Believe In Me

by AEM86

What would happen if Harry had not stayed quiet under the floorboards of the Astronomy Tower at the end of HPB? What if he had stopped Draco? Who would really save who? How would the two boys handle a blossoming relationship and the backlash of their choices? Compliant through most of HPB. SLASH HP/DM

1. Helping Hands

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JK Rowling owns all, I just like to take them out to play.

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WARNING: This story contains slash. It will be a mature relationship between Harry and Draco. If you don't like it, don't read it.

This story started off as scratches in a notebook for me to use as a Drarry outlet while I worked on 'Finding Your Place' and I never intended to do anything with it. But, the damn thing just wouldn't leave me alone. I don't have this beta'd as I will see what the reaction is to the first chapter before I post anymore. I hope you all enjoy! Drop a review to let me know if you're interested in me continuing this story. There are lyrics at the beginning of every chapter, feel free to skip them, they do make an excellent soundtrack for the chapter however.

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Chapter 1: Helping Hands

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"All the smiles you had to fake
And all the shit you had to take
Just to lead us here again
I never have the things to say
To make it all just go away
To make it all just disappear
Believe in me
I know you've waited for so long
Believe in me
Sometimes the weak become the strong
Believe in me
This life is not always what it seems
Believe in me
Cause I was made for chasing dreams"

Staind- 'Believe'

"He'll kill me!" Draco's voice seethed with anguish. Harry felt tears dripping through the floor boards of the tower. Dumbledore had been very specific about him staying hidden. His muscles ached with anticipation. Harry had to stop it.

"Malfoy!" His own voice surprised him. He hadn't expected it to be concerned. He expected anger. Potter was running back up the staircase before he could think.

"Harry no!" The Headmaster bellowed. "There is much that you don't understand." He looked painfully towards his students, their wands now pointed at one another.

"You know I'm faster than you Malfoy." Harry reminded, twitching his wand ever so slightly. He was ready for a fight. What happened next would continue to confound him for years to come. Draco dropped his wand, tears streaming down his face.

"I don't want this." He seemed torn down, defeated. "Please...I don't...Potter..." His eyes were begging for something, anything. "...help me." His voice was small, tears trailing down his cheeks.

Harry's eyes darted to Albus. "Harry...get Draco out of here...hurry now..." He shuddered when he heard the click of the door below them. They were not alone.

"Who's with you?" Harry demanded, growing frantic.

"Bellatrix, Greyback and the Carrow's." Draco answered without a fight.

"Professor can you help? You are weak, am I on my own?" Harry jumped when he felt someone step closely behind him.

"No." The deep voice of Severus Snape was, for once, a welcomed release.

"Severus?" Albus's eyes widened. "We've agreed..."

Snape ignored his superior. "Draco pick up your wand and help us fight. Potter do not go after Bella. I will deal with her." He surprised Harry by patting his shoulder. "Please..." He looked to Draco and did not finish his sentence.

"Severus?" Bella came into view. "Why is it not done?" She looked around at the group. "Potty." She regarded. "You..." She pointed at Malfoy. "I knew you were useless, didn't have the gall to see it through did you? I told The Dark Lord..."

"Bella..." Snape interrupted. "...do shut up." He was in front of the boys, firing curses before Harry could blink.

"Expelliarmus!" Harry aimed the spell at a Carrow. His wand flew from his hand, tumbling from the tower. Potter moved back, closer to the Headmaster.

"Immobulus!" Draco seemed to come out of his state of shock, diving out of the way of a streak of green light that jetted past his face. One of the Carrow's fell hard to the ground.

Dumbledore and slouched down against the wall, too weak from the poison in the cave to hold his own weight. Harry could not hear the words that he mumbled as the remaining Carrow was pulled by invisible vines to the ceiling, where he remained bound and useless.

Snape's battle with Bella raged around them, neither gaining the upper hand. Harry ducked behind a crate. Malfoy was there. "I need you to watch the Professor while I take out the wolf." He was breathless.

"Greyback is quick and powerful Potter. Dumbledore can defend himself even in this state. Don't be a fool, let me help you." There was a sincerity in his eyes that Harry could not ignore.

"Ugh..." Harry grunted as he quickly looked behind them. There was a constant stream of curses flying between Snape and Bellatrix. Greyback was trapped om the other side of them. There was no way of escape. "Help me move the Professor into the corner, he'll be safer there."

Malfoy crawled over to Dumbledore swiftly, Harry right behind him. "Harry take the brooms and get Draco out of here." Albus coughed.

