Jae's Journal

Title: Halfway
Author: enchanted_jae
Characters: Harry/Draco, OCs
Rating: PG13
Warning(s): Suggestion and (fl)angst
Word count: 640
Disclaimer: Characters are the property of JK Rowling, et al. This fic/drabble was written for fun, not for profit.
Written for:
♦ Belated birthday gift for zeitgeistic, with a prompt of new
♦ slythindor100 Challenge #146 - new beginning or fresh start
Summary: Is it too late for a new beginning?



"Mr Potter, if you'll sign here, please."

The solicitor slid the official parchment across the table to Harry and indicated where his signature was required. Harry stared at the document, his mind gone blank. He looked up.

Draco sat across the table from him, speaking quietly to his solicitor while studiously not-looking at Harry. Ms Zinster, Harry's solicitor, was reviewing an itemized list, and she was also ignoring him. Harry's eyes returned to the document. He didn't want to sign it; he never had. What the bloody hell was he even doing here?

The quill snapped in Harry's hand. The other three occupants of the room all turned to look at him.

Harry's jaw tightened as he strove for control. He cleared his throat. "I wish to speak to my...I wish to speak to Draco," said Harry. "Alone."

Draco held Harry's eyes for a moment before nodding to his solicitor, who stood and walked out with Ms Zinster. "It's a bit late to make any changes to the decree," Draco said quietly.

"I don't want to change it," said Harry. "I want to burn it! I don't want to get divorced; I never did!"

Draco's lips parted in surprise. "But, you said you did."

"I never said I wanted a divorce," Harry protested. "I asked you if you wanted one, and...well, here we are." He tossed the broken quill down and fisted his hands in his hair.

"I didn't say I wished to divorce, either."

Harry looked up at his husband. "You didn't say no when I asked."

"That's because I thought it was what you wanted," Draco told him.

Harry didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Then why are we throwing our marriage away?"

Draco gave him a sad, half smile. "Because we're both too proud and stubborn for our own good?"

"Yeah, well, my pride has been a cold companion," muttered Harry.

"It's not too late."

Draco spoke so softly that Harry wasn't certain he'd heard him correctly. He straightened from his dispirited slouch, heart aching with hope. "What are you saying?" Harry asked.

Draco dropped Harry's gaze, a sure sign of anxiety on his part. He lifted his shoulders in a too-casual shrug. "I'm saying, we don't have to go through with the divorce."

Draco raised his eyes to Harry's, and the longing in them caused a painful clench in Harry's chest. Harry reached halfway across the table. "Do you want to try again?" he whispered.

Draco's hand closed the remaining distance, and he twined his fingers with Harry's. "Do you?" he countered.

Harry's pulse was racing. "We'll fight," he said. "A lot."

"And make up with brilliant sex," said Draco. "A lot of it."

"We could make a fresh start," suggested Harry, growing more confident.

Draco nodded. "A new beginning," he added. "It will take some work-"

"We can do it," Harry interrupted, voice firm with conviction. "I'm willing to try," he said. "I don't want to lose you."

Draco squeezed Harry's hand. "I don't want to lose you, either," he said. "I can't believe how close we came to giving up on our marriage."

Harry leaned forward and brought Draco's hand to his lips, kissing the knuckles. He closed his eyes and drew a shaky breath. If Draco felt the tremor in Harry's fingers, he didn't mention it. "Just promise me one thing," said Harry. "No matter how much we argue, bicker and fight, we will never again say the word divorce."

"Agreed," sighed Draco. "Let's summon our solicitors and tell them their services are no longer needed."

Harry nodded, almost giddy with relief. He drew his wand left-handed, refusing to release his grip on his husband. Harry pointed his wand at the divorce decree.

"Incendio!"