Hospital Part II

"Thanks, Hermione."

"Sure, Harry. If you need anything else, let me know."

"I will."

Harry. Draco opened his eyes as Harry came into view. He looked much better after a shower and a change of clothes. Carried in his left hand was his travel bag. He set it on the edge of the bed before sitting on the bed closer to Draco. Draco shimmied until he was sitting up, a genuine smile on his face. "Hi."

"Hi, yourself." Harry replied with his own grin. "Feeling better?"

Draco considered lying, but realized it served no real purpose. "About the same."

Harry leaned forward and touched Draco's hair. "You look bedraggled. Want to try a shower?" Hot water, clean clothes, Draco wanted that very much. His expression must have said it all. Harry laughed, "Ok. Hang on, I'll get the water going." Draco watched as Harry opened another door across the room. Draco hadn't even noticed that door, but realized it must be the bathroom. He heard the rush of water as the shower started and then Harry came back to him. He gestured for Draco to sit up and reached behind him, untying the ugly green robe. Harry bundled the gown up and threw it across the room. It left Draco naked, though hardly exposed. This was Harry after all. Harry frowned and gently touched Draco's right side. "You've lost some weight."

"Have I?" Draco tried to see, but he needed a mirror.

"All your ribs are exposed. Let me see your other side." Draco complied, turning slightly toward Harry. Draco winced as he felt tinder fingers on his wound. "Sorry." Harry kissed Draco's temple. "It'll leave a scar, but it's looking better." Harry put Draco's arm around his neck and hoisted him up.

It took some maneuvering and a lot of work, but eventually Draco was all clean and in different clothes. He was annoyed that Harry brought him pajamas at first, but after the shower he was so exhausted that pajamas were welcome. As long as it wasn't that green rag, he didn't really care. Harry had helped Draco back into bed and was lying with him, resting on his side, brushing his fingers through his damp hair as Draco had his eyes closed.

"Hermione told me about Cooke." Harry said after a while. "Is that what was bothering you?"

"Yes. Any word on him?"

"No, but he's bound to show up sooner or later."

Draco sighed, vexed. He was done worrying about what might happen later. Later would either come as it was expected or completely out of the blue. As long as he was holed up here there didn't seem much of a chance that a Death Eater with a grudge would be able to find him. It just sucked that he had another one after him. "What time is it?"

"A little before noon."

Now that Draco was feeling better he was starting to get antsy staring at walls again. "When can I get out of here?"

"I don't know." Harry rested his hand on Draco's collarbone. "Be patient." Draco gave him a sour look along with an eye roll. "I know. Not one of your better character traits, is it?" Draco sighed loudly as he lifted and dropped is head. "There's a sundeck, here, you know." Harry said, tempting. Draco opened one eye, feigning nonchalance. "With a garden, and benches. It's a really pretty day." Draco was smiling now.

With a little help from Luna (who had authority to apparate within St. Mungos) Draco was sunbathing in a lovely courtyard. There were pleasant little paths, green shrubs, cobblestone paths, a waterfall bubbling somewhere and wrought iron patio furniture scattered about. The warmth of the sun felt wonderful after being inside for so long. Harry was sitting next to him, their hands joined over a small table. It was peaceful and nice and better than being stuck indoors.

"Do you think you'll be fine on your own for a while?" Harry squeezed Draco's hand. Draco's first reaction was to say no. The idea of Harry being far from his side sent his anxiety through the roof. Harry sent a burst of reassurance through their bond. "It's a side effect," Harry said softly. "I was struggling to even use the bathroom in the same room without breaking out in a sweat. Luna thinks it's because our bond was wide open for so long. Or, that it grew stronger." He gave Draco an apologetic glance. "They're guessing a lot."

"I can't help it," Draco replied honestly. "I panic if I can't see you and then I feel like an idiot."

