Authors note: Just a little one-shot.

Protection Can Come At A Price

Draco bolted upright, drenched in a cold sweat. He was a bit disoriented and the only thing he knew was that he was shrouded in darkness. Slowly, he pieced his location together piece by piece. He was in his room, his bed, warm and safe. However, that wouldn't explain the lingering, ominous feeling that he felt hanging over him. What would explain it was the dream he'd had again. The same one, in fact, that he'd had for the past month at least. It was because of this dream that he was sleeping alone. Over a month ago there would have been the love of his life to comfort him when he woke from his nightmare. Now, though, there was no Harry, and the dreams were to fault.

He just couldn't be with Harry anymore. Not if his dreams were real. Being without Harry was killing him, but being with him would kill Harry. He wasn't going to go around risking Harry's life by being with him. There was a war coming, and he was stuck with the spies' job. His own life was at stake, and being with Harry not only jeopardized his mission and part in this war, but if they found out, they could hurt Harry to get at Draco. Or worse, use him to get to Harry.

Everything about this screamed forbidden love, and Draco couldn't allow it. He'd rather hurt Harry to save him then be with him to watch him die. Harry had to belief that he didn't care, or else that stubborn fool wouldn't stop trying and there was only so much a heart can take before it breaks. That was something he couldn't allow, he couldn't back down from this, and this had to be the one thing that he beat Harry at. The cards were on the table, he just had to make sure the game stayed within his favor.

Draco eased himself back into bed, staring up at the ceiling. Everything about this was unfair and not for the first time he began to pine for the simpler days of Hogwarts. And with that, he let his memories lull him into a sleepy haze with only the hope that one day things will be like they used to. "One day, Harry. I'll have you again." Draco whispered to the darkness, a nightly vow promised to no-one just before he dropped off into a surprisingly good dream. The first in weeks.

At least for now, he could have his love in his arms…if only in his dreams.