H/D fic: Mixed Signals 1/2
Story Title: Mixed Signals - 1/2
Author: bemygoodday
Beta: prettyhairs (all mistakes are mine!)
Rating: NC-17
Length : 12,500 (total)
Canon Compliant: Through HBP
Summary: Harry has just broke up with his boyfriend and can't seem to help but brood, so Kingsley and Draco decide he needs a vacation and sends him on an Auror 'Mission' to a B&B in Sweden- with Draco. This would be great if Harry didn't want Draco and if Draco would stop sending mixed signals.
Disclaimer: All recognizable characters are property of JK Rowling and Warner Brothers, no profit is being made off of this story.

I had to break it up into 2 parts, because it was too big... part 2 coming right up!

This is the first non-depressing HD fic I've ever written! It's also the longest thing I've ever written I'm usually VERY short and very to the point. Please let me know what you think!


Harry was not in a good mood. He was in a terrible mood. He was in a hung-over, just found out his boyfriend was cheating on him, came in late to work and was wearing mismatched socks mood. Not that his socks normally matched, but he’d actually tried today.

Harry considered not going in, but he wouldn’t give Jansen the satisfaction should he find out. Plus, Draco.

After Draco joined the Aurors, he and Harry had become… friends- Good friends, great even. They were more than friends really. They looked out for each other. Harry could trust Draco with things, and in a way, that he guiltily didn’t even think he could with Ron or Hermione. Draco gave him something… else, something rare that Harry was grateful for. They had both been Aurors for 6 years, and partners for 4. Draco was nothing if not hard working and if Harry didn’t come into work, he probably wouldn’t hear the end of it.

The other thing was, Harry liked Draco, really liked Draco. In fact, you could say, the whole reason Harry was currently in the state he was, was because of Draco.

They had only been partners for a few months when Harry realized it. It was after their first big success as partners. They were sent on a routine checkout of a vacant building. Apparently the muggle police had received a few phone calls reporting dark figures seen entering the building. They went there expecting to find a few teenagers messing about, and left with 5 Death Eaters in custody. To celebrate, the department met at The Leaky for a few pints. Harry was watching Draco tell the other Aurors what had happened, and at one point, Draco's eyes stopped on Harry, and he smiled so serenely for a moment that Harry lost his breath. It was only a second, and then Draco was back to telling the story, but Harry spent the rest of the night with a half hard dick and a rapidly beating heart.

After that, Harry started paying closer attention to Draco. He never seemed to be seeing anyone. The only people he ever mentioned were Pansy and Blaise, who were married. Harry began asking Draco to go to lunch with him, spending more time talking with him, going out of his way to bring Draco coffee in the morning -just how he liked it. Doing all of this meant that Harry and Draco became much closer, which both enthralled and frustrated Harry. The more he learned about Draco, the more he liked him, and the more he thought he would never have a chance. It seemed appropriate that Harry would realize he had feelings for Draco at The Leaky, and also decide he had to get over Draco at The Leaky as well.

They had made it a habit to go for drinks after work on Friday nights, and Harry was ready to test the waters with Draco, but Draco had spent the entire evening mooning over the waitress and asking Harry questions about her while she wasn't around. 'Pretty, isn't she Potter?', 'Would you date her, Potter?', 'Is she your type, Potter?'. For all the guessing Harry had been doing over Draco's sexuality for the previous months, he was making it pretty clear then that he was straight. Harry was much more upset by this then he thought he would be. He hadn't realized just how deeply he’d grown to like Draco, and now that he knew it wasn't even a remote possibility they could be together, Harry was crushed. He decided that he needed to get over Draco, and fast.

Harry began to go out to clubs on the weekends with Ron and Hermione. He started a run of one-night stands that had Hermione worried. She had asked him to slow down, but Harry couldn't help himself. He spent his weekdays working with the one person he wanted and couldn't have, he saved all his frustration for the weekends and worked it off on the dance floor and in bed. Then Harry met Jansen. For some reason, Jansen was different. The one night stand turned into a few nights, then weeks, then months, and before he knew it he was willing to admit the he was in love with Jansen, could see himself with him forever. That didn’t mean he didn’t still hold a candle for Draco, but as far as distractions went, Jansen was The One.

Draco also seemed to sense how special Jansen was, which led to Harry discovering that Draco wasn’t straight, but still just as uninterested.

