Chapter 6: Daddy's Dreaded Arrival
Harry gripped Draco's hand and exchanged a worried glance with Hermione, who had her arm around Ron's shoulders and her free hand on his chest, restraining him. Draco turned Harry and gave him a pleading look before squeezing his hand and turning to Ron. "Listen, Ron, I know I've acted a lot like a bastard in the previous five and a half years," the blonde sixteen-year-old explained calmly, "and I'm not proud of it. To tell you the truth, I really didn't want to. I don't like being nasty. My father made me. I honestly couldn't stand hurting Harry and his friends the way I have been. But my father would be-my father would threaten me if I didn't." At this point, Draco avoided Harry's curious gaze. "Okay, we all need to talk," Ron interrupted. Dean and Seamus hurried up to the four. "What about the dance?" Seamus asked anxiously. "This is more important," Hermione replied. Harry, Draco, Ron, and Hermione then walked out of the Great Hall, ignoring the stares they wee receiving.
Fifteen minutes later, they were all perched on Harry's bed in the Gryffindor sixth-year boys' dorm. Draco was settled between Harry's legs with the raven-haired boy's arms lying crossed gently around Draco's chest. Hermione sat across Ron's lap, leaning into her boyfriend. "So, you really didn't want to insult us?" Ron asked warily. "Nope, my father made me," Draco replied. "He said I had to insult and tease all three of you mercilessly. Or else..." "Or else what, sweetie?" Harry asked, running his hands through Draco's silver-blonde hair. "C-can't we just leave it at that?" Draco stammered. Harry hesitated, then nodded. It was clear to Hermione it was tearing him up inside that his boyfriend couldn't tell him what his father said. He tightened his hold on Draco as if to protect him from all the dangers in the world, but promptly let go when Draco let out a sharp yelp of pain. "What is it? What's wrong?" Harry cried anxiously. "Nothing, nothing's wrong," Draco replied, although the pain still shone clear in his eyes. "Drac, honey, tell me," Harry insisted. "Nope," Draco replied. "Draco..." Hermione warned. "Maybe we can help," Ron added. Draco hesitated. "When I didn't listen, he'd-he'd...beat me," Draco finally replied. "As I realized my true feelings for you, Harry, the beatings became more and more frequent because I wasn't being mean. They eventually began to have lasting effects." Hermione had a look of horror on her face while Ron's mouth had dropped open. "Let me see, Draco," Harry whispered, tugging on Draco's arm. "Uh-uh," the Slytherin refused, shaking his head stubbornly. "Draco," Harry said, a warning tone in his voice. Draco looked around at all the concern for him. He turned and looked directly into Harry's eyes, shining with not only unshed tears, but also love, care, and concern. He sighed in defeat. "Fine," he gave in. Gingerly, he slipped off his robe and shirt. Everyone's expressions were identical: expressions of shock, anger, and pity. Draco's chest and shoulders were covered in giant black and blue bruises. Harry brought his trembling fingers up to one of the larger bruises and gently touched it. He pulled away when Draco winced from the pain. His look of sadness was replaced by anger. "I'm going to kill that fucking bastard," Harry growled. "Harry, he'd kill you first without a second thought. I wouldn't be able to live if you were gone. Please, don't," Draco pleaded. Harry's expression softened, though his eyes retained their steely gaze. "Okay, I won't this time," Harry promised. "But if he lays another finger on you, don't make me promise anything." Draco nodded. "Okay," he whispered. Harry smiled and hugged his boyfriend, kissing his cheek. Ron watched this little display of affection. "Hey, Harry, could I talk to you for a minute?" he asked. Harry glanced at him in surprise. "Sure," the Gryffindor replied. He gave Draco another soft kiss and hopped off the bed to join his friend. Hermione, having taken several medical courses over the summer at a local Muggle hospital, scooted across the bed and started carefully examining Draco's wounds. "Harry, do you really like Mal-Draco?" he asked quietly, straining to say the name of the person his best friend now cared for more than life itself. Harry turned his head and stared at the floor before answering. "Yeah. I really do, Ron," he replied quietly, looking up at the tall redhead. "Somehow, he understands me better than anyone, other than you and Hermione." This time, Ron looked away. "Okay, I can accept that," Ron said finally, clapping a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Just promise me one thing." "What's that?" "Promise you won't fall for me," Ron requested, grinning. Harry smiled back. "Now, that won't be a problem," Harry told him, laughing. Ron pretended to look hurt. "What, am I not hot enough for you?" Ron asked in mock distaste. He struck a sexy model pose, then looked at his hysterically laughing best friend. "How 'bout now?" "If it'll make you stop, then fine!" Harry managed to choke out. Ron laughed also and lightly tossed an arm around Harry's shoulders. They both walked back to Harry's bed where Hermione had just conjured up some ointment for Draco. "Now, put this on every twelve hours and those bruises should heal within two to three weeks," she was instructing. "Thanks, Hermione," Draco said gratefully. Harry sat down next to Draco and gently pulled him into his lap. "Yeah, thanks, 'Mione," Harry whispered as Draco cuddle into Harry's arms and closed his eyes. "Anytime, sweetie," she replied, squeezing his hand. She and Ron left the room to return to the dance. Draco craned his neck around to look at Harry. "What did Ron want?" he asked. "He wanted to know if I really liked you," Harry replied. "And.you said?" Draco remarked teasingly. "I said yes, I really do," Harry responded, kissing Draco on the tip of his nose. "What did he say to that?" the blonde Slytherin asked anxiously. "He said he can accept that," Harry told him. Draco gave Harry a kiss. "Thank you, sweetie," he whispered. "Anytime, Drac, anytime," Harry whispered back. They fell asleep like that, each wrapped up in the other's arms.
