PART EIGHT
It was a bright and sunny afternoon at Number Four Privet Drive. The house was nondescript and looked much like all of the other homes that surrounded it. There was a family station wagon parked in the driveway. It was a perfectly normal home, just like the perfectly normal (and cruel Draco thought) family that resided within its walls.
Vernon, Petunia and Dudley Dursley had caused Harry many years of heartache and pain. They knew that he was a wizard when he was left on their doorstep, but instead of nurturing Harry they had attempted to squash the magic out of him. Draco knew that the Dursleys hated Harry as much as Harry loathed them. He also knew that the Dursleys were afraid of magic and he would use that to the best of his advantage if need be. He braced himself and walked up to the door of the Dursley home and rang the bell.
"Yes? May I help you?" asked the horse faced woman that answered the door. Draco assumed that this was Harry's infamous Aunt Petunia.
"Yes, I am looking for Mr. Vernon Dursley"
"May I inquire as to what business you have with my husband?"
"My name is Draco Malfoy, I need to speak to him about Harry Potter"
Petunia Dursley's face paled making her look uglier (if that was possible) than she already was.
"How dare you come to my home to talk to me about that-that freak!"
Mrs. Dursley made a move to slam the door in Draco's face, but he was quick and managed to stick his foot in the door before it shut. "VERNON!! VERNON HELP! IT'S ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE!"
Vernon Dursley came up behind his wife, his face almost purple with rage. Harry was right, the man had no neck.
"Who the bloody hell are you and why are you at my home? What business do you have here?"
"My name is Draco Malfoy Mr. Dursley, and I need to speak to you about your nephew Harry" Draco stated calmly.
"GO AWAY! That creature is no longer my responsibility, he is of age, he tormented my family and I long enough! I want nothing to do with him!"
"This is going to be harder than I thought" Draco thought to himself. He tried a different approach.
"Mr. and Mrs. Dursley I am aware of your feelings towards Harry. I know that you never want to hear his name again, that you want him expunged from your lives forever, however, there is a, well, situation that has arisen that may make the boy your responsibility again"
Petunia and Vernon Dursley's horrible faces went pale. It was evident that they feared their "freak" nephew intruding upon their happy and normal life again.
"May I come in?"
"Show the boy in Petunia" Vernon ordered. It was clear he wanted whatever situation that had arisen solved immediately.
Petunia Dursley granted Draco entrance into their home and led Draco into the kitchen. The walls of the Dursley home were plastered with pictures of the revoltingly happy family. Pictures of the ugly lug of a son also graced the walls and shelves. Draco had to fight the urge to vomit.
"Well now Mr. Malfoy, what is it you want?" aksed Vernon
Draco decided to get right to the point.
"Harry has had an accident. He fell down four flights of stairs and now finds himself in a coma at Brompton Hospital in London. The doctor believed that Harry was responding and was going to wake up, however, there has been a complication and the doctor believes that he may have to contact his only living blood relatives if his condition does not improve"
"And? Pull the bloody plug and have it done with! That's what I say!" growled Uncle Vernon. Petunia nodded her head in agreement.
It took all of Draco's strength not to subject Vernon and Petunia Dursley to the Cruciatus curse. He wanted to watch them suffer, and he wanted to make them pay, but he couldn't think of that now, Harry, he had to think of Harry.
"It's not that easy sir, you would have to travel to London, meet with his doctors and figure out a treatment plan before you could pull the plug"
Draco didn't know if this was true or not, but it sounded plausible, and as long as it helped him achieve his goal he didn't mind making up a few things along the way.
"Will that freak never leave our family in peace Vernon?!?" Petunia screeched.
"Perfect" thought Draco
"There is a way to rid yourselves of this"
"Well, out with it boy!"
"Well Mr. and Mrs. Dursley you could sign over authority for Harry's care to someone else"
"Perfect!! How would we do that?" Petunia looked elated at the thought
"You would have to sign a legal document stating that a specifically named person was responsible for Harry should he find himself in the condition that he is presently in"
"Where could I find such a document?"
"I happen to have one Mr. Dursley, I had my attorney draw it up this morning. All you and Mrs. Dursley have to do is sign it and you will no longer have to be bothered by your nephew again"
"Not that it matters, but who are we signing over care to Mr. Malfoy?"
"Hermione Granger, one of his dearest and oldest friends"
"Let's sign it Vernon, let's sign it and rid ourselves of the damned Potters forever!"
"Just a minute Petunia, Mr. Malfoy why are you so anxious to have us sign this document. I mirror my wife's sentiments, I want the Harry out of our lives forever, but there is a piece of the puzzle you aren't revealing"
"SHIT!" thought Draco, he should have known that Vernon Dursley could smell money a mile away.
"Mr. Malfoy, I would like to see a record of my nephew's assets, what's in his bank account and so forth. I may be willing to go through a little trouble if there was enough money in Harry's accounts to repay my family for all of the years that he lived off of us"
Draco was seething, but he couldn't lose his composure, he just needed to change his tactics.