Harry had never told Draco that he was gay, he wasn't really sure where Draco stood on the topic, but he wanted to introduce Jansen to all of his friends. He took the opportunity to do so on his birthday. Draco had arranged for a private room at Juliana's, an upscale restaurant, for a small party on Harry's behalf. Hermione and Ron had already met Jansen, but Draco, Pansy and Blaise immediately stiffened when Harry walked in holding Jansen's hand. At first Harry thought maybe they were weirded out by the whole gay thing. But they quickly recovered and Draco left to fetch a waiter to put out an extra place setting for 'the unexpected guest'. When Draco came back, he watched Jansen like a hawk all night; Harry had noticed this of course and once everyone was suitably drunk, he made the mistake of asking Draco if he had a problem with Harry's choice in company. Everyone paused at the tension the question caused, Draco paled for a moment before admitting that he had no problems with Harry's choice in company, seeing as how he was gay himself. Then he brushed off the tension in the room by jokingly warning Jansen that now that the cats were out of the bag, he better keep an eye out for the competition, to which Jansen leaned over and laid a mind blowing birthday kiss on Harry. Afterward Harry didn’t miss the fast look of jealousy that stole over Draco’s face.

That was nearly three years ago now, but Harry can still remember how hurt he was when he realized that Draco was gay, but attracted to Harry's boyfriend rather than Harry. Draco never acted on his attraction to Jansen, and Jansen had later made it clear to Harry that he didn’t really care for Draco’s company, so Harry didn’t really worry.

Maybe he shouldn’t have come in to work today. Let Draco bitch at him tomorrow. It would be hard enough getting over Jansen without seeing the look of joy on Draco’s face when he found out Jansen was back on the market, and apparently willing to sleep with anything that walks, Harry added bitterly. Yes. He should go home, sober up… and maybe tomorrow he’ll be ready to face Draco.

Harry was just finishing getting his desk in order and was writing a note to send to Kingsley, letting him know he was leaving early, when he heard someone enter his office.

“Morning gorgeous! Hey, Why the long face? Not enough people ask for your autograph today to satisfy your ego? Give it time, it hasn’t even hit noon”.

Draco.

Harry dropped his arms to his side and slammed his head on his desk, not bothering to pick it up again.

“If it’ll make you feel better, you can sign my reports for me. It’s almost the same, and really, 2 muggles with one AK and all that.”

Harry remained where he was. He was hoping if he didn’t move, Draco would just assume he was dead and leave him to wallow.

“Alright, Potter. Spill. I’ve just wasted a perfect jab at your fame and managed to fit in a metaphor about killing muggles and you barely even breathed at me, let alone anything else.”

He must really look like shit. Draco hardly insulted muggles anymore, save for when he wanted to get a rise from Harry, and he never mentioned harming or killing them unless Harry either a.) seriously pissed him off, or b.) was possibly dead.

Harry lifted his head to look at Draco, who, as always, looked amazing and was leaning against the arm of one of Harry’s guest chairs. Draco lifted his hand and inspected his nails, which from anyone else was an indication of disinterest but Harry knew Draco well enough to know it meant that he was dying to know what was going on.

“Jansen and I broke up last night.” There, that wasn’t so hard, except his chest sort of felt like it was going to implode. He didn’t really want to see Draco trying to figure out how soon, was too soon to ask Harry for Jansen’s floo, so he dropped his eyes back to the note he was penning to Kingsley. “I’m not feeling very well, I’m going to head home for the day, get my bearings in order”.

“He dumped you?” it was almost more of a statement than a question really. Of course, Draco wouldn’t be able to fathom dumping someone as perfect as Jansen. Of course, Harry was the one who got dumped, it only made sense.

“No, as a matter of fact. I dumped him.” Harry was getting defensive and he knew it, but even after all this time, it hurt to remember Draco's attraction to Jansen. “I know it must be hard for you to grasp – but now that he’s on the market, maybe you can have a go too," Harry clenched his teeth as he continued, voice low, and dangerous "like that fucking hussy he calls his secretary.”

“Wait, What?!” Draco looked completely confused for a moment before he seemed to grasp what Harry had said. “He cheated on you with a woman!?”

