Harry frowned at the small house before them. It was small and nondescript, a place you would not have expected illegal potion-making to be implemented. He had been to Ms Bennetts home before, however the surging blanket of magic had not been present then. This was not a good sign.

"You feel that?" the brunet breathed and Malfoy, who was standing warily beside him, nodded.

"It appears to be much worse than we originally anticipated," the blond replied. "Why do people insist on creating dangerous potions without a proper licence?"

Harry grunted as he opened the gate and started up the brick path to the front door. "Probably those people too idiotic to get it in the first place."

The two young men approached the door silently and cautiously. They glanced at one another and Harry lifted his hand to knock.

"Just a minute!" called out a voice.

Malfoy rolled his eyes and Harry shook his head. "Typical," they both muttered, sharing a wry grin.

Hurried footsteps and a clunk of a lock later, the door opened, revealing a short plump, rosy cheeked woman, her brown hair fluttering madly about her face. "Aurors Potter and Malfoy?" she inquired, eyes scanning their faces.

"Yes." Harry stepped forward, his persona all business. "We have received numerous reports regarding dangerous and illegal potions in your house, Ms Bennetts."

The short woman blushed. "Oh please, Auror Potter, call me Charlotte."

"We have come to investigate, Charlotte, may we enter please." Harry's tone indicated that it was not an inquiry.

The woman's face fell. "Oh—oh I guess so," Charlotte huffed. She moved aside, opening the door wider. "Please, um, come in."

The two young men stepped in cautiously, knowing the danger that could come from doing so. With their hands trained ready for their wands, they followed Charlotte through her home and into a brightly lit lounge room. She offered them the couch and they sat side by side, still alert and ready while Charlotte suggested drinks.

Both of the men declined.

"Are you sure? I have some lovely lemonade..."

"No, thank you," Harry responded curtly. "We would rather ask you a few questions and get this procedure over and done with."

Charlotte pursed her lips but nodded and sat briskly in a chair across from them. "What is it that you are here for exactly?"

Malfoy leant forward then, arms placed carefully on his legs and eyes on Charlotte. "There have been a few complaints made against you, Ms Bennetts."

"What sort?!" the brunette immediately barked. She flushed. "Sorry," she murmured.

Draco quirked an eyebrow but continued. "As you are aware of I'm sure, we have come here previously for a similar assessment. We've come to inspect your home and ensure that you are not practicing complex and illegal potions and trying to sell them. It is forbidden, Ms Bennetts, and yet you seem to want to ignore those rules. By order of the Ministry and with direct permission from the Minister of Magic himself, we have been granted authorisation to search your premises."

Charlotte Bennetts sighed and slumped back in the chair, eyes on her hands. Two pairs of eyes remained trained on her every movement as they judged her next move. She looked up at the two young Aurors and smiled somewhat sadly.

"It seems an apology is in order," she replied softly. "I never meant to cause any harm."

"We will need to see what you have been making, Ms Bennetts," Harry said carefully. "You will be required to fill in a report and accompany us to the Ministry for your hearing."

Charlotte nodded and stood, chin raised. "Please excuse me; I shall be right back."

"I will warn you now, Ms Bennetts," Malfoy stated clearly. "Running is futile."

A pair of sad brown eyes stared at him before she turned away and started for the hallway. Harry frowned at her retreating back before standing and looking around the room. He could feel a deep negative energy seeping throughout this small home and it unnerved him.

"Alright, Harry?"

The brunet just nodded, eyes trained outside.

Malfoy could tell his partner was slightly distressed. He too, could feel the negative energy. His fingers trailed over the wood of his wand, eyes moving from his partner to the corridor Charlotte had disappeared down. He didn't like the vibe of this house and he certainly did not like the impression the woman gave off.

Without warning, there was a sudden shift in the magic within the house and both Harry and Malfoy responded immediately, wands raised.

"What on earth was that?" Draco frowned, standing up from the couch.

Harry stared down the hallway, eyes hard and focussed. "Come on."

The two of them started for the corridor Charlotte had disappeared down, their footsteps soft as they moved carefully. The hallway was dimly lit, making it difficult for the two young Auror's to see clearly. They could hear distant murmurs and the clanging of metal against metal from the room at the end. A strange stench began to linger down the hallway and Malfoy covered his nose in disgust.

