A/n: Short fic. Two parts only. One shot. Slash, not a fluffy/happy fic and uh.. that's all. Will post part two next week.

Summary: Harry gave everything he had to the wizarding world. His family, his youth and his life. It was saved, wasn't it? When would his curse be broken?

Warnings: Slash. EWE? Time skip from 2 May 1998 to 2001

A/u DracoxHarry Slash. I don't own Harry Potter, or the world. If I did Draco's hair would fall carelessly down his body.

"When the sins of my father weigh down in my soul, And the pain of my mother will not let me go. Make it rain, make it rain down low." - Ed Sheeran, Make it Rain

Harry stood at the end of the walkway in his new dress robes, they felt a little stiff and itchy but they were manageable enough. He was late already, he had missed the ceremony but from the looks of it wasn't even close to missing the celebration. One thing about the Weasley's that he had missed and loved, they knew how to throw a party.

Harry hurried along the walkway, and walked to the back of The Burrow, looking at the tent and the people crammed inside of it all laughing, drinking and having a good time. He scanned the faces his eyes trailing over the red hair and he smiled spotting Ron, no matter how much he loved being away from all of this, he most certainly missed his best friends.

He hung back, taking it all in, watching Hermione giggle as Ron spun her around before wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into a deep kiss the few around them cheering with applause and throwing their glasses up in a toast. Harry was leaning against the post to his right watching Ginny sitting on Dean's lap, talking animatedly, Seamus sitting between two girls flirting with both, Luna next to a tall man he wasn't familiar with and her father not far from them with a watchful eye. Harry scanned through, turning his head when he heard Molly screaming at Arthur and grinned happily, seeing the man in trouble stuffing a piece of cake in his mouth before he promptly ran away, Professor McGonagall was dancing with her husband and many faces he knew from the order and the ministry were dancing around with their wives and husbands.

"Scared, Potter?" A voice asked, a voice Harry knew but couldn't place. He turned towards it and did his best to keep composed as he looked at the man in front of him, Draco Malfoy. It seemed 3 years of peace did the boy good.

Harry thought back, all those years ago. 2nd year. Him and Malfoy standing on the dueling table, when Draco hissed those words at him in a menacing manor, but this was completely different. Draco was smiling as much as the blonde could, and had a lifted brow. A playful tone coming from his small smirk, they were two completely different people.

The Draco from his memories and the Draco before him. It seemed 20 agreed with him, in more ways the one, his hair was longer and fuller pulled back with a silver ribbon, it had darkened slightly and fell about him carelessly. His body seemed larger, more filled yet he still managed to maintain the girlish figure Harry had always associated with him, even unintentionally. Prissy, almost. Though Draco Malfoy didn't look prissy to him, he looked - manly. He had a faint dusting of stubble on his jaw, his arms were muscular and his hand was reached out towards Harry offering a handshake.

"You wish," Harry smiled and took the hand briefly to give him a firm shake.

Draco's chuckle filled the space and silence, as he let Harry's hand go, "they've been worried about you."

"I know, I read the letters." He admitted, and looked back out at his friends - his people.

Draco tsked, but remained quiet, "I can get them for you, if you want?"

"No, no," Harry shook his head, "let them enjoy their party."

Draco turned back, "I'll let you enjoy your privacy, Potter." He said after a second and backed away leaving the man standing there, Harry followed him with his eyes curious as to what that was about and found himself looking around again. He felt like he stood out like a sore thumb, how else did Malfoy see him but no one else did? As he scanned the area he noticed Draco wasn't the only one that had seen him, people were looking and whispering, conversations were halting, people were pointing.

It was only a matter of time, he knew, but he had hoped it had lasted longer.

Hermione turned towards him, looking to see what was causing the commotion and her gasp and squeal came out in a rush as she dropped her arms and went running at Harry. "Harry!" She yelled, throwing her arms around him tightly and kissed his cheek.

"Hermione," Harry answered, his eyes found Ron who was beaming and making his way over to him. Hermione held him a moment longer, taking a step back once she had her fill and Ron and Harry shook hands with a smile, "Ron."

"Thanks for coming, mate," Ron muttered, reaching up to wipe his tears away with a flushed face before clearing his throat and looking away.

"Think I'd miss your wedding?" Harry asked with a chuckle, "you're crazy."

"Harry," Hermione whispered again, and was right back at hugging him the emotion from the whole day seemed to crash on her in a wave and she felt a small sob rock through her body as she held him tightly.

"Oh god Hermione, stop," Harry laughed awkwardly, but wrapped his own arms around her his eyes shutting and he laid his cheek against her hair.

"Shut up!" She snapped, the two stood unmoving for a long time, Ron had even backed up giving them their moment the others looking away as they held on to each other, swaying to a song the band was playing. A song they both knew, a song that seemed to fit.

