life is a lie!”
There is another world. Sticks that contain magic. Brooms that fly. Air football. Witches. Wizards. A chocolate frog that literally hops around. Potions. Another fucking world out there. One that seems to be a lot more magical than the one he grew up in.
“Don’t you understand? Magic, Evans! There is magic out there!” James said forcefully. “Magic that decided to evade me like I have some sort of virus! While Siri? He gets to fly, magic wings, be invisible!”
Sirius snorted in amusement. Hiding his wand in the pocket of his jeans as he watched the amazing Potter spouses. He laid his back and settled his eyes back on them. He seriously cannot believe even in marriage, these two still call each other by their last names.
Potter. Evans. Potter. Evans.
He just happily showed them a magic to conclude all of his explanations and the revelations of his magic. James had gone paler and one blink away from fainting. His emotions skyrocketing.
However, Sirius understands of course. They’ve been best friends for a whole lot of years. Sirius had long discovered how fun the Muggle World can be simply thanks to one James Potter. The man that doesn’t need a piece of wood to show how dangerous he can be.
The excitement that’s not normally seen on the Wizarding World—considering how strict their mother is and how restricted Regulus is—he saw it from James. His muggle bestfriend that is absolutely not lesser than a wizard.
If anything, Sirius can say he’s even more capable to fight a man than Cornelius Fudge. That man depends on his wand while James, his beloved bestfriend, is nothing but of excellence.
Something the Malfoy Family needs. And annoy dear Lucy more.
James flicked his fingers. Something that Sirius used to think was a display of wandless and wordless magic, only to realize it’s just something Muggles do to call for attention.
Flick and call. As simple as that.
“Sire?” came a staff to tend to what their King needs.
“Can you get Dr. Hula. I need my blood pressure taken”
Not really understanding the Muggle ways of treating health conditions. He turned to Lily when she spoke, “I still cannot grasp the concept of this thing, Siri. How do magic exists in this generation?”
Sirius shrugged, “It co-exists with your world. But hidden away from Muggles. We do not want to risk our world with your hot poky stuff, right?”
Lily sighed, “It’s called science”
“And it’s hot poky stuff”
“And you told us because?” Lily asked in refined confusion, back straightening, “We are, as you referred to, Muggles” Her eyes watching over James who conversed with their family doctor as he began to take a small machine of some kind? Sirius didn’t know what it’s called and did not bother to learn what it is.
Sirius didn’t respond to Lily rightaway. The words falling alongside his tongue, his mind twirling and trying to decide how to blurt out the favor that’s not really a favor. It’s more of an order, a command from Lucius Malfoy. Ever the bossy one.
“Come on, Siri. I know you. What do you need?” James asked, finally wrapping his head with reason as they stared at each other, “You wouldn’t let us know that without an agenda behind it”
Sirius bit his bottom lip. Guess he just have to drop it as if he was just asking for cup of coffee, “Someone needs your help”
“There it is” James smirked, “What help?”
“To put it simpler, the Malfoys signed a deal and your Minister decided to revoke his side of the bargain. Threatened and trying to maim them for what they’re worth”
━━━━━
Lucius held his arm for his wife to hold. Narcissa smiled at him, giving him a kiss in the cheek and squeezing a muscled arm, “It will be fine, Lucy”
Lucius smiled at her, always fond at the way his wife never fails to comfort him. She never failed to see the reluctance behind his cold steely gaze. How fun would it be if they can cancel today’s appointment so he could just bend her over the bed like she deserves, take her apart piece by piece.
“Ehem” but chihuahua just had to butt in like a tadpole that he is.
“Please not in front of me” he added as if he knows exactly what Lucius is thinking about. But well, he’s not ashamed. If anything, he’s very much proud to show off how in love he is with his wife.
“We’re not that kind of couple, you dog” Lucius said with a defeated sigh. Turning to look at Cissy’s cousin who managed to get an appointment with the man he’s talking about. A man who should be just the way Sirius describe him. He will not tolerate less than what he was informed.
He expects Sirius’ recommendation is of any help. They cannot be having their names out there in the Muggle public if it’s not for good intention.
