Heylo! Sorry this took so long you guys… you know How coursework is... But anywhoo, it's up! Get reading and reviewin! ^-^

When Hearts Combine

            Harry placed his shaking hands upon the Slytherin's back, mournful emotions flaring up inside his heart. How could anyone do that to their own son? Angered thoughts pounded through his mind as he frowned at the opposite wall. The feeling of Draco's distressed sobs against his chest brought Harry to embrace him further, his own soul beginning to feel the blonde's grief.

            Draco lay broken in the Gryffindor's arms, clutching the other's robes helplessly. The closeness of the brunette provided a simple comfort to him. Draco found it strange… having someone hold him so gently. He found it soothing. Ever since He had reached the age of four his father had abused him… and every moment was inscribed upon his heart. Over the years Draco had wrongly assumed that any form of physical contact would end up painful…and as other taunting memories were stirred, his hands found their way to Harry's waist. He wrapped his arms around the smaller boy, drawn to his unfamiliar warmth.

            Harry sensed Draco's apprehension and this pained him. He had always thought Draco was sarcastic, obnoxious and just plain arrogant… but the only reason Draco had seemed this way was because he was hiding the insecurity that shadowed him. Harry could empathize with mistreatment… he had encountered minor abuse from the Dursleys, though this seemed nothing compared to the torment Draco suffered. As he felt the Slytherin taking to his embrace, he cuddled him further while bringing a hand to Draco's hair. Harry sighed inwardly, his fingers playing with the silken strands gently… and somewhere in his heart, lovingly.

            The peaceful serenity that Harry supplied washed over Draco, the comforting tranquillity drying his tears and calming his soul. He never once thought such tenderness could be offered to him… and yet he never thought that this love and comfort would be given from his own archenemy. Draco found it slightly confusing, yet he felt no apprehension within him. His mind was scattered of all thoughts when Harry's timid fingers ran through his hair, entwining with the golden strands. He sensed Harry's hesitation… he assumed that the other didn't want to distress him further by unwanted actions. Draco pulled away a little, his own dull eyes meeting confused emerald. He mused that if Harry has cared to help him this much, then he wouldn't leave him now.

            When Harry felt Draco beginning to pull away, he thought of the worst, and yet something told him that Draco didn't fear him. When he looked into the blonde's eyes once more he noticed that part of the pained dullness was gone… but foreboding cried out silently within Draco's soul. He gathered that there was an underlying suffering that couldn't be broken by a comforting touch. A thankful yet melancholy smile boarded Draco's pale lips, and pleading, truthful words lingered in the empty air.

            "I want to die Harry… I can't take it. He's… he's hurt me more than I can take..."

            The harshness of these words crushed Harry's heart, the true realization of this angel's nightmare sweeping over him forcefully. The thought that one would want to take their life away as no love was ever shown to them caused Harry to shake the Slytherin, hoping to dislodge the suicidal musing. True fear surrounded his soul, true fear for Draco's safety – be it from his father or himself. He brought his gaze back up to the sombre boy, lifting his hand up to the other's cheek.

            Draco dragged his eyes from the dusted floor up to the Gryffindor's on feeling his touch once again. He felt uncomfortable… not by Harry's strong gaze or his unexpected actions, but the fact that his confession seemed to disturb the brunette. While looking in those frightened eyes shadowed by the clear glass barriers, he heard their owner's voice… quiet and serious.

            "I won't let you do that Draco. I know you've found it hard… but I just can't let you die like that..."

            "Why?"

            "… Because I love you."

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Woo! Were you all expecting that? Well! You shall have to wait for ze fifth chapter to see Drakey's response now! …and yes I know, I don't like cliff-hangers either…muwah…