"Not a chance." Harry nodded to Malfoy, together the dragged their Headmaster into a corner, hidden by boxes and old pieces of the clock. "Malfoy can you hit him with something hard if I draw his fire?" Harry's voice was urgent.

"Yes. You'll never get over to him through that mess." He gestured to his Godfather and aunt, both beginning to tire.

"Don't worry about what I'm going to do." Harry snapped. "I just need you to be ready the instant that you have an opening."

"Alright. I can do this." He swore.

"I hope so." Harry took a deep breath. He looked at the wall of light that Snape's wizarding duel was creating. Greyback was just on the other side of it. His eyes darted around the tower, looking for his best option. He tossed a broom to Draco. "I don't have a plan." Harry admitted. "I'm banking on you having at least some of that famous Slytherin cunning." With that Harry mounted his broom, soaring outside. He was no longer visible from the tower.

"Did he just leave us?" Draco looked to Dumbledore.

The man gave a soft chuckle. "My boy, you truly do not know a thing about Harry Potter do you?" His eyes swept around the tower. "Best be ready for when he needs you."

Draco's gaze was wild, searching for any sign of The Golden Boy. Harry zipped in from the far side of the tower, right above Greyback. His broom work was excellent as he navigated the spray of curses that erupted from Greyback's wand. He began speeding around the tower, moving too quickly, and too focused on not getting hit in such a small space to cast any spells.

Draco thought fast, jumping on his broom and sailing to the highest point of the tower. The werewolf hadn't seen him. He remained poised there. He had a clear shot. He waited for Harry to be far out of the way before yelling, "Immobulus!" Greyback fell. Malfoy was confused when he heard two thumps against the ground. Potter. Potter was laying on the ground not far from Snape. He had been stunned before Greyback went down. Malfoy did not allow himself thought as he jerked his broom to the ground and rushed to pull his classmate out of the way.

Severus turned his head at the sharp yell he knew to be his godson. He was slumped over Potter, hit by one of Bella's stray curses. Anger welled within him, renewing his energy. He took the moment Bellatrix was distracted by her small victory to emit a streak of sickeningly green light from his wand. Bellatrix slumped to the floor. Her eyes were open, the life in them was gone.

"Draco!" Snape hurried to the blonde's side.

"I'm alright Severus." Malfoy rolled onto his back, trying to catch his breath. "Potter must have fallen from at least twelve feet. She just got me with a Cruciatus. It's gone now that she's..." He looked at his aunt's body. "...Just check him."

Snape hovered over Harry, casting several diagnostic charms. "He's fine. Unconscious."

"Aurors..." Dumbledore had managed to join them. "We need Aurors. Severus would you be so kind as to send a Patronus to Tonks and Kingsley, then I believe a chat in my office is in order."

"Of course Headmaster." Two ghostly does soon jumped from the tower.

"Ow." Harry began to stir. He pushed himself to a sitting position and rubbed his head. "Pretty good Malfoy. I don't appear to be dead so, pretty good."

"It was nothing. Not after..." He grew quiet, his posturing becoming proud. "I'll wait here for the Aurors. I won't put up a fight." He promised.

Albus's eyes twinkled as he looked from Harry to Severus. "Whatever for Draco? The Aurors will have no questions for you." His arm wrapped around Draco's shoulders in comfort.

"But I...I planned to..." Draco stuttered, confused.

"You helped fight off an attack on Hogwarts?" Harry spoke. He did not feel angry at the other boy. He had witnessed the entire exchange. There was no way Malfoy was going to hurt the Headmaster. Harry would not be able to turn his back on anyone who fought beside him.

Draco looked at the three men around him. "Draco, it's alright. We all make mistakes. Some more than others, of course." Severus glared pointedly at Potter, though his jibe was halfhearted at best.

The blonde smiled gratefully. "Here Potter, let's get you off of the floor." He extended his hand towards the schoolmate who had been his nemesis for the past six years.

Harry stared at the offered hand for a moment, looking at the tired and emotional man that it belonged to. He accepted it with conviction, bringing himself to his feet. "Thanks." He grinned. "So...meeting in your office Dumbledore? I get the distinct impression that none of us did as we were supposed to tonight."

HHH HHH HHH

"Wow." It was all Harry could say after this evening was fully explained to him. "So Draco was supposed to kill you, but you didn't want him to have to, so you made Snape promise that he would, only he's as trustworthy as quicksand..."

"5 points Potter." The Potion's Master griped.