Harry laughed as he stood and walked around the chairs. He leaned down. "I won't be gone long. I just need to check in with Seven Thirty One. My employees would probably like to get paid."

Draco still wanted to argue. Harry stood and concentrated. Draco felt their bond open wider. Harry's emotions washed over him in large waves, love and caring and support. Draco drank it in, eyes closing to half slits. "That helps," he whispered. If Harry was going to physically leave him at least he'd have his emotions. Soft lips met his, two hands held his face and then Harry was kissing him. Draco sighed into the kiss, opening his mouth to fully receive Harry. It was like a balm on his soul, soothing him, caressing him from the inside. Something settled within him as Harry pulled away, still placing small kisses on his lips and cheeks. Draco smiled, "That helped a lot."

"It did, didn't it?" Harry was still bending down, hands touching Draco's chest. "So, I'm going for a while. If you need me," he brought one hand to his chest and kept the other on Draco's, "let me know. But I promise I won't be gone long."

That same panic flared up, but Draco was able to push it down. "Not long, ok?"

Harry stood. "Not long. I'll have Luna check on you in a few." Draco watched him for as long as possible until he rounded a corner. Instead of panicking, Draco continued to feel Harry's presence. It was soothing and let him enjoy the rest of the early afternoon in the sun.

Work took longer than Harry anticipated. The afternoon passed by and soon was early evening. Brian had called, checking on Draco. Their mobile phones didn't work well at St. Mungo's. Magic tended to interfere with electric devices. Needless to say, his voicemail box was quite full of messages. The most important being from Brian. While Draco was incapacitated Brian had managed to find them a new location for Drake Black Designs. He wanted to go over some ideas with Draco. Harry had called him back and agreed to bring him to St. Mungo's tomorrow.

Another important call had come from Ron. After uncovering Cooke's double identity Ron and Neville had gone back to Auror Headquarters and started their own investigation. Harry had shamelessly asked a favor of Shacklebolt to give Ron and Neville authority to hunt down Cook. Part of that was seeing how far Cooke's betrayal went. According to Ron, they'd found some interesting information and wanted to share it with Harry. It would be perfect. Brian could stay with Draco and Harry could talk to Ron and Neville.

Thinking of Draco made Harry long for him. Ever since bringing Draco back from the brink not once, but several times, Harry struggled being away from him for long. There was like an invisible magnet constantly pulling Harry back to Draco side. The sensation was fading a little now that Draco was awake and out of harm's way, but the urge to return made Harry want to finish his work quicker.

Harry was finishing signing the last paycheck when Eric stuck his head in the office, knocking simultaneously. "Hey, Harry. How's Drake?"

Harry had made up some story to excuse his absence so he said Draco was deathly ill with pneumonia. His crew had been more than kind. Eric had even stepped up as acting manager, an act that was greatly rewarded on his paycheck, which Harry handed to him with a grateful smile. "Better. Out of the woods at least. I'm hoping he'll be able to go home in the next couple days."

"That's good. Are you back then?"

Harry shook his head in the negative. "No, not yet. I just wanted to stop by and see if you guys needed anything."

Eric came all the way into the tiny office, sitting on a stool in the corner. "We're doing just fine. Suzanne has come a long way."

Oh yeah, the new sous chef. "Thank god. I was worried about her for a while. I'd hate to ask it, but can you continue as manager a while longer?"

"Sure," Eric waved away his concern. "Take your time."

"Thanks." Harry was got up to shake his hand, another thought coming to his mind. "What soup is ready?"

"Minestrone, I think. What me to grab you some?"

Harry smiled. Draco liked Minestrone. That would be a nice meal.

