Sometimes You Need To Be Just That : A Friend.
Draco softly knocked on Lupin's door, waiting for a soft "come in" before entering.
It was fully mad but he needed to get this done, he'd already waited long enough.
- Ah, Draco! Good Morning! - Remus greeted him cheerfully, running a hand through his hair that was a full-on mess.
Lupin was wearing an oversized sweater and simple comfortable trousers, his shirt untucked, peeking out from under his sweater, his feet bare, a tired smile stretching over his lips but his eyes shining in happiness.
- Good Morning, Professor. - Draco felt a bit uncomfortable, as if he was intruding on something.
- No need for that formality, we know each other well enough. Tea? I still haven't had a chance to get my cup of tea this morning. Well, it's midday but anyway. - Lupin started to make them both a cup of tea, nodding for Draco to sit down.
Draco sat down on the very edge of a big chair, he had no idea why he felt so nervous all of sudden, it was silly.
- So, was there anything you wanted to talk about or did you simply want to pay me a visit? - Lupin gave Draco a cup of tea that smelt tasty and a plate with cakes, sitting down himself and taking a big sip of his own tea. - Mmm, this is such good tea. Sirius has excellent taste in these, pure blood and all. - Remus murmured into his cup, his eyes closed, savouring the rich taste.
Draco took a sip too and he had to admit that indeed it was one of the best teas he had ever tasted, and his mother had a big collection of teas.
- This is such good tea, I will need to send some to my mother, she would love it. - Draco hummed in appreciation..
- Yes, yes, here, I'll write its name down for you so you can order some. - Remus summoned a piece of paper and scribbled down the tea's name before giving it to Draco.
- Thank you. - Draco put it in his pocket.
- Take some cake, these are amazing. And, can you imagine that Sirius baked them himself? He always comes up with something to surprise me. But don't worry, these are really tasty. - Remus shoved almost all of a small cake into his mouth, leaning back in his chair.
It was a bit unsettling to see him so chill, so free and not professor-like.
But Draco shrugged and nibbled a small cake, almost letting out a moan at how tasty it was.
- Damn, these are so fucking good! - Draco let out a small moan, keeping his eyes closed, loving how the rich taste spread all over his mouth.
- Right?! Fucking amazing! I have no idea how he baked them but damn, he will need to bake a whole box for me! - Remus moaned, sipping his tea.
After eating all the cakes that they had and drinking not only one cup but at least three cups of tea, they finally settled back in their chairs, simply enjoying the winter sunshine that was shining through one of the high windows.
Draco felt pleasantly relaxed and full, feeling sleep already creeping onto him, a big yawn escaping his lips, reminding him why he actually came here in the first place.
- Oh, actually, I came to ask if Sirius is anywhere here? I wanted to thank him. - Draco rubbed his eyes with his fist, trying to shove the sleep away.
- Oh, I must say that you missed him, he actually left like a minute before you knocked. - Remus let out a breathy laugh. - But you can write to him, I can give you our address. Or we can just floo call him right now. -
Remus sat up a bit straighter, letting his legs fall back down off of the chair.
- I don't want to bother any of you! - Draco pushed himself up straighter.
- No worries, he loves it when I floo him. - Remus was already up and walking to the fireplace, throwing floo powder in and calling out Sirius' name.
After just a second, Sirius' head poked out of the flames, his hair an even bigger mess than Remus'.
- Moony! Already miss me? - Sirius smirked, his eyes fixed on Remus.
- Shut it, Pad, Draco wanted to talk to you, so please be sensible. - But there was no edge in Remus' words, an easy smile playing over his lips.
- I always am! - Sirius whined back, winking at Remus before turning his attention to Draco.
Draco stood there stunned by such an exchange but he could see fun dancing in both Remus' and Sirius' eyes.
- I just… I wanted to thank you… For what you did last night… Alec… He means a lot to me and to have him for Christmas here with me, it was… I… - Draco couldn't grasp the right words but the knowing smirk like smile that Sirius was giving him said that he had made his point clear enough. - Thank you. I know that you didn't need to do anything like that. After all, I am nothing to you or Remus. -
Draco hung his head low, realising how true his words were, he really was nothing, just another student. A shitty one.
- What bullshit! You are like family to me and Remus! And, we actually count as cousins or something sort of like that so you are not nothing, Draco. And you are a really good friend to Harry! Speaking of, where is he? - Sirius turned to face Remus who looked annoyed all of sudden, crossing his arms over his chest.
- Not now, Sirius. - He almost growled.
Draco sighed, pushing his hands into his pockets.
- He's probably still with Cedric. I should go, I need to send a letter to Mother. Thank you once again. - without waiting for a response, Draco turned around and hurried out.