One sunny morning in early April several weeks later, Harry was talking to Hermione, Ron, and Ginny at breakfast when he glanced over at the Slytherin table and saw Draco's face drain of color. His expression became one of terror as he read a letter he'd just received. Harry excused himself and hurried over to his boyfriend's side. "Drac, sweetie, what's wrong?" he asked, the alarm in his heart breaking through in his voice. "M-my dad-he-a letter..."Draco stammered, unable to complete a thought because of his fear. "Okay, honey, you do know I can't understand a thing you're saying when you don't speak in full sentences, right?" Harry said. "My father sent me a letter," Draco responded hoarsely, still staring at the letter he was now handing Harry. Harry glanced worriedly at Draco before opening the letter. "See you in Potions, Draco, Harry!" called Pansy as she skipped by towards the door. She had gotten a lot nicer after seeing that Draco was gay and seeing Harry. (A/N: I was sort of bored of Pansy being the bitch like in all my other stories on both pennames and in other stories, so I switched it up a bit. Enjoy.) "Yeah, see you, Pansy," Draco and Harry chorused. Pansy stopped, placed her hands on her hips, and turned to stare at the two boys. "You two have been spending way too much time together," she told them incredulously, shaking her head. "And that's a bad thing?" Harry and Draco chorused again, making Pansy throw her hands up in frustration. He and Draco finally looked away from the ominous letter. "When you do that, it is!" Pansy called back, laughing as she and Blaise (A/N: JKR didn't specify what gender Blaise Zabini was, so I made her female. I felt as though there weren't enough Slytherin girls) walked away. Harry grinned before turning back to the piece of mail in his hand that had made his boyfriend terrified. He opened it slowly, his eyes widening in fear as they slid down the parchment, absorbing every word.
Draco, I have received intelligence that you are dating Harry Potter. Have you forgotten who he is? Let me remind you. He is the Dark Lord's most hated enemy! You know I don't mind your being homosexual, as long as you don't spread it around. I must demand, though, that you play to your strengths. Your choices are: Betray your family and have the Dark Lord kill you, or: Betray Potter and turn him over to the Dark Lord, earning yourself great pride from your family in the process and getting your Mark sooner. Either way, I shall be arriving at Hogwarts on April 18. Be sure you are in the Great Hall to greet me. Three days later, you and I will return home. Lucius
Harry turned to Draco with worry and doubt etched on his face. "Drac..." Harry couldn't voice his anxieties. "Come on," Draco muttered, standing up and grasping Harry's hand. Harry waved to his friends over in Gryffindor to show he was leaving with his boyfriend. Draco pulled Harry into the garden where they'd had a special connection that they couldn't and hadn't tried to explain to anyone. "Harry, before you say anything, let me explain what Lucius meant," Draco hastened. Harry felt slightly confused by the way Draco referred to his father as 'Lucius' and not 'Dad', but he shook the feeling off as Draco went on. "He knows that in the past couple of months, something's been different," Draco started to explain. "He started telling me that as soon as I did something to make my family proud, I could get the Dark Mark branded on my skin. Several weeks later, I hadn't done anything yet, so he said when I turned seventeen, I-I..." Draco wasn't able to finish the thought. "Could get the Dark Mark," Harry finished quietly. Draco nodded numbly. "Harry, he's coming. Here," Draco whispered. "When's your birthday?" Harry asked abruptly. "April 20," Draco replied. "Okay, we have a week to think of a plan," Harry remarked. "Better get cracking." Draco nodded, yet said nothing and moved naught. "Draco, sweetie, don't worry," Harry whispered, taking his boyfriend into arms. "But, Harry, he's gonna make me a-" Draco got out before Harry's index finger pressed his lips closed as the raven-haired Gryffindor sat down. "Mark my words, I am not going to let that asshole that has terrorized your life turn you into a freaking Death Eater, okay, Drac?" Harry promised, his voice cold and determined. Draco nodded. Harry removed his finger from Draco's lips and quickly replaced it with his own lips for a quick kiss. Their lips parted and Harry wrapped his arms around Draco to give the slightly shorter blonde boy comfort. "Don't worry, you'll be safe with me," Harry murmured into Draco's fine silver strands, their fingers twining together. "I know," Draco whispered, hugging Harry ever closer.
The next week, Harry, Draco, and their friends had thought of nothing. They'd only agreed on one thing: Harry was to meet Lucius with Draco and they'd do improv from there. Two and a half hours before Lucius was to arrive, Draco was having second doubts about Harry being there. "Drac, I'm not letting you meet him alone," Harry insisted. "It's too dangerous." "I'll be fine. Really," Draco replied. But Harry held steadfast in his determination to meet his boyfriend's abusing father. "Harry, what if he tries to hurt you?" "I can fend for myself, sweetie," Harry reminded him. "Remember, I took a whole bunch of self-defense classes at that Muggle gym near me." "I don't know," Draco remarked. "Draco, you should really have Harry there," Hermione advised. "Then, maybe, Lucius wouldn't be able to hurt you." "She's right," Ron agreed. "Harry needs to be there. He can help." Draco was silent for several minutes as he contemplated his choices. Finally, he said the last thing anyone expected a Slytherin to say. "I think we need to talk to Dumbledore," he whispered. Harry, Hermione, and Ron glanced at each other in surprise before nodding and heading down the hall.