“Shall we get going?” Sirius asked, pouting a bit because he just have to notice cute couples out there.
“Alright” Lucius said and was about to step into the floo when Sirius stopped him.
“We’re apparating. Their fireplace isn’t one for floo travelling”
Lucius sighed and nodded before they did just that.
His wife staggered for a bit and he held her tightly by the waist before turning to look around.
His vision was assaulted by a huge mansion, green, adorned with colourful flowers and a fountain with a statue right in the middle. The place was huge, scattered all around the area were people cleaning and sweeping dirt.
Lucius raised an eyebrow judgingly. They enslave people instead of house elves? How does that even work? He thought he was cold for having many house elves before. But this? Ruthless.
Several vehicles were parked, all looking luxurious and well-taken care of. Including motorbikes he knew Sirius would’ve love to own.
As Sirius opened the grand door, not bothering to knock, Lucius had found the interior even more luxurious. Contrary to their house that’s all vintage furniture, emerald and black walls, the place around them was of creamy white, with timber floors, adorned with porcelain vases and a white flowery patterns in the ceiling.
Sirius led them to the back patio where from a few feet away, Lucius and Narcissa heard some hush voices and the smell of freshly cooked foods.
“James! Lils!” Sirius exclaimed as he opened the glass door leading outside.
Lucius and Narcissa stood in silence. Their eyes hovering over to two figures, one reading a newspaper while the other is drinking a cup of coffee. Normally, Lucius wouldn’t like this kind of situation. Almost as if they were in some desperate need for protection but he had no choice but to drop his Pureblood ego and stomp on it for a while.
His arms tightened around his wife as the man slowly lowered his newspaper and came in view, the man Sirius is referring to.
He had messy hair, with eyeglasses and a nicely trimmed beard. He was wearing a navy blue threepiece suit. He stood up and the woman on his left side following. She has a red hair and Lucius wouldn’t deny the beauty she possesses but Narcissa is much more of his kind of beauty.
“You must be the cousins” his voice was kind but Lucius knew not to condescend. After all, he had learned it from his father how kind people tend to be even more dangerous.
“Yes” he answered, making sure his voice is cold and not at all, helpless.
The woman smiled, “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Lily Potter and this is my husband, James Potter”
Lucius’ brain short-circuited for a moment. He had heard the Potter name from the Minister before.
“Nice to meet you, Lily. I am Narcissa Malfoy and this is my husband, Lucius Malfoy”
“Sit, sit” Lily smiled at them, “Would you love some late breakfast?”
When Lucius and Narcissa were settled across them, Lucius shook his head at her, “Coffee will do”
“So, our Sirius here said about your problems with the minister” said James Potter, immediately talking about their purpose in coming.
Lucius nodded, while their wives including Sirius began to talk about something more personal than business, letting them talk about it.
“It’s not a problem. It’s an issue which have come to be betrayal” Lucius answered.
“Trusting the wrong person will do that to you. So, what did he ask for?” James asked
“A magic for his own which is not something we can negotiate. We cannot provide him anything. He did not take that reality well and so, broke the agreement we had signed”
James nodded, “What do you need me for?”
Lucius clenched his jaw, his eyes darkening, “Arrange something that could benefit me and make him suffer”
He raised an eyebrow, “Benefit you in what way exactly?”
“Profile and identity protection. No takebacks. No threats. No blackmails. And if anything go sideways, give me your word you will never tell others about our name”
“How could this benefit me in return?”
“What do you need from me?” Lucius asked, raising his chin haughtily in some kind of power. If Mr. James here offers something way past the line, he would easily grabbed his wand and crucio him for all that he wants.
“Do you have a child?”
The silence that befell the whole table was all kinds of dangerous. The ladies’ turned to their husbands. He glared at the Potter spouses, not appreciating the question and surely, whatever reason is behind it.
“Because we do have one” James added, his voice friendly and it was even more off-putting.
“What are you trying to say, Mr. Potter?” Narcissa asked, her grip tensing on Lucius’ thigh.
James and Lily looked to one another before a smile blossomed on her face, “It’s only fair the contract be sealed by something more binding than a piece of paper, isn’t it?”