- And look what you've done now! You know how shitty he feels about Harry dating Cedric but no, you had to bring that up! He had such a good morning! Sirius! -
- I didn't mean to, Re! Do you really think that I would… -
But Draco had already shut the doors and didn't hear the rest of their conversation.
He actually needed to write to Narcissa, so he made his way back to his dorm room to write a nice letter, including a small gift he and Alec picked out for her.
Somehow he and Harry got to spend more time together after Christmas, they sort of fell back into their previous routine.
Only this time, when they choose to study together, Granger and Weasley came too, soon Blaise joined in and after a couple sessions he brought Pansy with him.
It was a weird combination but it worked in some ways, each helping the others out with small details.
Soon enough Lovegood joined in too, brightening everyone's mood.
By the end of the month, they were a table full of students, all studying together, making amazing results.
Harry had gotten closer to Draco once again, he had started to let their shoulders brush together again, messing Draco's hair up and simply leaning against Draco when he didn't want to do any work.
Then came the third task and ruined it all.
Cedric won and Harry abandoned him to run and celebrate with Cedric.
Draco hung back, ending up sticking with Krum.
- Fancy a flight? I am not really a party guy. And all this tournament has been a lousy fuck. - Krum grumbled in his ear.
- Sure, why not. - Draco sighed, watching Cedric throwing an arm around Harry and kissing him in front of everyone.
They turned and stalked off in the dark.
It really wouldn't be a good idea to fly in such dark, especially since Draco hadn't been on a broom since the start of second year, but something in him, something reckless, urged him to just do it without worrying about what would happen next.
Krum accioed his own broom and one for Draco.
- It's my spare one. Should work just fine. - Krum had already gotten on his own broom, kicking off of the ground.
Draco watched him for a moment before slowly getting on the broom.
Well, if he did fall, at least he wouldn't need to see Harry and Cedric making out anymore, so that was a good thing.
Draco pushed off of the ground and soared up in the air to catch Krum.
The wind was chilly but pleasant against his skin and the feeling that surged through his body by simply getting up in the air was already better than he expected it to be.
Draco closed his eyes for a moment before soaring even higher up in the night air.
He heard Krum soaring next to him.
- It always feels so much better in the air! -
- It feels so freeing! - Draco shouted back, zooming around to see how fast this broom can take him, feeling adrenaline pumping through his body.
They both soared through the air, racing each other, Draco soon falling into the same pattern as Krum was flying.
They flew for what seemed to be hours, landing back down on the ground when it was already pitch dark, stars and moon already visible.
Draco stumbled a bit when he landed, feeling a bit uneasy to be back to the ground but Krum held him by his arm, smiling goofily down at him, his cheeks red from cold.
Draco must look the same, just with added messy hair that was probably sticking up in all directions.
- You are a really good flyer. Do you play quidditch? - Krum started to walk toward the castle, carrying both brooms, all his attention down to Draco.
- I used to. Was a seeker. - Draco sighed, only now realising how much he actually missed flying and playing quidditch.
- Why did you stop? -
- I got some health problems back in second year, really damaged my physical state and healers didn't allow me to fly at all. This actually is the first time I have flown or touched the broom in years actually. It was really fun, thank you for that. - Draco pushed his cold hands into his robe pockets, trying to catch back some warmth.
- Oh, that must suck. I love flying. A lot of times it feels like it's so much better than being on the ground. - Krum shrugged.
- Yeah, it's so freeing, purifying. - Draco sighed again, looking up at the stars.
They continue to walk in silence, Krum stopping only by the entrance hall door.
- It was a good flight, Draco. Thank you. - he smiled down at Draco, watching him walk inside before turning and stalking down to the ship.
The next morning Draco met up with an exhausted looking Harry for breakfast with Remus.
- It seems that you hardly have slept at all. - Draco couldn't help but sass when they sat down at the small table and Harry slid down a bit more to be more comfortable in his chair, closing his eyes.
- Because I didn't. - Harry grumbled back, making Draco only more annoyed.
- Then it's your own problem. Night is for sleep, you idiot. - Draco crossed his arms over his chest.
But to his surprise, Harry simply snuggled closer to him without any snide reply, keeping his eyes closed and now resting his head against Draco's shoulder.
- Do I look like a pillow to you, Potter? - Draco couldn't help himself, he liked to feel the warmth seeping from Harry's body but just something deep inside him couldn't let him forget that Harry probably spent all night with Cedric and that he most likely was leaning against Cedric's shoulder just like this only a moment before.
- No, my pillow doesn't shout out sassy remarks. - Harry grumbled once again.
A soft snort was heard behind them, Draco shot Remus a glare but Remus just smirked at him, setting down a teapot with fresh tea.