"and you expected that I would just cower under the floor and watch all of that?" Harry rubbed his eyes. "What about this curse..." He grew serious.

"Actually..." Severus drew a vial from his robes. "Headmaster this is the reason that I did not follow through with our plans. I was finally able to brew it." No one saw the hint of a smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth. "It will not save your hand I'm afraid. It will save your life. It will keep the curse isolated and we'll be able to remove the infected..."

"You're going to cut off his hand!?" Harry gasped.

"It is a wonder that you have not yet managed to get yourself killed." Snape bit. "Surgery Potter, he'll have to have surgery."

"Oh that's...better." Harry fumbled with his hands.

"This is...Thank you Severus." Albus embraced the other man. Harry and Draco looked away uncomfortably. They were thankful for the knock at the door.

"Come in Tonks." Dumbledore said happily. He swallowed the potion without inspecting it.

"Evening Headmaster, they've all been taken to Azkaban. Bellatrix...she'll have an accident on the way there." She whispered the last bit.

"Very good Tonks. Were you able to destroy the vanishing cabinet?" He asked with a smile.

"Yes Sir. Albus..." She seemed distraught. "We've already intercepted communications... Severus has been outed as a spy, Voldemort has ordered he and Draco's executions and Harry...well needless to say the price on his head has been...significantly...raised." She emphasized.

"I expected as much dear girl. I'll see to them, not to worry." He grinned as she left.

"Well it would seem there are plans to be made. Severus you are spending your summer at the castle correct?"

"As I always do Albus." The Potions Master seemed annoyed.

"Very good. Boys, there are only a few weeks left in the term. Harry this is your last summer with the Dursley's. Draco you'll need to spend the summer at Hogwarts. All of that is easy enough..." He spoke airily.

"Headmaster maybe I could stay over the summer..." Harry suggested anxiously. Draco noted his pupil's unease. Was he really that afraid of Voldemort?

"We discuss this every year Harry. I know that they go a bit rough on you, vile muggles, unlike any I've ever met. However, you still need the protection the wards allow. Perk up, it's just for a little over a month this time around. The wards will drop at midnight on July 31st."

"I know that Sir I just..." His voice was small. "...since it's such a short amount of time, couldn't I just...not go?"

Albus allowed his eyes to fall towards the floor. "I'm sorry Harry. It's out of the question. Now, for the remaining weeks of the term I feel it necessary that you two stay out of sight. I'll have the elves ready a suite a few doors down from mine. They will bring you your meals and schoolwork. We'll circulate a rumor that I've sent you both away. You must stay out of sight. We cannot trust some of the other students I'm afraid. I must insist that you stay in the quarters that you are given. Is that understood?"

"Together?" Harry gawked. He wasn't angry with Malfoy, that in no way meant that he wanted to spend nearly a month locked up with him.

"The horror." Severus deadpanned. "Leaving the cramped dormitory for a sprawling private suite."

"I'm sure that you'll do just fine. Besides, Mr. Malfoy here could use an introduction to our side, who better to do it than you Harry?" Dumbledore laughed.

"Almost anyone else." Draco scoffed. "With the exception of tonight we haven't managed a single civil act towards one another in six years." His facial expression was almost pained.

"Who's fault is that?" Harry snapped.

"Oh, I'm sorry...that wasn't you who cursed me near death not long ago?" Malfoy retorted.

"You fired first!" Harry defended, his posture rigid.

"They'd probably fair just as well with the children of Death-eaters Albus." Severus observed with a smirk.

"Now boys, it's settled." The Headmaster was tired. "Severus would you please escort Harry to Gryffindor Tower to say his good-byes and gather his things? Draco I'll have Tonks to help you, I'm sure that she is still around. Severus when you're done please return to your rooms for a few days so that the students might calm down. I must retire. A bit of rest and I'll be good as new." He grinned at a worried Harry.

"Of course Headmaster. Come along Potter and don't dawdle." Harry sighed as he followed after his Professor.

HHH HHH HHH

"What do you mean sent away?" Hermione questioned, her hands on her hips.

"Dumbledore's orders, to keep me safe until I can return to the Dursley's." Harry shrank his trunk.

"Oh Harry he turned you down again this year? He's still making you go back to those horrid relatives?" The girl tossed her arms around him. "Did you see how absolutely mortified Snape is standing in the common room?" She giggled, trying to lighten the mood.

"He almost looks like he's in pain." Ron chuckled, hugging his friend. "You'll write to us right mate? When you know where you're going?"

Harry averted his eyes back to his bed. "Yeah, definitely. Watch out for each other?"