"I assure you Mr. Dursley, Harry barely scrapes by. There is virtually no money in his account, and his assets are worthless"
"I don't believe you Mr. Malfoy, and I will not sign anything until I see some proof"
Draco had reached his limit, if Dursley wanted to play dirty he was about to find out exactly what nasty and dirty was, he was still a Malfoy and a Slytherin after all.
"Alright Dursley" Draco drawled "I have tried to play nice, now lets play my way. There is not a chance in fucking hell that I would leave Harry's life in your hands. I tried to do this the easy way, but you leave me no choice" Draco removed his wand from his pocket and raised it slowly.
Vernon and Petunia Dursley froze, the terror paralyzing them.
"You have a few options, pick whichever you like, I don't give a rat's ass which one you pick but I'm not leaving here until this document is signed. Your first option is this: I am a wizard just like your nephew. Here's a newsflash, you're nephew fought for the good guys, I didn't and lets just say I picked up some interesting tips and tricks from the other side" He grinned evilly at them.
Vernon Dursley gulped loudly. Petunia clutched his arm, she was petrified.
"Your second option is this you can willingly sign the fucking paper and avoid my interesting tricks. You have 10 seconds to decide starting now"
"You bloody bastard!" growled Vernon Dursley
Draco pointed his wand at him. "Your ten seconds are almost up and I don't know what your decision is Mr. Dursley"
Vernon Dursley was completely purple with rage by now, he had been beaten, he had no choice but to sign the paper.
"FINE! My wife and I will sign"
Draco handed the Dursleys the pen and paper, and just like that Harry was no longer associated with the Dursleys. Hermione was the official decision maker.
He smirked at the Dursleys as he left Privet Drive. It was time to go back to Harry, time to help coax him back into the world of the living, so that they could all go on with their lives.
**Brompton Hospital**
"Are you sure Mr. Malfoy did not say where he was going?"
"Yes Miss Granger, he only wanted you both to know that he would be gone for a few days" the nurse answered. Hermione knew that the desk nurse was at her wits end with her, but she had to know where the hell Draco had gone.
"Thank you, come on Mione, let's go into the waiting room"
"Ron, you don't think that he disappeared again do you?"
"I don't know, would it really be a surprise, he disappeared for two years Hermione!"
"I know that! But you heard Harry mumbling, he keeps repeating his name, I think Draco it the key to all of this Ron!"
"Of course he is!! HE'S THE ONE THAT BLOODY CAUSED IT!" Ron yelled. He felt bad yelling at Hermione, but he couldn't help it. Draco Malfoy had nearly destroyed his best friend and now his best friend may never wake up because of him.
"Why don't you yell a little louder Weasley, I don't think that the rest of the hospital heard you clearly enough" Draco drawled.
"Where did you go Draco?" Hermione asked calmly.
Draco did not have a chance to respond as Dr. Edwards appeared in the waiting room.
"What's the news on Harry doctor?" Ron asked
"He's is still not awake Mr. Weasley, he keeps mumbling in his sleep, but as I said he is reacting to the events in his head. I'm afraid we may need to contact his relatives soon"
Ron and Hermione paled. The Dursleys would just want Harry finished off.
"I'm afraid there will be no need to contact the Dursleys Dr. Edwards"
"Why is that Mr. Malfoy?"
"I spoke with them a few days ago, and they signed the necessary documentation. Miss Granger is officially the person in charge from here on out"
Hermione and Ron stared at Draco the shock blatantly obvious on both their faces.
"Very well Mr. Malfoy may I see the document?"
"Of course" Draco withdrew the document from his satchel and gave it Dr. Edwards who looked it over carefully.
"Everything appears to be in order, Miss Granger would you like to come into my office so that we can discuss Harry's state"
"We-we can discuss it here Dr. Edwards, I want Draco and Ron to know everything that I do as I will be considering BOTH of their opinions when any decisions regarding Harry are made"
"Very well. As I stated a few days ago, the sedatives have completely worn off and there is really no reason that Mr. Potter should still be unconscious, however, as I also stated it was an extremely traumatic event that led to the condition we find him in today. I will not pull any punches with you, the more days that go by and he does not wake up, the less likely it becomes that he ever will"
Draco felt as though he had been punched in the stomach. He felt sick. Harry may never wake up. The thought repeated itself over and over in his head, taunting and torturing him.
Ron and Hermione broke down, they held each other tightly as the realization crashed down on them that they may never see their best friend awake again.
Draco felt utterly and completely alone. At least Weasley and Granger had each other to cling to, his reason for living lay in a hospital bed about to wither away.
"Where do we go from here Dr. Edwards?" Hermione questioned once she composed herself.
"First I need to know if you would like for Harry to continue receiving he necessary things to sustain him"
Hermione looked at Ron and Draco and they both nodded.
