Disclaimer: You know, I really don't get why everyone has to put disclaimers on their fics. Obviously, everything belongs to J.K. Rowling.

A/N: THANX so much to Baby-Atemu, ATadObsessive46, and The Unknown Marauder for being my first reviewers! You really made my day!

And now, without further ado….I present to you, the second of half of waiting!

Hours later, Draco woke to a hand lightly shaking his shoulder and a voice whispering into his ear.

"Draco, love, you have to get up now."

He cracked open half and eye and gazed blearily at his lover.

"What?" He mumbled, not yet awake.

"It's time."

"Time for wha- oh." Draco's eyes widened in comprehension and he leapt up.

"What's the time?" He asked as he threw on his clothes, without a trace of his earlier fatigue.

"Five o'clock. Now come on, we have to help secure the castle." Harry replied.

Half an hour later, all the students had been herded into the dungeons as a safe place to stay during the battle. Tension was in the air. Not one smile was seen, nor a single laugh heard. Everyone scurried about, checking everything over one last time.

Mediwitches and healers prepared for the worst, stocking up on blood-replenishing potions and setting up beds in the Great Hall and other various places. Nerves buzzed as the time of the final battle drew nearer.

Knowing they were no longer needed, Harry and Draco stayed in a secluded corner of the Great Hall, watching as people walked here and there. All they could do was wait, as minutes ticked by and one-by-one the aurors got into their positions.

Not having something to do wasn't exactly helping, either. Now that he had nothing to take his mind off, Draco's stomach churned as thousands of questions and possible outcomes ran through his head. So far, most of them were negative. Harry, apparently sensed his discomfort, and laid a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"It'll be alright." He murmured, his arms wrapping around Draco's waist and pulling him close.

Draco turned and broke out of the embrace to look at his beloved.

"But can you promise me that?" His face was searching, his eyes practically daring him to say yes.

Harry hesitated for a moment before a giving a little shake of his head and a quiet "no".

"Exactly."

Harry sighed and refrained from rolling his eyes.

"Draco. How many times have we had this discussion? I. Will. Be. Alright." He said, a touch of exasperation coming through.

"Besides, you shouldn't think about all the different ways I might die."

He'd meant it as a joke, but evidently Draco didn't think it was so funny. If anything, Draco just got tenser. Harry's attempt to defuse the situation was having the opposite effect.

"Not think about all the different ways you die? What is that supposed to mean! Do you think I enjoy seeing you fall again and again in my mind!"

"Draco! Calm down. I was just joking." He said soothingly.

"Joking?" Draco's eyes narrowed. "And since when did your humor get so dark?"

"Well at least laughing about it is better than moping around!" Harry retorted.

Seeing the hurt in Draco's eyes, he let out a sigh as he ran his fingers through his hair. His shoulders slumped as he apologized softly.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap. Everything's just so, so stressful. Everyone is depending on me, and I can't help thinking, what if I fail. Then what?"

Draco snorted. "Hypocrite."

Harry rolled his eyes and pulled Draco into a passionate kiss. When they finally broke away, Draco was out of breath and panting as he gazed into emerald green eyes, eyes that were filled with love, warmth, and affection. The love and affection wasn't for just anyone, it was for one certain Draco Malfoy.

Harry gave him a small smile and enveloped Draco into a hug. He responded in kind, arms wrapping around him tightly.

"I can't promise I'll survive, Draco. But I can say this."

"I love you." His words were slightly muffled by Draco's hair, but nothing could muffle the true, heart-wrenching love in his voice. He didn't have to say it, but he did it anyway. It just sounded so perfect.

After what seemed like hours, the two lovers broke apart. Harry looked at his beloved, smiling sadly.

"I have to go, Dray. They'll need me." He murmured.

"I know." Draco swallowed, fighting back the tears that were threatening to spill. "You'd better go."

Harry looked worried. "Are you sure?"

Draco sighed. "Yes I'm sure, Potter." He drawled, like the Malfoy he is. "Now go on, before weasel starts blubbering like a baby because he's scared.

Harry chuckled, and ignored the insult to Ron. He gave Draco a quick peck on the lips. "I'll be back." He said softly, before walking away.

Draco stared his retreating back and wondered if things would ever be the same.

"You'd better come back, Potter." He whispered fiercely. Mentally, he thought, 'If not for me, then for the rest of the wizarding world. Each and one of us will be waiting.'

Soooo……what do you guys think? REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW PLEASE!

xocrazynwildox

Ps. Happy Halloween!