They both seemed uncomfortable. "We all watch out for one another Harry. You know that." Hermione assured him.

"Alright then, I better go. I'll see you both on my birthday." He smiled before turning towards the door. He was met with an angry Ginny Weasley.

"Were you going to even tell me you were leaving?" She crossed her arms over her chest.

"I...uh..." Harry hadn't even thought about it. He hadn't thought about her at all.

"Harry do you even want this?" Harry didn't even know what 'this' was. Sure they'd snogged a couple of times and everyone expected them to be together but Harry didn't feel like he had time for it in the past few months. He'd just been so busy and knew that he would continue to be so until he defeated Voldemort, or until Voldemort defeated him, in which case he wouldn't have to worry about it anyway.

"Gin I...I'm not going to be around and..." Harry stumbled over his words, looking over his shoulder to his friends.

"I think it's over Ginny." Ron tried to help. "Have you two even talked in the last week?" He looked to Hermione sadly.

"Is that how you feel Harry?" Ginny questioned.

Harry paused for a moment. "I feel like I can't give you enough time. It's only May Gin, we won't see each other until August. I think that you should be with someone who has time for you?" Was that believable?

"I'm not worth your time now?" She was getting angry.

"No...that's not...I didn't mean you weren't worth my time, just that I had none to give. You should find someone who does." Harry hoped that would work.

"So I've just wasted..." She was cut off.

"I know I do not have time for this." Snape appeared in the doorway. "Potter have your lover's spat in August. You are packed and we are leaving." He grabbed Harry roughly by the arm and pulled him out of the room, exiting Gryffindor tower as quickly as his legs would take him.

"Thank you." Harry managed to laugh a little when their pace slowed. "I didn't quite know how to get out of that."

"What would make you think it was for you? I wish to return to my rooms." Severus answered without looking at Harry. He never had liked the Weasley girl.

He stopped in front of a portrait only several yards from the entrance to the Headmaster's office. "The password is compromise." He almost choked on the word. "Straight from Albus."

"Quite. Uh...thanks for...not killing the Professor..." Harry cursed how stupid he sounded. "I don't know how else to word that..."

"Words have never been your strong suit Potter. Goodnight." He swept away before Harry could speak. He whispered the password and quickly ducked behind the portrait. Harry looked around the sitting room that he found himself in. It was large with two couches in front of a fire place, a small kitchen was off to his right, to his left were two desks facing one another. There were two doors that led off of the living area. Harry was sure Dumbledore had something to do with the books that lined the walls and the table set up with a Chess board.

He could make out Malfoy's outline sitting on one of the couches. His head was in his hands. Harry approached carefully and delicately sat himself on the other couch. "Everything alright Malfoy?" His voice was unsure.

"Yes." The boy answered shortly.

"Do you often pout by the fireplace than?"

"I am not pouting. I am tired and if you hadn't noticed I didn't have the best night." Draco slouched back on the couch.

"Sure. I mean I always spend my nights fighting Death-eaters but, it's not for everyone." Harry was sarcastic.

"Potter do you have any idea what he'll do to my family now? I'm lucky if they aren't already dead." Draco pulled a bottle of fire whiskey out of his bag and took several swigs. His gaze went somewhere off in the distance.

Harry had not thought of that. The implications of Malfoy disobeying Voldemort and switching sides would far outreach Draco himself. His parents were in danger. Especially because of Bellatrix's death. No, Tom Riddle would not be please.

"Hey...listen, I'm sorry Malfoy. I wasn't thinking..." Harry tried.

"No surprise there." The blonde took another drink. He regretted his words as soon as they were spoken. "Want some?" He attempted to redeem himself by offering the bottle.

"Yeah." Harry's acceptance surprised him. He had only drank a handful of times. The liquid burned his throat and warmed his insides. "Thank you...for covering me with Greyback. I didn't know how I was going to get him."

"You still got knocked out." Draco countered.

"Yes, but I didn't die and neither did you or Dumbledore so that's a win for the good guys." Harry smiled, trying to lighten the mood.

"Is that what I am now Potter? A good guy?" There was a slight bite to his voice but mostly, he seemed lost.

"In training." Harry joked. He quickly saw that it did not work. "Malfoy...you...you could have killed him. You heard yourself that he wasn't going to stop you..."

"You stopped me."

"I don't think so, not really anyway. You didn't want to do it. You could have ran and you didn't. You stood with us and fought. You denounced everything that you know. Those are not the actions of a Death-eater." Harry moved so that he was sitting a friendly distance from his once-nemesis. "You helped me and you helped Dumbledore. That means something to me."

