Only You

Chapter One – A Missive

She felt the firm cold wall of her office against her back as she leaned against it for support, her legs swiftly loosing that purpose. He stood very close, a bare inch between them, so close that she is sure he can feel her shaking form. Her shakes aren't from fear, no she is not afraid of him, but she desires that last inch to close, for all restraint to break and for his lips finally meet hers. For the last year they have exchanged letters, and for the past two weeks he has been here, the tension between them was unbearable for that time. Her anxiety of never having kissed or been intimate another wasn't even a factor, where before she cursed her pureblood upbringing for not preparing for her for this moment, on the other hand the idea that her firsts would be with the man before her, caused her already beating heart to hammer.

"If you don't want this, I will understand" he breathed. Her eyes widened at the thought of him pulling away, his eyes smouldering and yearning into her own, lighting the spark in her stomach. She tilted her lips upwards, her eyes dancing.

"More than anything, I want this" she whispered in response.

5th of November 2002

"There Mr Potter, that should deal with the bruising!" spoke the nurse as she finished checking him over, although Harry thought it unnecessary to take quite as long as she did, he didn't miss the roving eye the young woman seemed to possess. He nodded and began to button up his crisp white shirt and waistcoat, before fixing his tie and rising from the examination chair. He chose to ignore the disappointed look on the nurse's face as his bare torso was covered up as the memories of the Paris mission flooding back.

A blasting hex sent chunks of stone and brick spraying about the darkened chamber, the wayward spell aiming for Harry before he had thrown himself behind a stone pillar. Harry found himself laughing as another spell blasted the wall near him, covering him in dust, before he jumped from behind his cover and fired his own assortment of spells, a shout of alarm signalling at least one had hit. He did not allow himself a celebration however, as the familiar flash of green light hurtled towards him, which he managed to swiftly dodge, laughing in relief when he found cover again.

"Potter? Are you mad! What on earth is so funny" came Draco Malfory's voice over the sound of flying spells. He too had taken cover behind one of the many pillars that lined the underground chamber, typical of dark wizards to pick the loveliest of settings to make a lair.

"Just like old times Malfoy, don't you think?" replied Harry with glee before flinging a stinging hex in the direction of the offensive spells.

"You know, I think Wesley has a point" Draco called out again, causing Harry to look over to him. "You're bloody mental". With a flash of a smile Harry did not respond, instead he lept from his cover whilst blocking two curses with his shield charm.

He shook his head quickly to rid himself of the flashback.

"Well Lucy, in the nicest possible way. I hope I don't see you in the future" he spoke with a smile before retrieving his cloak from the hanger by the door.

"Oh I don't mind Mr Potter" Lucy replied in rather sultry tone which caused Harry to swiftly nod and all but sprint from the healing ward, and out into the busy halls of the ministry of magic. Shaking himself off from the horrid sensation of being ogled like a steak he quickly made his way through the hundreds of employees that milled about towards the auror department, nodding as acknowledgments such as Mr Potter and Harry Dear Boy were called to him as he went. He had not long returned from his assignment in France a week ago and on his arrival back to London he found himself being dispatched to a town called Preston in the north-west of the England, a small task he was told. Three days and three broken ribs later he had his final reports to give to Finnick, that and a roughed up former snatcher from the war.

He finally made it to the DMLE offices and began to make a beeline for the head auror's office, keen to get his reports in. It was then a familiar voice called out across the open planned space.

"Ah Potter! You're back!" came the voice, causing Harry to turn about to greet the voices owner. Draco Malfoy strode over from one of the desks with a rather beaming smile. Of all the people Harry would count as a good friend, he never suspected that Draco would be amongst them, sure he had found a new level of respect for the tall blonde when he didn't sell him out to Voldemort during the war, but when they were placed in the same auror training group, an unexpected bond had formed.

"Finally, yes, how was Edinburgh? I hope that the rogue teenager didn't cause you to much trouble?" Harry replied with a gleeful tone. Draco fell in step with Harry as the dark-haired wizard drew closer to Finnick' office.

"You know, I find the young ones are the worst. Its only now I realise that some purebloods are unreal" replied the blonde with a small smirk, before noting the raised eyebrow from Harry. "I include my younger self in that statement, if I ever spout that kind of arrogance again Harry, just hex me a few times will you. Anyway, how was Preston, and how is the wound from Paris doing?" Draco asked as they came to a halt at the head auror's office door.

