Chapter 28

In this chapter we have moved along a few weeks. Last chapter Jason finally had enough of the tiny bit toxic relationship but veelas don't always deal well with leving their mates…. Wonder how it will end?

HP POV

Eating his daily portion of oatmeal in peace was once again deemed too much to ask; Harry thought annoyed as the whispers around him continued as though he wasn't even here. He smashed a strawberry in the bowl, trying to keep his very tired eyes from rolling.

"Ignore them, Harry." Dean discreetly squeezed his arm reassuringly.

Harry tried to muster up a smile, but it mostly came across as twisted.

Taking a careful glance across the great hall, he watched his friend also struggle to eat his breakfast. Jason had only, over a few weeks, become unrecognisable. His skin had become shallow and pale, his hair had dulled as though he hadn't washed it in weeks. As much as Harry hated to admit it, the Slytherin had finally started to look like his father.

Speaking of which…

Out of all the chaos and heartache, one thing had changed for the better. Ever since his son had lost his spark, Snape had been careful and attentive towards the teen. As if he finally grasped the concept of being there for him in the worst of times, the two had become closer. Harry was glad if not a little jealous. Yes, it was true, he had his friends, but Harry could imagine it would feel better to have a parent's shoulder to cry on. Someone whom had experience in relationship. No matter how sappy it sounded, none of his close friends had ever really been in his situation. Hermione and Ron were still happy even though they fought all the time. Dean and Seamus was happy but did at least try to keep it civil in front of Harry as to not choke him on their happiness.

He truly hadn't heard from Malfoy in almost three weeks. It was strange and almost sadistic but Harry was glad to see he wasn't the only one struggling to get by right now. Malfoy was back to being the intolerable git he had always been. But instead of sauntering around with his nose held high, he acted as a silent observer. His unreasonable angry manner had kept most of the school – even the Slytherins – from approaching him.

It hadn't been more than a few days, before the students had noticed the changed atmosphere between the most popular couple in school. Where the odd couple was found talking and laughing together, had now become a desperate need to stay out of eachothers' way. The school was buzzing with gossip and it felt like Harry had travelled back in time to his firth year all over again. The best he could do was ignore the comments and the whispers but he found it difficult to remain impartial whenever his love life was brought up in his presence. Many students had their theories as to what could have happened between the two teens. One more ridiculous than the other. The only one that had gotten him to laugh had indulged in Harry leaving Draco for a real dragon.

But it was soon time to study for the newts and the OWLs, and the student body had enough on their plate. The whispers and the gossip were exchanged for studying and minor breakdowns, every other day. Harry could honestly not wait for the exams. He wished to gather whatever grades he could manage and hopefully get accepted into a healer internship at Skt. Mungos.

It seemed unreal, wanting to leave his first and only home, but the chaos was undeniably not worth it anymore. No matter what, his friends were still with him and he wouldn't be able to heal without getting away from the blonde man who broke his heart. Wither he wanted to or not, he was forced to see Malfoy every single day and his heart still burned with anger and betrayal. He did not wish to acknowledge it but deep underneath the pain, something akin to love was still lying.

The day of the final exam in Defence Against Dark Arts had arrived. They had already taken the written exam so there was only the oral exam left. Seventh year students were gathered outside in the steaming hallway, waiting for their name to be called forth. Dean and Seamus had already been up, both more than happy to receive two E's. Hermione was inside the stuffy rom right now and nothing could be heard from within.

Dean and Seamus had in no way gotten the same questions nor subject so it was most likely a different subject for each student.

Harry couldn't help but be annoyed as Ron stood beside him, reciting every way to difference a curse from a hex. Harry simply tried to relax. While his skills in the written exam had always lacked, the practical exam was his domain.

"Hi." A quiet voice sounded from behind them.

Turning his head and seeing Jason up close for the first time in weeks gave Harry quite a startle. The pale boy looked sick as his eyes were bulging and blend. He looked incredibly tired and almost seemed to sway as he stood beside Gryffindors.

"Wow, dude you look dead."