“Oh, don’t worry, he hasn’t switched sides, you still have a chance.” Harry could feel a ball forming in his throat. He felt stupid and overdramatic for getting angry with Draco, but having Draco in the room right now just amplified Harry's feelings of rejection and betrayal. He just wanted to go home, why did Draco have to come in when he did? One more minute and Harry would have been through the floo with his dignity intact. He could barely find his voice to continue, “Just because he fucked a woman doesn’t mean he doesn’t still like the way a dick feels in his mouth." Harry laughed bitterly before he finished, "Or at least that’s what he said when I found him out.” The last came just above a whisper and Harry's lungs felt hollow and burning.

He finally looked up and met Draco's eyes, which looked shocked, with maybe a bit of pity. Well, Harry didn't need Draco's pity, he didn't need anything right now, save for to get home. As he rose from his chair, intending to get wax to seal his note to Kingsley, the edge of the parchment caught on his belt and because his coffee mug was balanced just so on the edge of said parchment, it sent it sideways, leaving the contents of afore mentioned cup to dump all over the note. Harry looked down at it and thought, Yep, that about sums it up! “Look, Draco, I’m going home. You can tell Kingsley.” And with that, Harry was out the door, and through the floo.

~*~

“Potter! Open up! I’ve been banging on your door for 5 minutes and I know it isn’t helping the hangover, which judging by your breath this morning, I assume you have. I just happen to know how to brew the strongest hangover potion on the market, so opening the door would have a multitude of benefits!”

Harry pulled himself off the couch and made his way to the door. Really, at this point, things can’t get much worse, might as well open the door and get that hangover potion. “I’m coming! Stop knocking! Stop shouting through my door, you’re not only pissing me off,” Harry opened the door and pulled Draco inside, “but I reckon my neighbours don’t appreciate it either.”

“Here” Draco handed Harry a small vial of blue liquid, which despite it’s colour tasted like dandelions , “Now that you’ve had that,” Draco indicated the vial “go lie on the couch, I brought extra pillows and blankets,” he said as he began taking them out of his pockets and un-shrinking them, “I wasn’t sure what you had. Go on, lie down.”

“Draco, I’m not sick, I don’t need you mother-henning me, I appreciate the hangover potion, now I know the nausea is caused by being cheated on, and not the firewhisky. I apologize for my abrupt departure from work earlier, it isn’t your fault I’m not good enough for Jansen, but could you please leave. I need some time.”

“Yes, you are sick. If you think for one moment that you aren't good enough for that fuckwit Jansen, then you clearly belong in St. Mungo's. I, however, need a partner. A partner who isn't obviously inebriated and delusional, so rather than turn you over to the men in white, I'm going to provide therapy free of charge.”

"Therapy?"

"We're going to have a sleepover."

"A sleepover? Have you been watching Hermione's muggle movies again? Oh, no... Did you watch one about pants? Travelling pants?"

"Ha, Ha- very funny, Potter. There's hope for you yet. I did watch that particular movie, tricked by the title it had something to do with pants. It doesn't, but now I'm off track, aren't I? Therapy, Potter. I'm quite good you know, Pansy and Blaise would never have lasted all these years without my services." Draco said, grabbing Harry by the arm, “Now, lay down, and shut up. We're going to watch those Disney movies that you’re afraid to admit to loving, and eat this ice cream I bought especially for you on the way over here. After which, we will get drunk on firewhisky together and you can cry on my shoulder while I tell you how much Jansen never deserved you. Then, we will wake up in the morning, take the extra hangover potion I brought, and pretend that Jansen never existed, and that you still don’t like Disney movies. Ok? Now, on the couch with you.”

“I’m not Pansy” Harry said, a small smile reluctantly showing on his face.

“Of course not, she hates Disney movies”.

