Just about two weeks had passed since Harry and his friends, and boyfriend, learned about the horcruxes that Voldemort had clearly created over the years and those were needing to be destroyed to kill Voldemort for good. As luck would have it, two had already been dispatched. Tom Riddle's Diary from back in second year, then Tom Riddle's mother's ring. Harry destroyed the diary and Dumbledore took care of the ring. That left an unknown number of how many left, but one guess thus far had been Voldemort's snake, Nagini. The remaining items were unknown, so was the number of them left to destroy. Dumbledore had informed Harry that he may have possibly found another item, but needed to do more research to ensure that was indeed it. Draco and Harry were still keeping their relationship a secret and have been dating five months as of yesterday, the 1st of May. Today was the 2nd. Harry and Draco continued to enjoy their random date nights in Severus's office, and at least, twice more they'd engaged in sexual activities after everyone had gone to sleep. Draco had given Harry a blowjob once, and Harry did it back to Draco another night. The two were taking their time with things, but knew that eventually; they'd go all the way. For now, what they did was more than enough; it's not like they had a bunch of free time in school and no private places to continue without worry of interruption.
Right now, it was dinner time as Harry was sitting next to Draco, Blaise was across from them, then there was Hermione next to Harry's other side and Ron across from him. The great hall was filled as students were waiting for the announcements and spread of food to appear. The rest of the teachers filed in and took their seats as Albus stood to speak to them all.
"Evening, students. Tonight, we've decided to do more than dinner. For a bit of fun, we're implementing muggle music to play through dinner. Get up, sing, dance. Have fun. You're kids, it's time to live like such for a while." Albus smiled as he flicked his wand to bring forth the music player and then speakers around the room, just floating.
"Is he serious?" Seamus asked.
"Looks so," Hermione nodded.
"I kind of have to agree with him," Dean mentioned. "I mean, we're kids…But with everything going on over the years; we haven't gotten to be kids who have fun."
"Dean has a point," Ginny informed.
"I don't understand," Blaise looked to the other Gryffindors.
"Dumbledore is going to play music from the muggle world to get everyone to loosen up and have fun. I think it's brilliant," Hermione smiled.
It didn't take long for music to start sounding through the enchanted speakers around the room and set at an enjoyable level to be loud, but not overbearing. After all, everyone was still eating. To the pure-blooded students in the room, the music didn't make much sense or catch anyone's immediate attention. However, all those muggle-born and half-blooded who grew up with muggles understand well and had started to get into things. Some just moved to the music, others were mouthing the lyrics. Some were humming, like Hermione as she ate and read her book, though eventually she set it away.
"Oh, this is a good one. Classic," Hermione beamed.
"My aunt loves it." Harry chuckled.
Harry's relationship with Petunia was better, but still felt weird after the years of abuse he suffered. Maybe there wasn't anything physical, but the woman and her husband were mean to him. Dudley as well when he got older. Harry was glad he and his aunt understood one another more and things were changing, but for Harry; he still didn't see her as family. Maybe it would change one day, but it wasn't today and might not be for a while. Harry and Dudley were a little better too; the boy had thanked him for saving his life with the dementors. Harry and Vernon would never be okay and Harry didn't see that man as any kind of family; he was only his aunt's husband and that was all. Harry was staying in contact with Petunia, maybe once in a while with Dudley. Right now, they were just starting over and trying to put the past behind them. Letters between them were quick and simple, just to check in and see how life was going.
"You alright, Harry?" Ron asked.
"I'm fine. Just tired," Harry replied.
In truth, though; he didn't feel that okay. Harry hadn't slept well last night, up tossing and turning with nightmares of losing Sirius. It had been almost a full year since the man passed on, but that didn't erase the hurt Harry felt of losing his godfather. Throughout most of the day, Harry just felt tired and had a headache. Maybe he'd just finish eating and go to bed early tonight. Stress was probably getting to him about the upcoming horcrux hunt and then beyond that, battle with Voldemort. Harry saw everyone getting into the music more, most of the muggle-raised students while teachers chatted among one another. Harry tried to focus on his food as people were getting up to dance; the sound in the room got louder. He needed to get out to breathe a little.
Harry adjusted to get off the bench and stand up, trying to avoid people. "Where are you going, Harry?" Draco inquired lightly.
"Restroom," Harry told him before starting to work his way through people and leave the hall. Harry got into closest bathroom and just took a few deep breaths. Harry moved into a stall do his business and then ended up leaning against the wall tiredly after flushing. His head was throbbing as nausea was beginning to come about. "Ugh…" He groaned. "What's wrong with me…"
Harry remained in there for a while as Draco was getting worried for his boyfriend who had been gone, at least, ten minutes. Draco threw his legs over the seat he was in and got up to move through other students and get out of the great hall. Draco headed for the bathroom Harry would have gone too and walked inside. "Harry?" Draco asked. "It's Draco, I just wanted to come see if you were okay. You've been gone a while,"
"You came to check on me?" Harry asked gently.
