UNWELL

DISCLAIMER: We own nothing.

AUTHORS' NOTE: Hey guys! We are really enjoying the response to this story as of recently! We just started writing these two cute guys together and really appreciate the feedback. It can be a bit unnerving to try something new, and your thoughts on the last few chapters have really been encouraging. So, thank you for that! :-)

ENJOY!

~CHAPTER TEN~

Harry walked into the kitchen of Malfoy Manor after taking a shower and dressing for the day. An arched window was open above the sink, allowing a slight breeze from the still cool morning summer air to make its way in, carrying with it the sound of birds looking for their breakfast.

Harry glanced up through the giant skylights. The sky was almost perfectly blue except for an errant fluffy cloud here or there. He made his way over to a covered plate setting on the island. He sat down, his mood drastically lighter from the extra sleep and lifted the lid.

"Hmm." He stared down at the food. It appeared to be an omelette and a side of bacon, but he couldn't be too sure with the blond's rather strict diet regimen. He picked up a fork and cut into the egg. Olives, spinach, some white crumbly cheese and mushrooms. Harry stabbed the bite he had cut off and lifted it to his lips apprehensively. He chewed slowly, a smile slowly crossing his lips as he continued to eat, forgoing the green drink sitting by his plate and instead reaching for the glass of water when he was thirsty.

Harry placed his cleaned dishes on the counter and began to search the cabinets for where they went.

"My elves can do that."

Harry pushed his lips together, not turning around immediately, his hand dropping from the cabinet he had just opened. He had hoped Draco would keep his distance, and he could leave before seeing him. He wasn't ready. What if he can tell just by looking at me? I've always been rubbish at Occlumency.

A concerned look crossed Draco's face as he stared at the back of Harry's seemingly frozen form. "Is everything all right, Harry?" he asked, jarring the wizard from his thoughts and causing him to finally turn around.

Harry leaned against the counter behind him, his hands resting on the cold granite as he wished he could apparate away. Damn contract. He ran a nervous hand along the side of his neck, avoiding eye contact as he looked out the opened window. This is ridiculous. It was just a stupid dream. It's not as if I actually like him. He took in a quiet breath and forced himself to look into curious grey eyes.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just eager to leave is all," Harry said in a slightly unsure voice.

Draco gave an amused smirk. "I'd take offense to that if you weren't being held here against your will," he said in a joking manner.

A surprised laugh escaped Harry's mouth, he shook his head and found himself grinning at the blond wizard despite the situation. He crossed his arms in a casual manner. "Yeah, well I'll be out of here in a few hours. I'm sure you'll be just as happy for it."

Draco's smile tensed only slightly. "Harry, about yesterday," he said slowly, walking further into the room, stopping a few feet away from him.

"Yes?"

"I meant what I said. I can't even begin to explain what you've done for me and my family," he said, his grey eyes full of some emotion.

Harry nodded succinctly, uncomfortable with the wizard's sentiment. "There's no need to thank me. I was just doing my job," he said, in an attempt at nonchalance as he pushed himself off the counter and stood upright.

Draco shook his head forcefully and took a step forward. "No. That's not true. No one else cared he was there. You're a good person, Harry. You should know that," Draco said adamantly.

Harry cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Well - thank you," he said lamely. He didn't knew where his brain had gone, but his pulse seemed determined to follow it if the pounding in his chest was any indicator. Harry watched the blond take another step forward, leaving only a foot between them.

"My mother wants to thank you herself. She can't make it over until dinner time," he said in a questioning manner.

Harry looked up at the slightly taller wizard. He would be gone by then unless he had another episode, and he was not planning on that. If he was careful he would only have to see Draco five more times. He needed to get home and check on the house. And he definitely needed to floo to Ron and Hermione's and have a talk with them, especially after what had happened the day before at the Ministry. He couldn't.

He opened his mouth to decline when he noticed Draco's barely discernable hopeful look pushing up his eyebrows and making the corners of his mouth soft. He found himself nodding.

"Sure. When should I be here?"

A grateful smile graced Draco's lips.

"Half past six."

Harry found himself nodding once more.

"Harry, where have you been?" the painting of Sirius Black called almost as soon as Harry stepped into the dark hallway at Twelve Grimmauld Place only a few minutes past four.

Harry walked quietly along the black, hardwood floors and stopped in front of the painting of his godfather.