With that they started to eat, falling pretty fast into easy conversation around everything and nothing, a soft smile playing over Remus lips almost all the time, his eyes almost never leaving Draco and Harry, who was still pressed against Draco.
After they finished their breakfast, Harry simply lied down, setting his head in Draco's lap, without really thinking, Draco started to run his fingers through Harry's hair, talking with Remus about their latest class subject, so it was no wonder when they noticed that Harry had fallen asleep.
Draco caught himself looking down at Harry peacefully sleeping in his lap, getting a weird longing like feeling inside his chest, something that felt so similar to sadness but yet so different.
Draco sighed once more, stopping his head for a second to simply rest in Harry's soft locks.
- He really misses spending a lot of time with you. - Remus spoke in a soft voice, still watching them.
- Well, it wasn't really my choice to spend less time together, was it? - Draco let his fingers curl into fist, pulling a bit on Harry's hair, but Harry just sighs in his sleep, snuggling his face deeper into Draco's thighs.
- I guess it wasn't, no. Sometimes things shift when one gets into a relationship, sometimes it's harder to maintain time to spend with your best friend. -
- I could hardly count as that. - Draco chimned in but Remus simply continued.
- But you must remember that friends are more important than love interests. It is also such a gem when you happen to find your love interest in your friend, because then you don't need to worry, you just get to spend extra time with your best mate and it feels fantastic. -
- Was that what happened with you and Sirius? - Draco finally looked up at Remus.
- I guess, yeah. Sometimes it still feels like a dream that we can actually have each other as lovers and not only as best mates. - Remus sighed. - Harry helped a lot too. -
- What do you mean? - Draco furrowed his brows.
- During the wizarding war, things got really hard, relationships got a lot rougher. We almost fell apart. But then, after that terrible night when Lily and James died, we had Harry and we needed to push all of our misunderstandings aside and just be something more. We needed to be family, we needed to be parents and friends. And Harry helped us a lot to repair our relationship. I think he didn't even realise that, after all, he was used to always having us both, as if we came in a pair. Sometimes I think that without him, we wouldn't have worked out, that the war would have split us and just the thought of that is terrifying and painful, so every day, I am grateful that Harry helped us work it all out because to be honest, I can't really live without Sirius. Even back in school, it seemed that without him, I was simply existing, but with him, I could finally get a breathe of fresh air and live. - Remus smiled sadly by the end.
Draco was quite speechless after hearing such a thing, he looked down at Harry in his lap and something painful squeezed his chest, a ball of tightness settled in his neck.
- I'm sorry that you had to go through that… - Draco murmured, softly stroking Harry's cheek, tears pricking his eyes.
- Na, it's okay. Sorry for bothering you with old man's crap. - Remus laughed.
All Draco could do was nod, blinking a few more times to get the prickling away from his eyes and staring down at sleeping boy in his lap, softly running his fingertips over the boy's cheek, sliding deep in his own thoughts, feeling an urge that he just needed to hold Harry close, to stroke his cheek and just feel his warmth under his fingertips, an urge to simply be close to Harry.
It was a really warm day, you could already sense summer in the air. It was just this and one more day before they would all go back home for their summer break.
Draco was sitting under a tree near the lake, Harry was sprawled on the ground with his head in Draco's lap.
The sun was shining over them, making Harry's eyes look even greener.
Harry was trying to mess up Draco's hair, joy sprinkled in his eyes.
Draco swatted his hands away, but Harry still managed to get his fingers into Draco's hair, messing it up entirely.
Draco got hold of Harry's hands, pinning them criss-crossed over Harry's chest, leaning down close and looking straight in Harry's eyes.
- You are such a tosser. - Draco breathed out, snaking one hand up and pushing Harry's glasses up into his mess of hair, but Harry only laughed harder, trying to free his hands that were still in Draco's strong hold.
His eyes were sparkling, his laugh doing weird things to Draco.
Draco's fingers were still in Harry's hair, holding his glasses there, he could feel Harry's breath ghost over his face and Harry's eyes seemed so bright without glass standing in between really seeing them, so Draco ran his fingertips over Harry's cheekbone, then over his brow, slowly trailing down to his jaw.
Harry had stopped laughing, just smiling breathlessly up at Draco, his eyes getting darker and his pupils dilating, his hand sneaking up to hold on to Draco's arm, the other gripping Draco's shirt.
It felt impossible to break their eye contact, something deep passing between them.
Draco slid his thumb slowly over Harry's bottom lip, earning a sigh from Harry, his eyes fluttering shut.
Harry's lips were so soft that Draco wanted to slide his thumb over them one more time, he was suddenly drawn to Harry's lips, parted in a soft sigh.
Heat was tinting Harry's cheeks a bit pink, making him look even more beautiful.