"Of course. You're my boyfriend, I care about you…You really didn't seem yourself through dinner, and Weasley pointed it out too." Draco replied. "So are you alright?"
"I think I'm-," Harry began, but nausea overtook him. Harry immediately dropped to his knees and heaved a few times, but nothing came up. Harry took a few fast breaths, and Draco frowned a bit as Harry finally stood back up. "Getting sick," He finally finished his sentence.
"Have you been feeling unwell all day, or did it just come on?" Draco asked after Harry exited the stall.
"I didn't sleep well, but had nightmares…I've felt tired all day, slight headache which got worse during dinner," Harry sighed.
"How about I take you to hospital wing? Pomfrey can check over you," Draco offered.
"Dinner is going to end soon and everyone will see us, or are we not keeping our relationship a secret anymore?" Harry wondered.
"Well, no one knows we're dating, but most everyone knows we called a truce and are friends now. I can still take you, appearing as a friend." Draco mentioned.
"What about the curfews that got implemented. We're not supposed to be wandering freely without a prefect or teacher." Harry reminded.
"Oh, I forgot about those," Draco nodded.
"Let's just get back to the tower…I'll go to bed early," Harry sighed.
"Alright, but if you get worse…Tell me?" Draco hoped.
"I will," Harry nodded as Draco went over to help Harry out of the room and then they went right for Gryffindor Tower together.
. . .
It was probably around 3 am when Draco woke to a lot of movement and whining. Draco looked over towards Harry's bed, then finally got out of his own and pulled back the curtains on Harry's to find his boyfriend sweating and turning a lot.
"What are you doing up and spying on Potter, Draco?" Blaise asked, sitting up in bed.
"He's having a nightmare," Draco stated.
"And what does it have to do with you?" Blaise pushed. "Don't think I don't know about you following Potter earlier to the bathroom and then neither of you returned to dinner. What is going on between you two?" He demanded. "Tell me the truth…"
Draco sighed. "Don't tell anyone,"
"I won't," Blaise promised.
"Harry and I are dating," Draco admitted. Blaise stared, eyes widening. "We have been since December 1st. Five months as of the 1st of May this year…"
"How did this happen? You two have hated each other, for years." Blaise questioned.
"Not really hate, but rivals. We called a truce at the end of 4th year, and became friends over that summer and 5th year…" Draco confessed calmly. "Harry lives with Lupin when not in school, but the terms of that guardianship are that Lupin leaves on the full moon for his transformation. Most times, Harry is by himself there, but…During the last June, Severus, who you know is my godfather, and I were with Harry to keep him company. We got to talking about sexuality and I admitted that I might be into only males. Harry said he didn't know for himself, so we agreed to kiss and see how we felt about boys after it. Never got to talking, of course…But during Slughorn's Christmas Party, Harry and I talked. We're both gay, and realized we had feelings for one another, so we started dating."
"Wow." Blaise said. "That's all I have for that. I mean, I'm not judging…I'm into men and women, but I really didn't see you and Potter being a thing."
"Nobody knows, Blaise. Except Sev, and Dumbledore, also Lupin and his girlfriend, Nymphadora." Draco told him. "So please, don't say anything…"
"I told you I wouldn't and I won't. But Draco…Why hide this from people?" Blaise inquired.
"I don't want it getting out to the Slytherin's, and those who have joined Voldemort. I don't want them to use me against Harry…I wouldn't be able to fight them, and they'd kill me. Harry is the one who will suffer if he loses anyone else," Draco informed. "You didn't see him when he lost Sirius, Blaise. He let out a scream of pain that we all felt inside, the heartbreak…The struggle as Lupin has to hold him from going after the person who killed Sirius. It was…Unfathomable, and if you saw it…You'd understand why we're not taking the risk of anyone finding out at school, student wise. Harry hasn't told his friends either."
"So all the nights you two aren't at dinner?" Blaise wondered.
"We're eating together in Sev's office, mini-dates." Draco nodded.
"Well, like I said…I won't tell anyone about this." Blaise reassured.
"Appreciate it," Draco smiled some. "Now, go back to sleep. I'll take care of Harry,"
"You sure you've got him?" Blaise hoped.
"I know how to calm him down," Draco climbed into the bed next to Harry and helped roll him so they were facing each other. Draco wrapped his arm around Harry's waist. Blaise only watched curiously. "Ssh, Harry," Draco soothed, pressing a kiss to the male's forehead, right on his lightning bolt-shaped scar. "It's alright, I'm right here with you. Wake up now…"
Harry slowly stopped fidgeting and opened his eyes slow to be looking into Draco's gray eyes. It didn't take long for Draco to see tears forming in Harry's eyes as he immediately buried his face into Draco's chest, holding him tightly and whimpering. "I-I miss Sirius…"
"I know, babe. I know…" Draco promised, using his wand to draw the curtains closed around Harry's bed, then cast a silencing charm.