"What the hell is that?" he gasped.

Harry's jaw tensed. "I'm not sure," he replied through clenched teeth. "Something tells me Charlotte isn't completely done with her experiments."

The stench became stronger the further down the corridor they stepped. An eerie yellow glow cast shimmering shadows across the wall, Harry could recognise one of the shadows as Charlotte's figure as she moved around something large—a cauldron?

Harry's green eyes widened as he and Malfoy stepped into the room. Charlotte was moving frantically around a large black cauldron as a deep grey smoke billowed over the rim. She looked up when she realised she was no longer alone and a wicked grin spread across her face.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting." She smiled sickly. "I have your apology right here."

Malfoy's eyes widened in alarm as he realised what Charlotte was about to do. He lifted his wand as she flicked hers, the large cauldron suddenly flying off the table straight at Harry. She cast a following curse immediately after, a sneer curling at her lips. Harry—unable to respond in time—was soon coated in a thick, dark liquid and hit with the silent spell, the cauldron falling and instantly disintegrating at his feet. He thought he heard Malfoy call out to him but at that very moment everything went dark and eerily silent.

Malfoy cut off Charlotte's high pitched hysterical laughter with a quick and easy binding spell. She fell with a thump and the blond ran over to his convulsing partner.

"Potter!" the young man grabbed Harry's shoulders trying to hold him still. "Damn it, Harry!"

The brunet bucked fiercely before going completely still, the convulsions fading. Malfoy cursed aloud trying to remove some of the potion before feeling for a pulse. He sighed in relief when he felt a steady beat. He conjured a patronus immediately sent it off to Kingsley with a message.

"Need a team at Bennetts' house immediately. Potter's been injured and I'm taking him to Mungos."

His patronus, a large otter, nodded its head once and instantly shot through the wall of the house. Running a frantic hand through his hair, Malfoy conjured a stretcher and carefully placed Harry onto it. Beside him, Charlotte continued to laugh hysterically, despite the gag. Malfoy threw a sizzling glare in her direction.

"Injuring an Auror is an offense, you'll be arrested immediately," he spat. As the final word was hissed from his lips, another team of Aurors Apparated inside. One of them was Ron.

"What the fuck happened, Malfoy?!" the red haired roared.

"This is not the time nor the place to be discussing this! I need to get Harry to Mungos now!" Malfoy replied, his cheeks slightly pink with aggravation.

"Bet it was your fucking fault," Ron sneered.

Malfoy's jaw clenched. "Just finish the job," he snapped, the stretcher and himself disappearing from the scene.

It was quiet in Harry's private hospital room. The only sound was the gentle breathing of the dark haired Auror and the soft footsteps that filtered in through the doorway from the corridor. Draco Malfoy sat silently in the chair beside the bed, leaning forward with his head in his hands. He sighed deeply and sat back, glancing at Harry before standing and starting over to the window. The Healers had managed to stabilise Harry, removing what was left of the potion and running tests to discover what exactly Charlotte Bennetts had created. That process had been a few hours ago and the ex-Gryffindor had not yet regained consciousness. Malfoy had remained in Harry's room hoping that his partner would wake. He didn't know what compelled him to remain with the brunet, yet he could not will himself to leave. The blond had already contacted Severus Snape in regards to the potion. He was still waiting for an answer from their old Potions Master for when it would be suitable to Draco to stop by to discuss it. With one last glance outside the window Draco turned around just as the last person he wanted to see stormed into the room.

Ron Weasley, pointedly ignoring the other man in the room, marched over to Harry's bed and looked worriedly over his best friend, eyes moving to anything he could spot out of the ordinary.

"What happened, Malfoy?" Ron demanded, eyes still trained on his best friend.

Malfoy folded his arms. "I have already given the report, Weasley, I need not explain myself to you."

Ron's head snapped up, face going red. "You will tell me what the fuck happened to my friend, Ferret, and you will do it now."

"Language, Weasley," Malfoy drawled. "I don't think Potter will appreciate you cursing by his bedside."

Ron sneered. "I think I would know what my friend wants more so than you."

Malfoy shrugged, struggling to keep his cool façade. "I don't see why you insist on picking a fight, Weasley, I have been nothing but courteous to you and yours since the war. Hermione, Harry, and I are on a first name basis and yet you continue to revert back to the young buffoon you were in school."