"Ah, Harry, Ron, Hermione...and Draco! What a surprise. How can I help the four of you?" Dumbledore greeted them ten minutes later. Hermione, Harry, and Ron exchanged glances; they had a feeling it wasn't really a surprise to the kind headmaster to find them on his doorstep. "Professor, Draco needs your help," Harry started. He nudged Draco to get him to start. "Pro-Professor, um, you know my father is coming to Hogwarts for several days, then he and I are traveling home three days after his arrival," Draco mumbled, fidgeting with his hands. Harry gently reached over and grasped his hand to comfort and calm him. "Yes?" Dumbledore agreed, urging him to continue. Draco took a steadying breath before plunging back into his explanation. "Um, he-he's told me I have, um, two choices. I can either betray my family and be killed by Voldemort or betray Harry, turn him over to Voldemort, and get the Dark Mark, earning myself pride in my family in the process. Either way, I get my Mark on my seventeenth birthday, two days from now." "Well, it seems as though we have a bit of a situation here, don't we?" Dumbledore asked, smiling. "Now, I'm guessing, Harry, you want to meet Lucius in the Entrance Hall when he arrives today. Am I right?" "Yes, sir," Harry replied calmly. "And, Draco, you are afraid for Harry's well-being if he comes with you today, right?" "Not just then, but at all times," Draco added. "The thing I'm worried about the most is Draco," Harry stated, sitting up. "I know if I leave him, Lucius will do something to him for staying with me. But I have to leave him. We only have three lessons together." "I see. Pardon me if what I say next doesn't seem relevant at all, but, Draco, what did the Sorting Hat say when you tried it on? And please don't make something up to make it seem like you were meant for Slytherin," Dumbledore asked. "It-it said I would do well in Gryffindor, but I knew the consequences if I wasn't in Slytherin," Draco muttered quietly. Harry stared at him, as well as Hermione and Ron. "Draco, please try on the Sorting Hat again," Dumbledore requested, reaching around and picking up the limp hat. "What, are you insane?" Draco exclaimed, jumping out of his chair. "And do something else to make my father furious? Nuh-uh!" he cried in a ridiculously childish fashion. "Drac, come on," Harry pleaded. "You know I'm not going to let him touch you." "No, that's your job," Ron joked. Harry and Draco blushed deep reds as Harry looked down in embarrassment. "Ron!" Hermione exclaimed. She turned to the amused headmaster looking on. "I'm so sorry, professor, he hasn't had his medications today yet." "Quite all right, Hermione," Dumbledore excused, chuckling. "Hey, now that's not fair," Ron objected. "I ran out." "Oh!" Hermione cried, throwing her hands up in frustration. "Anyway, Drac, I'm not gonna let him hurt you in any sort of way," Harry promised. "Just, try on the hat. For me. For us." " 'Kay," Draco agreed doubtfully. "Now, Draco, no matter what house the hat names, you are not allowed to object. Understood?" Dumbledore asked sternly. "Yup." "Here you go," Dumbledore said, placing the Hat on Draco's blonde hair. Draco sat still and silent for near to five minutes. Finally, the Hat called, "This boy belongs in Gryffindor!" Once the Hat was removed, Draco grinned and jumped off his chair into Harry's waiting arms. He also received a hug from Hermione and handshakes from Ron and Dumbledore. "Now is the matter of a room," Dumbledore said. "I have the perfect place! Harry, you will stay there also, as Lucius could easily intimidate any of the Gryffindors into giving him the password to get at both you and Draco." "Okay!" they two boys agreed enthusiastically at once. "It is the room that housed the Mirror of Erised in your first year. It has been refurnished in the fashion of a small apartment. I will give only the four of you the password." "Okay," they agreed. "The password is 'Leviosa'," Dumbledore told them. "You are under no circumstance to tell anyone that." Draco, Harry, Ron, and Hermione nodded solemnly. Dumbledore snapped his fingers once and Dobby the house-elf came hurrying into the room. "Oh! Harry Potter, sir! How is you?" Dobby squeaked. Harry grinned. "Hey, Dobby. I'm fine, thanks. What're you up to?" "Oh, cleaning and cooking. Nothing different," Dobby replied. Suddenly he became very excited. "Dobby has gots more socks! See?" Dobby raised up one of his pant legs to show a violently colored orange sock on his left foot. On his right was a bright pink and maroon striped and polka-dotted sock. "Wow. Those are-well, those socks sure are something, Dobby," Harry complemented, squinting his eyes slightly. Dobby beamed, then saw Draco. "Young Master Malfoy," he breathed, backing away. "It's okay, Dobby, I'm on the side of good now," Draco assured him. "Dobby, can you please transport all Draco's and Harry's belongings to the Erised suite?" Dumbledore requested. "Of course, Headmaster, sir," Dobby replied, bowing himself out of the room. "Now, Draco, you will now be doing everything with Gryffindor," Dumbledore instructed. "Try to tolerate them if not like them." "Yes, sir," Draco said again. "Correct me if I'm mistaken, but don't you need to meet your father in ten minutes?" Dumbledore asked, pulling his watch out of his pocket. Draco blanched "Can't someone just curse me and send me to the hospital wing?" Draco asked anxiously. Harry groaned. "Ugh, come on!" Harry dragged Draco out the door, Ron and Hermione following with apologetic looks on their faces. Dumbledore's face stayed impassive as they walked out the door. "They'll get through. They're strong enough."
Draco nervously paced the Entrance Hall, while Harry leaned up against the wall behind him. Ron and Hermione were waiting on the second floor landing, ready to either run to get Dumbledore or to run down and help Harry and Draco. "Draco, calm-" Harry started to cry exasperatedly when the Hogwarts doorbell rang loudly. Draco spun around to stare at the door. "He's here," the new Gryffindor whispered. Harry stood up and walked over to plant a kiss on Draco's cheek. Draco took a deep breath and went to open the door with his boyfriend at his side. "Good after-" the cold Lucius Malfoy's greeting faltered when he saw Harry Potter standing next to his son, a steely, determined glint in his eye. "Good afternoon, Mr. Malfoy," Harry welcomed smoothly, his voice showing none of the hatred he really felt. "How was your trip?" "What is the meaning of this?" Lucius hissed, somehow managing to keep control. "Come, Draco, we are leaving for home sooner than planned," he added, his unusually bright eyes never leaving Harry's. "Actually, Father, I've decided to stay at Hogwarts and celebrate my birthday with Harry," Draco replied, at Harry's nudge. "Really? You have?" Lucius asked, smiling/grimacing wryly. "Funny. My little friend here says otherwise." He pulled out his wand and twirled it for a moment before pointing it straight at Harry's heart. Only a second went by before Harry and Draco drew their wands and directed them at Lucius. "You forget, Lucius, we now have them, too," Draco told him calmly, though his blood was boiling. "I will not go with you." Lucius paused a minute before shooting the Crutiatus Curse at his son. Draco hit the floor, sliding to a stop by the wall, and lay, writhing in pain, as Harry unsuccessfully tried to curse the older Malfoy and break the one on Draco. Finally, Harry gave up and, dodging the spells, jinxes, hexes, and curses Lucius was still hurling his way, ran to Draco who was still under the Unforgivable. Harry, who could do nothing to stop the pain, knelt at Draco's side and pushed back the fine blonde strands from his forehead. He leaned over and kissed Draco's cheek. "Don't