"You know, I always expect Ron to be dense about things. Even Harry, he's not always the quickest when it comes to things, but you... I had higher hopes for you."

Hermione sat down across from Draco in the library. Harry had left his map with her, to keep an eye on Draco while he was stuck in isolation. The blonde had holed himself up for almost two days in the Slytherin dorms and common room since he had stormed away from Harry. Leaving the man hurt and confused. As soon as a Hermione noticed that the Slytherin was alone in the library she pounced.

Draco looked up at her, setting his quill down. "Excuse me?"

"I tried to talk Harry out of bonding with you. Though, talking that man out of anything reckless is nearly impossible. After losing his entire family, I wanted him to find someone he could love, someone who could be his partner in life." Hermione watched Draco go to say something and she held her hand up, stopping hide in his tracks.

"I told him that he didn't have to pick you, just because you could have children. I also accused him of just trying to save you. I warned him that this... this could be a disaster for both you and him if you had a falling out. That he didn't seem to me understand, that you could literally die with out him if he chose to leave after bonding."

Hermione was now leaning back, smoothing out her skirt. "What I didn't consider, is that Harry, well, could fall in love with you. When we came for new years, I saw it. The way he watched you all night. You were literally his reason for breathing at that point. Harry never doesn't do anything in halves. He had went and fallen in love with you."

Hermione then leaned forward. "I had never seen him so incredibly happy or content. He was just Harry. He wasn't the savior, he wasn't Harry Potter the boy who lived. He was Harry, the guy who fell in love with his mate. I couldn't have been more proud of him, for letting himself be happy. Then here you come to muck it all up. For goodness sake, did you really think Harry asked you about his rut because he thinks you have to do that stuff for him? As much as his Alpha wanted you to be there, Harry knew you weren't ready, and he left to be alone."

Draco looked at the brown bushy hair girl that he had come to actually enjoy. "Loves me?" Draco swallowed hard trying to think about over their last few months together, the changes he saw in the man. "There is no way he loves me. He could have anyone he wants, why love me?" Draco finished lamely.

"Honestly, I'm asking myself the same question having seen your sorry excuse for a reaction a few days ago. However, he loves you because you accept him for him. You are witty and sarcastic. You never try to be anything your not. You can sit here and look me in the face and try and lie, but you care for him. You are fighting your feelings for him because you think you have nothing to offer him. Draco, Harry could careless about materialistic things. He has more money and things than he cares to admit. He only wants to surround himself with people who want him for him. If you think that because you are disinherited that you aren't good enough for him, you are crazy."

Draco's brows furrowed as if he was trying to put all the pieces together. "But, he asked me about his rut because he expects me to give him a baby. Not because he loves me."

"No, the way he asked you, I'll admit was a bit tackless. However, I think that his Alpha brain and instincts were making him behave without a clear head. Of course he wants a baby... with you. His mate, his one, his life partner. The alpha wants it because that's instinct. Harry wants it because he loves you and wants a family... with you. If you aren't ready, you just have to tell him that. He will understand Draco. He's not selfish and mindless. He would understand that you have wants and needs. You just have to be clear on the expectations." Hermione sighed heavily.

"Think he can forgive me?" Draco asked rubbing his face. "Did I muck it up that bad?"

"You know the best thing about Harry is that he is always willing to forgive. And he has a special spot for you, always has. My guess is he forgave you moments after you walked away. He truly does love you Draco. And it's okay if you aren't at his level yet. Just be honest with him."

Draco watched Hermione get up ,"Harry should be out by tomorrow afternoon. You can come wait for him with us in the tower if you like. You don't have to stay in Slytherin. You know Ron won't care if you stay in the dorms."

Draco gave a small nod, "Thank you. Maybe I'll see you after dinner then."

--

Draco looked up, sitting cross legged on Harrys bed, when the dorm room opened.

Harry looked exhausted. He had deep purple bags under his eyes and Harrys normally tan glowing skin looked lackluster. "Hey." Harry whispered softly surprised to see him there.

Draco put his book on Harrys night stand, unfolding himself from Harrys bed. "Hey, how are you feeling?" Draco asked. Harry smelled like sex and sweat. His rut clearly had taken a toll on him.

"Like shit. I need a shower and some proper sleep. Are you okay? Something wrong?" Harry asked confused as to why the blonde was here.

"Nothings wrong... I just... I'm sorry I was such a dick Harry. It's hard for me... I just thought I was never going to be good enough for you." Draco moved into Harrys personal space and reached up bringing Harrys face to his. "Can you forgive me for reacting so badly?"

"Yeah. Yeah I can forgive you." Harry whispered letting his lips press against his mates a few times.

"Harry, I care about you. A lot more than I thought I ever could. I just... I want to graduate.. with no babies on my hips. Can we wait? Until we're both settled out of school?"

Harry pulled his mate in against his body wrapping his arms around him, "Whatever you want. I didn't think about how it might affect you. I just... I'm so ready to start a life with you Draco. I can wait until your ready."

Draco smirked, "perfect. Doesn't mean... we can't practice making a baby." He whispered into Harrys ear and was please go see him shiver. "Are you too tired to take me to the shower with you?"

"never." Harry lifted him easily carrying him to loo.