Draco carefully rolled up his sleeve to reveal The Dark Mark. "And this means something to everyone else." His sad eyes searched Harry for a reaction. He did not find one.

"Not here. Sorry Mate but Snape blazed that path years ago. It is not our pasts that define us, it's what we do now and right now, you aren't making choices like the Malfoy that I knew. I don't mind this new Malfoy." He spoke honestly, though the alcohol didn't hurt.

Draco didn't speak for several minutes. "I didn't want it." He finally broke the silence. "The Dark Mark, I didn't want to take it."

Harry smiled slightly. "Prove it." He said without malice. "Help us win."

"What do you think I'm doing here Potter?" His tone was a little lighter. "Did I switch sides just to spend three weeks locked up with you?"

"I am good company." Harry joked. "Is there any food in the kitchen?"

"Not yet but, Dobby brought some sandwiches." He pointed to the breakfast table that sat right outside of the kitchen.

"Brilliant. I'm famish and knackered. I'm going to eat and go to bed. Which room would you like?" Harry had already retrieved a sandwich and taken several bites.

Draco began to laugh. "There's only one bedroom." He informed Harry. "I'll take the couch. We can't have The Golden Boy getting a kink in his back."

"Oh." Harry looked around. "We can transfigure..."

"The rooms have a magic dampener on them. Essential spells only, apparently they thought we might kill each other." Draco kicked his shoes off and stretched out on the couch.

"You can take the bed. I don't mind sleeping..."

"It's fine Potter." The blonde pulled a blanket over himself. "I'm just glad that I'm not sleeping in a cell tonight. I'm going to sleep. Keep it down."

They didn't speak anymore. Harry took his sandwich and a glass of water and made his way to the bedroom. He didn't bother to change his clothes, stretching out on top of the blankets of the large bed. He was asleep in minutes.

HHH HHH HHH

"It wasn't a dream." Harry shook his head when he made his way out to the living room next morning.

"My thoughts exactly." Draco sat his book down. "It was quiet while you were sleeping." His voice had an edge to it. "We're supposed to call Dobby to get the Headmaster when you wake up. Personally, I think he just wants to make sure that I didn't kill you in your sleep."

"Tempted were you?" Harry quirked an eyebrow, shoving a muffin into his mouth.

"Part of me has been screaming run from the moment I stepped foot in these rooms." Draco answered honestly.

"Why haven't you?" Harry did not get an answer.

HHH HHH HHH

Albus came and went. He assured the boys that their meals would be brought to them and suggested that they get ahead on their schoolwork, given that it was a weekend. The day had passed without incident. The two students barely spoke, choosing instead to read and work in relative silence. Dobby brought dinner around six. They ate and Harry tried his best at polite conversation. Hours went by before they found themselves back on the couch with a bottle between them.

"I'm sorry that I used that curse on you. I hate myself for it." Harry blurted out of nowhere.

"Yeah, never could get rid of the scars. My chest looks like a road map." Draco didn't seem upset. "What were you doing in there anyway?"

Harry sighed. "I don't know. I was a bit...obsessed with you and I just followed you into the bathroom."

"Taken out of context that's a creepy sentence Potter." Draco answered in his typical short manor.

"I thought you were up to something at first but by the time that happened I was growing genuinely concerned. It seemed like something was really bothering you. I guess I know what that was now." Harry felt ashamed. He never should have used that spell. He should have tried to help more and he should have done it years ago.

"I threw the first hex. You were just fighting back." The blonde dismissed. "I'm sorry I broke your nose and left you on the train." His apology was heartfelt.

"I am still a bit pissed about that." Harry grinned slightly. "Getting stomped in the face bloody hurts."

"I was so...angry. I knew then, what they wanted me to do and I didn't want...I didn't want you getting hurt in the process which was going to be impossible if you kept being such a nosy git." He took a few drinks. "You took my hand last night." Draco offered simply.

"What?" Harry took the bottle.

"Last night, in the tower, you accepted my hand. You wouldn't first year."

"Well we need to be past all that now don't we? We can't go on hating each other. I said it and I meant it, you stayed and fought with me, that counts." Harry stood and took a few steps towards the bedroom. "Would you like the bed tonight, we could switch."

Draco looked up surprised. "No. You take it. You've earned it."

Harry nodded and turned. "Potter?" Draco hurried.

"Hm?"

"I never hated you." Draco almost whispered before rolling over.