Lucius clenched his jaw. He was about to open his mouth to say something demeaning when a noise disrupted the tension between the two families.
“That’s the best fucking night I’ve ever had!”
They all turn their heads with Lily grimacing at the current state of her son — obviously ravaged.
James smiled happily, stood up to clap the shoulder of his son, “And the devil arrived!”
ii.
wits come to know each other.
“I’m engaged? What do you mean I’m engaged?” Draco asked, enraged at the sudden news that shook himself to his core.
His mind spiraled like crazy. Insanity — a way he knew he’d fall into. What is happening?
He gritted his teeth. What the hell did he just hear?
“Engaged, Draco. It means you’re betrothed to someone. You’re going to marry someone in two to three months time” his father explained coldly and impatiently.
He gasped, “I know what being engaged is!” But he cannot be. And in two months? What? Of course he cannot be!
His ears began to ring. His mind zoomed in and out to a memory of his past lover, Jules Bawler, who he laughed at (with the usual I told you so line) when he was forced to marry just exactly two months ago.
And he knew there’s a specific term Muggles used for occasions like this.
Karma. This is Karma. A payment for making fun of a wizard that folded like a three piece moving chair found in the Room of Requirement. A payment of what hell he brought to an innocent but pig headed Goyle for staining his favorite robe.
But there could be a small chance his father is jesting, surely? He gulped before turning his eyes to his parents. To his father that held the most serious expression of all and to his mother just as serious with a sympathy only he can see.
“But why would I marry?” he faked a laugh. “I know this happens but why so soon? There are more serious matters at hand. Did you know Ms. Zabini got herself a new boyfriend?”
Lucius glared. “Draco” he warned. “If I say you’re engaged, you are engaged”
“Darling, you see we had to seek for a new person who’s just as capable to provide a security we need in the Muggle World. He requires a marriage in exchange”
And this is an absolute devastation.
“Do you happen to say I am to marry a muggle?” he gasped in disgust.
He felt so violated when his parents nodded in confirmation. His head cannot grasp the reality (or whatever nightmare this is) at all. None of these make any sense.
“We agreed”
The foundation that’s holding Draco on his feet fell apart… because what?
“Are you serious? A muggle?”
“Darling, we could risk and lose everything if we had not agreed—
“A muggle, mother! I cannot marry a muggle!”
“Well, you see, their family is—
“I won’t marry scrawny muggle! I do not care who their family is! I won’t marry a muggle—
“Silence, Draco” his father interrupted, voice dark. Draco immediately shut his mouth up. He huffed and leaned on the chair, crossing his arms in the process.
Have they really downgraded Draco Malfoy that they much that would let him marry a muggle? The kind his grandfather swore to hate with all his wizard being? The kind that 5 years ago his father, Lucius himself, snarled at offense of merely existing?
Huh. And now? They’ve made a rather shocking agreement with them? One that would break their long standing pure wizard blood? What is he going to do for the rest of his life? Hide the fact that he has such a marvelous magic in him? Is he going to have to hide he is magical in all aspects?
He do understand this is some kind of a crucial sacrifice but it’s also basically offering him to a complete bull!
He stomped his foot and began to show off his famous Draco Malfoy sulking. If he’s going to deal with this situation, his parents have to deal with him being a brat in all levels.
“Your mother and I were also arranged for a marriage. I hope you know this practically runs in our blood”
He knew that. “But this is different!” this is vastly different. He knew he has to marry someone of his parents choosing. But he was expecting to be arranged to a Pureblood wizard— take note, a wizard. Preferably French, Armenian, or Russian with a thick accent and a good amount of galleons on their vaults.
Not a Muggle with no use — that he’s sure of.
“Darling, you have to understand we have to do this. We have to deal with the agreement. We cannot put the family in danger. We cannot expose who we are”
━━━━━
“I’m engaged?” Harry asked both in confusion and delight.
Bewilderment ate his being as he tried to weigh the news brought upon him. He is engaged. He is engaged!
Of course there’s the arrangement of emotions flying unceremoniously — dismay for something he thinks he’s not ready for. Rage to his parents interfering with his life. Disappointment because he wasn’t given the chance to refuse. And shock for the sheer audacity.