Blaise only smiled before he laid back down and let sleep take him, happy for his friend being happy with someone. Harry didn't cry for long, eventually he settled down and just cuddled up close to his boyfriend. "Sorry that I woke you," Harry sniffled, using his hand to wipe his eyes.
"It's alright," Draco said gently. "I heard you moving around and thought you might be feeling worse, so I came over to check on you."
"Aren't you sweet," Harry relaxed.
"I try, for you," Draco smiled. "How are you feeling?"
"Not nauseous anymore, but still tired with a headache," Harry replied with a yawn.
"Go back to sleep." Draco told him. "I'll be here until you do."
"Can…You stay all night?" Harry hoped.
"Someone is bound to notice I'm not in my bed in a few hours." Draco said.
"Please? Having you close helps me relax and sleep…" Harry pleaded.
"Alright," Draco agreed. How could he tell Harry no? The guy was obviously feeling sick and couldn't sleep, if Draco being close helped; then he would stay. Eventually, Harry drifted off back to sleep, holding onto his boyfriend. Draco was awake for a little while after the fact, then he too fell asleep.
. . .
Harry woke first a few hours later and realized there were arms around him. Harry glanced up to see Draco's face and that he was sleeping peacefully. Harry smiled, feeling thankful and blessed to have this man in his life. Who would have thought given how they met? Harry was happy and honestly hoped that nothing changed; he knew he could get used to waking up every day with how boyfriend holding him as they laid in bed together. Harry was still feeling off from yesterday at dinner, but thankfully no nausea, so maybe it was just stress and lack of sleep from nightmares. Harry reached over Draco and pulled the curtain open slightly to check the clock on his nightstand to find that it was 8:30 am. Breakfast was almost over and then classes! Harry quickly adjusted to wake up Draco, shaking him lightly.
"Draco. Draco! Wake up," Harry insisted.
Draco groaned a bit and finally opened his eyes, averting his eyes upward to see Harry sitting up in bed. "What's wrong? Are you alright?"
"It's nearly time for first classes," Harry told him. "We need to get up and get ready."
"Harry…" Draco sighed and pulled his boyfriend back down to hold. "It's Saturday, love. Calm down."
"It's…Saturday?" Harry asked.
"Yes. The 3rd of May…Relax. We're not missing anything except breakfast in the hall with everyone. And that can be easily remedied by going to the kitchens for a late meal." Draco informed.
Harry blushed. "O-Oh…" How could he have not known it was Saturday? He really must be tired.
"Hey, are you two done with whatever you're doing in there?" Blaise's voice came through. "Just giving you fair warning that I left breakfast early to come back here and warn you that Ron is being sent up here by Hermione to make sure Harry is alright since Ron reported Harry not leaving his bed this morning."
Harry sighed, so did Draco. "And here I was so comfortable…" Draco finally got up, taking down the silencing charms.
"Thanks for the heads up, Blaise. I owe you," Draco replied.
"No problem." Blaise said and then assumingly, left the room.
"How did he know we're together in here?" Harry looked at his boyfriend.
"He…Might have caught me getting into your bed around 3 am to comfort you from the nightmare you had about Sirius dying." Draco admitted. "And outright asked what was going on, so I told him the truth about us having called a truce, then became friends and eventually developed feelings for one another."
"This all happened last night, or rather, a few hours ago?" Harry blinked.
Draco nodded. "Don't worry, he's not going to tell anyone about us."
"I wasn't worried. I assumed that if you couldn't trust him to be quiet about it, you wouldn't have told him." Harry kissed Draco's cheek.
Draco and Harry both got out of bed as Draco returned to his own, drawing the curtains open and throwing on his day clothes, which was just black pants, a white shirt, and his Slytherin tie while Ron came barreling through the room to get to Harry who was gathering his clothes from his trunk.
"Harry!" Ron said quickly. "There you are mate, Hermione and me have been worried!"
"I'm alright, Ron," Harry told him. "I didn't sleep well last night, and ended up oversleeping when I finally got back to sleep." He informed.
"You missed breakfast." Ron sighed, thankful his friend was alright. "Snape was looking for you, Malfoy," He informed, only slightly turning to acknowledge Draco's presence. "He asked me to pass along the message that he wants to see you in his office when you're up and ready. Harry too, actually."
"Very well. Whenever you're ready, Potter," Draco folded his arms over one another. Harry nodded, still tired, and quickly changed after Ron walked away back downstairs to inform Hermione that Harry was alright. Harry stood next to Draco, a yawn escaping him. "Seriously, are you alright?"