Harry couldn't help but swing an elbow as Ron once again spoke before thinking.

"Maybe you should sit down." Dean tried to save them from an uncomfortable silence. Jason simply shook his head. "I'm almost late before it's my turn so I should be ready." Jason barely had time to finish his sentence as the door to the DADA classroom opened up. A beaming Hermione joined them, but she immediately changed when she saw the horrible state her classmate was in.

"Jason Melck."

"Wish me luck." Jason tried to smile as he passed Hermione. The door closed and the group quickly tried to gather whatever information they could from Hermione.

"I think it went very well. I got an O-"

"Of course." Ron interfered.

"BUT," she continued. "I didn't get as many extra points as I had expected. I probably spent too much time focusing on the theory. I knew I should have-"

The bushy haired girl was interrupted as they heard a loud bang from inside the classroom. Watching each other for conformation, the group hurriedly opened the door. Yet carefully if they were wrong in their assumption. Through the narrow crack, they saw Jason lying on the floor while Remus was quickly awing his wand over him, chanting.

But it wasn't so much the fright of seeing his friend on the floor, that had Harry barely moving; It was the horrifying state of his face.

Harry was sitting outside the infirmary, alone, waiting on any kind of news update. After Jason had fainted, Remus had quickly firecalled Madam Pomphrey and Professor Snape. While Harry was eager to help, he had no idea how and tried to stay out of the way, as they moved his friend through the hallways. Harry had to come inside and finish his exam before he could visit Jason in the infirmary. The exam had been plagued with worry, but Harry had managed to get an E and he was fine with that.

Right now, everything was frightfully quiet. Harry wasn't sure how long it had been since he sat down on the uncomfortable chair and the giant door to the infirmary had shut close. It was long enough for his ass to lose any kind of sensitivity. He was incredibly worried for his friend. No matter what Jason was suffering from, Harry had a suspicion it was connected to his refusal to be around Zabini.

Suddenly the tree door crept open and Madam Pomphrey nodded for him to join them. Trying not to wince, Harry sprung up and quietly followed.

"Nasty business, Mr. Potter. It always is in these cases…" Madam Pomphrey whispered. "Haven't been part of one since my internship…"

Slowly he approached the only occupied bed in the infirmary. Professor Snape was sitting beside his son, his stoic face keeping the usual calm exterior, but Harry couldn't help but notice the two hands clutching a single pale one. Remembering the horrified look on Jason's face Harry tried to stay positive.

"Hello, Professor."

Snape didn't give him any regard except a short nod. Deeming himself ready Harry moved his focus to the pale face of his friend.

It was truly horrifying. Where there once were a bright smile and sunkissed skin, now laid an almost sickly pale boy with sunken cheeks. But it wasn't so much the colour of his skin, nor his hair which had grown darker with a few shades. No, it was the fact that on Jason's right cheek was a cracking hole in his cheek. It was as if a porcelain plate had dropped to the floor but hadn't completely broken. Smaller cracks grew from the sinking hole on the cheek and flicked across his eye and chin.

Sitting down on the offered chair, Harry -as gently as possible- grabbed the other hand lying on top of the sheets.

"What's going to happen to him?"

Drawing a short breath, Snape answered.

"There are not many options left. Either he will reconcile with Mr. Zabini. Even if he does now, it isn't even certain he will get better, it will simply just stop the progress…. or he continues to crack until… until he fades into dust."

"Dust?" Harry had never imagined such a death could occur, but Snape didn't immerse.

"Why would he choose to…" Harry left the heavy words in the air.

"Foolish brat." Snape sighed. Harry wasn't sure if it was meant for him or Jason. "He has been in a depressive sort of rage ever since you and Mr. Malfoy ended your… paramour."

Trying to keep from snorting at the way the professor referred to his ex.

"He is a really good friend," Harry smiled sadly. "But he shouldn't have to keep away from Zabini because of me."

"Don't flatter yourself. While Jason is indeed very loyal to you, he and Mr. Zabini had their own problems."