Ron stalked away from Harry's bedside and stood before the tall blond. They were both the same height, sharing similar glares.

"Everyone may have been fooled by your so called act, Malfoy, but I can still see the very same conniving, rude, obnoxious git I've known since the very first day I met you. Harry and Hermione might say you've changed but we both know that's bullshit. If I ever catch word of you hurting the people I care about, you better believe I'm going to hunt you down and make you bleed—"

"Get... out, Ron."

Malfoy and Ron immediately turned to see Harry struggling to sit up. Ron was instantly at the brunet's side.

"Harry, mate, are you alright? Malfoy didn't hurt you did he?"

Harry winced and brushed away Ron's touches. "Get out."

The tall red head blinked. "Harry, it's me."

"I know it's you." Harry fixed a frown upon his friend. "And I heard what you... said to Draco and I find... it absolutely appalling. I don't want to see… you right now." Harry turned away from his friend then focussing on evening out his breathing.

Ron snorted but left, sending a filthy glare to Malfoy as he did so. With a deep sigh, Harry leant forward to rest his head against his bent knees. Malfoy moved to stand beside him, placing a careful hand on his partner's shoulder.

"Alright, Harry?"

The young man nodded in reply. "I'm sorry for him, Draco, he was out of place."

"Don't worry yourself over it." Malfoy snorted elegantly. "I still have the respect of the people who matter." He felt a shudder run through Harry and he frowned. "How're you feeling?"

Running his hands through his hair, Harry winced again. "I'm not exactly sure. I bloody hurt all over though."

Malfoy frowned. "How's so?"

Harry carefully lay back against the pillows and looked tiredly up at his partner. "I feel as if my very skin is bruised." He ran a hand down his arm, obviously shuddering at his own touch.

"All over?" the blond asked.

Harry nodded.

Malfoy frowned. "That is unusual, I wonder if Severus will pick up on anything."

"You contacted him?"

"I did. I thought it would be… more productive… for him to research the potion."

Harry gave his partner a shaky smile. "Thank you, that actually makes me feel better."

"He also requested a blood sample once you are able to remove yourself from the hospital," Malfoy smirked.

Harry rolled his eyes but also smirked. "Guess that means I'll actually have to see the bastard." He chuckled softly. He and Snape had gotten over their issues during the war where the two had actually become rather close. It was due to Severus Snape that Draco and Harry had begun speaking in the first place.

"And I'm sure he'll be as pleased to see you as you are him," the ex-Slytherin said lightly.

There was a gentle knock and the two young males looked over. Hermione poked her head in and smiled.

"Good afternoon." She smiled brightly as she entered. "How're you feeling, Harry?"

"Hey, Mione." Harry smiled. "I've felt better but I assume I'm in good hands."

"We wouldn't have it any other way." The female giggled, leaning down to kiss his cheek. "I hope Ron didn't offend you, Draco. I heard what happened. Or at least his side of what happened."

The blond rolled his eyes. "Nothing new I assure you, Hermione."

She pursed her lips despite his comment. "He didn't say anything nasty did he?"

"Isn't that the understatement of the year," Harry snorted.

"I love Ron, I really do, but this temper of his is going to get him into trouble one day. That aside, I just spoke with the Healer, Harry, and she said she would like to keep you overnight for observation."

Harry ran his hand through his hair again. "Sounds great," he muttered. "Seems we'll have to raincheck on that lunch I owe you." He half smiled at Malfoy who looked personally offended.

"Pity, and I was so looking forward to it."

The two young men chuckled and Hermione watched with a slight smile. She had noticed the rising interaction between the two males over the passing weeks and regardless of Ron's rude interruptions, the ex-enemies were fast becoming close friends. With a glance at her watch Hermione decided to get a move on; she and Ron had plans tonight and if all went well she hoped to leave with a new ring on her finger...

"I'll check up on you again later, Harry," Hermione promised, kissing him one last time on the head. "Bed rest and pampering is what you need. Draco, can I rely on you to see that he does?"

Smirking at the female, Draco quirked an eyebrow. "We shall see," he chuckled. "See you later, Hermione, have a good night."

"Let's hope so." She grinned brightly.

"Bye, Mione." Harry smiled, albeit tiredly.