"Yes, yes of course" Hermione answered
"Very well, we will need to discuss his condition again in another week or so if it remains the same"
They all nodded.
"Mione?"
"Yes love?"
"We need to, well we need to go to the Burrow, we have to break the news to everyone. I don't feel right telling them this by owl"
"You're right, but Ron. I don't want to leave Harry"
"I can stay with Harry, Granger"
Hermione and Ron looked at each other hesitantly
"Oh for Merlin's sake! I'm not going to do anything to him! What is it with you two!?!? I've proven that I'm not a bloody Death Eater, and I got the Dursleys to relinquish any authority they may still have over Harry!"
"You also betrayed him and abandoned him Malfoy, lets not forget that"
"You're right Weasley I did, and look at me now, don't I look like the perfect picture of one who has escaped their Karma? I mean life is wonderful for me! FUCKING WONDERFUL! I'm alone, I'm miserable, and finally FINALLY the love of my life walks into my life after two years and what happens?!?! HE FALLS DOWN THE FUCKING STAIRS BECAUSE OF ME!!! HE IS IN A COMA BECAUSE OF ME!! HE MIGHT DIE BECAUSE OF ME! ME!!!! Yeah Weasley, life is peachy"
Ron's eyes widened at Draco's outburst, he had never seen Draco Malfoy's cool façade come down. It was scary and he finally realized that Malfoy was barely hanging on by a thread to his sanity. Perhaps Hermione was right; perhaps Draco truly did still love his best friend after all this time.
"Fine Draco, we'll leave Harry in your care while we go and tell Ron's family what is going on. I would also like to check out some resources at the Hogwarts library, perhaps there is a spell that could help Harry"
"Come on Granger you know better than that, magic and spells are all good and well, but nothing can cure what is going on in a person's head. No spell or enchantment can rid them of their demons, sure maybe for a little while, but they are always there lurking waiting to overtake you just as Harry's have done with him"
"We have to try"
Draco nodded. "Well then if you'll excuse me I'm going to go and buy some coffee. See you two in a day or so"
Draco watched Ron and Hermione leave. He assumed that they were apparating to the Burrow, he didn't really care, all he knew was that he needed to see Harry. NOW. "Excuse me Miss"
"Yes may I help you?"
"What room is Harry Potter in?"
"433, just down the hall, are you authorized to visit him?"
"I don't know"
"Your name?"
"Draco Malfoy"
"I don't see your name here. Please wait here a moment while I go and speak to Dr. Edwards"
"Fine"
Draco watched as the desk nurse walked out of view and quickly made his way to Harry's room. He didn't know why, but he locked the door behind him. He didn't want anyone to tear him away from Harry until he was ready.
The room was dimly lit with a solitary bed near the window. It was so sterile. Draco gasped when he saw Harry. He looked so small and fragile lying in the hospital bed, his raven hair contrasting with the sterile whiteness surrounding him. He was hooked up to so many machines and there were iv's in his arms. Draco did not know much about muggle medicine but he supposed that they were what was helping to keep Harry in the land of the living. He choked back a sob. His beautiful Harry. God what had he done? Why had he ever walked away from him?
Draco walked over and sat in the chair by Harry's bed. He was mumbling, but he couldn't make out what he was saying. Gently Draco took Harry's hand and laced their finger together, it was odd, but Harry seemed to calm slightly.
"Harry?"
No response.
"Harry, it's me, Draco. I'm so sorry love. I'm sorry about tonight, I'm sorry about what happened two years ago, about not standing up to my father, please Harry come back to me and let me make it up to you"
Harry began to mumble again this time Draco leaned in closer to hear what he was saying.
"Draco, Draco, Draco" Harry kept mumbling his name over and over again. It was almost too much for Draco. He squeezed Harry's hand.
"Shhh, I'm here love, I'm right here"
Draco leaned down and lightly kissed Harry's lips, but he didn't stop there, he began placing feather light kisses on Harry's face, his lips, his nose, and his eyelids. He wanted Harry to know that he was there and their kisses had powerful effects on them both so he figured that this was the best way to let Harry know. As Draco leaned down to kiss Harry's neck he caught a glimpse of something shiny on Harry's neck. Carefully he reached down to further inspect what it was and was shocked. It was a thin silver chain, barely noticeable, a small silver dragon with emerald eyes hung on the chain. Draco's eyes filled with tears and let the memory wash over him.
**Hogwarts**
"Draco, where on earth are we going?"
"Harry if you don't stop complaining I'm going to stick my wand in a very uncomfortable place"
"Promise?"
"God, Harry will you just shut up and cooperate?"
"Oh, alright"
"Thank you" he turned towards Harry and gave him a quick kiss.
"Hmmm.I should agree with you more often" Harry smiled, his eyes sparkling.
"We're almost there"
"Draco, what part of the castle are we in?"
"Just a place I discovered by accident one night, I don't know why but this portion of the castle hasn't been used in ages"
"Are you sure its safe?"