"Oh."

For a long time, they were both stuck in their own minds, contemplating what to do. Jason was still sleeping lifelessly, only his tiny shallow breathing made him seem alive. But Harry couldn't let him die like this. Even if that stubborn git Zabini refused, Harry would kick his ass and drag him back up the stairs. Deciding that action was the best way to restore what could be saved, Harry determined rose.

"Professor, I'll still be Jason's friend. Even with that snobbish ass-"

"Language."

"-Even then," Harry took a calming breath. "I'm not going anywhere."

Without another word, the determined golden boy got up and raced towards the dungeon. Quickly making his way through the hall, he felt his calves start burning and he dearly missed how much Quidditch he had used to play. 'After this, I'm gonna start jogging.' Harry thought as he rushed through the cold veil of the fat prior who undignifiedly yelped.

Stopping for a second, Harry realized he had no idea where in the castle Zabini was. Chances were that he was down in the Slytherin commonroom but he might as well be outside in the warm weather or even in the library, studying. He couldn't waste Jason's time searching the entire castle. No, he would need some help and Harry was already certain who could.

Standing outside the Slytherin common room, Harry made certain the Marauders Map was hidden well under his shirt. Damn, he just needed password. He should have asked Snape before he ran out. Now he would have to stand there and simply wait for someone to enter.

The portrait which had stared at him suspiciously, suddenly swung open and Harry thanked his timeless luck.

Until he saw the one person whom he couldn't face right now.

Rotten luck.

"Harry-"

Ignoring the stabbing pain of hearing his name fall from those pale lips, Harry kept reminding himself that it was for Jason. "I don't have time for you right now, just hurry and tell Zabini to get out here!"

Obviously frightened by the loud demand, Malfoy hurried back inside.

Waiting for what felt like hours, he listened for the sound of footsteps towards the entrance. He had even started pacing when the portrait once again opened.

"Potter, what the hell do you want? If you've come to lecture me-"

"Zabini, just shut up!" Harry interrupted furiously. "You need to come with me." Grabbing a sleek sleeve Harry dragged Zabini towards the stairs. The forceful method didn't work for very long, as Zabini was quite a bit stronger than him.

"Potter, have you by any chance lost you mind?" Zabini spurted as he escaped the fistful and started smoothing out his wrinkled shirt.

Harry huffed angrily. "Listen Zabini, I honestly don't give a crap about you, but I care about Jason! He's lying in the infirmary and he doesn't have time to-" Harry hadn't even managed to finish is sentence before Zabini rushed past him and ran up the stairs.

"Potter! Hurry up!"

'Oh, right.' The Gryffindor ran as quickly he could, trying to keep up.

He never managed to catch up to the teen nor think about how on earth it was possible for them to make it all the way up to the infirmary without taking a break. Finally taking the last step up the stairs, Harry had to grab on to a statue before his legs gave out. Both he and Zabini struggled for breath, but Zabini continued towards the door, bowlegged.

Opening the heavy door to the infirmary, they entered silently. No words were exchanged between the boys as Harry showed him towards the only occupied bed. The moment they had gotten close enough, Blaise uttered a strangled sob as he witnessed the painful sight of the man he loved, literally breaking apart. Harry was happily surprised as Zabini ignored their head of house and quickly yet gently grabbed the cracking pale hand in his.

"What is wrong with him?" Zabini silently wept as he sought out the Professor for an explanation. The professor simply shook his head and continued to stare at his son. Sniffling, Zabini leaned in and stroked the faltering brown hair.

"Please, wake up Jay…"

Feeling as if he were monitoring a private moment, Harry coughed slightly. "Professor Snape, perhaps we should…" he left the suggestion unspoken and while it was obvious Snape would rather stay by his son's side, he seemed equally uncomfortable watching his son's ex-lover cry.

Without another word, the professor stood up, maintained. "Come along, Potter."

Together the two men left.

BZ POV

It had been days since Jason went into a coma state. Blaise didn't even care what day it was, nor was he sure if he had missed some of his exams. It obviously didn't matter. Jason's hadn't gotten worse since Blaise had joined his side, but he certainly hadn't grown better.

