Draco glanced over at the brunette with concern. Harry was staring blankly out the window across the darkened grounds. The blonde heard a sniffle and felt his fears confirmed.
"Harry, look at me." Draco placed a hand under his chin, forcing emerald eyes to meet silver. "I love you. I swear to you, as long as we're together nothing will hurt you. You are my world." Harry nodded, his eyes falling back to the floor. Draco sighed, wrapping his arms around the Gryffindor. "Love, you're scaring me."
"I'm sorry," Harry whispered. "It's just... Draco, I've never been this scared in my life." He felt his last bit of strength shatter, the tears flooding out now as he sobbed. He collapsed into Draco's arms.
"Shh, it's alright, love. Nothing's gonna hurt you, baby. Not while I'm around."
"How do I know you'll be around? You've left before, Draco. How do I know you won't do it again?" Draco stiffened, his arms going ridged around the brunette's waist.
"I told you why that happened. I've apologized a thousand times. I know that will never make up for it... The point is, you'll never know for sure, but that's what love is about-taking chances. I took a chance when I asked you out, an even bigger one the first time I told you I love you. You just have to trust me, Harry. I'm here for good this time. I'll never leave you on your own again. And if anyone-and that includes Voldemort-anyone tries to hurt you, they're going to have to kill me first. I love you, Harry. I'd do anything to keep you safe. I would die for you."
Harry smiled, wrapping his arms around Draco's neck and burying his face in the blonde's chest. He knew in his heart that Draco was telling him the truth. This was it—the real deal. Five and a half years as enemies had built an undeniable bond between the two of them. Love was the only option left to them, the only one that fit. And there, wrapped in Draco's strong, warm embrace Harry's fears disintegrated into nothing.
Author Note
Written as a sort of companion to FredBuck91's "Draco's Promise".