"I've been busy," he said evasively.

Sirius cocked his head to the side and then leaned forward. "Harry, are you aware that I am related to the Malfoys?"

Harry took an unconscious step back. "What do you mean by that?" he asked, his voice defensive immediately.

Sirius glanced behind him, checking on Remus, who was sleeping in a chair further back in the picture that they shared. He turned back, his painted eyes more serious.

"I mean that I have a sister painting in Malfoy Manor and Harry," he paused, his voice dropping as he continued, "The paintings there, they talk to me."

Harry took another step back. "You know, despite you being a painting as well, that still sounds rather creepy," he responded glibly and then turned suddenly and began to make his way to the stairs rather quickly.

"Harry! Where are you going!" Sirius called after his godson as the wizard began to run up the stairway, not even attempting at innocence any longer. "I mean it! They tell me things! We will talk about this, Harry!" he shouted, waking Remus as he did.

Harry shut the door to his room firmly, anxiety prickling at his skin. He took in a deep breath, trying to calm himself. What did it matter if Sirius knew he had been at Malfoy Manor for the past few days? He knew the painting wouldn't tell anyone other than Remus. What if someone finds out who I don't want to know, though? Then everyone will know what a mess I am.

The tall wizard let out a groan and dropped to his bed. He needed to get out of the rest of his appointments. He couldn't go to weekly therapy sessions once work started up. He would have to file the reason for his leaving during work hours, and word would definitely get around. The secretaries at the Ministry were not known for their ability to keep a secret. And Harry was certain of one thing.

The wizarding world would not understand if Harry Potter needed therapy.

What am I going to do?

Just then a muted brown horned owl flew through the open window of Harry's room. It was one of the owls used by the Aurors to communicate with each other.

"Mother, we can't go out for dinner," Draco said in a slightly worried voice as he held the door open for her.

"Draco, that is no way to greet your mother," Narcissa Malfoy chided as she strode into the entryway of Malfoy Manor, removing her gloves. The witch didn't appear to have aged since Draco's school days thanks to enchantments and skin potions. She wore a long red dress with a fitted charcoal-colored dress coat over it.

"My apologies," Draco said with a slight bow before leaning over and pecking his mother on the cheek. "It's good to see you."

"Yes, it's been far too long," she said softly, returning the kiss before walking into the sitting room and making herself comfortable on a tall-backed black sofa as her son stood stiffly by an overstuffed white chair but didn't sit.

"Now. I chose a restaurant, because I didn't think that Auror Potter would be comfortable here. Considering what had happened in the past," she said lightly.

Draco stiffened. Oh no. He had never even thought of that. The house had been almost completely renovated since the war. Walls had been removed, rooms had been shifted around and replaced. It was like a different house in his mind. He looked around the sitting room, remembering the old sitting room where Voldemort had often sat. He held back a shudder. Why didn't he say something?

"Of course, Mother. I will send an owl," he said. The words had no sooner left his lips when a loud crack announced the wizard's arrival.

Draco turned slowly to look at the surprised wizard standing directly beside him, clearly not finished dressing. He had no tie or jacket, the top few buttons to his shirt were not yet buttoned, and he was holding what appeared to be a crumpled note in his fist.

"Draco. Mrs. Malfoy," Harry said in a barely contained voice.

Narcissa covered her surprise with a polite mask. "So good you could make it, Mr. Potter."

Harry nodded slightly.

Draco tilted his head as he discreetly studied the wizard beside him. Harry appeared as if he were about to explode. What happened?

"Harry, you showed up early. How wonderful," he said, his voice strained as he scrambled for a way to explain to his mother how the wizard had apparated within the wards of the manor. Under normal circumstances that right was exclusive to family members and loved ones. I can just say it's because he's Harry Potter. I mean, he was The Chosen One after all. Yes, that will work.

"Yes. I, uh." Harry appeared to be struggling with his words, his face barely hiding the fury too slowly draining from his eyes as his fist tightened around the parchment. "I'll just retrieve a tie and jacket then," he said abruptly before turning on his heel and leaving the room for his own.

Draco watched him leave in abject horror. What is he thinking?

"Draco Lucius Malfoy."

The blond mentally cursed the messy-haired wizard who was walking through his hallways and house with obvious familiarity. He turned around slowly.

"Yes, Mother?"

;-)