Madam Pomphrey was convinced Jason could sense that Blaise was beside and while it made absolutely no sense why he would do that, Blaise stayed beside him. Hoping it wasn't too late.

Over the last couple of days, he had cried who knew how many times, begged, yelled in anger that Json was a coward for giving up this easily. He would yell until either his throat dried out or Madam Pomphrey would stop him.

Snape would visit every day in between classes and afterwards. Sometimes they would speak but it was rare. Blaise could feel Snape blamed him. Even though he didn't actually understand how much Snape cared for Jason, it was obvious he mattered a great deal to their head of house. Potter would join as well for an hour every day. He refused to look at Blaise and had nothing to say, but he faithfully sat beside his friend's bed, hoping to see the smallest sign of recovery.

Sitting down again after taking a walk around the infirmary, Blaise carefully used a finger to feel down Jason's face. The second he actually felt the cracks beneath his fingers, he almost screamed. Removing his fingers quickly he watched as part of Jason's dusty skin was stuck on him. He had to slowly harshly as bill arose in his throat. Leaning across his face, watching where his fingers had dug into the love of his life, sweeping away his beauty, Blaise wept. The tears rolled down his face, leaving his cheeks wet and clammy.

"Oh god, Bluejay…" he cried as his fingers moved along the heavy dark eyelids.

What curse could possibly how caused such damage? Blaise had heard of potions and hexes that could turn you to complete stone, some that turned you to porcelain but never had he seen one that broke your body as IF it was made of porcelain.

Potter hadn't said for certain, but Blaise wasn't stupid. He was perfectly aware, seeing the progression develop in front of him, it could only be a matter of days if not hours before Jason would crack completely.

Blaise's hands trembled badly as he kept trying to touch and remember every single part of his lover. The guilt and pain overwhelmed him as he thought of how he had damaged a person this much. Jason had always been a piece of work, but mostly because he had seemed so assured of them ending up together. While it wasn't uncommon to marry your school sweetheart, it certainly wasn't common to talk about it after a few months of dating. But Jason had always been different and so… confident in their relationship. Not once, had he seemed put off by Blaise's insults, by his anger. If anything it seemed to spur him on, confirming whatever weird love notion he had held against him.

But when the teen had confronted him in the library, Blaise realized how wrongly he had treated him. Blaise truly hadn't meant it to hurt him. Honestly, it was just the way he was. But merlin, how much he regretted it now.

"Jay, I'm so sorry." He leaned in to whisper. Moving in he laid his hand above the chest, feeling the unsteady movement of a beating heart. Tears kept trickling down, wetting the pillow.

"Jason, please…" moving over him- careful not to crush any part of his body- he kissed the cold pale forehead. As he pulled back slowly, he desperately prayed to whatever god was there, that the two-coloured eyes would stare back at him, even if it were in anger.

In the silence rung the sound of the opened door. Blaise was certain it was simply Potter once more as he always came this time around. Therefor the young man was quite surprised when it turned out to be the headmaster. But on the headmaster's shoulder sat a beautiful phoenix looking straight ahead. The older man stepped towards them and Blaise embarrassingly dried of the tears.

"Mr. Zabini. I see you still haven't left his side." The headmaster calmly stood on the other side of the bed. Both he and the bird looked serenely at the sick teen.

"Of course." Blaise tried not to choke.

"I do believe I have someone who can finally help. Beside you of course." Dumbledore gently stroked the large bird down his chest. Blaise said nothing as he watched the interaction between the pair.

"I don't suppose you would consider helping our friend here. I don't think it is quite his time yet." Dumbledore told the bird.

Blaise almost got a heart attack when the giant phoenix swayed forward and almost landed on top of him and Jason's chest. Moving back, Blaise almost protested but was hushed by the headmaster. Blaise waited patiently but nothing happened.

"What is he going to do?"