The brunette bustled out of the room excitedly and Harry couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head with a smile.

"Right, Mr Potter, I do believe I was given instructions to ensure you received proper bed rest and pampering."

"Oh shove off, Malfoy."

"But Hermione will beat me up."

"She'd probably beat me up as well... hmm..."

"Do you reckon Weasley will do it?"

"Propose? He'd better, otherwise I'm going to kill him."

"I believe Hermione may beat you to the punch."

Harry laughed softly, lying back against the pillows. "I guess we'll find out soon enough."

They exchanged smiles before Malfoy took charge and told Harry to rest.

"Alright, alright, I'm resting." The brunet pouted at his partner who couldn't help but grin.

"I've waited years to boss you around, Potter, let me have this. Besides, the sooner you rest the sooner you can get your arse out of here."

"Well when you put it that way," Harry said brightly, stretching. "Feel free to actually enjoy your life, you ponce, I don't need a babysitter."

Malfoy only smirked. "Of course not, why would the Great Harry Potter ever need someone to look after him?"

Harry's eyes suddenly darkened. For two seconds the man in the bed transformed from the strong Auror Draco knew, into someone the blond barely recognised. The blond frowned. What in Merlin's beard...? He blinked and suddenly Harry, who had seemed so defeated, had masked his emotions and smiled crookedly at his partner.

"It's alright, Draco, you can go, really," he said softly, not looking him in the eye.

Malfoy opened his mouth to respond but immediately shut it. Instead, he squeezed Harry's shoulder reassuringly and asked if he needed or wanted anything whilst he were gone.

"No, thank you," the man on the bed replied. "I'll see you later, yeah?"

Malfoy nodded and left, finding it slightly difficult to do so.

"How did he appear when he first woke, Draco?"

Draco paused with his tea cup halfway to his mouth. He pursed his lips, a moment of thought crossing his features before he began speaking. "Quite dazed and disoriented at first, although that could have been because he was outraged by what Weasley had said."

Two pairs of eyes rolled at the mention of the red-head before Draco started speaking again.

"He was pale, seemed awfully lethargic." Draco took a sip of tea, his thoughts roaming around in his head as he recounted how Harry had appeared after waking to his ex-Potions Master. A frown suddenly marred his features. "Then he said he felt sore."

Snape blinked and looked up, meeting concerned silver eyes. "Sore? Bruised perhaps from the fall to the floor?"

"I'm not sure, he said 'sore all over'. It looked to me as if no matter how lightly you touched him it was painful."

A slight frown appeared in Snape's brow. "From what you have described to me so far, this potion does not match anything I am family with. I will require a blood sample in order to understand the potions properties and ingredients used."

Draco worried his bottom lip before taking another soothing sip of tea. "He's not going to like this news." He chuckled dryly as he glanced at his watch. "Is there any particular time you would like me to bring him here?"

"Sometime before dinner, he should wait until after the blood test to eat otherwise it will affect the results."

Always the mentor... "Of course," Draco smirked to which Snape gave another eye roll.

"Then perhaps I may invite you to join me for dinner," the older man sneered, causing Draco to chuckle and finish his tea.

"How very gracious of you, Severus, I can hardly wait." Getting to his feet, the blond thanked his ex-Professor and started for the fire hearth.

"Will Mr Potter be out of Mungos by this afternoon?"

"More than likely, although it really depends on if the Healers deem him fit enough to leave," Draco replied thoughtfully. "I'll send word if we can make it today and we'll organise another time."

The tall dark haired man nodded once and watched his godson leave, a thoughtful expression now covering his usual sarcastic pretence.

"You're free to roam once more, Mr Potter." The elderly Healer smiled kindly down at him. "And I'm sure you get this a lot but I just wanted to personally thank you for everything that you did for us."

Harry's smile faltered—something that did not go unnoticed by Malfoy who stood beside him. Ducking his head in what, Draco assumed, was meant to be a gracious indication of thanks, the brunet shifted his gaze away.

"I had a lot of help," he replied, glancing at Malfoy, a small smile curling at his lips.

Not wanting to make Harry feel any more uncomfortable, the blond gestured to the door, somewhat pleased when the Healer took that as a sign to leave.

"Come on, partner, a grumpy ex-teacher of ours wants your blood." The blond grinned, satisfied as he watched the genuine smile on Harry's face reappear.