Draco was back in bed sleeping when Harry returned to St. Mungo's. He put the soup container down on the nightstand and moved to the other side of the bed, carefully joining Draco. Harry watched him sleep, grateful that he was just asleep and not in that place between the living and the dead. Keeping Draco alive had nearly killed Harry several times, the irony not lost onto him. It was lovely to see some color, well, relative color, coming back to Draco. He was such a beautiful shade of ivory and it was coming back more each day from the bone white color he had been. The dark circles under his eyes, Draco's tell of being unwell, were nearly gone. Even his hair was looking healthier, shinier, especially after the shower. He was still thin, maybe having lost close to ten pounds on an already slim frame, but Harry figured he'd gain that back eventually. All in all, Harry was just relieved that he was able to watch Draco, see him, and feel him again. Nine days was a long time to watch your love fight for their life and never know if they would win the battle. Nine days of clinging and holding on, not just to Draco, but to his own life. But Damn, it was worth it.

Harry wasn't sure when the tears started to fall. He wasn't even sure what he was crying for. Relief? Exhaustion? Happiness? It didn't matter. He just let the tears fall, large teardrops rolled down his cheek with each blink, and he blinked often, trying to keep Draco clear in his vision. Harry wasn't making any sound, but Draco frowned in his sleep, eyes moving beneath lids before he opened them up and met Harry's watery own.

Draco brought a hand up to Harry's face, resting his palm against his cheek, brushing Harry's tears away with his thumb. Harry tried to reign in the tears, but Draco's touch had the opposite effect; the tears fell harder. Draco sat up, forcing Harry to do the same. He kissed Harry's wet eyes, wiped at his tears. "Harry…"

"I'm alright." Harry used the back of his hand to dry his tears, feeling like he got a hold of himself. "I've missed you, that's all." There was nothing Draco could say to that. Instead, he pulled Harry into a tight embrace that Harry returned. Harry sniffed, and then tried to lighten the mood. "Anyway, I brought you some soup."

Draco was watching Harry, a curious and yet familiar glint in his eye. "Soup sounds good, but maybe later."

"You're not hungry?"

Draco snuck his bare hands under Harry's shirt, caressing his stomach, his chest, his back, before staring into Harry's eyes. "Not for food, no." He said, voice quiet, low, and intense.

Harry caught a roaming hand in his own, looking around the room uneasily. "Draco...this, this isn't a good idea." Yet he let Draco take his hand and put it on his neck and the other hand on Draco's lower back as Draco moved closer. He leaned into Harry, lips barely brushing Harry's lips. It was difficult to remember what was good and what was bad when Draco was so close, so close, and God Harry had missed him. But this was a hospital. A place of healing.

The tip of Draco's tongue slid past Harry's lips and Harry leaned in to receive it, holding Draco's face close to his. He heard Draco sighing and felt his hands roaming on Harry's back. Their bond was vibrating, pulsing, with love and desire, further enhancing and enchanting the moment. Harry soaked it up, pulling Draco closer to him, gently running his hands under his shirt. It felt unbelievably good to touch Draco again in this way, to enjoy his skin and not worry if he was running a fever or if that damned wound had reopened (Harry kept his fingers away from the still puffy and red scar). Draco sighed again, and started placing kisses on Harry's neck. He worked his way up, sometimes biting, sometimes sucking, eliciting quick sighs from Harry. Draco was up to Harry's ear when he reached down and stroked Harry's arousal through his jeans.

Harry closed in eyes in passion, trying to concentrate as Draco used his fingers to harden him. A part of his brain that was still thinking rationally tried to stop him, grasping his hand. "You don't have to, Draco."

He paused, one lip quirked up. "I know, but, I've missed you too." He echoed Harry's earlier thoughts. He put both of his hands on Harry's chest and pushed him down. Push being a relative term. He was weak. Had Harry decided to fight him on this there was no way Draco would have succeeded. The fact that Harry didn't fight him encouraged Draco, as did the strong wave of desire that rushed to him through their bond. Draco unbuttoned and unzipped Harry's pants with one hand as Harry watched him, breathing deeply. Harry was already starting to get hard and Draco's hands on him sent shivers of pleasure up and down his body. Draco was using his tongue all over Harry's member, teasing him, causing him to harden. Harry gasped, holding the sheets in his hands and Draco put him all the way in his mouth. Harry was in the throes of sensations, always aware that it was Draco bringing these feelings to life. Draco's tongue did something and Harry threw his head back, tingles of pleasure cascading up to his head and down to his feet.