worry, we'll be fine," Harry whispered, tears clouding his vision. "Get-out-of here," Draco panted, semi-fighting the waves of immense pain he was feeling. "I don't want you to get hurt." Harry laughed wryly. "Drac, sweetie, it's too late for that," Harry told him, gently caressing his boyfriend's cheek. "It hurts me to see you like this. And to hell and back am I leaving. I'm not leaving you here with this maniac! Ah, shit!" he cried as Lucius walked over, picked him up and threw him against the nearby wall. He slumped over, half-conscious. "Harry!" Draco yelled, straining to reach the one he loved. Lucius turned around and saw Draco. "Come on, boy, we're going to pay a little visit to an old family friend," he said, grasping Draco's arm and harshly pulling him to his feet after kicking him a few times. The blonde cried out more than once as Lucius' fingers dug into his skin. Suddenly, three voices shouted... "Stupify!" "Stupify!" "Stupify!" Lucius fell to the ground, a trickle of blood dripping from the corner of his mouth, as Harry, Ron, and Hermione cried out the spell simultaneously. Ron and Hermione clattered down the stairs to help their friends to their feet, Ron to Harry and Hermione to Draco. The aftermath of Lucius' arrival was worse than what they expected. It felt as though Draco's arm had broken and he had gained many more cuts and bruises. Harry couldn't feel his entire left arm and he, too, had received a good many cuts, including large ones on his face. He also felt it hugely painful to stand, it seemed the blow against the wall had broken several bones in his leg. Draco and Hermione rushed over to Harry and fell to their knees next to him. "Oh, Harry, I told you to leave. I knew something would happen to you," Draco murmured, kissing Harry and cradling his head. Harry smiled faintly. "It was worth it," he said. "You get to stay." "Yeah. I get to stay," Draco agreed, laughing and crying at the same time. Harry turned to his two oldest friends on his other side. "Perfect timing, as always, you two," he complemented. Ron grinned sheepishly. "Sorry," he apologized. "We were arguing whether or not to go and get Dumbledore before coming to help." "It's okay," Harry said, wincing as he tried to sit up. "Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy, what have you gotten yourselves into now?" they heard someone say from behind. They turned and saw Dumbledore shaking his head. Madam Pomfrey appeared from behind and, tut-tutting under her breath, magically healed Harry's leg and Draco's arm after conjuring up and forcing them drink a horrible-tasting concoction to help. She put some medicine on their cuts and pronounced them fine. They turned Dumbledore, who, to their chagrin, was waking Lucius Malfoy. "Dumbledore, I will be taking Draco with me back to the manor," he hissed, brushing himself off. Draco's eyes widened in horror; he knew if he went home, there would surely be the worst beating his life had ever endured. Harry stepped in front of Draco, his steely, determined stare fixed on the senior Malfoy, his eyes boring into him. "Draco's not going anywhere with you," Harry spat out coldly. "Harry, please let me deal with this," Dumbledore requested quietly. "Lucius, there seems to be a misunderstanding. You see, Draco cannot leave now. He needs to study for his upcoming final exams with his fellow Gryffindors." Draco groaned inwardly as the elderly headmaster said this. Lucius' eyes bugged and he nearly choked on his breath. "GRYFFINDOR?!" he shrieked. "Since when are you in Gryffindor, you stupid little brat?! What the hell is going on?" he shouted, completely losing his head, strange bright patches of pink on his typically pale cheeks. "Lucius, I think it's best you leave now," Dumbledore stated, a fire in his eyes Harry hadn't seen since his second year. Lucius looked wildly from the determined headmaster to Harry, staring at him in hatred, to his petrified son to Hermione and Ron glaring at him. He nodded shortly. "Fine," he responded. "But I'm warning you, son, the Dark Lord will come for you and he will murder you and Potter and all he feels unworthy of life," he snarled. "Okay, yeah, thanks for telling us, your train's leaving," Harry remarked, waving. "By the way, give Voldemort my regards. Tell him if he hurts Draco or any of my friends, the next time I see him, I'm going to kick his ass and destroy him even more than I did fifteen years ago. Tell him I'm ready to avenge my parents' murder." "Harry, no!" Hermione, Draco, and Ron whispered. Lucius glared at him for a moment before turning on his heels, his cloak billowing, and slamming the door behind him. Dumbledore turned to Draco and Harry, who was wiping a bleeding cut on his forehead. "Are you two all right?" he asked. They both nodded. "Please head to Gryffindor Tower. Dinner will take place in the dormitories tonight while the teachers and I devise a plan for protection." "Yes, Professor," the four Gryffindors murmured. Harry wound his arm around Draco's thin waist and they all headed up the stairs. Ten minutes later, they entered the common room. Draco's anxiety returned as they did this. All mouths dropped open and all activity ceased. No one could understand why the most famous Gryffindor was bringing a Slytherin (former, although they didn't know it) into their common room, even if the Slytherin was the Gryffindor's boyfriend. "Um, you guys, Draco was missorted," Harry explained. "He should have been sorted into Gryffindor." "Oh!" everyone said together. The next second, all the people in the common room swarmed around Draco, welcoming him into their house. Harry backed off, a crooked smile on his face, to stand next to Ron and Hermione. Draco was grinning as he was introduced to everyone. "Well, that went over a lot better than I thought it would," he told Hermione and Ron. "Gryffindors are a very accepting group, apparently," Ron surmised, watching the crowd. "Of course we are. It's our job," Hermione told them matter-of-factly. "It's also our reputation and we have to live up to it," she added. Harry and Ron started laughing, though it was merely moments before Harry stopped and his face grew serious. "What's wrong, Harry?" Hermione asked, her forehead furrowed in concern. "You guys, Drac's turning seventeen in two days," Harry told them. "And.you're upset he's older than you?" Ron wondered jokingly. "Ow!" he yelped as Hermione shoved him into the wall. "No, I don't know what to get him," Harry replied honestly. "Well, tomorrow's Saturday and another Hogsmeade visit," Hermione told him, tying back her now-tameable hair. "Ron, you can take him into Quality Quidditch Supplies and Harry, you and I will go find something for Draco." "Okay," Harry answered, nodding. "But, in the meantime, let's eat!" Ron exclaimed as several house elves came zooming into the room with huge platters of food atop their shoulders. A seventh year, Alyssa McKee, conjured up a large table they could all eat at. Harry and Draco grabbed a chair and dragged it to the table while Ron and Hermione did the same. The Gryffindors all started eating, talking and laughing, just like any other time. Draco found he fit in just fine. He turned at one point to see Harry watching him. "What?" "Mm, nothing, nothing," Harry replied. He grinned and kissed Draco. "What was that for?" Draco asked in surprise, although he didn't hate it. Harry shrugged. "For being you," Harry said. "All in all, I think the good in today outweighs the bad," Draco remarked as he gave Harry a kiss in return.
A/N: Sorry if this took a while to write this chapter. I've had a huge case of writer's block and, on top of that, I was on vacation. So, you can imagine how much I was distracted! Anyway, Hogsmeade's coming up in the next chapter. R/R, peoples!