Harry didn't respond. What could he say?

HHH HHH HHH

A week had come and gone. The boys had been left on their own much more than they thought that they would be. It forced them together for conversation. They still fought but, in mostly good spirits. They had taken to having meals together, doing homework during the day and playing chess or talking in the evenings. With the weight of Voldemort and his Father lifted from his shoulders, Harry found that he did not dislike Malfoy's company. If nothing else it was tolerable.

"Don't add the bat wing yet!" Draco yelled as they worked on their most recent potions assignment. "Do you even know how to read? It clearly states right there..."

"I see it! And yes I can read. It says to add it after the powdered flubber worm." Harry groaned.

"Yes after we stir it counter clockwise seventeen times." Draco responded annoyed.

"I don't see why that matters." Potter tossed his hands in the air.

"You don't see how it..." Draco was astonished. "It's a bloody potion Potter. It's a science. An exact science. It matters because that's how you brew potions, exactly the same way every time. They are very fragile."

"Oh, like your ego?" Harry teased innocently.

"Or you savior complex?" Draco shot back. "You've ruined this potion. We have to start again."

"I don't want to." Harry wined. "I want to go outside. I want to walk around."

"Well you can't now can you? You had to save the day, forcing me and Severus to betray the dark side and now we're stuck here to avoid certain death." There was a smile planted on his face.

"Forced you? Face it Malfoy, you've never been a dark wizard." Harry jested, throwing himself onto a sofa.

"I am so. I'm certainly no bloody you." Draco joined him, propping his feet on the coffee table.

"Am I so bad?" The Gryffindor mocked.

"Perhaps you should ask me that when we aren't trapped together and I haven't been sleeping on a lumpy sofa for over a week." Malfoy deadpanned.

"I offered! I told you we can switch and you always turn me down. I don't want to hear another word about the bloody bed. The couch wouldn't bother me at all." Harry stomped his foot angrily.

He heard the sound of Draco laughing, Harry looked up to find the blonde clutching his side and bracing himself against the table. "You're throwing an actual tantrum." Draco eased his laughter and rubbed his face. "You can keep the bed. Merlin knows The Golden Boy has never spent a night out of his bed."

Harry's face fell. His gaze shifted to the floor.

"What? What was that?" Draco tilted his head at Harry's reaction.

"Nothing." Harry whispered. He turned back to the table. "We should start the potion again."

"No, you...there was something on your face just then Potter. What was it?" He insisted.

"Sod off Malfoy." Harry began to gather potion ingredients.

"Don't want to tell me? That's fine Potter. I only thought we were past hiding and lying to each other." The Slytherin sighed and turned on his heel, disappearing into the bathroom. Harry balled his fists and stared at the table, unable to force himself to speak.

HHH HHH HHH

They did not speak for the rest of the day. Draco finished the potion. Harry took his dinner in his room and stayed there for the next twenty four hours, only slipping out to use the restroom. Could he open up to Malfoy? What was the nature of their relationship? They were no longer enemies but what did that make them? Acquaintances? Roommates? Colleagues? Friends? These thoughts plagued his thoughts, not allowing for sleep.

It was late the next day when Harry found Draco in his usual spot of the couch the next night, the familiar bottle in his hands, a vacant expression on his face. Harry wondered every night what the man was thinking about. What could take him to such a far off place?

"Can I sit with you?" Harry questioned carefully.

Draco did not speak, but simply gestured to the seat next to him.

"My relatives are not very kind people." Harry whispered. "Yesterday...the thing with the bed...I didn't have one until I came to Hogwarts."

Draco shown no immediate reaction. He was, after all, raised by Death-eater's. Mistreatment did not come as a surprise to him. "Is that why you asked Dumbledore if you could remain at the castle this summer?"

"Yes. Every year it gets...just a little worse...I hate going back." His tone held shame.

Malfoy was unsure of how to respond. He held out the bottle which Harry accepted. "We all have secrets Potter." His hand touched Harry's shoulder. "You know mine." He glanced at his arm, cringing at the thought of The Dark Mark and the things he had done under orders. "Thank you for sharing yours."

Harry thought back to his sleepless night, to his inability to label Malfoy. He stuck out his hand to the blonde. The word seemed thick and difficult to say, "...Friends?"

Draco stared at him. He had never had friends. Lackeys, admires, yes. Friends? Never. He looked into Harry's eyes, easily seeing the sincerity there. His hand came up slowly, almost cautiously to take Harry's. "Friends." His grasp was firm as he smiled slightly.