Chapter Text
“How goes it Snape?” James asked the black haired man, popping the P obnoxiously, as he lounged on some rocks by the shore. The man sneered down at him.
“You’ll be pleased to know that I highly doubt a wedding will happen. Barely a week and they’ve already come to blows, both physically and metaphorically.” Snape said. “I’ve seen politicians more polite.”
“I’m sure my boy trounced him.” James said with a grin. Snape pursed his lips.
“Well, unlike some people, I have duties to attend to.” Snape said while side eyeing the merman. He kept from flinching when seawater splashed him.
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Apparently the first few days of having their at the time supposed shipwrecked green eyed guest had been paradise. But that was short lived. After the green eyed guest got his voice back the boys were terrible together. No one was even quite sure why.
The first time they fought it startled everyone. All couples fight so that was to be expected but this was a lot more volatile than expected. It wasn’t a one time occurrence either. By the second week the servants were more resigned than frightened.
Severus was happy about this development mainly because Harry was a cheeky little brat. He blamed the boy’s father. The merman had basically forced him to be the one to update him on his son. Each interaction left him more annoyed with the merman.
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The servants scuttled away from the hallway of the Prince’s wing. It was better to stay out of the way and wait for the two boy’s to separate than to linger. As usual it started as angry words and escalated to angry shouting. However, this time was slightly different. Harry never stormed back to his room although a door did slam. The servants just shrugged and concentrated on other areas of the palace for the day.
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Harry was annoyed with Draco. For some reason all their interactions resulted in them fighting. He wasn’t quite sure why but when Draco pushed he pushed back. Hermione had pointed out that Harry never reacted well to being made fun of. Maybe the way Draco spoke to him made Harry feel like that.
Draco wasn’t used to people not agreeing with him or kowtowing to him. Harry was different. He didn’t know how to interact with the boy honestly. They devolved into arguing and shouting matches. He knew he needed to change but he couldn’t just change over night and didn’t know how.
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Harry had decided to speak to Draco. Actually speak to him. He was in the hallway leading to Draco’s room when he met the blond. They both stared at each other. Eventually Harry did start a conversation and it was going well until Draco said something in just the right tone. And then they started arguing. Again.
Harry was sick of fighting but when Draco grabbed his shirt he shoved the blond against the wall. They stood there panting harshly and then suddenly their mouths were smashed together as they made out violently. Draco’s hands made their way into Harry’s hair as Harry pressed Draco into the wall with his body.
They pulled away from each other to breath. Draco let his head fall back against the wall as he caught his breath while Harry watched him. Draco had wrapped a leg around Harry’s waist without even realizing it. He blinked out of his daze, his hands still in Harry’s hair. He went to let go but made a surprised sound when Harry kissed him again. It was a quick kiss but lingered long enough for Draco to fall into it.
“I’m tired of fighting, Draco.” Harry said quietly.
“Me too.” Draco said. “I honestly am not used to someone like you.”
“I noticed.” Harry said sarcastically but smiled to show he was just joking. He started to pull away but froze at the small sound the blond made. Draco blushed and quickly let go of him. “I think we should... talk.” Harry said but didn’t remove himself from Draco.
“Talk.” Draco said trying to subtly move out from under Harry. “We should.” He let out a breath when Harry finally pulled away. He stared at the hand that wrapped around his and automatically followed the other boy into his room. He jumped when his door was slammed.
“Sorry.” Harry said sheepishly as he walked over to Draco’s bed. He sat down but the blond stayed standing.
“So,” Draco started as he gently took his hand back and started pacing. “I’m not the nicest person.”
“You’re not terrible.” Harry said. “You’re... spoiled.” Draco tensed but took a deep breath.
“Yes.” Draco said.
“I’ve seen you be polite though.” Harry said.
“My Mother has taught me that manners are key.” Draco said with a small smile.
“You seem to not like me.” Harry pointed out. Draco inhaled sharply and stopped pacing to focus on Harry.
“I do, though. I like you very much.” Draco said. He then grabbed Harry’s hands. “I think I like you too much.”
“What?” Harry asked confused.
“I... I’ve been trying to impress you but I feel like you like me less.” Draco said.
“Impress me?” Harry asked and then had to think about what Draco was trying to impress him with. It dawned on him. “Draco, I’m not like the other aristocrats you have to impress. Wealth and posturing mean nothing to me. But why were you angry with me?” He asked confused.
“I was more angry at myself but I lashed out at you.” Draco said staring down at the floor. He once more let go of Harry’s hands. “I know I’m not the easiest to get along with in the long run. I suppose you want to go home.”
“I didn’t say that.” Harry said in a rush. He didn’t like how sad the blond looked but Draco wouldn’t look at him. “Draco. I want to be with you but this isn’t a fairytale. We actually have to talk to each other.”
“You do?” Draco asked in a small hopeful voice. He grunted when he was pulled over and onto the bed.
“We should be working together.” Harry stated.
“You make it sound like a partnership.” Draco pointed out.
“It is in a way. It should at least be friendship. Do you think we can be friends?” Harry said.
“Well, I’d like more but friendship is good.” Draco muttered missing the fond eye roll Harry gave him.
“You are infuriating, Draco.” Harry said and then kissed the blond boy before he could say anything.
They spent the rest of the day talking. And kissing. Draco escorted him to dinner and after dinner they talked some more. After that there were far less arguments. In fact, there was now excitement for the upcoming wedding.
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“You said there’d be no wedding!” James accused Snape.
“Yes, well it seems your son is more mature than you.” Severus said snidely. He was surprised at the turnabout and asked Draco about it. All he said was they talked. He forgot that was a thing considering how long he’s been entrenched in the aristocracy. Such a simple solution.
“Maybe he’ll stop the wedding if I say I can’t make it.” James said.
“As I stated, more mature than you.” Severus said as he walked away then sneered at the feeling of wet sand hitting him.