It was a song they had danced to, once before, in the tent after Ron had left them. It was a song that neither had heard since that night, since the war but something, call it fate, had it playing right then. They moved slowly, carefully, hardly just clinging to each other in a way that they couldn't let go. It was her best friend, it was his best friend. Through thick and thin the two had been through it all, through loneliness and heartache they had, had each other.

She had saved his life, on more than one occasion. And he had picked her up more than either could remember.

"I missed you," Harry finally whispered, pulling back slightly to look down at her tear streaked face.

"I missed you too, Harry Potter," she whispered and looked up at him.

"You have a party to be the main event at, get back to it."

"Promise me," Hermione started, letting her hold down, "you'll be here, at least for a while longer. I just want to talk."

"I promise," Harry nodded, and gave her his pinky so she knew he meant it. That he wasn't going to break it. Hermione took his pinky and held it a bit longer than needed before turning back to the party, composed and hurrying right over to Ron who was grinning at the two with a nod at Harry.

Molly was next, she wrapped her arms around him tightly and squeezed him pressing a kiss to both his cheeks, "Harry, my boy, you've been good?"

"Yeah, Molly," he nodded and hugged her back before being passed to Arthur and then McGonagall. "Hey," he smiled, taking the hugs with smiles and grins, and it wasn't until he was back at Molly did get a chance to step back and get a breath of air.

Molly took him by the chin, looking him over with a grin, "what is in your lip?"

Harry laughed and ran his tongue over his bottom lip, the ring in it gave little resistance before falling back into place, "it's a lip ring," he answered and his smile grew, "I had a feeling you weren't going to like it."

Molly laughed, and dropped his chin, looking him over, "you've been eating alright?"

"Yes, yes," he grinned not at all bothered by the questions, welcoming them. How could he have wanted to run from all of this.

"Are you back, for real?" She asked next, her hands on her hips and gave him a very serious look.

Harry looked away, looking at everything with a quick glance, "I'm coming home," he nodded, "I'm here."

Molly's smile was soft, the mist in her eyes she blinked away quickly and excused herself with a turn. Harry watched her go, looking after her fondly, and once he was finally alone all the others turning back into the party he took a seat at an empty table. A house elf appeared almost as soon as he sat down, "Master Potter!" It chimed, "what can I get for you? They have a few options," he started and passed a parchment menu to Harry with a smile, "a drink perhaps?"

Harry took the menu and looked down with a quick glance, "the steak is fine," he answered, "and a glass of fire whiskey." The elf was gone and back again, in less than a minute, setting a hot plate on the table and putting the tumbler down as well. "Thank you," Harry said softly and the elf was off again.

"Mind if I sit?"

"Sure," Harry nodded, looking up at Draco, "you know I'm gonna ask."

Draco sat with a chuckle, "I figured." Harry took a drink, before picking up his silverware and cutting his steak. Letting Malfoy take his time, "it was a less than proud moment on my part," he admitted, "I had no one, I couldn't go home and I ended up on the Knights Bus. Night after night, I don't know for a few weeks? Maybe a month. Money was running thin, I was running thin. I ended up at the ministry.. begging, for a job." Draco looked away, "Hermione and Ron helped me a lot, they took me in and got me a job. They really took care of me."

Harry lifted a brow, "they're pretty great aren't they?"

"They are," Draco agreed, "can't believe she married him though."

"Right?" Harry laughed quietly, "I was thinking the same thing."

Draco gave a small chuckle, "she couldn't wait around forever, Potter."

Harry blinked, sitting back and he gave Draco a small look, "stop." The laughter was gone, and a serious tone was set around them, "the whole world knows, Malfoy, don't blame me for this."

"I'm just saying," Draco shrugged, "I don't judge you for your sexual preferences, Potter, we share the same interest in that."

"But you do judge me?"

"A little bit." Draco answered honestly, sitting back and crossing his legs, "you left two people that were there for everything, without a word." Harry looked down at the plate, setting the silverware down before picking up his drink and taking a sip, "I understand wanting to leave, to take a breath, but you might have told them."

"I probably should have," Harry finished his drink and adjusted the stiff robes with a grumble, "but I needed to leave."

"I don't blame you, I'm surprised you held on as long as you did."

Harry laughed quietly, "one thing being away taught me, Malfoy, stop living life with regret." He shrugged, and ignored the eye roll Draco gave him, "I just mean, there was so much I had wanted to do when I was younger that I shied away from because of who I was, when I was away. Traveling along the muggles, it was liberating, no one knew who Harry Potter was. I did things, and it felt so damn good." He looked up, towards the dance floor, "something I brought back with me."