"Sounds like a grand affair." The brunet sniggered. He tossed back the blanket and stood, the world suddenly spinning for a few seconds as he swayed uncertainly on his feet. "Whoa, must have stood up too fast." He steadied himself, unaware of the concern burning in Malfoy's eyes.

"Hermione brought you some clothes to change in to." The blond raised a bag in front of him. As he did so, something on the bedside table caught his eye. It was a get well card. He frowned faintly. "Who's that from?"

"Huh? Oh, Tristan," Harry replied absentmindedly, taking the bag. "He stopped by to see how I was since our dinner was cancelled."

"Indeed…" Draco murmured softly, before masking his face with a smirk. "Do you require my assistance in changing or am I allowed to go and get a coffee?"

Harry just smiled. "You may get yourself a coffee, Draco."

Malfoy bowed. "Thank you for that privilege."

"Stop being a smart arse and get out." Harry snorted.

His smirk still in place, the blond left his partner and started down towards the mediocre coffee shop the hospital actually deemed fit enough to sell steaming mugs of mud. Malfoy browsed the short menu before placing is order, ordering a coffee for Harry as well. By the time the coffees were ready and waiting, Harry had joined Draco and they took their coffees away with them as they started outside. Draco observed the brunet from the corner of his eye as they exited the hospital. Harry looked healthy and rather nice in the clothes Hermione had fetched for him. Gone were the baggy clothes he used to wear, instead he wore nice fitting dark blue jeans and a black button up shirt with the sleeves rolled carelessly up to his elbows. The blond glanced down and smirked—black worn chuck tailors covered his feet. You can't expect a huge fashion miracle when it came to Harry Potter.

"Won't coffee affect my blood results?" Harry mused and Malfoy frowned.

"Hmm, hadn't thought of that." He took the coffee from his partner and chucked it in a bin they passed. "You can have a better one afterwards, something much nicer than that awful brown concoction." He smiled and the pout disappeared from Harry's lips.

The two of them made their way down one of their favourable alleys so they were able to Disapparate unseen.

"Now, are you capable of Apparating to Severus's home by yourself or would you like me to side along?" The blond asked in amusement.

Harry rolled his eyes. "I'm fine, thank you," he reassured. "If you feel the need, you may go first and wait for me to catch me should I fall."

Malfoy snorted and turned on his heel, disappearing with a crack. Chuckling, Harry followed suit, finding himself on the front porch of a familiar looking home half a second later.

"Not feeling faint, I hope?"

Harry grinned at his partner. "Hoping to change roles, Draco? Be my prince charming?"

"Oh please, Potter." the blond rolled his eyes. "If you needed saving, it'd be the end of our world."

Once again, Draco watched as a shadow crossed Harry's face, his entire demeanour changing—a deep sadness seemed to seep from the brunet and Draco felt his chest unexpectedly constrict.

"Are you two going to continue to babble or are you actually going to come inside?"

Masking his emotions, Harry looked over at his ex-Potions Master who was looming in frame of the front door. A wide grin spread across his face as he extended his hand to greet the dark-haired man.

"Severus, how are you?"

"Apparently doing better than yourself." The corners of Snape's lips quirked and Harry smirked in reply.

"Ah, but how would I be able to survive without landing myself in hospital at least once a year?" the brunet said lightly, all traces of his past sadness gone.

"You're a wonder within yourself, boy," Snape replied. "I have everything set up in the living room, if you'll follow me."

The two young men followed their ex-teacher inside, the door closing with a snap by itself behind them. It was dark in the house, the only light breaking the shadows came from numerous candles spaced sporadically throughout the homestead.

You really can't take the dungeons out of the Professor… Harry mused. As they reached the living room, his eyes landed on a comfortable armchair with a table set up beside it, a row of five vials lined neatly in wooden stand.

Draco watched the two dark-haired men cross the room, the brunet placing himself in the armchair and pushing his sleeve up and out of the way. Snape worked silently beside him, feeling Harry's arm for the appropriate vein before reaching for his wand.

"Are you happy for me to proceed?" Snape asked, black eyes lifting briefly to meet with green.

"Of course." Harry offered a small smile. "You're always welcome to take my blood, Severus."