Harry gripped Draco's hand and exchanged a worried glance with Hermione, who had her arm around Ron's shoulders and her free hand on his chest, restraining him. Draco turned Harry and gave him a pleading look before squeezing his hand and turning to Ron. "Listen, Ron, I know I've acted a lot like a bastard in the previous five and a half years," the blonde sixteen-year-old explained calmly, "and I'm not proud of it. To tell you the truth, I really didn't want to. I don't like being nasty. My father made me. I honestly couldn't stand hurting Harry and his friends the way I have been. But my father would be-my father would threaten me if I didn't." At this point, Draco avoided Harry's curious gaze. "Okay, we all need to talk," Ron interrupted. Dean and Seamus hurried up to the four. "What about the dance?" Seamus asked anxiously. "This is more important," Hermione replied. Harry, Draco, Ron, and Hermione then walked out of the Great Hall, ignoring the stares they wee receiving.
Fifteen minutes later, they were all perched on Harry's bed in the Gryffindor sixth-year boys' dorm. Draco was settled between Harry's legs with the raven-haired boy's arms lying crossed gently around Draco's chest. Hermione sat across Ron's lap, leaning into her boyfriend. "So, you really didn't want to insult us?" Ron asked warily. "Nope, my father made me," Draco replied. "He said I had to insult and tease all three of you mercilessly. Or else..." "Or else what, sweetie?" Harry asked, running his hands through Draco's silver-blonde hair. "C-can't we just leave it at that?" Draco stammered. Harry hesitated, then nodded. It was clear to Hermione it was tearing him up inside that his boyfriend couldn't tell him what his father said. He tightened his hold on Draco as if to protect him from all the dangers in the world, but promptly let go when Draco let out a sharp yelp of pain. "What is it? What's wrong?" Harry cried anxiously. "Nothing, nothing's wrong," Draco replied, although the pain still shone clear in his eyes. "Drac, honey, tell me," Harry insisted. "Nope," Draco replied. "Draco..." Hermione warned. "Maybe we can help," Ron added. Draco hesitated. "When I didn't listen, he'd-he'd...beat me," Draco finally replied. "As I realized my true feelings for you, Harry, the beatings became more and more frequent because I wasn't being mean. They eventually began to have lasting effects." Hermione had a look of horror on her face while Ron's mouth had dropped open. "Let me see, Draco," Harry whispered, tugging on Draco's arm. "Uh-uh," the Slytherin refused, shaking his head stubbornly. "Draco," Harry said, a warning tone in his voice. Draco looked around at all the concern for him. He turned and looked directly into Harry's eyes, shining with not only unshed tears, but also love, care, and concern. He sighed in defeat. "Fine," he gave in. Gingerly, he slipped off his robe and shirt. Everyone's expressions were identical: expressions of shock, anger, and pity. Draco's chest and shoulders were covered in giant black and blue bruises. Harry brought his trembling fingers up to one of the larger bruises and gently touched it. He pulled away when Draco winced from the pain. His look of sadness was replaced by anger. "I'm going to kill that fucking bastard," Harry growled. "Harry, he'd kill you first without a second thought. I wouldn't be able to live if you were gone. Please, don't," Draco pleaded. Harry's expression softened, though his eyes retained their steely gaze. "Okay, I won't this time," Harry promised. "But if he lays another finger on you, don't make me promise anything." Draco nodded. "Okay," he whispered. Harry smiled and hugged his boyfriend, kissing his cheek. Ron watched this little display of affection. "Hey, Harry, could I talk to you for a minute?" he asked. Harry glanced at him in surprise. "Sure," the Gryffindor replied. He gave Draco another soft kiss and hopped off the bed to join his friend. Hermione, having taken several medical courses over the summer at a local Muggle hospital, scooted across the bed and started carefully examining Draco's wounds. "Harry, do you really like Mal-Draco?" he asked quietly, straining to say the name of the person his best friend now cared for more than life itself. Harry turned his head and stared at the floor before answering. "Yeah. I really do, Ron," he replied quietly, looking up at the tall redhead. "Somehow, he understands me better than anyone, other than you and Hermione." This time, Ron looked away. "Okay, I can accept that," Ron said finally, clapping a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Just promise me one thing." "What's that?" "Promise you won't fall for me," Ron requested, grinning. Harry smiled back. "Now, that won't be a problem," Harry told him, laughing. Ron pretended to look hurt. "What, am I not hot enough for you?" Ron asked in mock distaste. He struck a sexy model pose, then looked at his hysterically laughing best friend. "How 'bout now?" "If it'll make you stop, then fine!" Harry managed to choke out. Ron laughed also and lightly tossed an arm around Harry's shoulders. They both walked back to Harry's bed where Hermione had just conjured up some ointment for Draco. "Now, put this on every twelve hours and those bruises should heal within two to three weeks," she was instructing. "Thanks, Hermione," Draco said gratefully. Harry sat down next to Draco and gently pulled him into his lap. "Yeah, thanks, 'Mione," Harry whispered as Draco cuddle into Harry's arms and closed his eyes. "Anytime, sweetie," she replied, squeezing his hand. She and Ron left the room to return to the dance. Draco craned his neck around to look at Harry. "What did Ron want?" he asked. "He wanted to know if I really liked you," Harry replied. "And.you said?" Draco remarked teasingly. "I said yes, I really do," Harry responded, kissing Draco on the tip of his nose. "What did he say to that?" the blonde Slytherin asked anxiously. "He said he can accept that," Harry told him. Draco gave Harry a kiss. "Thank you, sweetie," he whispered. "Anytime, Drac, anytime," Harry whispered back. They fell asleep like that, each wrapped up in the other's arms.