"You really sure you want me hexing you? Preston was great, suspect is in custody now and the wound from Paris is … well its healing" Harry replied, shuddering at the memory of their mission in the French capital the week before. "Let me finish up with Finnick' and we can go and get a drink in the pub? Mind taking these to my office for me?" Harry asked, holding out his long coat and some files.

"Sure, I'll finish up what I'm doing and meet you in your office mate" Draco replied with a nod and took Harry's things carefully before giving him a nod and leaving him to knock on Lewis Finnick' door. No answer came, however the polished oak door merely opened on its own accord, signalling for him to enter.

"Ah Mr Potter, it is good to see you back. Apologises for sending you to Preston so soon after that incident in Paris, I trust your wound is ok? Your one of my best, perhaps even the best auror here and you are only twenty-two years of age, I'd hate to lose you" Lewis started, she was not one for false praise, Harry was outstanding in his training programme and even the experienced auror's he shadowed afterwards were impressed with his skills.

"I'm fine sir, honestly. I just came to give you the debrief on the situation in Preston, not much to tell, however. Snatchers were never very bright" Harry replied as he took a seat opposite the head of the DMLE. She cast a knowing smile, snatchers indeed, were not clever by nature, but their crimes during the second wizarding war were unforgivable, nearly all had been accounted for now.

"Very good Mr Potter, I trust with you that everything is in order. I am glad you came in however, I have two things to discuss with you" Lewis spoke and leaned forward slightly. Harry felt his stomach do a little flip as he searched his brain, trying to remember if he had screwed up somewhere.

"Ok" was all he could come up with.

"Firstly, after reviewing your outstanding performance since you passed your training, I am promoting you to a senior auror" Harry felt his breath leave him at his announcement. "I should stress to you that no one your age has been promoted to this level, another feat you have seemed to have achieved" Lewis smirked.

"I … I am honoured Sir" he replied, lost for words.

"So, you should be, and secondly, I have received a letter from Hogwarts today, they are requesting if I could send an auror up for a few weeks. Seems after the events of the war, headmistress McGonagall would like to ensure that students know what to look out for early on you see"

"Commendable, McGonagall is and was one of the few that always stood by me, she was never one to stick her head in the sand" Harry replied, still recovering from the news of a promotion.

"That is why I am sending you" Lewis quipped.

"Come again?" he replied rather swiftly, earning a chuckle from the older lady.

"You heard me fine Mr Potter" Finnick replied before handing him an envelope with a clear wax seal of Hogwarts. Harry felt his stomach prickle a little, he hadn't been back since finishing up his seventh year before joining the auror's. Did he want to go back? A thought occurred to him in that moment and he caste a little smirk at Lewis, who raised his brow at him. "I don't enjoy it when you smirk like that Potter"

…

"Hogwarts? You are going back to give talks on life as an Auror?" Draco said with surprise as he read over the contents of the letter, sipping his rum and coke as he did so.

Dear Finnick,

Given the events four years ago, the board and I agree that students should be better educated on how to protect themselves. Whilst our establishment covers Defence Against the Dark Arts, the professor in charge would like some outside input from the experts, someone with first-hand experience perhaps.

I hope that you are able and willing to assist us on this matter.

Yours

M McGonogall

Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

"I'm leaving first thing tomorrow, via the Hogwarts Express of all things" Harry replied as he took a swig of his own beverage, before accepting the letter back from Draco. He had been offered to go directly via the floo network, yet he opted for the more traditional approach, hoping to capture a little of the old feeling of returning to Hogwarts "And you are coming with me" he added on the end, just as Draco made to take a sip of his drink, causing the blonde to nearly choke on his beverage.

"Want to run that by me again?" Draco asked as he cocked his head to the side, causing Harry to smirk.

"Lewis has signed it off" Harry replied casually.

"Oh, its Lewis now is it? Senior auror and already on first names" Draco mocked light heartedly, earning himself a swat on the shoulder from Harry.

"I think after what happened in Paris, he just wants us to have a break, given we have rejected leave. This is the next best thing I suppose, rather clever if you ask me" Harry observed whilst picking up a nut from the bowl between himself at Draco.

"I don't know how well I'll be received Harry, I was a shit back at school" spoke the blonde.

"Don't need to tell me that" Harry commented with a grin, before softening his expression when he saw the panicked expression on Draco's face. Clearly the man was not comfortable with going back. "Listen, you don't have to come, but if you come with me it will show that the past is indeed the past" he said gently, watching his friend seemingly digest the news.