The tip of Snape's wand tapped lightly against Harry's skin, a small look of discomfort passing over the brunet's face at the unusual sensation of the blood magically seeping from his skin directly into the first vial. One by one, each vial was filled with the dark crimson fluid. Once all five were filled, Snape gently tapped the brunet's skin once more, the sensation immediately ceasing, much to Harry's liking. He leant back into the armchair, only just realising how tense he had been throughout the procedure. He closed his eyes with a gentle sigh, suddenly enjoying just how dark Snape's house was. Harry heard the older man murmur something he didn't quite catch to Malfoy, who presently crossed he room if his footsteps were any indication. Harry's eyes flickered open and he gazed up at his ex-mentor who flicked his wand, the rack glided smoothly through the air and into another room.

"Any idea of what the potion was?" Harry asked.

"My verdict so far is non-existent I'm afraid." Snape sighed, looking suddenly weary. "Whatever that foul woman threw at you it is something beyond my knowledge—although combining a spell and a potion can, and has, been done." He summoned two chairs and sat down in one. "I am hoping your blood will give me answers."

"That would be nice." Harry had known that joining the Aurors was going to be tough. He had known that it was going to be dangerous. But he had never truly considered the possibility of people, besides Voldemort, trying to kill him. Burying a chuckle, he looked up when he heard returning footsteps and found himself smiling as Malfoy offered him a mug of coffee.

"This will be extremely better than that mud from the hospital. You should feel grateful that I threw it out for you." The blond sniffed.

Harry chuckled warmly. "Thank you, Draco. I am forever in your debt for the coffee that you initially shouldn't have bought for me in the first place."

"How hard is it for you just to let me have this moment?"

"Evidently too hard. I let you get away with so much, Malfoy."

"Fine, no sandwiches for you."

The blond lowered the floating tray that had been hovering beside him down on the same table where the vials had previously rested before joining the other two for supper. It was pleasant to be able to enjoy a nice evening with friends, although the mere fact that Harry was enjoying the company of two people he had once hated was rather comical.

Who would have thought that in the years after Hogwarts, I'd not only be working alongside Draco Malfoy of all people, but willingly go to Severus Snape's home for his help…?

The small smile was not lost to the observant blond sitting beside him.

"What are you smiling at, Potter?" he asked.

His smile growing, Harry sent Malfoy an amused look. "Reminiscing," he replied.

"I hope it's about something good."

"You passing out drunk at Hermione's birthday seems appropriate," Harry mused.

"I was not drunk nor did I pass out!" Draco replied indignantly.

"Then it must have been my imagination that you were snoring beside me on the couch..."

"I was extremely fatigued from the mission we had completed that same day. Moreover, Malfoys do not snore."

"Sure, Draco, whatever you say."

The blond snorted but a smile spread across his face as he too remembered that night.

The two young men were so caught up in their own worlds that they did not notice Snape as he observed them carefully, a curious gleam beginning to grow in his dark eyes. He had always found it interesting to watch them converse, even when they were at a young age. There was no denying the—chemistry—between them. There were constant signs that revealed themselves: like the way Harry's eyes brightened at the mere challenge Draco had to offer, or the way the blond's cheeks would flush with excitement when the brunet would respond.

Snape was not the only person to notice these occurrences. One Hermione Granger had known for years the promising relationship between Harry and Draco. She and Snape had voiced their speculations once the war had ended, the two of them planning possible ways to get Harry and Draco to spend time with one another in a more relaxed setting. At first, the ex-Gryffindor and the ex-Slytherin were no more than good natured friends. There had been the occasional bite back and forth, but both Hermione and Snape were pleased at the progress and were, in their own way, cautiously prodding them closer. Now, as Draco and Harry exchanged their playful banter, Snape was rather proud at how far they had come.

"What time are we meant to be at Bennetts' hearing tomorrow?" Harry sighed then, his eyes darkening.

"Two thirty," Malfoy replied. "I've filled out the necessary reports, all you'll need to do is give your eye witness and medical reports."

"Thanks for that." Harry gave him a small smile. "It will be nice to complete this assignment and be done with it."

"Mmm and begin another." Draco sighed.

"I told Kingsley I'll be filing for a vacation after this."

"That sounds like a brilliant idea—I might do the same. The Ministry, however, would undoubtedly fall without their top Aurors."