Harry got to his feet, and held out his hand towards Draco, "so, would you dance with me?"

"This world knows Harry Potter," Draco answered, remaining calm even though inside he was freaking out, and eyed Harry's tanned hand.

"I don't care," Harry shrugged, and stretched his fingers, "I think you're quite attractive, you have a nice smile and that thing you're doing with your hair - it's making my heart beat too fast. I want to dance with you, so, will you?"

Draco smirked, and stood up placing his hand in Harry's being lead to the dance floor, "you have a crush on me, Potter?"

"I have, for quite sometime."

"Good thing I'm a good guy, now a days, then huh?"

Harry laughed, his head falling back as he turned Draco out onto the floor, wrapping his arm around his waist and pulling him in tightly. So tight their bodies were touching, Draco let out a small grunt and narrowed his eyes in a glare letting Harry take his hand. "A good guy?" Harry smiled softly, "you think that is what kept me away?"

"What was it, then?"

"You're Draco Malfoy," Harry laughed quietly the two were moving slower than the music, talking more than dancing, "and you bullied me. I thought for sure you were going to turn me down, even now, I was almost 100% sure you were going to reject me."

Draco pulled his brows together and looked at Harry in shock, "you were worried about rejection, not that I was a Death Eater?"

"Why would I care you were a Death Eater?"

"We were trying to kill you."

"So was everyone else, at the end there." Harry lifted a shoulder, and turned them around, "you being Death Eater was the last thought on my mind, honestly, Malfoy. I was worried you hated me, for whatever reason that it seemed necessary for you to bully me. But, when I came out in the interview during 4th year, I was waiting for the words from you but you never said anything about it."

Draco smirked, "that seemed rather hypocritical of me.."

"How did I know that?"

"So the Death Eater bit wasn't a problem, it was me being... Draco Malfoy?"

"Yeah," Harry nodded, "I spent hours upon hours imagining meeting your parents. How they would hate me, and not think I was good enough. I mean I can't really produce an offspring for the heir can I? And you.. I had a feeling I wouldn't be able to quite live up to your expectations." Harry frowned as they danced, looking past Draco while he talked not focusing on anyone else around them, as far as he was concerned they were alone. Just him and Draco, dancing. "I mean, I'm Harry Potter.. I wore hand me downs, and bad glasses and rebelled with shitty hair and I had nothing to offer. No family, no experience, no life to give you an option to. I was under the impression I was dying, no matter what. How could I offer that to someone, not just you, but anyone? And I was crushing over the gorgeous blonde with everything, what could I give him?"

Draco cleared his throat, interrupting Harry and gathering his attention all at once. His alabaster skin was flushed, and bright as he studied Harry, "being the gorgeous blonde with everything wasn't everything you think it was, Potter."

"It might not have been, but I was 16.. Infatuated, smitten, stressed, jealous and alone. It was everything to me."

"Do you still think all of that.. about yourself?"

Harry looked away at the question, and gave a small sigh, "but now I'm 20, and we're dancing at my best friends wedding. I guess I won, in the end."

Draco chuckled and looked around, "everyone is staring."

"Of course they are, you're Draco Malfoy - after all," Harry spoke as if that was obvious, as if the reason was beyond obvious and he couldn't believe Draco wouldn't know it. Draco looked at him properly as they turned, the answer to his previous question was there in that statement, Harry did think all of those negative things about himself still.

He felt Harry spinning him out, and blinked as he focused coming back against Harry, "shocked you can dance, Potter." Draco said lightening the mood as he placed his hand on Harry's arm, the two laughed quietly and they both took turns leading their way around the dance floor and they were the last to leave at the end of the night.

Harry stretched out in the chair in the small living room of the burrow, Hermione was sitting across from him on the couch with her legs tucked up underneath her and Ron next to her, holding her tightly. "Where is the honeymoon going to be?"

"Italy," Hermione answered with a smile, "we check in at 11am," she explained and looked over at the clock.

"You should get some sleep so you don't spend your first day in bed," Harry looked up suddenly, checking the time as well. It was 5 in the morning, the three had been enjoying a bottle of champagne and talking about their last three years.

"We'll be okay," Ron rubbed Hermione's arm, "we have three weeks planned out."

"Three weeks?" Harry asked, a bit shocked.

"We've been saving vacation time up, for three years."

"Wow, that is awesome guys." Harry nodded whilst smiling, "it'll be fun, Italy is beautiful."

Hermione smiled, "I went with my parents, Ron hasn't been of course, it will be good for us."

"So, y'know we're gonna ask mate.." Ron continued with a smirk, "Malfoy, eh?"

Hermione laughed, her head falling back and the curls in her hair bounced as she looked over at Harry, "we should have guessed, new and improved Harry would find a way to work that in."

