For TheTrueTree, whom i am killing with suspense.

xx

The room was much like a sitting room, with a fire and comfortable armchairs. It was mostly green, Harry noted with a small smile. Harry heard a gasping sob and searched around the room. Draco was sat against the wall by the bookcase as if he'd gone to get a book but stopped half way. He had his head on his knees and was curled up into a surprisingly small ball for such a lanky body. Harry did the only thing he could do. He sat beside him and pulled him into a hug. Draco jumped a little but leant his body weight on Harry, one hand darting out to grab Harry's jumper. Harry rubbed Draco's back gently. Eventually, his harsh sobs turned into snuffles.

"I'm sorry," Draco choked out. His voice was rough like his throat was lined with sandpaper.

"Shh, it's okay. It's okay to cry."

"Sorry you had to see it." His voice was quiet and Harry probably wouldn't have heard it if he was more than a foot away. His arms tightened around the blond.

"I don't mind, I promise." They sat quietly for a minute. Harry gently let go of Draco. He'd spotted a small kitchenette in the room when he's come in and he thought tea would help in this situation. He helped Draco sit up straight again and brushed a tear from his cheek. He went to the kitchenette and set about making tea for them both. Using spells to speed up the process, he soon pressed a teacup into Draco's trembling hands and pushed a tissue box towards him. Draco nodded his thanks and gently blew the steam rising from the cup.

"Is it your mum?" Harry asked, gently. Draco thankfully shook his head.

"Just… being back at the manor brought everything back."

"I understand." And he really did. He remembered the first, and only, time he visited 12 Grimmauld Place after defeating Voldemort. He couldn't take a step without seeing something that reminded him of everything that happened, of all the people that were no longer with him. He felt his own tears burning his eyes. He'd also only been to the Burrow once too. The usually busy, loud home was too quiet. Seeing George's sad, lost expression was too much and he'd left early to hide under the duvet in his and Hermione's temporary flat in muggle London. They had to find somewhere to live. They had no family and they couldn't bear to be anywhere else with memories. His tears escaped down his face. He took a sip of his tea with a trembling mouth, its warmth filling the hole sadness had left.

"How do you stay so happy?" Draco asked softly.

"I had to deal with the pain and the memories when I saw a mind healer. I must have broken down every day for a month. It still hurts like hell but I don't think about it as much."

"do you-" Draco began. He bit his lip and took a sip from his tea. Harry put a hand on his arm comfortingly. "Do you have nightmares?" He said quickly, the words blending together.

"Maybe once a month if something has triggered it or I'm stressed out but no, thankfully."

"I have them every night," Draco whispered. Harry's hand clenched around Draco's arm reflexively.

"since it happened?"

"Since sixth year. It got worse last year though."

"I'm sorry."

"Blaise thinks you help since I've had a few nights without them since doing the project with you. I bet you love that."

"I'm just glad you have a night without nightmares. I don't care what caused it."

"I just want them to stop for good." Draco's voice was so small it broke Harry's heart.

"I'll give you the name of the mind healer I saw. I still see him every month or so." Draco shook his head vigorously. "Please? Just go once and if you hate it, stop. They are completely confidential and no-one found out that I go. I know it's hard and you don't want to accept help or talk about it but this-" Harry gestured to Draco's tear stained face, "is worse than getting help." Draco nodded slowly.

"I'll think about it." Harry sighed with relief. That was a start.

"Thank you."

They settled into silence and finished their tea. Harry got up to make them another and Draco walked on wobbly legs to the sofa.

"Anything you want to talk about?" Draco shook his head and reached out to take his cup from Harry.

"Not right now. I just want to sleep." The Slytherin did look exhausted.

"Would you like to sleep here or go to your dorm?"

"Here."

"Would you like me to stay?" Draco sniffed and nodded.

When they were both ready to settle down Harry transfigured the sofa into a bed. He'd learnt how to do that very quickly when the flat he'd stayed in only came with one bed.

"I don't know how to make it into two. I don't mind sleeping on the floor though."

"Sleep with me?" Draco asked, quietly. Harry's stomach flipped and his face heated up. "Not like that," Draco said with a sigh but he was smiling weakly. His mouth dry, Harry swallowed and nodded. They awkwardly undressed. Harry slipped into the bed in his t-shirt and boxers. He was glad he's changed out of his robes after class ended so he didn't have to sleep topless. It was a little chilly and he cast a warming charm on the sheets. Draco slipped in next to him, Harry blushing to the roots of his hair at his bare chest, and flicked his wand at the fire and candles to turn them off. Darkness covered them. Harry wiggled around to get comfortable and was just falling asleep when Draco moved closer to him. He hesitantly slipped his arm around Harry and Harry gently pulled him closer to his chest, reassuring him he was welcome. Draco pressed his face into Harry's chest and Harry rested his cheek on the Slytherin's blond hair. Harry knew Draco needed comfort and Harry himself had been desperate for any comforting contact. He'd cuddled with Hermione occasionally but it was usually him comforting her. He hadn't been allowed to comfort Ginny. His arms tightened around Draco and he rubbed his bare, bony back gently. He wished he could protect him from all the shit that had been thrown at him. He couldn't, of course, but he resolved to help him all he could from now on.

xx

Hope you all enjoy this very exciting chapter.

Let me know if you like the pacing and enjoy this fic!