The two young men chuckled in agreement and exchanged knowing grins. Severus remained out of the conversation, rather content to watch the two young men exchange pleasantries. He kept a mindful eye on the brunet however, as he sat and conversed. Once the two young men had arrived, Harry, although obviously not his usual self since the incident, had appeared as healthy as Snape had expected. Since taking his blood though, the brunet had paled several shades and his movements seemed more careful, as if it required more effort to move than usual.

"What do you think, Severus?"

"Hmm? I beg your pardon, Draco?"

The blond smirked at his old professor, bringing the tea cup to his lips. He opened his mouth to respond when the ex-Potions Master interrupted him.

"If this has anything to do with old age and my hearing I do not wish to hear it."

Harry snorted into his cup, choking a little on the hot liquid. Without a second thought, Draco reached over and patted him on the back. The brunet smiled gratefully at the blond, carefully placing his cup on the arm of the chair.

"I prefer you not to die in my home, Mr Potter," Snape drawled with a smile.

"I apologise." Harry quirked an eyebrow but grinned at the older man. He leant back in his chair, relishing in the odd but pleasant company that surrounded him. He felt happier than he had in days—if only the dull headache that pounded in his temples would fade. He took another soothing sip of coffee, not noticing that his hands were shaking slightly nor the faint red tinge that was beginning to flush his cheeks. Severus however, became aware of these signs immediately. He observed the young man more carefully from the corner of his eye as he conversed with Draco, making mental notes.

When Draco offered to take their empty plates to the kitchen, Severus took the moment of privacy to ask Harry if he would like to lie down. The brunet smiled tiredly at the ex-professor and accepted the offering. They stood together, Snape's hand shooting out when Harry swayed excessively. He held Harry still, waiting for the dizzy spell to pass. When it had lessened, Snape assisted Harry to his bedroom and over to the bed where Harry collapsed onto the mattress, his cheeks now a deep red and skin extremely hot.

The older man examined Harry carefully, his frown growing when he couldn't match the symptoms to anything he knew. He growled inwardly and went to fetch Draco—perhaps the two of them would be able to figure out the problem together. Draco was walking back into the sitting room when Snape re-entered. The blond frowned at the older man in question as to where Harry was.

"Harry has fallen ill with a fever," Snape explained.

"Is he alright?" Draco asked, concern colouring his tone.

"His temperature has risen quite dramatically in a very short time," Snape replied. "Sit with him while I fetch a cooling draught."

Draco nodded and entered Snape's bedroom immediately. Spying the slightly distressed brunet on the bed, Draco went to the bedside, summoning the chair that sat in the corner to sit beside him.

"How're you feeling?" the blond asked, his gaze sweeping up and down the brunet's body.

"Just peachy," Harry replied with a groan. "You know I'm really getting over this entire 'let's kill Harry Potter' thing people keep instigating."

Draco snorted. "Maybe if you weren't so good at your job people would stop trying to kill you."

A chuckle escaped Harry's lips. "Well that's definitely one way to look at it." He smiled tiredly. His green eyes were dark with fatigue—dull compared to the life that usually filled them. Draco found himself suddenly missing their lustre.

"Severus and I are going to find out what she did to you," the blond promised. "We'll fix this."

Harry managed another smile. "I trust you," he whispered. Then his eyes closed and his head lolled, body going still.

Draco frowned at this sudden change and stretched out a hand, gently shaking the brunet. "Harry?"

When Harry gave no reply, the blond cursed, summoning Snape immediately.

"What's wrong?" he asked instantly.

"Harry lost consciousness," Draco replied, feeling his partner's forehead. "Merlin, his skin is on fire."

Snape began placing the items he had collected on the bedside table. "These are all signs of an infection within the body—has he suffered from an injury during an investigation?"

Draco shook his head. "Not for a very long time—excluding the potion incident."

"Why is this boy always so difficult? He can never do anything even somewhat normally," the man muttered bitterly and Draco offered a wry smile.

The ex-Slytherin turned concerned eyes to the male lying so still on the bed. Despite the fact that Potter and himself had never really progressed passed their standard friendship, Draco couldn't help the current feelings swirling around in his chest right at that moment…

Snape paused in his ministrations to observe his godson carefully. "You care for him," he murmured softly.

Draco blinked and looked up at the older man. He opened his mouth to deny the statement but he paused, gaze lowering as certain thoughts fell into place. He nodded silently.