Harry chuckled, "all I did was ask the bloke to dance."

"You going to see him again?"

"I hope so," Harry shrugged and reached into the pocket of his trousers, "he gave me his addressed and told me to come over for tea, tomorr- well, today."

"Look at that, a tea date!" Hermione clapped excitedly, "he's really amazing, Harry, I am glad we got to know him."

Ron chuckled, "he is, a good person was in there after all. Seems you two were right all along."

Harry waved his hand, "being in school was a difficult time for all of us, Ron, don't beat yourself up over misjudging Malfoy."

"School..." Ron shook his head, "part of me kinda hopes our children aren't magic."

Hermione smiled, nodding and a sadness touched her eyes, "they are bound to be."

"You don't have to send them," Harry suggested quietly, and the three looked around. It was almost like old times, hiding from others while they discussed things that weren't popular topics. "You can always move to a muggle community, and just explain as they grow - offer them an alternative school."

"What would you do?" Ron asked, looking at Harry, "if you had children?"

"I don't know," Harry frowned, "luckily, I'm gay. So I don't have to worry about that."

"You can adopt!" Hermione chided, "you can adopt a child, and they can be from a wizarding family, and then.. well, what would you do?"

"I don't want to curse anyone, guys, I don't want children." Harry shook his head, seriously, "whoever I love ends up hurt."

"Times are different, now, Harry."

Harry smiled softly, staring down at his hands they were knotted and sitting in his lap, "I don't want to risk any chance of it. My future deserves better, the future of the wizarding world deserves better."

"Is that why you left?" Ron asked, leaning forward and resting against his knees.

"I..." Harry swallowed roughly, his eyes tracing his fingers, "yeah, I guess it was."

Hermione stood and walked over to Harry, easing into his lap and laying her head on his shoulder, "we love you, Harry Potter and we support any choice you make. Rather you leave again, or stay. Just know that."

Harry hugged her and pressed his forehead to the top of his head, "I love you, too."

The house was as ostentatious as the manor, Harry thought as he stood in the garden. He was made to wait by a friendly elf with a truckers cap that was hooked around his ear. When he heard the door open it was to an abrupt sound from Draco that sounded like a scold and followed by a high pitched apology.

"Coming in Potter?" Draco called from the step as he stepped down, shielding his eyes from the sun.

Harry looked over, watching him approach. He was shocked to find Draco barefoot and in a pair of tight fighting jeans - something he wasn't too sure he would have thought the man would ever wear, and a dark brown sweater that agreed with him and his grey eyes.

He chuckled looking back at the manor, "ever thought of living in a place not quite so pretentious?"

Draco gave him an eye roll and stepped into the grass standing next to Harry, with his arms crossed across his small chest, and looked up at his house. "You think this is pretentious?"

"I do," Harry nodded, his eyes trailing over the building, "I mean how many rooms is in there?"

"A few."

He laughed, shaking his head and shoved his hands into his back pockets, "it's hideous."

"Are you done berating my house?"

Harry looked at Draco, reading a twinkle in the blonde's eye he had never seen before, "can I start on the elf?"

"Whoever said Harry Potter is a gracious being, was wrong," Draco posed a lifted brow and turned on his heel, "c'mon, it's time for tea." Harry followed him, laughing quietly, and stepped inside the house. Inside was better than the outside, it was a lot of black on black, but it was classy just like he imagined for the Malfoy heir. Draco showed him to the front room and swept his hand out, "take a seat, please."

Harry did as he was told, and sat on the edge of an arm chair watching Draco sit on the couch across from him. The blonde looked down at his feet and made sure they were clean before he stretched his long legs out and propped them on the table in front of him with a sigh of relaxation. Harry didn't comment or really care, he thought it was adorable if he was honest. "Did you stay up and see them off?"

"For the most part, I left at 6 so they could take a small nap," he grinned, "it was good to catch up."

"Good," Draco gave Harry a grin in return, "they missed you, a lot."

"I know, they kept telling me," he ran a hand through his dark hair and looked up at the wall, standing in shock. On the wall hung a picture of young Draco. It was a painting of the young blonde, frozen in time with a happy smile on his face - a light in his eyes you couldn't fake.

"Talk about pretentious," Draco laughed, watching Harry walking towards the fireplace and stare up at the painting.

"I think it is great," Harry admitted, "I didn't have many pictures to look back on." Draco frowned to himself, watching the other quietly not wanting to ruin the moment. The elf from earlier, with the trucker hat hooked through one ear walked in with a clatter bopping along with the tea tray. He stepped around Draco's outstretched feet and legs and sat the tray down, busying himself with making a mug for Draco. "How interesting it is a muggle painting," Harry mused out loud and turned around to face Draco.