Harry sighed. It felt so good. Even when the pressure built and Harry thought he was going to come undone at the seems, he loved every moment. Draco pulled out with his mouth, slowly and sensually, almost creating a vacuum. It took a lot of will power on Harry's part not to shout out.

"Harry. " Draco was sitting up on an elbow, right hand firmly around Harry's way he said his name...it was like giving him permission to enjoy the moment, to let go.

Harry paused for a second, but seeing the intensity in Draco's eyes and feeling his hand on him, made him nod. Draco used his hands on Harry, up and down, up and down, pumping until Harry was sweating, breathing deeply, licking his lips. The powerful pressure built up inside, nowhere to go, and still Draco kept moving. Harry started to shudder, and at the last possible second Draco covered him with a sheet. Harry came, wave after wave of pleasure wracking his body until he was left spent, breathing heavily. Draco crawled up closer to Harry, lying down with his face nestled against Harry's neck. Harry wrapped his arms around him, kissing his forehead.

They stayed that way, tucked together for a while. Harry felt calmer now, more at ease. Like if he needed to leave that sense of panic wouldn't overwhelm him. Maybe they had just needed to be physically close. He and Draco had never gone so long without being intimate since he returned from New York.

Draco placed soft kisses on Harry's neck. "Alright. I'm hungry now."

"For food?" Harry teased as he zipped up his pants.

Draco was watching him as he got out of bed, sitting up and turning so his legs were over the edge. "You know what we need to do?"

Harry was testing the temperature on the container, shaking his head. "No. What?" Eric had packed plastic bowls and spoons and Harry was giving them portions as he listened.

"We need to go on a vacation." Draco pulled one leg up and held it with his hands crossed. "Somewhere where we can walk around naked all day and I can have you whenever I want."

Harry actually loved the sound of that. He turned and kissed Draco for a few seconds before handing him his bowl of soup. "We should do that." He sat in the large chair, Draco using his knee as a footrest almost instantly. "Where would we go?"

Draco was about to take a spoonful of soup, stopping before the spoon hit his lips. "Don't be fucking with me, Harry."

Harry laughed. "No, I really do think it's a great idea. We'll get you better and then we should go somewhere. For your birthday maybe?"

"Somewhere with sun and open air." Draco made a face. "I'm so sick and tired of walls."

"Hmm, an island then? Pristine waters, white sandy beaches. We can rent one of those...what are those little homes called?"

"A cabana?"

"Exactly. A cabana." Harry ate a few bites of soup. "No mobiles."

"No. No mobiles." Draco agreed wholeheartedly. He ate some soup, a little smile playing on his lips. "Thanks Harry. That gives me something look forward to. Now all I have to do is get out of this place. Oh," and here his mood turned a little sarcastic, "and defeat another Death Eater."

Harry shrugged, refusing to let his good mood vanish. "The odds are in your favor, you know."

Draco half opened his mouth and then laughed. "Why doesn't that make me feel better?" He returned to eating his soup, tilting his head curiously. "That reminds me. Do you know where my wand is?" Harry had a mouthful of soup but he nodded, pointing to the bag that had earlier held his pajamas. "Good. I like that wand."

A knock came from the door. "Harry? Draco? It's Luna."

"Come in!" Harry answered over his shoulder.

Luna came in with smiling as she made her way in the room. She wasn't wearing her green Healer robes and instead wore bright blue leggings with a purple peacoat. Large Pegasus earrings hung from her ears, wings flapping every time she moved. Her long wavy blond hair was loose and past her waist. "I've just come from Frank and Alice and wanted to check on you." She was approaching Draco as she spoke. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I want to go home." Draco said deadpanned.

