Charms class wasn't all that interesting today. Flitwick had them copying notes on Impedimenta, a stronger stunning spell that those who had fought in the war knew already. Nevertheless, quills scratched at parchment.
Draco was focused, his neat scrawl unwavering until an origami scarab scuttled through the still-wet ink. He blinked, looking about him to find the source of the magic note. Several desks away, surrounded by his old followers, sat Knott, smirking. The blonde swallowed, taking up the paper beetle before it could make more of a mess of his notes. He unfolded it, his mouth becoming dry as the message that was hastily written: 'You're no longer a true Slytherin. Next time you step into our house, you're dead.'
Harry's eyes lazily scanned the classroom, ignoring the hushed argument Hermione and Ron were having about their notes. Ron wanted to simply sleep and borrow Hermione's notes later, but she was telling him no. She'd give in, she always did. So Harry looked about until his eyes landed on his boyfriend. He was still getting used to that word, even now in January. Instead of busily scribbling down what was written on the board or chatting quietly with Blaise or Pansy, Draco was staring down into his lap. He was paler then usual.
After class, Harry made up an excuse to get away from his friends, back tracking to find Draco still sitting perfectly straight in his chair. He was packing his things at an excruciating rate and Harry began to worry.
"Draco?" His voice made the blonde jump. Draco turned, looking up at the Gryffindor. He looked pertified. Harry pulled a chair around and sat down, facing him. He leaned forward so all his focus was on the blonde. They were alone in the Charms classroom now.
"Draco, what's wrong?"
At first, his mouth opened and closed like a fish, his eyes shiny with fear and uncertainty. Finally, he held out the note he had received. Harry took it and read it, his eyes widening. His head snapped up, a serious expression on his face.
"Who gave this to you?"
It was difficult for Draco to speak, his throat tight with the fear. He had been so happy these last few weeks, he had almost forgotten about things like this. Almost forgotten the people he had betrayed, and the things he had done.
"Knott." He finally got out, his face scrunching up in an attempt to keep himself from crying. It wasn't working.
Harry reached out and pulled Draco up with him as he stood, embracing the other young man. The tears came, hot and plenty, into his shoulder but the brunette said nothing. He glared at the wall opposite him, rubbing his boyfriend's back until the tears slowed and ultimately ceased.
Once Draco was breathing slowly, Harry pulled back. He looked into his eyes and gently kissed him.
"Come on, you'll stay with me until it's safe." Draco stared at him, not quite daring to believe it true.
"But, your friends…"
"I know somewhere that no one will us unless we allow them to. Nevermind my friends, I'll handle them. We need to keep you safe and going to Professor McGonagall will only make this worse on you." Harry held out his hand with a small smile. "Trust me, Draco."
Draco grabbed his hand, expression unchanging but his eyes filling with a warmth Harry had never seen before.
"Always."