"I do not know if Fawkes will do anything yet, Mr. Zabini. He is here of his own free will and I cannot force him to do any other."

Fawkes sat quite still on top of the sleeping man, and Blaise wished the stupid bird would hurry up and do something beside sitting there and staring at him.

Blaise had no idea how many minutes – it felt like hours – but he almost frightfully jumped when Fawkes moved to sit even closer to Jason's face. It made Blaise quite uneasy to watch that huge beak next to his face but refrained from moving. Even though Dumbledore was an old cook, Blaise could admit he was powerful. If he believed the bird could save Jason, he would just have to wait and see.

Watching the black as stare onto the pale face, slowly it began to blink. And again and again, before Blaise noticed the change. Tiny tears slowly arose and rolled down the red feathers, before landing on his love's face. The tears quickly seeped into the cracks and the sight was almost disgusting.

But before long, the bird had shed a quite amount and Jason's face was dripping too with the unused tears. Finally the bird moved and flew back to his master and friend. Blaise was about to ask why he left before looking closer at Jason's face.

Almost gurgling in a choked sob, he watched as the cracks narrowed painfully slowly. As some continued to heal, the tears spread further until there was only a few scares left across his face. Now instead of giant ugly cracks it looked more as if white scars was tattooed into the skin.

Moving his hands to gather whatever tears he could, Blaise moved his wet hands across Jason's body. Focussing on gently pressing the wetness into the cracks. Still fearing he would cause the teen pain, he moved so carefully across his throat, exposed chest and both hands.

The pale scars left behind didn't seem to disappear, but at the moment it wasn't the important part.

"Jason," he could barely whisper the words as his throat felt painfully dry. "Can you hear me?"

For what felt like hours, Blaise held his breath, listening intensely for any change in Jason's breathing. Slowly Jason began wrinkling his nose, his eyes and the side of his mouth lifted the tiniest.

Blaise continued to caress his hand, waiting impatiently for him to wake. It must have been about ten painful minutes before tired eyes gently opened.

"Jason." Seeing the eyes, he had waited so long to look at him again, Blaise started crying again. Deep down, he felt ridiculous and terribly vulnerable; smiling and crying like that. But he couldn't find it in himself to care. Even if Jason rejected him again, he was at least alive.

He was going to be okay.

"Well done my friend." Dumbledore spoke behind him. "I do think it's time you called for Mr. Potter and Professor Snape. They will probably want to see him wake up, as well." The headmaster smiled. Humming a happy tune, the old man turned to leave.

"Professor!" Blaise loudly called, quickly drying his face for any evidence. Both Potter and Professor Snape ran in through the door, probably expecting the worst. But seeing the smile on his face must have reassured them, because Professor Snape seemed incredibly relieved. Well, as much as Snape had ever allowed himself to show emotion of any kind.

"Blas…" The scratchy voice seemed stuffed and Blaise quickly gathered some water from beside him; gently tipping the straw towards Jason. Coughing harshly on the small sip, Snape told him to take it easy.

Jason seemed rather glad that his head of house was with him. Happier than Blaise would have expected.

As Snape gathered himself, he announced that he would be back later that evening.

Potter whom had been standing behind him, seemed to silently agree and headed after the potion master in quick march.

"Potter?" Blaise almost wished he hadn't been heard, but Potter looked back over his shoulder.

"Thanks."

Potter gave a nod, indicating he had heard.

HP POV

Walking out of the infirmary, Harry thanked whoever was listening that Jason was better. Although it didn't seem like the scars across his face had completely healed yet, it was a huge improvement already.

Realising Snape was no longer walking beside him, Harry turned around. Against the door to the infirmary, Snape was leaning heavily. He was massaging the bridge of his immense nose, seemingly forgetting Harry was standing only few feet in front of him. The Gryffindor stepped close enough to lie a hand on his shoulder, showing whatever comfort it might bring.

Sighing greatly, the professor composed himself and the two men continued their walk in silence. As they approached the dungeon, Snape stopped.

"You may go back to your common room, Mr. Potter."

"Are you alright, sir?"