Draco lifted a shoulder, taking the glass from the elf, "thank you Turner."

Harry sat back down, and reached forward pouring himself a mug once the elf hurried off with a deep bow, "the hat?"

"It's a phase." Draco answered, taking a sip as he watched the other, Harry laughed and put a few sugar cubes in his cup shaking his head, "do you actually drink tea or just hot sugar?"

"This is nice, I enjoy being a guest in someones house and getting picked apart."

"Do you?" Draco asked, narrowing his eyes playfully, "I can start, if you'd like."

"Humor me," Harry answered and smirked back.

"Why did you come?"

"I like you."

"Why?"

Harry took a drink, and relaxed back into the armchair, "I thought I told you this last night?"

"It's still the same?" He asked with a curious look, "you still think I'm the gorgeous blonde with everything?"

"I think you're the gorgeous blonde with everything in your grasp."

"That's an odd reason to like someone," Draco answered and held the cup tightly, "you have everything in your grasp too, Potter."

Harry frowned deeply, and took another drink, "why'd you invite me over?"

"You sweet talked me last night I guess."

"Something tells me you're not a guy that is easy to sweet talk, so I think you're lying."

Draco chuckled, "you know how you talked about not living up to my expectations?"

"Am I already failing?"

Draco shook his head, and sighed, "I don't think I'll live up to yours." Harry sat his mug down and raised his eyebrow in question, "what you think of me, Potter, is wrong. I was never the kid with everything and now I don't have anything in my grasp." Draco frowned, "you say it doesn't matter about my choice to be a Death Eater, Potter, but I picked it." His hand reached out and ran over the sleeve of his left arm, "I did things I shouldn't have, ever, done. My soul is torn to pieces, my mind is barely hanging on, I don't sleep much because my past haunts me. I was jealous of you, I hated you for all you had. Even now if I could, I would, go back and give up all the money, the name, the clothes for a shot to be the good guy."

Draco finally looked at Harry, his eyes dark and serious, "you paint this picture of me," he nodded towards the one of the wall, "of me like that, 8 years old with everything. But, when I was 16 - I almost killed someone. When I was 17 I did kill someone, because if I didn't they would have killed my family." He swallowed roughly and sat up straight, "that isn't someone with everything, Potter, I am the person you think you are."

Harry listened quietly, his eyes locked to Draco's shaking his head, "you're wrong. I don't have expectations for you Draco, so it's impossible to fail them," he stood and moved across the small space to the other, "I don't think you're perfect, I don't think you were. I just think... you don't see who you truly are."

"And you do, someone who doesn't even know me?"

"I see you," he whispered, his eyes shutting, "I see the man who changed, I see the man that can't sleep because of his regrets - I see the demons that keep him up at night. I see the boy who ate too many sweets, and sneered at me in passing, and made my heart skip two beats. I see the witty guy hiding behind his hurtful words because it is easier than being laughed at." Harry opened his eyes, turning them to Draco with a small smile. He reached out and took Draco's left hand, "I see the person that did what he had to do, to fit into the world he knew. I see... you."

Draco's cheeks were tinted slightly and he glanced at Harry under his lashes, his hair falling to cover his face when he leaned back, "you're doing that sweet talking thing again, Potter."

Harry laughed, his head falling back with a chuckle, "is it working?"

"It just might be."

"Ok ok!" Harry exclaimed, he was standing on a chair with his hands up in defense and his wand at the ready, "put it down Malfoy!"

"Oh, it's Malfoy now?" Draco asked with a laugh, in his hand was a water balloon, "you don't like it when the foot is in the other shoe?"

Harry lifted a brow, not letting his guard down - but he couldn't help himself, "foot is in the other shoe? What kind of idiom is that?"

"A muggle one!"

"Shoe on the other foot!"

Draco paused, thinking it over then he narrowed his eyes, "whatever Potter," he shot a silent spell at Harry, disarming him then he threw the water balloon at the gaping brunette with a squeal of laughter. "That's what you get!"

"That's what I get!?" Harry jumped down from the chair, and went running after the blonde sliding on the dark wood floor, that was covered in water. Draco was jumping down the stairs and went running out of the house, Harry in hot pursuit. Finally he got him, in the middle of the garden, lunging after the other and pulling him against his chest as they fell to the grass. Fits of squeals followed Draco tumbling to the ground, and Harry pinned him down - sitting on his chest with a laugh of his own. "That's what you get!"

"You're going to pay for this!" Draco exclaimed glaring up at the raven hair male, halfheartedly.

Harry smiled, and bent over the other pressing his lips to his, "how so?"

Draco flushed immediately, his body freezing and instead of kissing Harry back he gave him a rough push, "get off of me Potter!"