One sunny morning in early April several weeks later, Harry was talking to Hermione, Ron, and Ginny at breakfast when he glanced over at the Slytherin table and saw Draco's face drain of color. His expression became one of terror as he read a letter he'd just received. Harry excused himself and hurried over to his boyfriend's side. "Drac, sweetie, what's wrong?" he asked, the alarm in his heart breaking through in his voice. "M-my dad-he-a letter..."Draco stammered, unable to complete a thought because of his fear. "Okay, honey, you do know I can't understand a thing you're saying when you don't speak in full sentences, right?" Harry said. "My father sent me a letter," Draco responded hoarsely, still staring at the letter he was now handing Harry. Harry glanced worriedly at Draco before opening the letter. "See you in Potions, Draco, Harry!" called Pansy as she skipped by towards the door. She had gotten a lot nicer after seeing that Draco was gay and seeing Harry. (A/N: I was sort of bored of Pansy being the bitch like in all my other stories on both pennames and in other stories, so I switched it up a bit. Enjoy.) "Yeah, see you, Pansy," Draco and Harry chorused. Pansy stopped, placed her hands on her hips, and turned to stare at the two boys. "You two have been spending way too much time together," she told them incredulously, shaking her head. "And that's a bad thing?" Harry and Draco chorused again, making Pansy throw her hands up in frustration. He and Draco finally looked away from the ominous letter. "When you do that, it is!" Pansy called back, laughing as she and Blaise (A/N: JKR didn't specify what gender Blaise Zabini was, so I made her female. I felt as though there weren't enough Slytherin girls) walked away. Harry grinned before turning back to the piece of mail in his hand that had made his boyfriend terrified. He opened it slowly, his eyes widening in fear as they slid down the parchment, absorbing every word.
Draco, I have received intelligence that you are dating Harry Potter. Have you forgotten who he is? Let me remind you. He is the Dark Lord's most hated enemy! You know I don't mind your being homosexual, as long as you don't spread it around. I must demand, though, that you play to your strengths. Your choices are: Betray your family and have the Dark Lord kill you, or: Betray Potter and turn him over to the Dark Lord, earning yourself great pride from your family in the process and getting your Mark sooner. Either way, I shall be arriving at Hogwarts on April 18. Be sure you are in the Great Hall to greet me. Three days later, you and I will return home. Lucius
Harry turned to Draco with worry and doubt etched on his face. "Drac..." Harry couldn't voice his anxieties. "Come on," Draco muttered, standing up and grasping Harry's hand. Harry waved to his friends over in Gryffindor to show he was leaving with his boyfriend. Draco pulled Harry into the garden where they'd had a special connection that they couldn't and hadn't tried to explain to anyone. "Harry, before you say anything, let me explain what Lucius meant," Draco hastened. Harry felt slightly confused by the way Draco referred to his father as 'Lucius' and not 'Dad', but he shook the feeling off as Draco went on. "He knows that in the past couple of months, something's been different," Draco started to explain. "He started telling me that as soon as I did something to make my family proud, I could get the Dark Mark branded on my skin. Several weeks later, I hadn't done anything yet, so he said when I turned seventeen, I-I..." Draco wasn't able to finish the thought. "Could get the Dark Mark," Harry finished quietly. Draco nodded numbly. "Harry, he's coming. Here," Draco whispered. "When's your birthday?" Harry asked abruptly. "April 20," Draco replied. "Okay, we have a week to think of a plan," Harry remarked. "Better get cracking." Draco nodded, yet said nothing and moved naught. "Draco, sweetie, don't worry," Harry whispered, taking his boyfriend into arms. "But, Harry, he's gonna make me a-" Draco got out before Harry's index finger pressed his lips closed as the raven-haired Gryffindor sat down. "Mark my words, I am not going to let that asshole that has terrorized your life turn you into a freaking Death Eater, okay, Drac?" Harry promised, his voice cold and determined. Draco nodded. Harry removed his finger from Draco's lips and quickly replaced it with his own lips for a quick kiss. Their lips parted and Harry wrapped his arms around Draco to give the slightly shorter blonde boy comfort. "Don't worry, you'll be safe with me," Harry murmured into Draco's fine silver strands, their fingers twining together. "I know," Draco whispered, hugging Harry ever closer.
The next week, Harry, Draco, and their friends had thought of nothing. They'd only agreed on one thing: Harry was to meet Lucius with Draco and they'd do improv from there. Two and a half hours before Lucius was to arrive, Draco was having second doubts about Harry being there. "Drac, I'm not letting you meet him alone," Harry insisted. "It's too dangerous." "I'll be fine. Really," Draco replied. But Harry held steadfast in his determination to meet his boyfriend's abusing father. "Harry, what if he tries to hurt you?" "I can fend for myself, sweetie," Harry reminded him. "Remember, I took a whole bunch of self-defense classes at that Muggle gym near me." "I don't know," Draco remarked. "Draco, you should really have Harry there," Hermione advised. "Then, maybe, Lucius wouldn't be able to hurt you." "She's right," Ron agreed. "Harry needs to be there. He can help." Draco was silent for several minutes as he contemplated his choices. Finally, he said the last thing anyone expected a Slytherin to say. "I think we need to talk to Dumbledore," he whispered. Harry, Hermione, and Ron glanced at each other in surprise before nodding and heading down the hall.