"Exhausted, but let's not keep Severus waiting…" Harry told him. "And can we stop at the bathroom on the way?"
"Of course," Draco nodded.
The two exited the dorm room and stopped at the lavatory on the way, since both had to relieve themselves anyway. Harry and Draco continued into the common room where Harry reassured Hermione himself that he was alright and just overslept after a long night of barely any sleep. Hermione suggested breakfast, but Harry said he wasn't hungry and would see them later. Ron mentioned Hogsmead trip at 10:00 am, and Harry said he would decide if he wanted to go or not by the time he got back from seeing Professor Snape with Draco. The trip to Severus's office was long, being on the other side of the castle and towards the dungeons, but Harry and Draco had walked in silence. Mostly because Draco could tell Harry was obviously tired and had a headache; if he got any worse, Draco was dragging him to hospital wing himself. Regardless of any questioning stares. Maybe Severus would notice and tell Harry to go there and find out what was wrong. The two finally reached the office and Draco knocked.
"Enter." Severus said.
Draco opened the door and walked in, then Harry right behind him. "You wanted to see me, Sev?" Draco stated.
"Yes," Severus waited for them to reach standing before his desk. "Why were you two not present at breakfast?"
"It's my fault, Professor," Harry spoke before Draco could. "I had a long night of not sleeping well and ended up oversleeping. Draco stayed back to make sure I was alright."
"Nothing to do with the fact Mr. Zambini informed me he saw Draco enter your bed last night and never come out?" Severus pushed.
"Well, that happened too, but figured I'd spare you the details of our closeness last night." Draco shrugged. "Yes, I slept next to Harry last night, Uncle Severus. He had a nightmare and he settled next to me, and I ended up falling asleep there. So it's actually my fault,"
"I see." Severus replied. "Very well then. As long as nothing was going on other than sleeping."
"No, sir. I promise you," Harry reassured.
"Same," Draco nodded. "We just slept, nothing more."
"Good. Not that I'd mind if you hadn't; I would just assume you're not making it public knowledge." Severus informed.
"Blaise woke up when I was going over to help Harry out of the nightmare. I told him Harry and I were dating." Draco mentioned. "I just never came out because I fell asleep too."
"Alright." Severus told them. "Now, you've both missed breakfast. Are you hungry?"
"Draco probably is, but I'm not, Professor." Harry informed.
"Wait, you were serious when you told Granger you weren't hungry? I thought you were just saying it so she didn't keep holding us there when Sev was waiting to see us." Draco looked at his boyfriend.
"I was being serious when I said I wasn't hungry, Draco…" Harry mumbled. "Truth be told…I just want to go back to bed after everyone leaves for Hogsmead."
"Harry, all this sleeping can't be good for you." Draco sighed.
"Is this trouble sleeping becoming a frequent problem, Mr. Potter?" Severus asked.
"I haven't had a good sleep since fourth-year, Professor. When Cedric died and Voldemort was brought back. It's always flashbacks and nightmares…Most nights I sit awake in bed after waking up from one." Harry admitted.
"Why haven't you told me this?" Draco questioned. "Harry…I could have asked Sev to send you that peaceful sleeping potion if you were having trouble."
"Just because I suffer from not sleeping doesn't mean you should too," Harry remarked. "I don't stop you the nights you wake on your own, but I'm not purposely waking you up just because I can't sleep."
"Well, now I know you don't sleep well every night…Sev can give you the potion to help you sleep." Draco told him. "You need your sleep, Harry…"
"Draco is right. With the upcoming battle, you're going to need all the energy you can get to fight Voldemort. Come see me before curfew, Potter. I'll have something to help you sleep through the night. The one I've given you in the past, however, is not meant to be taken all the time. Using it always can result in a coma-like sleep. I'll need to configure something else to be used every night. Also…May I suggest a mind healer, Potter?"
"Like a therapist?" Harry arched a brow.
"Yes. You suffer nightmares from losing people you care about. You've gone through an ordeal every year. All that is taking a toll in the form of stress and not sleeping. Now, you're not hungry. It's not healthy, Potter. It's going to have drastic effects if not handled. There's one right in Hogsmead I can reach out to as a teacher concerned for a student going through a lot. I would need McGonagall's permission since she's your head of house…But I think she'll not only agree, but keep quiet on the matter. You need help, Harry. You need to heal…Let me help you."
"Fine…" Harry agreed.
"I'll set things up and let you know tonight when you come for the potion." Severus said.
Harry nodded as Severus dismissed them back to the common room, but not before telling Draco to eat something and Harry, if he wished to eat. Harry just wanted to go to sleep. Maybe there was something wrong with him.