Exina's Reviews > Strange Bedfellows

Harry and Draco both work at the Ministry, and one day Harry finds Draco unconscious in his office. I turns out that Draco overdosed a sleeping potion which he has been taken since 6th year and has become addicted to it. The detox process and recovery is not easy, with a side effect of not being able to sleep at all for a while. So Harry decides to keep Draco company in St. Mungo.

Malfoy eyed them suspiciously. “You want to play cards?” he asked flatly.
“Yeah, I suppose I do,” Harry nodded.
“Are you seriously trying to tell me that the famous Harry Potter has nothing better to do on a Sunday night than sit in hospital, playing cards with a virtual stranger?”
Harry grinned. Put that way, it sounded ridiculous. “Yes. That’s exactly what I’m trying to tell you.”
Malfoy gave an exaggerated roll of his eyes. “Merlin, and I thought my life was tragic.”

When he is discharged from hospital, he still needs daily medication and Harry offers to take care of it. Draco appears every night at Grimmauld Place for the potion, and slowly they build a cozy routine, a sweet domesticity.

Draco wanted Chinese food and Harry fancied pizza, so they compromised and ordered a curry. It was too hot for Draco and too mild for Harry, so neither of them was happy, but they took great pleasure in blaming each other for the unsatisfying meal.

Draco is so in character: he is difficult, arrogant, distant, and snarky, but he is also very vulnerable. It’s a lovely contrast. He’s like a wild animal who has to be tamed.

“Smugness doesn't suit you, Potter. You don’t have the bone structure for it.”

Harry is also true to character: so vehement and emotional, caring and everything he is.



Despite the long time span (six months) it was not overdrawn or boring, the pacing is perfect. The trust and attraction between them are built beautifully.

The magnitude of their conversation hit Harry hard as he watched Draco leave, and he was suddenly struck by an urge to acknowledge it.
“Draco?”
Draco turned in the doorway and looked at him expectantly, blond eyebrows raised.
“Thanks for trusting me enough to tell me.”
Draco’s expression softened for a split second before rolled his eyes and swept from the room, muttering something that sounded suspiciously like “Bloody sentimental Gryffindors.”

The trauma of the events of 6th year and the war taking its toll on both of them (nightmares, and in Draco’s case, addiction) was heartbreaking to see. I’ve never thought of this aspect before.

Strange Bedfellows is a great story, with many wonderful details. Plus, Draco wearing that too short Gryffindor t-shirt must be a sight to behold. Highly recommended!