"How long would we be gone?" Draco asked.

"Until Christmas break, Finnick wants us to almost run a careers advice service as well as demonstrate duelling and giving talks on preventative measures really" Harry replied, swilling his drink about. "Looks like we will be having a repeat of our second-year duel, perhaps we can start on the count of three this time eh?" the dark-haired wizard smirked.

"You know Snape told me to do that right?"

"Does not surprise me whatsoever" Harry laughed, his stomach dropping a little at the memory of his potion's professor who despite his resentment of Harry, had sought to protect him for the love he held for his mother. "I would take Ron, but since him and Hermione ended things and she is teaching there, I thought it a bit insensitive to them both" Harry added.

"No that's fair, what is the story with that again? Ron was rather tight lipped on it with me" Draco asked.

"I'd take that he is being civil with you as a blessing mate, not like Ron to forgive and forget" Harry explained. He and Ron were still very close, he often visited the Burrow on Sunday evenings for a roast and when Harry had first told Ron about his attempts to build bridges with Malfoy, the redhead had been enraged. It had taken two months silent treatment followed by a year of refusing to speak to Draco, until finally Harry had finally managed to get the pair to be on talking terms. "In all honesty it ended because they are to different, Ron is quick to temper and jealous and Hermione is bossy and can come across quite condescending at times. That and they kissed at the height of the war, remove that and well, it just didn't work out, much like me and Ginny" Harry explained.

"Must admit Harry, was not surprised about you and Ginny" Draco added before looking at his empty glass. "Another?"

"No one was, and sure, same again please" replied Harry.

"I heard whispers about some of the other reasons you and Gin broke up, was it true that there another woman?" Draco asked once he returned with their drinks.

"No, I'm not a cheat, I won't lie in the sense that someone caught my eye, but I never did anything about it"

"Is this the stranger you keep exchanging letters with?" Draco smirked.

"What?! I've not idea what you are on about" Harry replied very defensively, perhaps too much so.

"Really? Potter I know what is "official post" and what is personal post, and you seem to get one letter a week every Friday at around midday. I'm not stupid" chuckled the blonde.

"Fine, I have been exchanging letters with someone for the last year" Harry started, before noticing excitement behind Draco's. "Nothing has happened its just letters!" he exclaimed a little louder.

"Sure, that's why you practically rip open the letter and hide away in your office? Who is it?"

"Its private, and when did you become such a girl about these things?" Harry grumbled, seeking to end the conversation on this matter.

"Because its fun Potter. Wait a minute you said last year? Around about the time Finnick dragged us to that ministry fundraiser to show you off? The one were you you started talking to Daphn-"

"Shhhh will you!" Harry hissed quietly and looked about him, they may have been in a muggle pub, but it was central London and the daily prophet even hounded him here. "You can't go around saying things like that when anyone could hear you, rumour mill would have a field day!" Harry admonished. Earning only a large grin from his former rival.

"Its her isn't it, I confess that surprises me … A lot" Draco spoke.

"Why?" countered Harry.

"So it is true! I knew it!" the blond said with a triumphant smile before seeing Harry's somewhat irate expression. "She always kept herself to herself you know, not proud of it but I and a few of the other lads tried seducing her a few times" Draco started and upon noting the envious stare from his friend quickly sought to clarify "I and they ended up with an ice pack on our groin for a few weeks, couldn't walk straight. No, she never seemed to get involved with anyone that way, that was more Pansy than anyone"

"The whole Ice-Queen thing?" Harry commented.

"Yeah, cold that one, how on earth did you get her to start sending you letters? I thought she would sooner hex a man before starting civil conversation" Draco asked with a shocked expression.

"Because I'm devilishly charming and delightful of course" the dark-haired wizard spoke, but when his companion raised an eyebrow, he put down his drink. "Well it started at the fundraiser as you mentioned".

Impeccably dressed in a crimson overcoat, black dress trousers and waistcoat, he leaned back against one of the many pillars that encircled the ballroom as he observed the scene before him. These fundraisers were always a tiring affair and he was often approached by a host of people whom he would of course politely engage with but was always wary of their intentions. It was no secret that many people sought his favour, since he had taken up his lord status of the Potter and Black households he had become even more of a beacon for these people.