"Yes, I'm sure Harry"
"Good"
"We're here, now close your eyes while I open the door"
Harry closed his eyes and Draco escorted him into the room.
"Open your eyes love"
Harry gasped. The room was lit with candles, in the center was a table piled with all of Harry's favorite foods, there was a fire going in the hearth and an enormous Christmas tree sat in the corner. The room was old, but Draco had managed to decorate it beautifully.
"Happy Christmas Harry"
"Draco, it's so beautiful.Thank you, Happy Christmas"
Harry turned and kissed his lover passionately. No one had ever done anything like this for him before.
"Harry" Draco gasped
"Hmmm?"
"If you keep kissing me like that we'll never get to the presents and the food"
"Presents? Well why didn't you say so sooner?"
Harry released his lover and went to inspect the Christmas tree. Under it was a small box, he pulled something from his robes and added it to the package already under the tree.
"What shall we do first Harry? Eat or open presents?"
"Let's eat first, I'm starving"
Draco and Harry enjoyed the small feast that Draco had arranged with Dobby's help. They laughed and joked throughout dinner, it was perfect.
"Perhaps we should save some food for later love, your always hungry after our little escapades, and I plan to have quite an escapade tonight" Draco smiled suggestively at Harry.
Harry blushed, but his body was already reacting to Draco's suggestive smirk.
"Okay, presents then?"
"Presents it is"
"Open yours first Draco" Draco took his package from under the tree and began to unwrap it. He could tell that Harry was nervous, he didn't know why, whatever Harry bought him he would cherish forever. Draco opened the box it was a Christmas ornament of the Golden Snitch, on the back it had been engraved: Draco and Harry 12/25/00, Our 1st Christmas Together. Draco's eyes filled with tears.
"Oh Harry, it's the best gift I've ever gotten, Thank you"
"You like it then?"
"Yes, Harry no one has ever given me something this sentimental, this special, it's wonderful"
"I-I thought since you were telling your father about us we could hang this ornament on our Christmas tree next year"
"Our?"
"Yes, our Christmas tree. I love you Draco after we graduate, I want us to be US. I want to come home to you, wake up next to you, celebrate Christmas with you just like we are now, I want this ornament to be the first one that we collect together over the years"
"Oh Harry" Draco flung his arms around Harry and kissed him. He was so happy, but it was an uneasy happiness. He knew he loved Harry more than anything and he had promised Harry that he would owl his father over the break, but he still had not brought himself to write the bloody letter, but he would. He would not be a coward, this time he would stand up to his father because this time next year he wanted to be hanging their second ornament on the tree. Draco got up and placed the Snitch on the tree and retrieved Harry's gift.
"Your turn Harry"
Harry smiled and began unwrapping the small box. He gasped. In the box was a delicate silver chain. On the chain hung a small dragon with emeralds for eyes.
"Draco, it's beautiful"
"It represents us Harry. The dragon with the emerald eyes. I am not complete without you Harry, you have me, heart, mind, body and soul."
"I'll never take it off Draco, ever. You'll always be with me, I'm yours just as you are mine"
Both were moved beyond words at the gifts they had bestowed upon each other. They also knew that the gifts went far beyond the ornament or the dragon. They had given themselves to each other. They leaned in to kiss each other. Draco placed small kisses over Harry's face and neck. He was rewarded with contented sighs and moans from his lover. Soon they had relieved each other of their clothing, ecstasy washing over both of them.
Draco and Harry had been intimate many times before, but it was different this time. There were no more walls to break through and when their bodies joined this time it was different because it felt as though their souls were finally united as well. Their moans of pleasure echoed in the room as they worshipped each other far into the night.
Much later Draco looked down at the sleeping boy in his arms. He gently kissed the mass or unruly raven hair and whispered "I love you Harry"
Draco's final thought before succumbing to sleep was of the letter he had yet to write to his father. "Tomorrow" thought Draco "Tomorrow I'll write and send the letter"
**Present Day**
Draco blinked against the early morning sunshine and groaned. When he became more coherent he finally realized that not only was he extremely warm and comfortable, but he was asleep in someone's arms. Two arms were wrapped protectively around his waist, and there was a soft and warm breath caressing his neck.
He remembered sneaking in to visit Harry and discovering that he still wore the dragon pendant he had given him their first Christmas together. Draco also recalled crawling into bed with Harry as he was swept away by the memory of that Christmas, but when he had lain down with Harry he was still unresponsive. In fact Draco had curled up to him and begged Harry to wake up, to hold him in his arms. Apparently some part of Harry's mind had heard his plea. Carefully Draco turned to face Harry, he smiled and gently caressed his face.
"I knew you could hear me" Draco smiled and kissed Harry on the cheek.
Draco pulled back to examine Harry's beautiful face once again and was greeted with the sight of two emerald green eyes staring back at him.
"Draco? Where the bloody hell am I?"