So he did just that, he slid his thumb back over Harry's lips, pressing this time a bit harder, to feel it a bit better.
- Draco… - Harry breathed out, sounding breathless.
Draco was about to answer when shadow fell over them.
- What is going on here? - Cedric's sharp voice made Draco jump, straightening back up and letting go of Harry.
He felt like they had been caught doing something illegal, his pulse rushing and making heat flush over his own pale cheeks.
- Cedric! - Harry all but jumped up, his glasses falling to the ground from his hair, looking like a breathless, startled mess.
But he also sounded kinda scared.
Draco furrowed his brows at that, knowing that tone of voice way too well, having heard it in his own voice too many times when his father had caught him doing something he was not supposed to be doing at all.
And Cedric looked angry, his arms crossed over his chest.
Harry looked around to get his glasses, Draco picked them up and pushed them back on Harry before looking back at Cedric who, without waiting another second, grabbed Harry by his wrist and pulled him away, stopping a bit further away, turning around to face Harry and saying something to him that made Harry cross his arms over his chest, looking all too stubborn, and snap something back.
After a small exchange of words they continued to walk back up the castle, snapping at each other way too often.
Even though Draco didn't hear anything they were saying, he could see that it wasn't anything pleasing from the way Harry's body was reacting.
- It's none of your business. - Draco murmured to himself, picking up the book he was trying to read before Harry came to spend time with him.
Later that day, Draco saw Harry only across the hall, his eyes a bit red and puffy, murmuring something to Hermione who looked at him apologetically.
Draco tried to catch up with him after dinner but Harry just leaned a bit closer to Hermione rushing up the stairs.
- Not today, mate. He isn't feeling well. - Ron stopped to Draco before rushing up the stairs too, leaving Draco all alone, feeling like a shit and not understanding what he had done to upset Harry so much.
They didn't get to talk much over the next few days but then, when they were all walking to get on the train, Harry caught him by his elbow.
- Wanna sit with us? - His eyes were sparkling again, making Draco feel warm.
- Why not? - Draco shrugged, following Harry through the train to their compartment where Granger, Weasley and Remus were already sitting.
Harry plopped down and pulled Draco next to him, already reaching for a chocolate frog, giving half to Draco with a bright smile.
They fell into easy chatting about studies and what they wanted to do in the summer, playing a couple rounds of wizarding chess, Remus almost always winning, only losing to Ron.
Harry had fully leaned against Draco's chest while Draco leaned against the compartment wall, one hand thrown over Harry while the other rested on his knee.
Their door suddenly slid open, causing everyone to look up.
When Harry turned his head to look up, his hair pushed into Draco's face.
- Ugh, you could at least try not to shove your mess of hair in my mouth, Potter. - Draco grumbled without any flame to his words, showing Harry's hair out of his face, finally looking up and seeing the furious-looking Cedric.
Harry scrambled up and walked out in the corridor, closing the door behind him, walking somewhere with Cedric.
Draco was confused by such a reaction so he turned to the others who looked suddenly sad.
- What was that about? - Draco nodded to the door but got only shakes of their heads in answer.
They returned to their chess game, the mood slowly switching back to cheerful, but Harry didn't return until much later when they almost were already in London.
Draco pulled at his hand but Harry just shrugged, not really meeting Draco's eyes.
- Are you okay? - Draco cupped Harry's cheek, turning his face to face him, but Harry looked away, his eyes a bit red as if he had been crying.
- M kay. - Harry mumbled, not at all sounding okay.
- Bullshit. - Draco whispered to Harry before pulling him into a hug.
It felt weird to hug someone other than Alec, still not used to feeling other's touch, it was just a bit too warm, a bit too close, but Draco closed his eyes and forced the shiver of danger down, holding Harry in his arms, feeling Harry almost melt against him, calming down.
- Now better? - Draco murmured in his ear.
- Much better, thanks. - Harry pulled back, smiling a sad smile before rubbing at his eyes.
At the platform he saw how Sirius pulled Harry into a tight hug before pulling Remus closer and pecking his lips with a big grin spreading over his own.
His eyes met Sirius and Sirius smiled at him, nodding before turning back to Harry, leading him away.
- Draco. - Narcissa's voice called Draco back to reality.
- Mother. - Draco walked forward, letting Narcissa peck his cheek before leading him away.
Draco stumbled a bit when they flooed home, an angry sigh escaping him.
- Draco, your father is a bit moody these days, so please try and be polite. - Narcissa stepped closer, brushing away non-existent soot from Draco's shoulder before smiling warmly at him. - Dinner will be ready in ten minutes, don't be late. -
Narcissa walked away, leaving Draco alone.
He sighed again before walking up to his room to change.
He had just come into the dining room when Lucius strode in, nodding to Draco before sitting down, followed by Narcissa.