~*~

The next few weeks were sort of a blur for Harry. Jansen could be seen on the front page of The Prophet with his secretary who Harry secretly liked to refer to as Bitch-Face McGee (not very original – or mature, he knew, but it made him feel better) next to pictures of Harry in various states of ‘distress’ over the one that got away. The worst part was, Harry couldn't really say he was all that upset anymore. His friends had pulled him out of the rut before he made his bed in it, no small thanks to Hermione, Ron, and Draco who made sure to have a (publicly) good time with him in an attempt to get the papers off his back. His lack of actual portrayed distress in public lead to The Prophet using pictures of him fresh after a sneeze, or squinting in the flash of an over-bright camera and sporting captions like ‘at the brink of tears’ and ‘clearly drunk’. One article even had a photo of him that was snapped at Dumbledore's funeral. He tried his best to ignore it and the loads of mail from fans offering support, and other, uh, services, but it was getting to be a bit much. Word had it that Bitch-Face was even planning on publishing a book titled “Speed bumps: a guide for women who want un-available men”. Even more sickening was that the wizarding world was already looking forward to its release, some of them buying copies to burn in support of Harry, some of them buying copies to read, and the worst sort buying two copies, one for each activity. Even Mr. Weasley showed interest in the publication. "Strictly for educational purposes, Harry. I'm interested in this 'speed bump'. The author was muggle born, did you know? There's to be an exposé on the topic of speed bumps at the end of her novel, very interesting.... "

Harry wanted out. He headed to Kingsley's office first thing after seeing another picture of himself in The Prophet, this time of him giving Hermione a hug goodnight with Ron standing in the background, paired with an article claiming he was given a pre-release copy of “Speed bumps” and was using its guidance to steal Hermione from Ron in an effort to ease his own misguided pain. Compliments of one Rita Skeeter. Never mind that Harry was openly gay.

“I need an assignment. I need to get away from here, preferably out of country, preferably immediately.”

“Perfect timing! I just happen to have an assignment that fits that criteria that I was going to fill you in on later today, but as you’re already here…” Kingsley motioned for Harry to have a seat, and quickly jotted a note while he continued, “Here is the case file. I believe you’re familiar with it. We have reason to believe that even though this case was closed there may have been some key evidence that we missed.”

Harry opened the file with a confused look on his face. The Chester file? But… “Sir, this case was closed years ago. There’s no chance any residual magic is still lingering… ” Harry didn’t understand why they were re-examining a case of domestic dispute between a couple at a Swedish B&B. The only reason their department got involved in the first place was because the couple were citizens under their jurisdiction, and apparently the woman involved had imperio’d her husband into lecturing himself on her behalf. No harm really done, but an imperio was an imperio and you could never be too sure. Needless to say, there were no charges raised, and the only reason Harry knew about it, is because it was the most ridiculous thing the Aurors had been called on in recent history. No, there was really no reason to re-examine this case, and it was an insult that they would consider sending Harry, one of their best, to do it. “I don’t understand.”

“Well, as it turns out, your partner also asked for an overseas assignment, with lots of wide open spaces and little chance of camera flashes. This is going to be tough work Potter. It will probably take you three weeks starting on Monday and you’ll probably have to take a lot of long peaceful walks tracking down any traces of magic. Seeing as how the incident took place in the B&B’s... what was the name, oh! yes here it is, Söt Drömmarna... Söt Drömmarna's suite, I think it would be best if you stayed there as well, just to make sure. I’m only willing to trust my best for this, so you and Malfoy will just have to suffer it.” At the last, Kingsley winked. He handed Harry another file. “Here is all of the information you will need including a list on what to pack. You are dismissed to go home immediately and prepare, make any arrangements you may need. Malfoy has already been briefed on the mission.”

“But-”

“-You are dismissed.”

“Kingsley, I-”

“-Go prepare.”

“I don’t –“

“Now.” Harry, knew that tone.

“Ok”

~*~

Harry went home and looked through the contents of his file. A brochure of Söt Drömmarna, guide to local attractions, portkey information, ministry expense card, supply checklist… where are the mission instructions? Field report sheets? Case details? What the... maybe the checklist would have more information.

MISSION CHECKLIST Your mission will require the following: Standard Hygienic Products Enough muggle clothing to last three weeks (no auror gear, no robes), including at least one outfit appropriate for fine dining. 1 pair of shoes appropriate for Hiking 1 pair of dress shoes 1 pair of swim shorts Any extra spending money desired (muggle) Meals and lodging expenses to be placed on Ministry Expense Card enclosed. Have fun Potter! Kingsley Shacklebolt Kingsley Shacklebolt Head Auror

WTF?

~*~

“Potter, allow me to state the obvious. This is a pleasure trip. A ministry paid vacation in a virtual paradise. Don’t question it, just accept it.”