"Can you walk to and from the bathroom on your own yet?"

Draco was quiet, avoiding her eyes as he continued to sip his soup.

Harry rolled his eyes. "No, he can't. He's getting stronger though." He added as Draco glared at him.

Luna shrugged, breathing out through her nose. "I'd like it better if you could."

"Why?" Draco stretched and set his empty bowl on the round table next to Harry. "I have a wand and I have Harry."

Before Harry could argue that he couldn't be around all the time, Luna stared him down. "Don't be a bad patient, Draco. That spell nearly killed you. It takes time to heal. " Without saying anything Draco put his bowl on the table and turned around, back to Luna and Harry.

Harry could feel Draco's myriad of emotions. He was resentful and guilty as well. He wasn't trying to be difficult; he just wanted to go home.

"Sorry," she said lightly after seeing Draco's reaction. Though she apologized more because it was expected of her. "If you gain a bit more strength in the next couple days, I don't see why you can't go home. I just don't want you to relapse again."

"Neither do I," Harry added softly. Draco made no indication that he was listening. Harry knew better.

Luna paused. "I'll have the Healers add a few more Envigorate potions. That should help." Draco still said nothing, but he at least shrugged. Luna looked at Harry and he mouthed the words "Thank you". She nodded. "Well, goodnight." She turned and left, closing the door behind her.

Harry took his empty bowl and Draco's and went into the bathroom to rinse the soup clean. It was an excuse more than anything. He could have used a scourgify and magically cleaned them, but he had the feeling the Draco wanted some space. Draco was doing a damned good job of shielding his thoughts from Harry. Harry got the gist, namely, Draco was unhappy and wanted to be alone. Clearer thoughts were harder to come by. Harry came back into the room and Draco was under the covers, facing away from him. Harry sighed internally as he returned the bowls in the bag with the empty soup container. He was conflicted. On one hand, Draco was feeling better than he had for a long time. Harry wanted to stay with him, enjoy his company, sleep with him. Actual sleep, his mind added. Small steps. However, if Draco wanted to be alone then Harry wasn't going to force the inclusion.

He waited, hoping Draco would talk to him. To kill a few moments he rummaged through his bag, pulling out a pair of pajama bottoms and a magazine. When Draco still made no move to talk Harry decided to brush his teeth in the bathroom. As he was running the water to brush his teeth, bits and pieces of Draco's emotions came through their bond. Harry recognized frustration most all. All of Draco's anger and rage and frustration was boiling right under the surface like magma, looking for a place to go, looking for a way to explode. Harry rinsed his mouth and came back into the bedroom, taking a deep breath and exhaling silently. He sat at the end of the bed. "Are you going to talk to me?" Draco mumbled something that Harry couldn't make out. "What?"

Draco threw off the covers. "I said I hate this."

"I know."

"Do you?" Draco got out of the bed and leaned heavily on the mattress. "I feel weak and vulnerable. I was taught to despise those things. But here I am!" He was edging around the bed as he talked.

Harry sighed. "You're recovering. This isn't a permanent condition." Draco made an exasperated noise and turned toward the bathroom. Harry got to his feet a little alarmed. "What are you doing?"

"If getting there," he pointed at the bathroom as he glared, "gets me home faster, than dammit I'm getting there."

"Draco, don't."

Draco glanced at Harry from the side, but remained focused on the bathroom. He took a few tentative steps, one hand still on the mattress for support. With a deep breath he let go. Harry watched as he struggled. Each step was laborious. One, then two, then three. It was very slow going. Harry wanted to help, but Draco's feelings on this were crystal clear. Don't help me. So he stood and watched. After about six steps Draco was breathing heavily. Another step and Harry could see his legs shaking. Still the stubborn man was pressing on. Harry, seemingly on his feet's own accord, had moved from the bed and was shadowing Draco a few steps behind. It was a good thing too. Still a good fifteen feet from the bathroom Draco's strength gave out. Harry saw it coming, saw the wavering of balance, the unsteady feet. Draco began to fall backward, arms spiraling. He fell into Harry's arms.