"Fine." Snape was too pale even for his own standards and Harry concern must have shown as the head of house reassured him.

"-Besides, I imagine the dungeon isn't the most tempting place for you at the moment."

Fearing to see the blond asshole again, Harry quickly nodded and went on his way. While he had no intention of going down to the dungeon, he did still feel guilty for not leading Snape down to his private quarters. After all, his son had just been on the edge of death and that would obviously take a toll on anyone. Professor Snape was without a doubt the greatest spy and therefor the greatest liar, Harry had ever known. 'Perhaps he should send McGonagall down there?' or better yet, Remus. Both men had lost plenty of friends and lovers along the way, and this would possibly be easier for Snape to confine in him instead of Harry. While the men still weren't on the best terms, surely any company would benefit the professor.

Having convinced himself, Harry hurried to Remus' private quarters.

Entering the empty classroom, the Gryffindor was surprised to see Remus already sitting at his desk, correcting papers.

"Harry." The DADA teacher stopped his progress. "Are you alright?"

Nodding Harry stepped towards him. "Yes, I'm fine. I just came back from the infirmary- I'm fine." He hurried to assure Remus, as he looked ready to interject. "I was sitting with Jason and Snape."

Nodding understandingly Remus sadly answered; "Yes, Professor Dumbledore told the staff. How is he?"

"Jason? Better. Much better, actually. Madam Pomphrey says he should be out of bed after a few days' rest."

"That's good to hear." Remus seemed genuinely relieved. "Is Professor Snape still with him?"

Glad that Remus brought him up, Harry shook his head. "No, he went back to his quarters, but he didn't seem so good."

"Understandable."

"Yeah, but I don't think he should be alone down there. I tried to take him back myself but he sent me back to the tower."

Holding his friend's gaze, Harry's true intention seemed to dawn on him.

"And the reason for you not going back to the tower then?" Remus stretched out the question.

"Um, well I thought maybe you could…"

"Harry." Remus sighed. "You know Professor Snape wouldn't appreciate you meddling in his private affairs."

"I know, but I think-"

"-And neither do I." The werewolf ended. "I'm certain Professor Snape is old enough to know what he wants. So please, go back to your tower and get some rest."

Nodding defeated, Harry went for the door. Still hoping to change the man's mind, he gave it a last shot before leaving.

"I think someone like Professor Snape could use a friend."

Satisfied with the last attempt, he finally left for the tower. Slowly walking towards his destination, he felt how tired his body and mind truly was. He was heading straight to bed.

SS POV

Alone in the silence of his private quarters, the shock of days of almost losing his son, kicked in. His hands shook as he poured himself a double whiskey. Slowly he sat down in his favourite lounge chair and tried to empty his aching head for thoughts. During his service in the war, he had seen his fair share of horrors and tragedy, even lost people he had considered close, but this had painfully shaken him. Constantly being aware that he could lose his life at any given moment, left you without certain fears after the first few years, but never having imagined his son would reach so far in the progression of losing a mate, the news had been a shock.

Knocking back the last amount of burning water in his crystal, he got up once more to fill it.

A quiet knock echoed in the room and Severus could feel the fright bubble under the surface. Had something perhaps gone wrong already?

Quickly stepping over he was more than a little surprised to see Lupin staring back at him.

"Lupin. Why are you here?" he masked all sense of emotion from his voice as Lupin arrogantly stepped around him and entered his quarters.

Biting his lips from a snide comment, he went back to filling his glass once more. He didn't bother to offer Lupin one. Sitting down the pair remained quiet. Lupin seemed unsure of himself, squirming on the sofa. While Severus must have admitted it was odd seeing the wolf like that, he didn't bother to strike up a conversation. The man came on his own. Severus certainly hadn't invited him in.

"How are you?"

"Fine." The potion master didn't bother looking up from his glass.

"I heard about Jason." Remus ignored the cold response. "I'm glad he is alright."

"For now."

"What do you mean?"

Severus sighed harshly. "You know as well as I, veelas mortality is dependent on their mate. I fear what happens next as they meet struggles."