It was a bright and sunny afternoon at Number Four Privet Drive. The house was nondescript and looked much like all of the other homes that surrounded it. There was a family station wagon parked in the driveway. It was a perfectly normal home, just like the perfectly normal (and cruel Draco thought) family that resided within its walls.
Vernon, Petunia and Dudley Dursley had caused Harry many years of heartache and pain. They knew that he was a wizard when he was left on their doorstep, but instead of nurturing Harry they had attempted to squash the magic out of him. Draco knew that the Dursleys hated Harry as much as Harry loathed them. He also knew that the Dursleys were afraid of magic and he would use that to the best of his advantage if need be. He braced himself and walked up to the door of the Dursley home and rang the bell.
"Yes? May I help you?" asked the horse faced woman that answered the door. Draco assumed that this was Harry's infamous Aunt Petunia.
"Yes, I am looking for Mr. Vernon Dursley"
"May I inquire as to what business you have with my husband?"
"My name is Draco Malfoy, I need to speak to him about Harry Potter"
Petunia Dursley's face paled making her look uglier (if that was possible) than she already was.
"How dare you come to my home to talk to me about that-that freak!"
Mrs. Dursley made a move to slam the door in Draco's face, but he was quick and managed to stick his foot in the door before it shut. "VERNON!! VERNON HELP! IT'S ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE!"
Vernon Dursley came up behind his wife, his face almost purple with rage. Harry was right, the man had no neck.
"Who the bloody hell are you and why are you at my home? What business do you have here?"
"My name is Draco Malfoy Mr. Dursley, and I need to speak to you about your nephew Harry" Draco stated calmly.
"GO AWAY! That creature is no longer my responsibility, he is of age, he tormented my family and I long enough! I want nothing to do with him!"
"This is going to be harder than I thought" Draco thought to himself. He tried a different approach.
"Mr. and Mrs. Dursley I am aware of your feelings towards Harry. I know that you never want to hear his name again, that you want him expunged from your lives forever, however, there is a, well, situation that has arisen that may make the boy your responsibility again"
Petunia and Vernon Dursley's horrible faces went pale. It was evident that they feared their "freak" nephew intruding upon their happy and normal life again.
"May I come in?"
"Show the boy in Petunia" Vernon ordered. It was clear he wanted whatever situation that had arisen solved immediately.
Petunia Dursley granted Draco entrance into their home and led Draco into the kitchen. The walls of the Dursley home were plastered with pictures of the revoltingly happy family. Pictures of the ugly lug of a son also graced the walls and shelves. Draco had to fight the urge to vomit.
"Well now Mr. Malfoy, what is it you want?" aksed Vernon
Draco decided to get right to the point.
"Harry has had an accident. He fell down four flights of stairs and now finds himself in a coma at Brompton Hospital in London. The doctor believed that Harry was responding and was going to wake up, however, there has been a complication and the doctor believes that he may have to contact his only living blood relatives if his condition does not improve"
"And? Pull the bloody plug and have it done with! That's what I say!" growled Uncle Vernon. Petunia nodded her head in agreement.
It took all of Draco's strength not to subject Vernon and Petunia Dursley to the Cruciatus curse. He wanted to watch them suffer, and he wanted to make them pay, but he couldn't think of that now, Harry, he had to think of Harry.
"It's not that easy sir, you would have to travel to London, meet with his doctors and figure out a treatment plan before you could pull the plug"
Draco didn't know if this was true or not, but it sounded plausible, and as long as it helped him achieve his goal he didn't mind making up a few things along the way.
"Will that freak never leave our family in peace Vernon?!?" Petunia screeched.
"Perfect" thought Draco
"There is a way to rid yourselves of this"
"Well, out with it boy!"
"Well Mr. and Mrs. Dursley you could sign over authority for Harry's care to someone else"
"Perfect!! How would we do that?" Petunia looked elated at the thought
"You would have to sign a legal document stating that a specifically named person was responsible for Harry should he find himself in the condition that he is presently in"
"Where could I find such a document?"
"I happen to have one Mr. Dursley, I had my attorney draw it up this morning. All you and Mrs. Dursley have to do is sign it and you will no longer have to be bothered by your nephew again"
"Not that it matters, but who are we signing over care to Mr. Malfoy?"
"Hermione Granger, one of his dearest and oldest friends"
"Let's sign it Vernon, let's sign it and rid ourselves of the damned Potters forever!"
"Just a minute Petunia, Mr. Malfoy why are you so anxious to have us sign this document. I mirror my wife's sentiments, I want the Harry out of our lives forever, but there is a piece of the puzzle you aren't revealing"
"SHIT!" thought Draco, he should have known that Vernon Dursley could smell money a mile away.
"Mr. Malfoy, I would like to see a record of my nephew's assets, what's in his bank account and so forth. I may be willing to go through a little trouble if there was enough money in Harry's accounts to repay my family for all of the years that he lived off of us"
Draco was seething, but he couldn't lose his composure, he just needed to change his tactics.
