I'm struggling a bit to write Two Broken Boys so I practice my writing by doing the 30 days OTP challenge.( journal/30-Day-OTP-Challenge-LIST-325248585)

I'll probably make some fanarts as well so don't expect 30 ficlets. I'll link them all in a chapter when I'm finished.

01 - Holding hands

The rain was tapping slightly on the window of Harry's bedroom at Grimmauld Place. This was a relaxing sound, thought Harry.

Hermione, as usual, was curled up in a large armchair and researching about the horcruxes, a large book on her lap and Crookshank on the back of the armchair, his fluffy tail waving lazily. Ron was playing with that muggle game that he'd snatched from Mr Weasley's shed. A Gameboy if Harry remembered well, Dudley had one when they were younger.

Harry was lying on his back, his hand dangling from the edge of the sofa, trying to get some rest after the crazy night they all had, and Malfoy was just sitting on the floor with his back against the same sofa. Malfoy had borrowed Ron's diskman (Ron recently had an interest for muggle electronics) and had shut his eyes, bobbing his head in rhythm to whatever pop song he was listening.

This lazy Saturday was welcome; they had an emergency the night before and had to rush through Hogsmeade to fight a bunch of Death Eaters who tried to capture Hagrid while he was out for a drink. They were all safe in the end, and Azkaban had now five new residents.

Malfoy shifted and his hand brushed Harry's, which was almost laying on the floor.

Malfoy had joined the Order six months ago, turning his back to his father and Voldemort. Everyone had been surprised but Malfoy had proven himself resourceful and trustworthy a good number of times when Voldemort's plans to kill Harry had almost succeeded.

It'd been awkward and tense at first, working with someone Harry hated, but strangely sharing life threatening experiences brings people together. Thinking of Malfoy as a friend was still new to Harry, but he quite liked the idea.

Malfoy tilted his head back and glanced at Harry, strands of blond hair caught in his eyelashes, before closing his eyes again. Harry felt Malfoy's hand brushing his hand again, purposefully this time. A light smile on his lips, Harry relaxed on the couch and slightly stroked the back of Malfoy's hand with his thumb before gently holding Malfoy's pinky finger with his.

Malfoy glanced again with a barely noticeable blush. Harry saw him take a deep breath and then their fingers were intertwined completely. Malfoy's hand was soft and delicate but his grip was firm and reassuring.

Harry squeezed Malfoy's hand and dozed off peacefully on the couch.

All was well, for now.