Snape continued to organise his equipment, but a satisfied glint had appeared in his eye. "About damned time," he grunted, walking over to Harry to check his temperature.

The blond watched Snape with wide eyes, unable to comprehend exactly what his godfather meant.

"Do not stare at me, Draco."

The ex-Slytherin blinked, his eyes narrowing. "Since when were you so ready to start playing 'Match-Maker'?" he asked wryly.

The tiniest of smirks appeared on Severus Snape's lips. "I believe you have Miss Granger to thank for that."

Draco scowled. "You two just can't help yourselves can you?"

"Unfortunately, my time since leaving Hogwarts has been rather… uninteresting. You'll forgive me if I require a little excitement in my life."

Draco choked out a laugh, shaking his head. "So all of those parties and lunches?"

"We needed excuses to actually keep you in the same room besides an office," Snape replied as he waved his wand over the length of Harry's body. "I was honestly surprised when you both decided to forget your past and make amends."

"It seemed rather superfluous to continue to bicker when there was a mad-man after our blood."

"And now?"

"Now, what?"

Snape raised an eyebrow at the blond. "You know full well what I mean."

Draco stared at his godfather before shifting his gaze away. His eyes landed on Harry's pale face, something niggling in his chest. "I don't know..." he admitted after a moment. "The entire situation seems rather surreal… and let us not forget the horrible timing."

Snape chuckled softly. "Truth be told it seems that it took this accident occurring for the two of you to wake up to yourselves."

"What a fantastic first date."

"I wouldn't scoff, Draco, it's the first one you've had in a while."

Draco's jaw dropped in outrage, his eyes narrowing into slits. "I am never telling Granger anything ever again."

The ex-potion's master smiled smugly, sliding his wand us his sleeve. Draco leant back in his chair, crossing his arms stubbornly across his chest.

"How is he?" Draco found himself asking instead, feeling the need to change the subject.

Snape's dark eyes shifted over the brunet lying on the bed, the frown reappearing. "I am loathe to admit that I do not know," he replied. "I can only treat the symptoms he is presenting. So far, all I can do is bring his fever down. Until I know for sure what that foul woman put in the potion, there is nothing more I can do."

Draco's face suddenly soured. "Weasley's team are investigating her house tomorrow afternoon—I will be joining them to see if I can find anything."

"That would be grand," Snape said in reply. "Knowing at least some of the ingredients used in the potion would help me work out the underlying intention." Grabbing the cooling draught off the bedside table, Snape turned to Draco and offered it to him.

"I need you to give this to him while I fetch some water."

Draco raised an eyebrow. He knew full well Severus was doing this on purpose to tease the blond. Without a word Draco accepted the vial and stood from the chair. Snape smirked and exited the room, leaving the two young men alone.

Feeling suddenly nervous, Draco eased himself onto the edge of the bed and uncorked the vial. He slid a hand carefully beneath Harry's neck and lifted the brunet's head. He gently pressed the vial to his lips and tilted it. The misty coloured liquid oozed into the brunet's mouth. Harry coughed and Draco paused, helping to clear the brunet's airway. Draco was a little surprised to see the brunet's eyes flicker as he regained consciousness.

"Draco...?" Harry croaked.

The blond offered a small smile. "How're you feeling?" he asked, allowing Harry's head to fall back carefully onto the pillow.

"Lousy..." Harry replied meekly, his eyes closing.

"If you are able to sit up you can finish this potion Severus would like you to take—it'll help with your fever."

The brunet opened his eyes once more, nodded slowly. He tried to sit up, his muscles shaking. Draco lent forward to assist him, passing the vial once Harry was settled.

"I'm sorry," the brunet said suddenly.

Draco frowned. "Whatever for?"

"For—" the brunet waved a hand in disgust at himself. "This."

"Don't be ridiculous." Draco pegged him with a glare, laying a firm hand on the brunet's arm. "This is not your fault. Truth be told I much prefer having myself and Severus look after you than those incompetent Healers at Mungos."

Harry smiled at the blond feeling content to be with him. "Thank you."

Neither man had registered that the blond's hand was still resting comfortably on Harry's arm. When Snape spotted this from his position in the doorway, he smiled knowingly and knew he would have to alert Hermione as to what he had discovered.