- Father. - Draco nodded politely before sitting down with his back straight, starting to eat, listening to Lucius talk about some pureblood news.
Then finally came Draco's turn, Lucius actually turning to look at him, asking about school.
- I have decided to start flying again. I actually tried it already and understood how much I miss that feeling. It's a funny story, to be honest, need to thank Victor Krum, he asked me to fly with him. - Draco took another bite of his dessert.
- That's good. I will contact Snape so he can write you back into the Quidditch team, you will be the Slytherin seeker. - Lucius took a big sip of his wine.
- What? Just because I said that I want to start flying again doesn't mean that I want to be back on the team or play quidditch at all. - Draco furrowed his brows at Lucius.
- Draco! - Narcissa tried to hush him.
- Stop babying with him! He's not a child anymore. - Lucius snapped at her.
- Don't talk to her like that! - Draco let his fork drop down to the table with loud clatter when it hit the porcelain.
- You have no respect. That should be punished. - Lucius drawled out, turning his cold gaze to Draco's burning one.
- With what? Yet another cruciatus? - Draco stood up. - Thank you for dinner, I will now go back to my room and tomorrow morning I will floo to France. -
Draco dropped his napkin on the table, strolling out of the room in such a Lucius-like maniere that it made him feel sick.
When he got to his room, he almost tore off his clothes with such force that he was almost sure something would tear apart, but he just felt so sick and he just needed to get the stifling clothes off of him.
When he was finally naked, he stepped under the shower, letting the hot stream hit his skin, the soft burning taking away his sickness and similarities with Lucius.
He took longer to wash, spending more time simply allowing water to run over his body, afterwards simply flopping down onto his bed, still naked, letting sleep drape over him like a blanket.
In the morning Narcissa sat down to have breakfast with him, hoping that Draco had changed his mind.
- Mother, I won't change my mind. If I stay here, it will take maximum how many days for him to torture me once again? Hm? I will be okay, Dobby will come and Alec will be with me too. So really, there is no need to worry. - Draco took hold of his mother's hand.
- Still, Draco. I can't go with you right now. I don't like it. - Narcissa looked at Draco, letting her worry show.
- And I said that it's fine. Alec will be there all the time. And you know how he is, like really, I'm safe with him. If anything, we will floo you right away. Promise. - Draco stood up, pecking Narcissa's cheek before straightening up and walking to the floo.
He caught one last glimpse of the worried look Narcissa shot him before being whisked away and landing in the silent France manor.
He closed his eyes at the calming silence that bathed around him. It was so comfortable, much more pleasant than being in the manor.
Draco walked to his bedroom, changing into the simple clothes that Alec had gotten him before, simple sweatpants and a t-shirt, all muggle-made but damn it, they were so comfortable that Draco felt thankful for Alec dragging him into them every single day.
He then lay down in his massive bed, letting his eyes fall shut, fully ready for a big nap.
He really felt safer here, just as he have told Narcissa; he hadn't lied, he'd just forgotten to mention to her that Alec couldn't come to stay with Draco for at least one more week, being caught up with his own exams at his university, but well, Draco still felt safer here.
You wouldn't believe how actually refreshing it can be to spend a whole week mostly alone, but Draco felt a lot calmer, spending the whole week just doing whatever he wanted, napping however much he wanted and just enjoying the silence. His whole body felt lighter, more refreshed than before, so even without his wand being anywhere near him, left locked up at the manor in Lucius' cabinet, he could feel the pleasant buzz of his magic flowing through his veins.
Draco was lying on the sofa, reading with his fur-socked feet propped up, when the fireplace reared to life, startling him.
Draco dropped his book, jumping up just to see Harry's face sticking out of the fire, his hair an even bigger mess than usual, his eyes all puffy and wet, tears still rolling down his cheeks.
- Draco… - his voice broke.
- Harry! What happened?! - Draco kneeled down in front of the fireplace, worry setting in the pit of his stomach.
Was it Remus? Or Sirius?
Was someone injured or possibly dead?
- I… I… - another fit of sobs broke through, scrunching up Harry's beautiful face. - Can I just come over please? I need you… -
- Sure. - Draco stood back up, watching as Harry's head disappeared just for him to reappear seconds later, stumbling or more like falling out of the fire.
He threw his arms around Draco, sobbing into his shoulder.
Draco pushed down the shivers that ran down his body and slowly wrapped his arms around Harry, keeping him close, softly patting his hair, trying to calm the other boy down.
Only after several minutes did the sobs stop, allowing Draco to softly move Harry down to sit on the sofa.
- Tell me what happened? Is it Sirius or Remus? Are they hurt? - Draco held Harry by the shoulders, searching his bloodshot eyes.