"Why should I?"

"Because I said so," Draco hissed out, embarrassed and shaking his head.

Harry let out a small huff and got up, pulling the other up with him, "I'm sorry I embarrassed you, Draco."

Draco, the ever present ego, hummed and marched off inside the house making Harry snicker quietly. He always had such an ego unless he was in a bubble bath, Harry followed him back inside and watched as he hurried up the stairs, "you made a mess everywhere?"

"I made a mess everywhere?! Harry laughed, shaking his head, "listen here, buddy."

"Okay, pal," Draco turned and jabbed a finger at Harry, "this is payback!"

Harry chuckled and grabbed his boyfriend by the finger, giving him a yank and pulling him into a hug, "did you miss me, Draco?"

"Of course I didn't," Draco answered stiffly, and ignored Harry's smile. Harry kissed his cheek, and then along his jaw, "why did you miss me?"

"I did miss you," Harry answered, "I don't like when you're on long missions, it makes me antsy."

"You could get a job there, too, Potter. And we could be partners." Harry rolled his eyes, the blonde had been offering his proposition for the last two months now. "I know, I know," Draco grumbled, "no."

"For someone who doesn't miss, you sure act like it."

Draco growled and pushed him away, "clean up the mess, Potter!" He demanded walking away from the laughing man.

"Har-" Draco froze and looked around, "Potter!?"

"I heard that!"

Draco ignored his response and sat down at the bar, "hurry up, Potter, I'm hungry."

Harry walked in, a towel wrapped around his shoulder and he bent over his professionally dressed boyfriend and pressed his lips to his. "How is your day going, baby?"

Draco sighed and pressed his forehead to Harry's cheek, "bad."

"Mmm," Harry frowned, "my poor baby, why?"

"Just a lot of follow up reports our temp wasn't doing," Draco's frowned deepened and he leaned against Harry's massaging hand. Harry always found Draco rather cat like and he loved it, "by the way, Potter, I think I will be going out of town for a few months."

Harry dropped his hand and stepped back, "what?"

"Hermione and I have been following a case, and we're going to have go undercover for it."

"You two are the only two that can do this?"

Draco's frown returned, "it's our case, yes."

"That's not an answer to my question."

"Yes, Potter. It's our case, we're the ones that go," Draco answered a bit angry, and his stomach grumbled which was cue for Harry to cook, he turned and stepped into the kitchen pulling out items for lunch, "I know you don't like it, and we have to get approved first but I want you to be aware."

Harry smiled to himself, for someone who said they didn't care about things Draco sure acted like it. "Thank you for telling me, baby."

-lunch-

"I brought lunch this time!" Draco called walking into the house.

Harry came from the side room, a towel around his shoulder and sweaty, "mm, what did you bring me?"

"Soups!" Draco exclaimed and climbed into his seat at the bar.

Harry grimaced but stayed quiet, took his kiss then his seat, "I can take you lunch sometimes, you don't always have to come home if you don't want."

"I don't mind," Draco shrugged as he opened the bag and pulled out the food.

Harry smiled at his boyfriend, the last few weeks Draco had started coming home for lunch and Harry was rather enjoying it. "Just let me know, I'll do it."

"Let's eat," Draco changed the subject and picked up his spoon taking a bite.

"So," Draco started taking a bite of the cookie, "I can come home everyday for lunch, even though I'll be gone."

"Gone?" Harry asked, his cookie halfway to his mouth, "you said you had to get approved first."

"We just got approved today."

"Okay, Draco Malfoy, you made it sound like it would take weeks... A month even," Harry narrowed his eyes, "and now you're tell me three days later, you got approved - already?"

"It's a big case, Potter, this is important to my career."

Harry blinked and ran the towel through his sweat soaked hair, "ok."

"When are you going to be done working out," Draco asked, his eyes trailing over Harry's rather perfectly formed body, "you're going to be too good looking for me."

Harry rolled his eyes, and leaned towards Draco taking a quick kiss, "that is impossible, baby, you're perfect." Then he sat back, "this is still a conversation we will have tonight."

-lunch-

Harry sat the salads on the table, "here we go."

"What did you do last night?"

"Not a whole lot, I went and grabbed beers with some friends." Harry shrugged, "how is the case going?"

"It's been one day, Potter!" Draco shook his head and took a big bite, wanting to avoid the topic.

-lunch-

"WHAT IS THAT?" Harry exclaimed as soon as Draco walked into the house, running over to him. "What happened to your face!"

"There was a fight last night, but we took down one of the operations." Draco exclaimed, "it'll be gone, soon."

"Draco, I don't like this... I don't like this case."

"It's okay, we are strong and we have a good team." Draco chuckled, "don't worry about us, Potter."