"Meeting your mate at such a young age is rather unusual." Remus agreed.

"Actually. While Mr. Zabini is free to do as he please, wither he feels for my son or not, he will suffer no consequences if he should choose to leave. My son has no choice. Should I constantly prepare myself for losing everything I have left…"

Rambling slightly in the feared state, Severus almost forgot whom he was speaking to.

"I can't lose him. Not him. I finally have a reason to go on-"

"Severus!" Remus interrupted his frantic. "I doubt Jason will go any further without telling Mr. Zabini the truth, how else will he possibly explain the sudden downfall?"

Severus huffed unconvinced.

"Really, Severus, I'm sure it will turn out alright. While I question Mr Zabini's sense of moral, only a fool would miss the affection he holds for your son."

"Perhaps." Severus felt slightly better although he would never admit it to the pushy wolf. "I just feel like a have no energy left anymore for teaching. His life is barely beginning and I… I wish to be a part of it."

"I'm sure you'll find the energy when it revolves around him. After all, having found his mate so young it probably won't be too far into the future to expect grandchildren." Remus teased.

"Merlin, save me." Severus knocked back the rest of the glass at the thought of having his house filled with children whom he would never be able to avoid. Remus laughed again and finally had the audacity to pour himself a drink.

BZ POV

Back in the infirmary, Madam Pomphrey had concluded her lecture on healing Jason's skin, by handing Blaise a salve to rub CAREFULLY on to his broken skin. The young men grimaced when she told them his skin would be pretty well after shedding the old. Silently Blaise started dapping the neck and chest with the ill-smelling potion. Nothing happened except turning his skin slightly green but that was to be expected.

Neither boy said anything before Blaise was finished with the exposed chest and neck. Blaise was ready to begin on the cracked face, which still looked frightening. Unsure wither Jason would allow the contact, Blaise leaned the cloth forward towards him, waiting to see if Jason had any deviation. A slight nod was all he got. Truly studying the wounds now, Blaise could no longer keep quiet.

"You almost…" Embarrassingly his voice cracked.

"I know." Jason gave a morbid smile.

"I don't find it funny." Blaise scolded him. "You could have died."

"I was dying."

"I know! I just…" Blaise took a shaking breath. "How could you not have told me you were cursed?"

Chuckling painfully, Jason disregarded his theory. " 'wasn't cursed and even then, it came quickly while we weren't… speaking."

"Oh." Blaise wasn't sure how to address their painful break up. It still lingered somewhere deeply buried. "For what it's worth; I really am sorry how things turned out. I never meant to lie to you. Especially not to hurt you."

"I know. But it did." Jason sighed. "…But I have forgiven you already."

"What? Really?" Blaise searched the pale face, desperate to find any truth to the words.

"Yeah." While it was difficult, Jason was able to lift a hand and caressed the dark one lying on his bed covers. "Well… I'm still disappointed and I really want to be angrier than I am, but nothing is worth this kind of pain. Even if you hurt me, I can't live without you."

"Jason-"

A hand silently stilled his answer as the larger boy explained.

"I know you don't believe me when I say this; thinking it's as how a school-crush state their love, but I 'literally' can't live without you."

"I don't understand."

"God sake, Blaise. I'm a veela." Jason sighed. "Well, half-veela."

"Oh. Oh, okay." Gobsmacked, the olive-skinned boy leaned back in his chair. Eyes gazed far as Blaise tried to comprehend the entirety of their relationship with re-knewed information. "So… That is why we…?"

"Yes." The answer seemed to finalise his thoughts. It brought clearance, yet so many questions were left unanswered.

"For how long?"

Jason could barely keep his eyes open at this point. He had been in such a pain for so long and now, as he had come clean to his favourite person in the world, the worry had settled. His mate was still there, right beside him. He hadn't left him; screaming in terror.

"I will tell you sometime soon."

Seeing his body sinking in exhaustion, Blaise calmly stroked his hand, telling him to go to sleep.