- No, they are fine… - Harry shook his head, tears starting to pool in his eyes yet again.
- Shit, please don't cry. Try and tell me what happened so I can help you. - Draco let his fingers run through Harry's hair.
Harry leaned into the simple touch, closing his eyes for a moment before taking a deep breath and looking back up at Draco, ready to speak.
- Cedric and I had an argument, a really big one. It was rather silly at first but then it started to heat up and the next minute we were arguing about you. He accused me of cheating on him with you and spending too much time with you and am too close and I said to him that we are just friends and I like being close to my friends and he lost it fully, he was furious, yelling at me, and I yelled back, getting just as angry and it was just so so bad and it hurt because how can he think such thing about me? And then… then… Then he simply broke up with me, kicking me out… - Harry was in tears again, sobbing into his hands.
Draco was stunned, did he really make Cedric break up with Harry? Was he really so bad?
- And I didn't want to go home, Sirius would be furious and probably do something stupid like go over there and curse his bollocks off or something but I needed to go somewhere and I just found myself calling you, needing you… - Harry stuttered over his words, taking sharp intakes of breaths in between words, looking up at Draco pleadingly.
- Of course, I understand. I would go with Sirius' plan too but you can stay here tonight. - Draco shrugged, wiping away Harry's tears.
- Thank you. - Harry breathed out, leaning against Draco, letting tears escape for a moment longer before taking Draco's hand in his and starting to play with his fingers. - You know, he's actually such an ass! Like the last couple months he has been so jealous about literally everything! Like I was braiding Hermione's hair and he just dragged me away, pushing me against the wall and after kissing me quite forcefully asked straight away if I was shagging her! Like imagine, me and Hermione! No, thank you! She's like a sister to me! And then that thing with you, when he dragged me away, we had a long argument. And okay, make-up sex is fantastic but I just am so tired of all these arguments! Like, who can not get so tired of arguing all the time?! And he just was so jealous all the time but also so damn sweet with me, especially when we were alone, he was so gentle and just so, so damn amazing and I miss him already and it hurts, Draco! It hurt so much! - Harry shifted over, pressing his face into Draco's shoulder, starting to cry again.
Draco sit there stunned by Harry's flow of words, not processing everything fully and not knowing how to actually react, that acid-like feeling settling back into his chest, choking him, but Harry was here right now, leaning against him and crying his eyes out, so Draco pushed his own emotions away, back into a small box in the corner of his brain, wrapping his arms around Harry, softly cradling his hair, trying to calm the other down.
- Thank you for being with me… - Harry murmured after calming down, wiping at his own eyes before looking around, taking in the place they were sitting in. - It's so beautiful here. -
- Yeah, it's real calm here, that's refreshing. - Draco followed Harry with his eyes as Harry walked around the room.
- Can we just please have some fun? I really don't want to think about him anymore today. - Harry sniffled, turning to look at Draco.
Sun was shining through the big glass doors and shining around Harry, making him look like he was glowing angelically.
- 'Course. - Draco nodded, getting up and walking back over to where Harry was standing. - What would you like to do? -
And Harry smiled, an actual small, tired smile at Draco, just like that, making Draco feel a bit warm inside.
They end up doing a lot of silly things, Draco getting really confused about a lot of things that Harry found so common, making Harry laugh for several minutes after.
But by the end of the evening, Harry was feeling a lot better, no more tearing up, having actual fun with Draco and enjoying himself rather a lot.
Alec came early that morning, tumbling with keys to let himself in, his hands full of bags but still beaming.
- Draco! I got you… - He pushed the bedroom door open and stopped in his tracks.
Draco blinked at him tiredly.
- Alec. Hi… - He let out a big yawn but Alec was still standing in the doors, his face changing so fast, all happiness being wiped away and his eyes turning deep icy cold, his jaw set, bringing out sharp cheekbones.
Draco furrowed his brows, not understanding why Alec was reacting like that, he pushed himself up just to stop, finally realizing that Harry was lying next to him, his arm thrown over Draco, his face pressed against his shoulder.
- What is he doing here? - Alec's voice is cold and dark, making a shiver run down Draco's spine.
Draco softly untangled himself from Harry, getting out of bed, letting the blanket fall back over the still-sleeping Harry.
- And why is he naked? - Alec took a halting step forward before stopping himself, clenching the handle of the bag he was holding into his fist. - Did you sleep with him? -
- Firstly, he is not naked, he's wearing boxers, I never knew that he was the type who liked sleeping without any pajamas. Secondly, you just saw yourself that I was indeed asleep with him, so what kind of stupid question is that? - Draco shook his head, taking ahold of Alec's elbow and leading him out of the room, closing the door behind him as if not to wake Harry up.
Alec seemed to get even more tense and so much colder, setting his bags down on the table, leaving his backpack on before turning to the door.