But the question remains and curiosity ate more of his being than any emotion there is. To whom?
He tilted his head to the side, teeth gnawing his bottom lip. And as he stared into the distance, he weighed all pros and cons of his situation. There is absolutely no other way than go with this. So, how could he deal with this to make it tolerable? To not restrict himself too much?
To have fun? Make fun? Share fun?
He chuckled quietly. All kinds of thoughts twirling inside his mind as he decides how to play this on his card. If his parents took away his choice when they arranged him with someone then he should at least get a compensation. And that is on how to deal with this.
And to make matters interesting — how?
“Harry” his mother called as she raised an eyebrow. A sign for him to behave.
“Son” his father winked, knowing what’s going on his mind. Harry grinned deviously. Harry is James and James is Harry in more ways than one. So yes, his father gets him like no other.
“So…” he began, “To who? Alden Pire? Or is it the Spanish chick we met at Molly’s restaurant? She’s got a nice ass. Or is it the French heir I just made an acquaintance? I tell you he’s very good in bed”
“Harry!” Lily chastised, scandalized.
James, however, high fived him. “Alden sure is a nice boy. But it’s actually to Siri’s nephew. He’s called Chacko? Gaiko? Whatever but it definitely rhymes with Costco”
Lily sighed in controlled temper. “It’s Draco, you twart”
Well, it really rhymes. He laughed and shrugged his shoulders. He began to toy with his food, acting nonchalant as not to rouse his mother’s suspicious.
Draco.
“When will I meet him?”
Draco. Draco. Sounds marvelous.
━━━━━
“You are what? Engaged?” Pansy asked deliriously, as if the news was nothing but the biggest and dumbest joke to ever grace the Wizarding World.
“I’m engaged” he repeated, crossing his hand to his chest as his mind began to think of a way to stop this ridicule. There’s still chance he can stop this. He cannot be engaged to a Muggle! A Muggle of all people!
“Yeah, we get that but to who? That famous French wizard you met? Or was it the Greek one we met at the bar last week?” Blaise asked. Unlike Pansy, his expressions were more controlled and calculated. He didn’t seem surprised. But the genuine curiosity to know who Draco is engaged to.
He gulped and shook his head. How he wishes it’s one of them but this is worse. Absolutely worse.
“Who?” they asked in unison. “Where did you meet him? Diagon Alley? Ministry? Italy? Greece?”
He sighed. Dropping the bomb just as easily as dropping a quill. “To a Muggle Prince I’ll be meeting tomorrow”
The silence that followed was nothing of understanding. His friends looked at him as if he was way out of his mind and grew one extra head. Pure disbelief written on their faces as they waited for Draco to say ‘It’s a joke’
Unfortunately, none came.
“I… uh” Pansy stammered.
Blaise shrugged, “Well, change is nice”
━━━━━
Draco finds it hard to keep a straight face and so kept his scowl. He didn’t even try to appreciate how magnificent the place owned by the Muggles he is bound to marry soon.
What he can only describe right now is his foul mood. For his ‘fiance’ is a Muggle. For added emphasis — muggle. The kind he should never associate himself with. How could he possibly endure that? Live with a person who doesn’ t have magic? Doesn’t know what magic is and will only make his life harder.
“Nice to see you again, Narcissa”
His attention was brought back to the presence at the sound of a woman’s voice. The exchange of greetings occurred before he realized all attention shifted to him. He had to fight the urge to roll his eyes.
“This is Draco. Son, these are our new friends, Mr. James and Mrs. Lily Potter” Lucius introduced.
Lily stepped closer, walking over to his spot and gave him a welcoming hug. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Draco. Harry will surely be delighted”
Oh Merlin. Is that his fiance?
His mind began to wander once again. Not appreciating what’s happening and what’s going to happen. It’s very predictable, isn’t it? Engagement party then wedding ceremony. A boring wedding night would come after then the days would follow of him resenting his boring husband.
So, he may have the most vague chance of all (still a chance), he began to think of ways to escape this. This is a huge insult to his identity. Whoever this Harry is, he will make sure to make the man cower with fear upon the sight of his magic.