"I assure you Mr. Dursley, Harry barely scrapes by. There is virtually no money in his account, and his assets are worthless"
"I don't believe you Mr. Malfoy, and I will not sign anything until I see some proof"
Draco had reached his limit, if Dursley wanted to play dirty he was about to find out exactly what nasty and dirty was, he was still a Malfoy and a Slytherin after all.
"Alright Dursley" Draco drawled "I have tried to play nice, now lets play my way. There is not a chance in fucking hell that I would leave Harry's life in your hands. I tried to do this the easy way, but you leave me no choice" Draco removed his wand from his pocket and raised it slowly.
Vernon and Petunia Dursley froze, the terror paralyzing them.
"You have a few options, pick whichever you like, I don't give a rat's ass which one you pick but I'm not leaving here until this document is signed. Your first option is this: I am a wizard just like your nephew. Here's a newsflash, you're nephew fought for the good guys, I didn't and lets just say I picked up some interesting tips and tricks from the other side" He grinned evilly at them.
Vernon Dursley gulped loudly. Petunia clutched his arm, she was petrified.
"Your second option is this you can willingly sign the fucking paper and avoid my interesting tricks. You have 10 seconds to decide starting now"
"You bloody bastard!" growled Vernon Dursley
Draco pointed his wand at him. "Your ten seconds are almost up and I don't know what your decision is Mr. Dursley"
Vernon Dursley was completely purple with rage by now, he had been beaten, he had no choice but to sign the paper.
"FINE! My wife and I will sign"
Draco handed the Dursleys the pen and paper, and just like that Harry was no longer associated with the Dursleys. Hermione was the official decision maker.
He smirked at the Dursleys as he left Privet Drive. It was time to go back to Harry, time to help coax him back into the world of the living, so that they could all go on with their lives.
**Brompton Hospital**
"Are you sure Mr. Malfoy did not say where he was going?"
"Yes Miss Granger, he only wanted you both to know that he would be gone for a few days" the nurse answered. Hermione knew that the desk nurse was at her wits end with her, but she had to know where the hell Draco had gone.
"Thank you, come on Mione, let's go into the waiting room"
"Ron, you don't think that he disappeared again do you?"
"I don't know, would it really be a surprise, he disappeared for two years Hermione!"
"I know that! But you heard Harry mumbling, he keeps repeating his name, I think Draco it the key to all of this Ron!"
"Of course he is!! HE'S THE ONE THAT BLOODY CAUSED IT!" Ron yelled. He felt bad yelling at Hermione, but he couldn't help it. Draco Malfoy had nearly destroyed his best friend and now his best friend may never wake up because of him.
"Why don't you yell a little louder Weasley, I don't think that the rest of the hospital heard you clearly enough" Draco drawled.
"Where did you go Draco?" Hermione asked calmly.
Draco did not have a chance to respond as Dr. Edwards appeared in the waiting room.
"What's the news on Harry doctor?" Ron asked
"He's is still not awake Mr. Weasley, he keeps mumbling in his sleep, but as I said he is reacting to the events in his head. I'm afraid we may need to contact his relatives soon"
Ron and Hermione paled. The Dursleys would just want Harry finished off.
"I'm afraid there will be no need to contact the Dursleys Dr. Edwards"
"Why is that Mr. Malfoy?"
"I spoke with them a few days ago, and they signed the necessary documentation. Miss Granger is officially the person in charge from here on out"
Hermione and Ron stared at Draco the shock blatantly obvious on both their faces.
"Very well Mr. Malfoy may I see the document?"
"Of course" Draco withdrew the document from his satchel and gave it Dr. Edwards who looked it over carefully.
"Everything appears to be in order, Miss Granger would you like to come into my office so that we can discuss Harry's state"
"We-we can discuss it here Dr. Edwards, I want Draco and Ron to know everything that I do as I will be considering BOTH of their opinions when any decisions regarding Harry are made"
"Very well. As I stated a few days ago, the sedatives have completely worn off and there is really no reason that Mr. Potter should still be unconscious, however, as I also stated it was an extremely traumatic event that led to the condition we find him in today. I will not pull any punches with you, the more days that go by and he does not wake up, the less likely it becomes that he ever will"
Draco felt as though he had been punched in the stomach. He felt sick. Harry may never wake up. The thought repeated itself over and over in his head, taunting and torturing him.
Ron and Hermione broke down, they held each other tightly as the realization crashed down on them that they may never see their best friend awake again.
Draco felt utterly and completely alone. At least Weasley and Granger had each other to cling to, his reason for living lay in a hospital bed about to wither away.
"Where do we go from here Dr. Edwards?" Hermione questioned once she composed herself.
"First I need to know if you would like for Harry to continue receiving he necessary things to sustain him"
Hermione looked at Ron and Draco and they both nodded.