- Then I'd better go. - His voice was cutting but Draco had grown up with Lucius, easily ignoring the tone.
- Why? - Draco asked bluntly, starting to feel uneasy.
- You clearly are busy with him. You clearly don't need me. - Alec all but spat out right into Draco's face, not even realizing how close they had stepped to each other, now mere inches away.
Draco could feel Alec's breath against his skin, smelling like a mix of mint, cigarettes and something sweet.
Alec's eyes were stormy, you could almost see flashes of lightning there, but Draco looked up into them without blinking, holding his gaze strongly.
And then they were pulling each other into a hug, so strong and tight that it hurt, Alec hiding his face against Draco's neck, Draco pulling with one hand on his hair, closing his eyes when he felt Alec's warm lips against his neck, sending shivers down his spine.
Draco turned his face to get closer to Alec's neck, ending up being pressed more into his shoulder than neck but still pressing a hard kiss against the place where neck meets shoulder, hearing Alec let out a sigh, pressing yet another kiss against Draco's neck before pulling Draco even closer, gripping his waist with one hand, the other cradling Draco's hair, starting to press more and more feather-light kisses against Draco's neck before cupping Draco's face into his palms and pressing light kisses on Draco's jaw and cheeks, his eyebrows and eyelids, ending up pressing their foreheads together, his breathing coming out ragged, his eyes closed, simply breathing in Draco.
Draco kept his eyes closed, holding hard into Alec, still running one hand through his hair.
They stayed like that for a moment longer before Alec sighed again, slowly straightened up, and looked down at Draco, his eyes already a lot calmer.
- Go shower, you stink. - Alec softly pushed Draco towards the bathroom, a joking tone now in his words.
- You already showered me but okay. Don't disappear. - Draco squeezed Alec's hand, earning a small smile from Alec before walking to the bathroom, this time hurrying up with his shower, already missing Alec.
Even after stepping out of the shover, Draco could still feel Alec's soft kisses on his skin.
He dressed quickly, pulling on soft flannel sweatpants and an oversized hoodie that he was sure was originally Alec's, but it was too comfy to really care.
When he finally walked out of the bathroom with his hair still wet, Alec was in the kitchen, already having served breakfast that he had bought, he looked up and kinda stilled mid-movement, staring at Draco before swallowing hard and straightening up.
Draco walked straight into his arms, looking at the delicious-smelling food on the table.
- You should wear my clothes more often, you look fantastic in them. - Alec murmured into his ear, sounding a bit breathless, but Draco's attention was stolen by a plastic cup next to his plate.
- Ah! You got me that tasty muggle drink? - Draco all but leapt for his cup, taking a big sip out of it, almost moaning around the creamy taste that filled his mouth.
Alec laughed, shaking his head as he sat down.
- Yes, and breakfast too, from fifth street corner. Just as you like it. Now go on, eat before it all gets cold. - with a fond smile still playing on his lips, Alec started to eat, not letting his eyes drop off of Draco eating with his eyes closed, loving the taste.
Harry padded out of the living room, still in just his boxers, looking ruffled, his hair sticking up in every direction.
He yawned, stretching before slipping next to Draco, letting his hand trail over Draco's shoulder to announce his presence.
- Morning. - He croaked, pecking Draco's cheek before taking a cup of coffee.
- Good morning, did you sleep well? - Draco turned to look at Harry, noticing how tense Alec had gotten, his eyes once again turning all stormy.
- Yeah, that bed is so comfy! Thank you, Draco, I really needed that. - Harry smiled warmly, looking out of the window. - Wow, it is even more beautiful than I noticed last night. -
- Yup, wait till you see the beach! Alec took me there and it is fantastic! I loved it there! Right, Alec? - Draco turned to Alec but all of Alec's attention was on glaring at Harry, lightning going off in his stormy eyes, his hands clenched into fists. - Alec? - Draco asked again, finally managing to get Alec's attention to himself. - It was amazing, right? - Draco asked softly, taking hold of one of Alec's clenched fists.
Alec nooded, interlacing their fingers right away.
They didn't talk much through breakfast, all eating in silence and being okay with it the problem started when they settled on the couch to play a board game.
Harry leaned against Draco, Draco dropping an arm over his chest, already used to sitting like that, but Alec got even more tense, now gritting his teeth, not taking his eyes off of them.
But somehow they played the board game, ignoring the couple glares that Alec shot at Harry when Harry nuzzled closer to Draco.
When it was almost dinner time, Harry sighed sadly before standing up.
- I probably should get back, Sirius and Remus must be worried sick already. But thank you for everything, Draco. You helped a lot. Also, I will ask Sirius and Remus if they want to come to France so we can get to that beach together. It would be lovely. - Harry pulled on his jacket.