After all, it is something they have already breached, isn’t it? No doubt the Potter spouses already know what witches and wizards are.
And so, one look at this ‘fiance’ Harry, a stupefy is a wand away.
“I hope these aren’t too much for your liking”
He soon realized they have arrived at the dining. When he looked around, he saw meals placed on the dining table, porcelain plates and more drinks than necessary.
Perhaps, a firewhisky then?
He sat down beside his parents. Just a second after, they all fell into a steady conversation. He was left to enjoy his food in silence—well, he tries to.
He tried one meal. He supposed it wouldn’t hurt. Besides he’d been in a Muggle Mall with Pansy. Despite it being crowded and slow, the clothes they sell are a ten out of ten. That’s what he only loves about Muggles. They can be quite creative when they want to.
“Pardon me for asking but where is Harry Potter? Draco would love to meet his fiance” asked Lucius suddenly, the conversation coming to a halt.
If only Draco had the power to, he’d make his father keep his mouth shut. Why on Merlin is he asking about Harry? He’s having a peaceful silence eating so why should he disrupt that? And what? He would love to meet his fiance?
How do you cast a subtle bat bogey hex again?
Lily seemed to look apologetic as she cast a glance at Draco. “I apologize. He had some emergency to deal with”
Draco rejoiced. Yes. That is much appreciated. How he wishes this Harry have endless emergencies to deal with.
Just then a presence rounded the corner, completely unnoticed. “Ah, what a lovely morning”
Draco humphed in offense. He grabbed the glass of water and took a sip. Not bothering to look or even control his mouth, “It’s nothing lovely when you don’t even know what time is”
There were coughs that followed his statement. From who he didn’t know and never bothered to know.
“Well, you know what the book The Time Keeper says It is never too late or too soon. It is when it is supposed to be"
What? Draco gaped for a second before he looked back up. His eyes immediately settled at the figure that entered the dining. All too informal and formal at the same time with fancy clothes and a smug smile plastered on his face.
Which he should be disgusted at. He’s sure of that.
But somehow, all ugly thoughts he was having an hour ago seem to perish. One new thought now fills his mind — is this Harry? The man looks utterly… hot. Downright gorgeous that it ought to break rules.
He had expected that Muggles who don’t know what punctuality is would look weak. He had expected Harry to look weak, nerdy, skinny and fearful. But the man before them is no weak man — this simply cannot be Harry.
He rolled his eyes to hide the fact he was just ogling seconds ago. “I think you mean Sorry, I’m late” he raised an eyebrow in challenge.
However, this only caused for his smirk to widen. His emerald eyes boring into Draco’s. Glittering, astonishing, surprising. Incapacitating. The height and those muscles unable to hide even at the clothes he wore. He’s nothing weak, yes.
And, is that a tattoo peeking out of his clavicle and biceps? He’d seen one from Sirius, too.
The man chuckled and all hell broke loose. “There’s no need to be sorry.” His lips morphed into a grin as he began to step closer, easily putting his hands on his pocket. “So, tell me dollface, who are you?”
“Harry” Lily tried to butt in. But she was only ignored.
“Name's Harry James Potter. Who’s this angel view?” Harry winked.
Someone coughed.
Draco gripped his fork, feeling the quick rise of his chest and how fidgety his feet have become under the table. What were his thoughts a while ago? Hit the man with a stupefy? Why does it feel like he was the one hit with it?
“Draco” Narcissa called to gather her son’s attention and somehow, answered Harry’s question.
“Ah, Draco” Harry smirked as if there's something only he knows. “My, my, dollface, look at you. The Draco constellation is pretty but you are just dashing"
Then his attention shifted to his parents, “Nice to meet you, my wonderful in laws. I can see just where he inherits his looks from”
Draco discreetly looked at his parents, seeing both of them with their stunted expression. Serves them right. Still wanna marry him off to a muggle? He doesn’t think so.
Perhaps this meeting is a good reason not to go with the engagement.
“So lovely, right?” James commented with a wide smile, clearly proud.
Harry James Potter is chaos enough.