“But in his office, Kingsley said I was supposed to look for residual magic…”

Draco placed his left hand over his neck and looked off to the right. “How can I explain this to you?” He said as if he were only thinking out loud. “Kingsley is throwing you a bone.” He removed the hand from his neck and began using it to count off reasons, “You haven’t had a vacation since you started your job there, really, the Ministry owes you. You can’t do any field work until the media dies down about your break-up because you’re being stalked by the press and it could jeopardize a mission. You’re driving everyone in the office mad with your brooding. If it was reported that you were on vacation the press would run wild with it and Jansen would take the credit for your mental breakdown. I wanted a vacation, and seeing as how we are partners, it made sense to send us on a ‘mission’ together. Get it?”

“So… there’s no mission”

"Honestly, Potter... "

“No need to get all... Hermione on me." Harry ignored Draco's affronted look, "I get it.”

"He can be taught!"

~*~

'Söt Drömmarna' was really quite nice and run by a Muggle couple, not much older than Harry and Draco themselves. The suite they were staying in had a communal kitchen, dining room, and living area, with two adjoining bedrooms each with their own attached bathroom. All in all, it was bigger, and nicer than Harry's own flat. He was still a little upset that Kingsley was shipping Harry off just to get him out of his hair, but at least it was a nice place, and it would give him time to think -away from The Prophet.

Draco claimed the bigger of the two rooms and began unshrinking his luggage, shouting through the open doorway to Harry. "I'm going to take a shower, I hate the gritty feeling travelling by floo always leaves. When I come out, I'll want the night's agenda. Get thinking Potter!"

Harry sat on the couch with the brochures Kingsley had given him. There were a lot of things to do during the daytime, but the nightlife here looked pretty tame. Harry was sort of hoping to find a club or two in the area so he could work off some of his frustration. Contrary to popular belief, most of his brooding wasn't because of Jansen, or really, even The Prophet, it was Draco. Spending less time with Jansen, meant Harry had more time to spend with his friends, which also meant spending more time with Draco. Draco had been great about the breakup. He'd never ended up asking for Jansen’s floo, like Harry feared he might, instead, he cursed Jansen's name and said that he had never deserved Harry in the first place. It was making Harry remember why he had started to date Jansen in the first place, everywhere he went, there was Draco, saying all the right things (meanwhile looking perfectly fantastic), and Harry always had to remind himself that Draco was just being a good friend. Harry wished friendship was all he wanted from Draco.

"So... what's it going to be Potter? A few pints at the local watering hole, fine dining... "

Harry missed the rest of what Draco said, he was too busy staring at Draco's bare torso, still dotted with water. Draco was scrubbing his hair with a towel and continued to talk, oblivious to Harry's gaze wandering over his body, down, away from his torso and toward the towel slung low across his narrow hips. Harry gulped when he saw Draco's pronounced hipbones and ached to take a bite out of one. He had never seen Draco this... uncovered before and he could feel his cock growing in his pants. Harry suddenly had the realization that agreeing to a three week vacation, away from the prying eye, in a shared suite with an OMGhalfNAKED!Draco was probably the most masochistic thing he had ever done.

Eventually, after what felt like a lifetime, Draco turned back into his bedroom to get dressed. "As proud as I am to admit to being an accomplished legilimens, Potter, I find my talents are useless through walls. Are you going to let me in on tonight's plans or shall I resign myself to never knowing?" Draco sauntered back into the room fully dressed. He leaned against the door frame eyeing Harry. His denims were dark but worn in places, and Harry suspected they were bought that way. His sweater was the exact shade of his eyes and was pulled on over a crisp white oxford. His hair was no longer damp and looked soft enough to fall asleep in. "Potter?"

"I need a drink."

~*~

Harry didn't remember to cast a translation charm on himself until after they were seated. It was then that he came to the conclusion that, apparently, 'bög' was Swedish for 'gay', and tonight, as Harry's luck would have it, was 'bössa natt'. The smirk on Draco's face as Harry announced this realization indicated that the blonde was wise to this bit of information. Splendid.

"I'm going to need something stronger to drink." Harry said looking down at his lager. Something much stronger.

Draco smiled and waved a waiter over. "I'll have a Gin Rickey I think, and a Gestapo for my friend."