Harry wrapped his arms around Draco, nuzzling him tightly, "I miss you, so much."

"You see me everyday, Potter," Draco smiled and kissed his forehead.

Harry cupped his cheek, "I'll see you tomorrow."

Draco smiled slightly, "tomorrow."

-lunch-

"That better be a joke," Harry exclaimed, looking at Draco's arm in a sling.

"It's fine, Potter, it'll be healed by tomorrow." Draco chuckled, wincing slightly as he eased into the stool, "it's just fresh right now."

Harry frowned, "Draco, it's been two weeks, how much longer?"

"I don't know, Potter, we're just doing our jobs."

Harry turned away to take their food out of the oven, his frown deep and thoughtful.

-lunch-

"I love you," Harry said suddenly, gripping Draco's hand tightly, "I love you so much."

"I know," Draco chuckled, and cupped Harry's flushed cheek. "I've got to go, we shouldn't be out much longer, Potter, a few more weeks. We're getting close!" He talked excitedly and allowed Harry to pull him in tighter, "it's so close."

"Do you miss being home with me?" Harry whispered, hiding his face against Draco's neck.

"Potter," Draco grumbled, "I'll see you tomorrow."

"You better."

-lunch-

"I told you I would be here!" Draco said by way of greet, and he held up a bag, "and I brought soups!"

Harry grimaced but smiled anyway, "mm, thank you so much baby."

"You're so welcome," Draco hurried to pull out their lunches, "tell me about your day."

"Same 'ole, same 'ole." Harry chuckled, "Ron and I are going to game later."

"Really? That'll be fun, when I get back we can go to one?"

"We can do anything you want, Draco."

"A game then." Draco chuckled, "eat, while it's hot!" He added taking a bite.

-lunch-

Can't make it today. Hopefully tomorrow. Love, Draco.

Harry frowned down at the note, and pinned it to their message board.

-lunch-

Probably won't be here until Saturday. HUGE bust coming up, we have to be careful. Love, Draco.

Harry pinned the note to their message board, the other two glaring him in the face, he hadn't seen Draco in three days now, and would have to 4 more days? He didn't like this.

-lunch-

Harry sat at the bar, leaning over a plate of cold food. He had a feeling Draco wouldn't be coming and he wasn't seeming to be receiving a letter either, he chucked the plate across the room letting out a frustrated noise.

"Mate?" Ron's voice called from the foyer and Harry peeked down the stairs in question, "you okay?"

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" Harry yelled, running down the stairs at his best friend, "Have you heard from Hermione? What's the word around the ministry?"

"Hermione?" Ron asked, lifting an eyebrow, "why wouldn't I hear from Hermione?"

Harry swallowed roughly, staring at Ron in shock, "where is Hermione?"

"At work, probably," he paused and checked his watch, "where else would she be?"

"She's not on an undercover mission with Draco?"

"No, she turned it down." Ron lifted a shoulder, "her and Malfoy had been working on the disposition for a while now, but when it was approved she backed out. She told me she thought it was too dangerous."

Harry's face paled and he took a step back, "I haven't heard from Draco in a week."

Ron cleared his throat, and gave a small shrug uncertainly, "well, uh, look like I am sure he is okay. Just maybe really deep under?"

"It's been a week," Harry shook his head, "a whole week. I haven't heard anything. Has anyone made contact with him?"

"Well, they don't have to check in often, I will find out when his last check in was." Ron answered and stepped outside disapparating off the porch.

Harry sunk down to his bottom, sitting on the bottom stair. Too dangerous? Yet, Draco went? Why would he... do that? Why would put himself through this, me through this? Harry ran his hand through his hair, the tears heavy on his cheek as they slid down, shaking his head. It's my fault, I shouldn't have fallen for him, I shouldn't have loved him. Everyone I love is cursed.

Hermione looked up at Harry, "you know I can't tell you that, Harry!"

"Look," he glared, "you either tell me or I am going to break in here tonight and find it."

"Harry!" She gasped and looked around to make sure no one was at the door, she hurried around the desk and shut the door locking it before she looked back at him, "you can't say that stuff, Harry!"

"Hermione, where is he?" Harry ignored her protest, standing now and shifting through her desk, "he hasn't checked in almost two weeks. How can you be confident in the fact he is okay?"

"If he was compromised we would know, there would be repercussions."

Harry glared at her, "if you start telling me you think Draco has just decided to be a bad guy, I'll hurt you Hermione."

Hermione let out a sigh, "I don't think he is bad," she watched as a stack of files fell off her desk and cringed, "Sit down Harry!" Harry froze and looked at her, in shock, "look, I will go check this out myself, okay?"

"It's dangerous..." Harry started protesting, and Hermione shot him a glare.