"Yes, yes of course" Hermione answered
"Very well, we will need to discuss his condition again in another week or so if it remains the same"
They all nodded.
"Mione?"
"Yes love?"
"We need to, well we need to go to the Burrow, we have to break the news to everyone. I don't feel right telling them this by owl"
"You're right, but Ron. I don't want to leave Harry"
"I can stay with Harry, Granger"
Hermione and Ron looked at each other hesitantly
"Oh for Merlin's sake! I'm not going to do anything to him! What is it with you two!?!? I've proven that I'm not a bloody Death Eater, and I got the Dursleys to relinquish any authority they may still have over Harry!"
"You also betrayed him and abandoned him Malfoy, lets not forget that"
"You're right Weasley I did, and look at me now, don't I look like the perfect picture of one who has escaped their Karma? I mean life is wonderful for me! FUCKING WONDERFUL! I'm alone, I'm miserable, and finally FINALLY the love of my life walks into my life after two years and what happens?!?! HE FALLS DOWN THE FUCKING STAIRS BECAUSE OF ME!!! HE IS IN A COMA BECAUSE OF ME!! HE MIGHT DIE BECAUSE OF ME! ME!!!! Yeah Weasley, life is peachy"
Ron's eyes widened at Draco's outburst, he had never seen Draco Malfoy's cool façade come down. It was scary and he finally realized that Malfoy was barely hanging on by a thread to his sanity. Perhaps Hermione was right; perhaps Draco truly did still love his best friend after all this time.
"Fine Draco, we'll leave Harry in your care while we go and tell Ron's family what is going on. I would also like to check out some resources at the Hogwarts library, perhaps there is a spell that could help Harry"
"Come on Granger you know better than that, magic and spells are all good and well, but nothing can cure what is going on in a person's head. No spell or enchantment can rid them of their demons, sure maybe for a little while, but they are always there lurking waiting to overtake you just as Harry's have done with him"
"We have to try"
Draco nodded. "Well then if you'll excuse me I'm going to go and buy some coffee. See you two in a day or so"
Draco watched Ron and Hermione leave. He assumed that they were apparating to the Burrow, he didn't really care, all he knew was that he needed to see Harry. NOW. "Excuse me Miss"
"Yes may I help you?"
"What room is Harry Potter in?"
"433, just down the hall, are you authorized to visit him?"
"I don't know"
"Your name?"
"Draco Malfoy"
"I don't see your name here. Please wait here a moment while I go and speak to Dr. Edwards"
"Fine"
Draco watched as the desk nurse walked out of view and quickly made his way to Harry's room. He didn't know why, but he locked the door behind him. He didn't want anyone to tear him away from Harry until he was ready.
The room was dimly lit with a solitary bed near the window. It was so sterile. Draco gasped when he saw Harry. He looked so small and fragile lying in the hospital bed, his raven hair contrasting with the sterile whiteness surrounding him. He was hooked up to so many machines and there were iv's in his arms. Draco did not know much about muggle medicine but he supposed that they were what was helping to keep Harry in the land of the living. He choked back a sob. His beautiful Harry. God what had he done? Why had he ever walked away from him?
Draco walked over and sat in the chair by Harry's bed. He was mumbling, but he couldn't make out what he was saying. Gently Draco took Harry's hand and laced their finger together, it was odd, but Harry seemed to calm slightly.
"Harry?"
No response.
"Harry, it's me, Draco. I'm so sorry love. I'm sorry about tonight, I'm sorry about what happened two years ago, about not standing up to my father, please Harry come back to me and let me make it up to you"
Harry began to mumble again this time Draco leaned in closer to hear what he was saying.
"Draco, Draco, Draco" Harry kept mumbling his name over and over again. It was almost too much for Draco. He squeezed Harry's hand.
"Shhh, I'm here love, I'm right here"
Draco leaned down and lightly kissed Harry's lips, but he didn't stop there, he began placing feather light kisses on Harry's face, his lips, his nose, and his eyelids. He wanted Harry to know that he was there and their kisses had powerful effects on them both so he figured that this was the best way to let Harry know. As Draco leaned down to kiss Harry's neck he caught a glimpse of something shiny on Harry's neck. Carefully he reached down to further inspect what it was and was shocked. It was a thin silver chain, barely noticeable, a small silver dragon with emerald eyes hung on the chain. Draco's eyes filled with tears and let the memory wash over him.
**Hogwarts**
"Draco, where on earth are we going?"
"Harry if you don't stop complaining I'm going to stick my wand in a very uncomfortable place"
"Promise?"
"God, Harry will you just shut up and cooperate?"
"Oh, alright"
"Thank you" he turned towards Harry and gave him a quick kiss.
"Hmmm.I should agree with you more often" Harry smiled, his eyes sparkling.
"We're almost there"
"Draco, what part of the castle are we in?"
"Just a place I discovered by accident one night, I don't know why but this portion of the castle hasn't been used in ages"
"Are you sure its safe?"