"Ah, Harry, Ron, Hermione...and Draco! What a surprise. How can I help the four of you?" Dumbledore greeted them ten minutes later. Hermione, Harry, and Ron exchanged glances; they had a feeling it wasn't really a surprise to the kind headmaster to find them on his doorstep. "Professor, Draco needs your help," Harry started. He nudged Draco to get him to start. "Pro-Professor, um, you know my father is coming to Hogwarts for several days, then he and I are traveling home three days after his arrival," Draco mumbled, fidgeting with his hands. Harry gently reached over and grasped his hand to comfort and calm him. "Yes?" Dumbledore agreed, urging him to continue. Draco took a steadying breath before plunging back into his explanation. "Um, he-he's told me I have, um, two choices. I can either betray my family and be killed by Voldemort or betray Harry, turn him over to Voldemort, and get the Dark Mark, earning myself pride in my family in the process. Either way, I get my Mark on my seventeenth birthday, two days from now." "Well, it seems as though we have a bit of a situation here, don't we?" Dumbledore asked, smiling. "Now, I'm guessing, Harry, you want to meet Lucius in the Entrance Hall when he arrives today. Am I right?" "Yes, sir," Harry replied calmly. "And, Draco, you are afraid for Harry's well-being if he comes with you today, right?" "Not just then, but at all times," Draco added. "The thing I'm worried about the most is Draco," Harry stated, sitting up. "I know if I leave him, Lucius will do something to him for staying with me. But I have to leave him. We only have three lessons together." "I see. Pardon me if what I say next doesn't seem relevant at all, but, Draco, what did the Sorting Hat say when you tried it on? And please don't make something up to make it seem like you were meant for Slytherin," Dumbledore asked. "It-it said I would do well in Gryffindor, but I knew the consequences if I wasn't in Slytherin," Draco muttered quietly. Harry stared at him, as well as Hermione and Ron. "Draco, please try on the Sorting Hat again," Dumbledore requested, reaching around and picking up the limp hat. "What, are you insane?" Draco exclaimed, jumping out of his chair. "And do something else to make my father furious? Nuh-uh!" he cried in a ridiculously childish fashion. "Drac, come on," Harry pleaded. "You know I'm not going to let him touch you." "No, that's your job," Ron joked. Harry and Draco blushed deep reds as Harry looked down in embarrassment. "Ron!" Hermione exclaimed. She turned to the amused headmaster looking on. "I'm so sorry, professor, he hasn't had his medications today yet." "Quite all right, Hermione," Dumbledore excused, chuckling. "Hey, now that's not fair," Ron objected. "I ran out." "Oh!" Hermione cried, throwing her hands up in frustration. "Anyway, Drac, I'm not gonna let him hurt you in any sort of way," Harry promised. "Just, try on the hat. For me. For us." " 'Kay," Draco agreed doubtfully. "Now, Draco, no matter what house the hat names, you are not allowed to object. Understood?" Dumbledore asked sternly. "Yup." "Here you go," Dumbledore said, placing the Hat on Draco's blonde hair. Draco sat still and silent for near to five minutes. Finally, the Hat called, "This boy belongs in Gryffindor!" Once the Hat was removed, Draco grinned and jumped off his chair into Harry's waiting arms. He also received a hug from Hermione and handshakes from Ron and Dumbledore. "Now is the matter of a room," Dumbledore said. "I have the perfect place! Harry, you will stay there also, as Lucius could easily intimidate any of the Gryffindors into giving him the password to get at both you and Draco." "Okay!" they two boys agreed enthusiastically at once. "It is the room that housed the Mirror of Erised in your first year. It has been refurnished in the fashion of a small apartment. I will give only the four of you the password." "Okay," they agreed. "The password is 'Leviosa'," Dumbledore told them. "You are under no circumstance to tell anyone that." Draco, Harry, Ron, and Hermione nodded solemnly. Dumbledore snapped his fingers once and Dobby the house-elf came hurrying into the room. "Oh! Harry Potter, sir! How is you?" Dobby squeaked. Harry grinned. "Hey, Dobby. I'm fine, thanks. What're you up to?" "Oh, cleaning and cooking. Nothing different," Dobby replied. Suddenly he became very excited. "Dobby has gots more socks! See?" Dobby raised up one of his pant legs to show a violently colored orange sock on his left foot. On his right was a bright pink and maroon striped and polka-dotted sock. "Wow. Those are-well, those socks sure are something, Dobby," Harry complemented, squinting his eyes slightly. Dobby beamed, then saw Draco. "Young Master Malfoy," he breathed, backing away. "It's okay, Dobby, I'm on the side of good now," Draco assured him. "Dobby, can you please transport all Draco's and Harry's belongings to the Erised suite?" Dumbledore requested. "Of course, Headmaster, sir," Dobby replied, bowing himself out of the room. "Now, Draco, you will now be doing everything with Gryffindor," Dumbledore instructed. "Try to tolerate them if not like them." "Yes, sir," Draco said again. "Correct me if I'm mistaken, but don't you need to meet your father in ten minutes?" Dumbledore asked, pulling his watch out of his pocket. Draco blanched "Can't someone just curse me and send me to the hospital wing?" Draco asked anxiously. Harry groaned. "Ugh, come on!" Harry dragged Draco out the door, Ron and Hermione following with apologetic looks on their faces. Dumbledore's face stayed impassive as they walked out the door. "They'll get through. They're strong enough."
Draco nervously paced the Entrance Hall, while Harry leaned up against the wall behind him. Ron and Hermione were waiting on the second floor landing, ready to either run to get Dumbledore or to run down and help Harry and Draco. "Draco, calm-" Harry started to cry exasperatedly when the Hogwarts doorbell rang loudly. Draco spun around to stare at the door. "He's here," the new Gryffindor whispered. Harry stood up and walked over to plant a kiss on Draco's cheek. Draco took a deep breath and went to open the door with his boyfriend at his side. "Good after-" the cold Lucius Malfoy's greeting faltered when he saw Harry Potter standing next to his son, a steely, determined glint in his eye. "Good afternoon, Mr. Malfoy," Harry welcomed smoothly, his voice showing none of the hatred he really felt. "How was your trip?" "What is the meaning of this?" Lucius hissed, somehow managing to keep control. "Come, Draco, we are leaving for home sooner than planned," he added, his unusually bright eyes never leaving Harry's. "Actually, Father, I've decided to stay at Hogwarts and celebrate my birthday with Harry," Draco replied, at Harry's nudge. "Really? You have?" Lucius asked, smiling/grimacing wryly. "Funny. My little friend here says otherwise." He pulled out his wand and twirled it for a moment before pointing it straight at Harry's heart. Only a second went by before Harry and Draco drew their wands and directed them at Lucius. "You forget, Lucius, we now have them, too," Draco told him calmly, though his blood was boiling. "I will not go with you." Lucius paused a minute before shooting the Crutiatus Curse at his son. Draco hit the floor, sliding to a stop by the wall, and lay, writhing in pain, as Harry unsuccessfully tried to curse the older Malfoy and break the one on Draco. Finally, Harry gave up and, dodging the spells, jinxes, hexes, and curses Lucius was still hurling his way, ran to Draco who was still under the Unforgivable. Harry, who could do nothing to stop the pain, knelt at Draco's side and pushed back the fine blonde strands from his forehead. He leaned over and kissed Draco's cheek. "Don't