Like It Was Yesterday

by kryptiq

She's gone, and it's all your fault, Potter." When Draco said Harry's name, he said it with much venom, hissing it as if it were a curse word. - - - implied DM/HG

Title: Like It Was Yesterday
Author: kryptiq
Rating: PG/K
Word Count: 345
Notes/Warning: Written for dramionedrabble Day 3, prompt 1.

* * *

When Harry Potter stretched his hand out to Draco Malfoy, the latter knew the world had spun the wrong way on its axis.

"I can help you," Harry said simply, his tone solid and unyielding, almost daring Draco to not believe him.

"I don't need help. I don't need your pity," Draco spat, taking a step back. "And I don't need saving."

Harry stepped closer, his hand still open and waiting for Draco's. "Stop being a git, Malfoy, and for once, do the right thing."

Harry's words lit a flame inside Draco. With a sneer, he said, "Who are you to judge what is right and wrong, Potter? This is war. There is no right or wrong, regardless of which side you're on."

Harry didn't say anything, only stared back at Draco with an unreadable expression in his eyes. With a sigh, Harry closed his hand and brought it back down to his side.

"At least think of her, Malfoy."

Draco tensed. Before Harry could discern the look of understanding on his face, he quickly masked it and pulled up an expression of slight annoyance. "You didn't have to bring her up," he said through gritted teeth.

"Malfoy--"

"She's gone, and it's all your fault, Potter." When Draco said Harry's name, he said it with much venom, hissing it as if it were a curse word.

Harry was now growing agitated, but he knew what he had to do. "I'm sorry, alright? It was my fault, Malfoy. So now I'm making up for it. This is what she would've wanted."

Draco smirked. "How very selfish of you. It was never what she wanted. This is all for your guilt."

"You think I want you in the Order, Malfoy? I don't. But Hermione trusted you, and she was hardly ever wrong. It's been two years. So, for the last time, let me help you, you prick." Harry offered his hand again impatiently.

When Draco still refused to take it, Harry added, just to spite him, "Scared, Malfoy?"

"You wish," Malfoy said as he shook Harry's hand, silently wishing Harry wouldn't fail him this time.

* * *

Courage is a kind of salvation. -Plato