With a heavy sigh he finished the remnants of his beverage before scanning the room once more. He saw Draco, his auror partner and budding friend mingling with some of the guests who resembled some old faces from Hogwarts, not that Harry could put names to their faces. Likely from the blondes former circle of friends. He continued to look about, his engrained auror training taking over, and as he did so he caught something amiss over by the refreshment table. A tall and slender blonde woman stood facing the table whilst a tall and lanky man stood rather close to her, at first Harry assumed they were a couple until his eye picked out the wand in the man's hand, pointing discreetly between them. He placed his empty glass down on a floating platter and weaved through the throng of people, keeping his eyes fixed on the wand as he placed his hand to his holster.

"Listen to me Daphne, you will go.." Harry heard the males voice as he approached, a quick glance to the blonde lady confirmed that she was not comfortable, judging by the pure look of rage across her beautiful face.

"I trust everything is alright here?" Harry spoke, cutting the man's sentence short, earning himself a rigid glare from him, whom Harry suddenly recognised as Theodore Nott, son of Theodore Senior, a prolific death eater who was killed at the battle of Hogwarts. The glare from Theo was murderous, barely hiding the contempt in his eyes, whereas the blonde witch glanced towards him, a hint of relief evident in her blue eyes.

"What do you want Potter! Perhaps you should mind your own business for once, this does not concern you!" Theo snapped.

"I think you'll find it does, you have drawn your wand at an event in which the minister of magic is in attendance. As an auror in charge of security here I could arrest you right now" Harry replied sternly, causing Theo to back up a bit and away from the witch he was talking with, his wand steady. "Whatever your thinking of doing Nott, I wouldn't. Leave now and I won't put you on your back and into a cell, your family does not need more attention" Harry offered, coldly. Theo for a moment looked like he would strike out, yet after looking to the witch once more whom herself glared coldly, he turned on his heel and marched towards the exit. Only when Harry was confident that he had left did he turn to speak to the woman Nott had been speaking with.

She was a beauty, she was tall but a slight bit shorter than himself. Her long golden hair was brushed out smoothly and cascaded down her back, finishing just above her waist. Her eyes were a startling blue and her skin a vanilla sheen. He had never been stunned into silence by the appearance of someone before.

"Thank you, Lord Potter, I assure you I had him in hand however" she said politely with a small smile.

"Of that I had no doubt, however with the minister here I had to step in, not a reflection of your own ability to look after yourself, miss?" Harry replied.

"Greengrass, Daphne Greengrass" she spoke with another smile.

"Ah I thought you were familiar; didn't we have a couple of classes together? Potions and DADA?" Harry asked as he poured himself another drink, keeping his eyes on her for a moment.

"We did indeed, though we never spoke. You lions never played nice with us snakes" Daphne replied, smirking as she did so.

"I recall you snakes not playing nice with us either. I remember you were quite the hand in potions "he quipped back.

"And you were rather formidable in DADA, though judging by your feats that class was never going to trouble you, you weren't too awful at Quidditch either" she commented.

"I wasn't too bad was I, only beat your house every time I played" he said with a wink, though she appeared to be engaging with him, he did not wish to take up her time. "I thank you for your time, I would say if anyone troubles you, come and find me but, you look like you can handle yourself just fine" he said with a small smile, he didn't really want to go.

"Bored of me already?" she asked as he made to turn away, as Harry turned, he thought he saw a flicker of disappointment in her eyes before it was gone again, replaced by indifference.

"The opposite miss Greengrass, I would like to speak with you further, however you of all people know how much people like to gossip I fear the papers will be full of my mystery lady should I stay any longer" he winked, causing her a flash a small smile.

"You only inflame the rumours if you pay them notice but go if you wish" she replied casually.

"Would you like me to go?" he countered.

"I find you pleasant, that and if Nott were to come back … It wouldn't be so terrible if you were here" she said before looking away and sipping her wine nonchalantly.

"Hang on she smiled at you?" Draco cut in. Harry grinned and blushed a little at the memory. "You'll have to be a wingman sometime. I wonder what Nott wanted with her?"

"Nothing good I imagine, it was two weeks later if you remember we cornered him for smuggling" Harry replied before downing the last of his drink. "Well I'm going to go mate, see Teddy before we go back to Hogwarts. Shall I meet you on the platform? Train is earlier than normal, nine in the morning" he said as he rose from his seat.

"Yeah I'll see you in the morning harry" Draco replied.

…

Right, I've posted this to see people's reactions, I won't post for a while because I'm going to store up the chapters and release them constantly, I think.

Let me know your thoughts.