If Harry didn't know any better, he would think Draco was trying to get him plastered. He'd had at least five drinks by now, each one different from the one before. Every time Harry finished a drink, and thought maybe it was time to switch to water, Draco would summon a waiter and have yet another drink placed in front of him.

After Harry finished what he thought was his sixth drink, he looked up to find Draco looking at him contemplatively. This usually didn't bode well for Harry, but the haze of drunkenness had fallen over him, and he couldn't remember to be suspicious any longer.

"Care to dance, Potter?"

Harry wasn't sure if Draco meant: Do you care to dance? or Do you care to dance, with me? The two questions were worlds apart. "With you?"

"Well, yes. With me, unless you don't want to?"

Harry really, really wanted to. He was half hard just imagining the way it would feel to have Draco's body pressed against him. Draco's soft hair grazing his cheek. Draco's firm arse in his hands.... Harry really, really wanted to. Which was why Harry knew it was a terrible idea and that he shouldn't say- "Yes."

Wait... shit!

Draco smirked at Harry knowingly before raising from his seat and waiting for Harry to do the same.

Shit, shit, shit! Shit! Harry tried his best to be casual, but he would have failed at that even if he were sober, which he wasn't, which explained why he was doing very, very stupid things. When he was standing, Draco took his hand as if it were something they did every day. Draco's hand against Harry's own was doing funny things to Harry's stomach. He could feel his cheeks heating up and the corners of his mouth were twitching with the effort to keep from smiling like a loon.

Once they reached the centre of the floor, Draco turned around, pulling at Harry's arm so that he ended up inches from Draco's body. Harry could smell Draco's expensive cologne. It was so light it was like a caress to the senses and Harry found himself humming and leaning closer to Draco. Draco took the opportunity to step closer too, and now their bodies were touching from shoulder to toe. Harry realized their proximity at the same time that his inebriated mind registered that he was more than half hard now and that Draco's thigh was dangerously close to uncovering that fact.

"C'mon Potter" Draco's voice cooed suggestively before he began to move.

Harry stayed stock still, standing there like a statue while Draco began swinging his hips and pressing his chest against Harry's. WTF is he doing! My god... there are ordinances, and etiquette rules against this sort of public torture aren't there? Draco's thigh finally moved a little farther to the left and grazed along the side of Harry's now achingly hard penis. Harry couldn't help the gasp that escaped his lips, immediately tightening his hands on Draco's shoulders like vices. He took a deep breath before looking into Draco's eyes. Had the blonde felt it? Did Draco realize that Harry was hard as a fucking rock and enjoying this dance with his friend way more than was platonically acceptable? Draco's mercury eyes danced with mischief, a sexy smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Scared, Potter?" he intoned before brushing his thigh deliberately against Harry's length again.

'Yes!' Harry's mind shouted, but even though he failed to voice this admittance he figured Draco got the message, since Harry's was currently working his way through the crowd, doing something he never thought he would do. Running. From Draco Malfoy.

Merlin! What the hell is Draco thinking? He must be drunk. It wouldn't have been right, to get carried away. Oh god... Harry was panting, making his way through the crowd. He was hard and aching and needed to do something about it, now. The man in front of him turned around and began dancing against Harry much the way Draco had. This'll do, Harry told himself. He closed his eyes and danced with the man, picturing Draco in his head. Under ordinary circumstances Harry probably would have noted the stupidity of his actions, but he was three sheets to the wind, turned on beyond reason, and willing to screw just about anything if it meant he could forget about Draco. Beautiful, drunken Draco. Harry wanted to cry, it was something he had wanted for so long, for Draco to show an interest in him, but Draco doesn't know what he's doing, Harry reminded himself. Harry could feel heat rising from his groin, and pooling in stomach and testicles and he continued to grind against the body in front of him. He vaguely thought he heard someone saying his name, but he was too close, too drunk, to understand. He bit his lip and leaned his forehead against the strangers shoulder, gaining himself a lick across his neck. He could feel the answering hardness of the other man against his thigh and tried to concentrate on releasing the tension in his aching balls. The man had both his hands on Harry's arse and was using it to pull Harry's groin against his body. Harry was so close, he was whimpering and picturing Draco's eyes, feeling Draco's hand in his, Draco's body against his. There was a hand on his shoulder, tugging forcefully and Harry raised his head and looked to the side into two angry silver orbs just as he lost control and shouted his completion.


Part 2