Chapter Text
It was a quiet afternoon in the Hogwarts grounds. The sun was low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the lush lawns, and most students were enjoying their free time. Harry Potter, however, wasn’t in the Great Hall or the Gryffindor common room. Instead, he was curled up in a sun-drenched corner of the courtyard, his tail swishing lazily behind him.
Harry, as a neko, had always been more comfortable in moments like these—quiet, peaceful, and slightly away from the hustle and bustle. His cat-like ears twitched at the soft sound of footsteps approaching.
He didn’t have to look up to know who it was.
Draco Malfoy was hard to miss, especially with the way he walked—graceful, confident, and with that subtle, magnetic pull he always seemed to have. Harry had always been keenly aware of Draco’s presence, though he tried not to show it. After all, it wasn’t exactly normal to be so aware of the way someone moved, the scent of their cologne, or the way their voice always made Harry’s heart race just a little bit faster.
“Lazing about, Potter?” Draco’s voice was smooth, teasing, but there was a hint of something softer hidden beneath it.
Harry looked up, his green eyes meeting Draco’s pale, silvery ones. He blinked, stretching like a cat, his back arching before he settled again. “What’s it to you, Malfoy?” Harry purred lightly, his tail flicking in the air.
Draco smirked but there was something different about the way he watched Harry today. His gaze lingered a little longer than usual, as if studying Harry carefully. His eyes softened, just slightly, before he sat down on the stone beside Harry, crossing his long legs in a fluid motion.
“I’m not here to lecture you,” Draco said, his voice low and uncharacteristically gentle. “I just… thought I’d join you for a while.”
Harry tilted his head, his ears flicking in curiosity. He was used to Draco being cold and distant, though lately, there had been moments—tiny moments—where Draco’s demeanor shifted, and Harry wasn’t sure what to make of it. Draco was always a mystery, but now, he was a mystery Harry found himself wanting to unravel.
Draco’s eyes flickered to Harry’s tail, which was swaying lazily from side to side. Without thinking, Draco’s hand reached out, his fingers brushing against the soft fur of Harry’s tail. Harry froze, his heart skipping a beat. It wasn’t the first time someone had touched his tail, but the way Draco did it was different. The touch was soft, almost hesitant, like he was waiting for permission.
“Draco…” Harry’s voice was barely above a whisper, but it had a certain vulnerability to it. He wasn’t sure how to feel about Draco’s sudden gentleness.
Draco looked up, his expression unreadable. “You’re a neko, Potter. I’ve always wondered… what’s it like?” His fingers gently ran over Harry’s tail again, this time more deliberately. Harry’s breath hitched, the sensation of being touched like that sending a strange thrill through him.
“It’s…” Harry started, his voice a little shaky. “It’s like being both human and… not. I have instincts, things that make me… want to act like a cat sometimes.” Harry paused, his gaze meeting Draco’s, and he noticed the subtle warmth in Draco’s eyes. “Why do you care?”
Draco tilted his head, a faint smirk returning to his lips. “I’m just curious. You’re not exactly the type to sit in the sun like this. And…” Draco hesitated, a fleeting moment of uncertainty in his usually confident demeanor. “I’ve noticed you seem to enjoy the quiet. I thought I’d see if you wanted company.”
Harry’s ears perked up at Draco’s words. There was something genuine in his tone, something more than the usual teasing banter. Draco was a Veela, after all, and while that usually meant he had an aura of charm and attraction that made others swoon, Harry didn’t feel that pressure when they were together. It was like the world had slowed down, and for once, there was just Draco—no games, no insults—just two people sitting together, sharing a quiet moment.
Harry stretched again, his tail flicking to and fro. “I don’t mind your company,” Harry admitted, his voice soft. “It’s nice to be with someone who doesn’t make me feel... strange. You don’t look at me like I’m a freak because of my ears or tail.”
Draco’s eyes softened, his hand lingering a little longer on Harry’s tail. He tilted his head slightly, considering Harry’s words. “I’ve never thought of you as a freak, Potter,” he said, his voice surprisingly sincere. “You’re just… different. But that’s not a bad thing.”
Harry’s heart thudded in his chest, and for a moment, he wondered if Draco knew just how much those words meant. Harry had spent most of his life trying to fit in, trying to be accepted, but with Draco… with Draco, he didn’t need to hide. He didn’t need to pretend to be anything other than what he was.
A soft breeze stirred the air around them, and Harry felt a sudden warmth spreading through him. Not from the sun, but from Draco’s presence. It was an unfamiliar feeling, but one he didn’t want to shy away from.
“You know,” Harry said after a pause, “you don’t have to pretend to be all... aloof and distant around me, Draco.”
Draco raised an eyebrow, his fingers still idly stroking Harry’s tail. “And what if I like being aloof and distant?” Draco teased lightly, though his voice was much gentler than usual.
Harry gave him a knowing look, a small, content smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Then I’ll just have to keep you company until you get used to it.”
Draco’s eyes flickered with something softer, something Harry couldn’t quite name. He leaned back slightly, his head resting against the stone wall. “Fine. I’ll allow it,” Draco said, the usual sarcasm returning, but there was an undeniable warmth in his voice.
Harry’s tail flicked again, this time brushing against Draco’s leg in a quiet gesture of trust. Draco didn’t flinch; instead, he gave Harry a small, rare smile, one that made Harry’s heart beat a little faster.
And in that moment, Harry realized something: maybe Draco Malfoy wasn’t as aloof and distant as he’d always seemed. Maybe, just maybe, Draco was learning to be something else—a little kinder, a little softer—and Harry was more than happy to be the one who got to see it.