"If you sit there and tell me I can't do something because it is too dangerous Harry, I'll hurt you."

"I just mean..." Harry stood and walked over to Hermione, wrapping her in a warm hug, "I can't lose you too, Herms. Everyone I love is cursed, it is still holding true, so be careful out there."

Hermione flushed, and pulled back from his hug, "you haven't lost anyone, I'll leave tonight - okay?"

"I'll be up, waiting for you," Harry bent and kissed her forehead, "thank you, I owe you."

Harry was sitting on the couch, staring up at the painting of Draco. Studying each and every feature, one of his favorite past times, if he was honest. The radio was playing in the back ground and he sat drinking a cup of tea and warmed himself from the fire, he heard the song and looked up in shock it was the song Hermione and him danced to. He hadn't heard it since her wedding, now, it felt so long ago when it reality it hadn't even been a year.

He closed his eyes, listening to it swaying with the beat then he looked up when it cut off suddenly, "this just reported, be advised to stay safe until the ministry can round up the remaining culprits for the Occult that was terrorizing Muggles over the last 6 months. The organization has been brought down, tonight, by the defense department. Less than 15 minutes ago, the world was given another form of peace from yet another group claiming to operate in the ways of the Dark Lord."

Harry sat up, staring at the radio. Listening closely, "there has been no reports of casualties but a report of two badly wounded auras have been placed by Hermione Granger-Weasley, Head of Magical Law Enforcement. She has said, it is but a small sacrifice to ensuring our safety and the safety of our counterparts."

Harry got to his feet now and left with a loud pop, landing in the middle of the walkway leading to St. Mungo's. He hurried inside and headed to the Intensive Care side, seeing more cloaks then he would like and spotted Ron's ever red hair standing amongst them, "who is it?" He asked running up to him and looking around.

"Harry," Ron spoke suddenly and looked at him worriedly, "how did you hear?"

"Answer the question, Ron."

"He's in there."

Harry pushed past Ron, and the others that were huddled around and peered through the shut glass door, he pushed his hand to the glass and stared in shock. It felt like a scene he had seen before, 6th year on the bathroom floor. The blood and water mixing together as it swirled around them, the spelling that almost killed the boy - years ago.

Gashes were torn through Draco's body, his clothing falling in tatters off his body but as Harry looked at him better and focused he saw some of the scars and marks were older. Some were scabbing over, some of the bruises weren't swollen and were fading and as Harry's eyes raked over Draco's body something told Harry he had been compromised. He pushed the door open slowly and Draco's head raised off the bed, "Potter." He started and brushed a nurse away, "thought you might have forgotten about me."

Harry shook his head, fighting back the years as he walked towards him slowly. The nurse backed up and left the room shutting the door and curtains behind her, "Draco," Harry whispered and reached out for him, "Draco."

"Don't make this a thing, Potter, I'm fine really."

"You're not fine," Harry answered immediately and looked over the blonde's body, "look at all of this."

"They'll go away, honestly," Draco answered quietly, his playful tone falling to the side when he saw the tears in Harry's eyes. "C'mere." Harry leaned down, sitting on the edge of the bed. Draco reached out towards him, running his thumb along the others cheek, "it's okay, Harry, don't cry." Harry shook his head, his cheek pressing against Draco's hand and his tears came spilling over the rims of his eyes in an unstoppable way. "Harry," Draco whispered, "I'm so sorry."

He sat up with a grunt and reached out, wrapping his arms around the other, holding him close.

"I brought lunch," Harry smiled, peeking into the room.

"Mm," Draco eased up to a sitting position, "I was just thinking about that."

"Lunch?"

"Yes," Draco chuckled, and once he was sitting he grabbed the bedside table and Harry sat on the edge of the bed and turned to face him. "Is that soups?"

"It is soups," Harry chuckled, sitting them on the table and giving Draco his spoon. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay, a little sore," Draco answered, "but I am feeling better."

Harry's eyes were serious as they looked him over, "you sure?"

"I promise Potter," he rolled his eyes and took a bite, "this is amazing."

"Good," Harry settled into the bed eating his soup as well, "you've been different Draco, I just want to make sure you feel okay."

"I do," Draco nodded, "I..." His face flushed and he looked up towards the door, seeing it was shut, "I feel like the good guy."

Harry chuckled, and reached out cupping his cheek, "you've always been the good guy, Draco Malfoy."

"You're sweet talking me again."

"It only takes a little ego stroking and you're ready to go," Harry smiled softly, and closed his eyes as he pressed a kiss to Draco's lips, "and that is just the way I love you."

"Well I know there can come tears from the eye But they may as well be in vain. Even though I know these tears come with pain.. Make it rain, make it rain down low." - Ed Sheeran, Make It Rain