"Yes, I'm sure Harry"
"Good"
"We're here, now close your eyes while I open the door"
Harry closed his eyes and Draco escorted him into the room.
"Open your eyes love"
Harry gasped. The room was lit with candles, in the center was a table piled with all of Harry's favorite foods, there was a fire going in the hearth and an enormous Christmas tree sat in the corner. The room was old, but Draco had managed to decorate it beautifully.
"Happy Christmas Harry"
"Draco, it's so beautiful.Thank you, Happy Christmas"
Harry turned and kissed his lover passionately. No one had ever done anything like this for him before.
"Harry" Draco gasped
"Hmmm?"
"If you keep kissing me like that we'll never get to the presents and the food"
"Presents? Well why didn't you say so sooner?"
Harry released his lover and went to inspect the Christmas tree. Under it was a small box, he pulled something from his robes and added it to the package already under the tree.
"What shall we do first Harry? Eat or open presents?"
"Let's eat first, I'm starving"
Draco and Harry enjoyed the small feast that Draco had arranged with Dobby's help. They laughed and joked throughout dinner, it was perfect.
"Perhaps we should save some food for later love, your always hungry after our little escapades, and I plan to have quite an escapade tonight" Draco smiled suggestively at Harry.
Harry blushed, but his body was already reacting to Draco's suggestive smirk.
"Okay, presents then?"
"Presents it is"
"Open yours first Draco" Draco took his package from under the tree and began to unwrap it. He could tell that Harry was nervous, he didn't know why, whatever Harry bought him he would cherish forever. Draco opened the box it was a Christmas ornament of the Golden Snitch, on the back it had been engraved: Draco and Harry 12/25/00, Our 1st Christmas Together. Draco's eyes filled with tears.
"Oh Harry, it's the best gift I've ever gotten, Thank you"
"You like it then?"
"Yes, Harry no one has ever given me something this sentimental, this special, it's wonderful"
"I-I thought since you were telling your father about us we could hang this ornament on our Christmas tree next year"
"Our?"
"Yes, our Christmas tree. I love you Draco after we graduate, I want us to be US. I want to come home to you, wake up next to you, celebrate Christmas with you just like we are now, I want this ornament to be the first one that we collect together over the years"
"Oh Harry" Draco flung his arms around Harry and kissed him. He was so happy, but it was an uneasy happiness. He knew he loved Harry more than anything and he had promised Harry that he would owl his father over the break, but he still had not brought himself to write the bloody letter, but he would. He would not be a coward, this time he would stand up to his father because this time next year he wanted to be hanging their second ornament on the tree. Draco got up and placed the Snitch on the tree and retrieved Harry's gift.
"Your turn Harry"
Harry smiled and began unwrapping the small box. He gasped. In the box was a delicate silver chain. On the chain hung a small dragon with emeralds for eyes.
"Draco, it's beautiful"
"It represents us Harry. The dragon with the emerald eyes. I am not complete without you Harry, you have me, heart, mind, body and soul."
"I'll never take it off Draco, ever. You'll always be with me, I'm yours just as you are mine"
Both were moved beyond words at the gifts they had bestowed upon each other. They also knew that the gifts went far beyond the ornament or the dragon. They had given themselves to each other. They leaned in to kiss each other. Draco placed small kisses over Harry's face and neck. He was rewarded with contented sighs and moans from his lover. Soon they had relieved each other of their clothing, ecstasy washing over both of them.
Draco and Harry had been intimate many times before, but it was different this time. There were no more walls to break through and when their bodies joined this time it was different because it felt as though their souls were finally united as well. Their moans of pleasure echoed in the room as they worshipped each other far into the night.
Much later Draco looked down at the sleeping boy in his arms. He gently kissed the mass or unruly raven hair and whispered "I love you Harry"
Draco's final thought before succumbing to sleep was of the letter he had yet to write to his father. "Tomorrow" thought Draco "Tomorrow I'll write and send the letter"
**Present Day**
Draco blinked against the early morning sunshine and groaned. When he became more coherent he finally realized that not only was he extremely warm and comfortable, but he was asleep in someone's arms. Two arms were wrapped protectively around his waist, and there was a soft and warm breath caressing his neck.
He remembered sneaking in to visit Harry and discovering that he still wore the dragon pendant he had given him their first Christmas together. Draco also recalled crawling into bed with Harry as he was swept away by the memory of that Christmas, but when he had lain down with Harry he was still unresponsive. In fact Draco had curled up to him and begged Harry to wake up, to hold him in his arms. Apparently some part of Harry's mind had heard his plea. Carefully Draco turned to face Harry, he smiled and gently caressed his face.
"I knew you could hear me" Draco smiled and kissed Harry on the cheek.
Draco pulled back to examine Harry's beautiful face once again and was greeted with the sight of two emerald green eyes staring back at him.
"Draco? Where the bloody hell am I?"