"Let go." He said stubbornly while shamelessly using Harry for support.

"No. Stop being an idiot. I'm not going to let you fall just to prove a point." Draco settled his weight on Harry's hands, his back to Harry's chest. He was shielding again. Harry could feel their bond, warm and loving and special in that place above his heart, but Draco wasn't letting any of his current emotions through. They were there, Harry could sense them, just out of his reach. Harry held Draco up and forced him to face him. "I need you to talk to me." He put a supporting arm under Draco's arm and touched the matching spot on Draco's chest. Draco was watching him with a closed expression. "You're not alone anymore. Isn't that what this means? I'm here, unless you want me to go."

Harry felt Draco's shock and fear and his eyes snapped up to Harry's, wide. "No." He put his hand over Harry's heart, clutching his shirt in his fingers. Harry could feel Draco hesitantly widen their bond. Harry was surprised when the strongest emotion he felt was guilt. Draco felt guilty. Not because he felt he had done something wrong, but that this whole thing was his fault. Or that he was being punished for crimes he committed in his youth. A part of him wondered if he didn't deserve to be dead. He had this picture in his head of himself, skeletal and weak next to a picture of a healthy Harry. Draco dropped his head against Harry's chest. "You deserve better." He finally said.

That surprised Harry. "Better than what? You?" Draco nodded and Harry laughed despite himself. "This is all just temporary." He hugged Draco to him. "Luna's right. You are a bad patient." Draco looked offended and tried to pull away, but Harry held him firmly. "Stop. Draco, be patient." With a free hand Harry titled Draco's chin so he was facing him. Draco wore a stubborn and defiant expression that Harry actually adored. What was Draco without that stubborn streak? "Tomorrow we'll start building your strength up. I'll help."

He could feel Draco debate within his brain. He wanted to go home now, not later, but he was starting to come to grips with his reality. He sighed and Harry could feel most of his frustration and negatively release from within him with the same breath. Then he felt a trickle of amusement. "I wonder…"

"You wonder?"

Draco met Harry's eyes, his own lighter now, sparkling. The storm had passed. "I wonder which of us is actually the more stubborn?"

Harry laughed and took a deep breath. "Come on. Let's get ready for bed." Draco and smiled and let Harry support him to the bathroom. He was leaning heavily on Harry now, hardly able to pick his feet up off the ground. It was more of a shuffle. By the time he brushed his teeth and was making his way back to bed Harry was supporting nearly all Draco's weight. He fell into bed, breathing heavily, eyelids half closed. Harry changed into his pajama pants. The hospital was warmer than he liked so he stripped out of his t shirt before turning off the lights and joining Draco in the bed. It was smaller than their king sized at home, but still enough space for them both. Though Harry usually slept on Draco at home, Draco turned over and with a small grunt moved closer until he was able to rest on Harry. Harry wrapped an arm around him. "I forgot to tell you. I talked to Brian. He has some plans for a new shop to show you. I told him I'd bring him tomorrow."

"A new shop." Draco sounded wistful. "That would be a nice distraction."

"I'm sure." He didn't add about his meeting with Ron and Neville. There wasn't anything to share yet and Harry would rather keep that to himself until he knew more. Harry tried to relax. It had been a trying day. Though Harry had paid to have a private room at St. Mungo's there was still noise coming from the hall. Various healers or cleaners, or visitors walked the halls at all time of night. The extra noise was hard to tune out when one was used to complete silence in their own bedroom.

He heard Draco yawn. "I can't wait to go home." He wasn't complaining, just stating a very true fact.

"Me either," Harry admitted.

Draco pressed himself closer to Harry. "Goodnight, Harry."

"Goodnight, Love."