- Of course, owl me okay? About everything. And remember that he's an ass and you deserve better. - Draco let his fingers run through Harry's hair a couple times before letting go but Harry pulled him into quite a tight hug, surprising Draco.
But Draco hugged back, knowing that Harry needed it.
Harry pecked his cheek one more time before stepping into the fireplace, smiling at Draco one last time before being whisked away.
Alec walked out on the balcony, anger radiating from him, he lit up a cigarette and took a deep smoke, gripping the railing quite forcefully.
Draco stepped out too, stopping next to Alec.
- Will you tell me what's wrong? - Draco asked in a small voice, feeling tired already.
- Did you sleep with him? - Alec asked just like in the morning, turning his stormy eyes to look Draco in the eyes.
- I already told you, yes. What a stupid question, really, you saw us together in bed when I just woke up. - Draco huffed out a breath.
- What was he even doing here? Please enlighten me. - Alec took another angry drag from his cigarette.
- I was chilling on the couch, reading, when he flooed me, he needed to come over because he didn't know where else to go and he needed me. His boyfriend, Cedric, has dumped him. They have had another argument about me and about how Harry is spending too much time with me, being too close and so on. Basically he was being a dick to Harry, so Harry came here, he needed to get it all off of his chest and out of his head. - Draco looked over the city bellow them.
- And what happened next? - Alec's voice sounded strange, cold and distant.
- Well, he cried, a lot, then we had just some fun around the house, getting his mind off of things. Then we went to sleep, he didn't want to stay alone so I let him sleep in my bed next to me. - Draco shrugged.
- And then you slept with him? You let him use you like some second hand tape? - Alec turned to Draco, anger rolling off of him in waves, he let the bud of his cigarette fall down over the balcony railing.
- What are you going on about? He didn't use me like anything. And why are you still asking if we slept together? I already answered that several times! - Draco started to get annoyed too.
- Sex, Draco! I meant sex, not just casual sleeping! Gosh, you can be such an idiot sometimes. - Alec pulled on his hair in frustration.
- What? - Draco was stunned and confused.
Why would he… Why would Alec think that he was having sex? What?
- Did you two fuck? - Alec let his hands drop by his sides, looking at Draco desperately.
- No! Gosh, no! - Draco stumbled a step back, his back hitting the balcony railing.
- Then why was he naked?! - Alec was losing his patience, looking fully shattered and desperate.
- I don't know! He just apparently likes sleeping without pajamas! Why would I be having sex with him if he just broke up with Cedric? And why would I be having sex at all? - Draco's mind was racing, his magic buzzing uncomfortably.
Alec looked relieved, it looked like a big weight had dropped off of his shoulders.
- Draco, I'm sorry. - Alec almost whined, reaching for Draco, but Draco flinched away, his mind still racing, making him dizzy.
- I don't understand… - He let out, gripping at his hair. - I don't understand. -
He murmured more for himself than Alec, something had shifted in his mind and he had no idea what it was or if that was even good but something had terribly shifted, like a wall falling down and he was scared of what was there to be revealed.
- Draco? Draco! - Alec caught him right before Draco could hit the ground, still feeling too dizzy, his magic sparkling angrily.
He was scared and felt so trapped, and whatever was behind that wall was getting closer and he was lost, he was fully lost and he had no idea what to do or how to shut his mind off.
He was sure that his magic was getting out of control, he could feel it seeping out, over his skin but Alec was still holding him and then all Draco could sense was Alec's scent all around him and then soft lips pressing against his cheeks, kissing away tears he didn't know had escaped, and then Alec was pulling him into tighter hug.
Draco sighed softly, leaning closer to Alec, being finally pulled out of his mind, back into Alec's arms.
- You scared me. - Alec murmured, tears rolling down his own cheek, he looked fully shattered and sad.
- I'm tired. - Draco breathed out, nuzzling closer to Alec, hiding his face against his neck.
- I think you just had some kind of panic attack. Your magic was shocking me whenever I touched you, it was like you were a small ball of electricity. - Alec murmured into Draco's hair.
- Sorry? - Draco mumbled.
- It's okay. I'll get you to the bed. - Alec pulled Draco even closer, carrying him inside to the bedroom, softly putting him down, but Draco didn't let go, gripping a bit desperately at Alec, not wanting that overwhelming feeling to come back.
- Stay. - He mumbled out, searching Alec's eyes.
Alec just nodded once before getting into bed, pulling Draco back close into his arms.
And yes, it probably wasn't smart to sleep while being fully clothed, and it probably was really uncomfortable to sleep in the jeans that Alec was wearing but right in that moment, he couldn't care about that, he just needed to be close to Alec, breathing in his scent and feeling safe.