worry, we'll be fine," Harry whispered, tears clouding his vision. "Get-out-of here," Draco panted, semi-fighting the waves of immense pain he was feeling. "I don't want you to get hurt." Harry laughed wryly. "Drac, sweetie, it's too late for that," Harry told him, gently caressing his boyfriend's cheek. "It hurts me to see you like this. And to hell and back am I leaving. I'm not leaving you here with this maniac! Ah, shit!" he cried as Lucius walked over, picked him up and threw him against the nearby wall. He slumped over, half-conscious. "Harry!" Draco yelled, straining to reach the one he loved. Lucius turned around and saw Draco. "Come on, boy, we're going to pay a little visit to an old family friend," he said, grasping Draco's arm and harshly pulling him to his feet after kicking him a few times. The blonde cried out more than once as Lucius' fingers dug into his skin. Suddenly, three voices shouted... "Stupify!" "Stupify!" "Stupify!" Lucius fell to the ground, a trickle of blood dripping from the corner of his mouth, as Harry, Ron, and Hermione cried out the spell simultaneously. Ron and Hermione clattered down the stairs to help their friends to their feet, Ron to Harry and Hermione to Draco. The aftermath of Lucius' arrival was worse than what they expected. It felt as though Draco's arm had broken and he had gained many more cuts and bruises. Harry couldn't feel his entire left arm and he, too, had received a good many cuts, including large ones on his face. He also felt it hugely painful to stand, it seemed the blow against the wall had broken several bones in his leg. Draco and Hermione rushed over to Harry and fell to their knees next to him. "Oh, Harry, I told you to leave. I knew something would happen to you," Draco murmured, kissing Harry and cradling his head. Harry smiled faintly. "It was worth it," he said. "You get to stay." "Yeah. I get to stay," Draco agreed, laughing and crying at the same time. Harry turned to his two oldest friends on his other side. "Perfect timing, as always, you two," he complemented. Ron grinned sheepishly. "Sorry," he apologized. "We were arguing whether or not to go and get Dumbledore before coming to help." "It's okay," Harry said, wincing as he tried to sit up. "Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy, what have you gotten yourselves into now?" they heard someone say from behind. They turned and saw Dumbledore shaking his head. Madam Pomfrey appeared from behind and, tut-tutting under her breath, magically healed Harry's leg and Draco's arm after conjuring up and forcing them drink a horrible-tasting concoction to help. She put some medicine on their cuts and pronounced them fine. They turned Dumbledore, who, to their chagrin, was waking Lucius Malfoy. "Dumbledore, I will be taking Draco with me back to the manor," he hissed, brushing himself off. Draco's eyes widened in horror; he knew if he went home, there would surely be the worst beating his life had ever endured. Harry stepped in front of Draco, his steely, determined stare fixed on the senior Malfoy, his eyes boring into him. "Draco's not going anywhere with you," Harry spat out coldly. "Harry, please let me deal with this," Dumbledore requested quietly. "Lucius, there seems to be a misunderstanding. You see, Draco cannot leave now. He needs to study for his upcoming final exams with his fellow Gryffindors." Draco groaned inwardly as the elderly headmaster said this. Lucius' eyes bugged and he nearly choked on his breath. "GRYFFINDOR?!" he shrieked. "Since when are you in Gryffindor, you stupid little brat?! What the hell is going on?" he shouted, completely losing his head, strange bright patches of pink on his typically pale cheeks. "Lucius, I think it's best you leave now," Dumbledore stated, a fire in his eyes Harry hadn't seen since his second year. Lucius looked wildly from the determined headmaster to Harry, staring at him in hatred, to his petrified son to Hermione and Ron glaring at him. He nodded shortly. "Fine," he responded. "But I'm warning you, son, the Dark Lord will come for you and he will murder you and Potter and all he feels unworthy of life," he snarled. "Okay, yeah, thanks for telling us, your train's leaving," Harry remarked, waving. "By the way, give Voldemort my regards. Tell him if he hurts Draco or any of my friends, the next time I see him, I'm going to kick his ass and destroy him even more than I did fifteen years ago. Tell him I'm ready to avenge my parents' murder." "Harry, no!" Hermione, Draco, and Ron whispered. Lucius glared at him for a moment before turning on his heels, his cloak billowing, and slamming the door behind him. Dumbledore turned to Draco and Harry, who was wiping a bleeding cut on his forehead. "Are you two all right?" he asked. They both nodded. "Please head to Gryffindor Tower. Dinner will take place in the dormitories tonight while the teachers and I devise a plan for protection." "Yes, Professor," the four Gryffindors murmured. Harry wound his arm around Draco's thin waist and they all headed up the stairs. Ten minutes later, they entered the common room. Draco's anxiety returned as they did this. All mouths dropped open and all activity ceased. No one could understand why the most famous Gryffindor was bringing a Slytherin (former, although they didn't know it) into their common room, even if the Slytherin was the Gryffindor's boyfriend. "Um, you guys, Draco was missorted," Harry explained. "He should have been sorted into Gryffindor." "Oh!" everyone said together. The next second, all the people in the common room swarmed around Draco, welcoming him into their house. Harry backed off, a crooked smile on his face, to stand next to Ron and Hermione. Draco was grinning as he was introduced to everyone. "Well, that went over a lot better than I thought it would," he told Hermione and Ron. "Gryffindors are a very accepting group, apparently," Ron surmised, watching the crowd. "Of course we are. It's our job," Hermione told them matter-of-factly. "It's also our reputation and we have to live up to it," she added. Harry and Ron started laughing, though it was merely moments before Harry stopped and his face grew serious. "What's wrong, Harry?" Hermione asked, her forehead furrowed in concern. "You guys, Drac's turning seventeen in two days," Harry told them. "And.you're upset he's older than you?" Ron wondered jokingly. "Ow!" he yelped as Hermione shoved him into the wall. "No, I don't know what to get him," Harry replied honestly. "Well, tomorrow's Saturday and another Hogsmeade visit," Hermione told him, tying back her now-tameable hair. "Ron, you can take him into Quality Quidditch Supplies and Harry, you and I will go find something for Draco." "Okay," Harry answered, nodding. "But, in the meantime, let's eat!" Ron exclaimed as several house elves came zooming into the room with huge platters of food atop their shoulders. A seventh year, Alyssa McKee, conjured up a large table they could all eat at. Harry and Draco grabbed a chair and dragged it to the table while Ron and Hermione did the same. The Gryffindors all started eating, talking and laughing, just like any other time. Draco found he fit in just fine. He turned at one point to see Harry watching him. "What?" "Mm, nothing, nothing," Harry replied. He grinned and kissed Draco. "What was that for?" Draco asked in surprise, although he didn't hate it. Harry shrugged. "For being you," Harry said. "All in all, I think the good in today outweighs the bad," Draco remarked as he gave Harry a kiss in return.
A/N: Sorry if this took a while to write this chapter. I've had a huge case of writer's block and, on top of that, I was on vacation. So, you can imagine how much I was distracted! Anyway, Hogsmeade's coming up in the next chapter. R/R, peoples!