Summary: Having no other choice, (or desire), Harry saves Draco from certain death. The two of them share a special moment before they're forced to pick sides and doomed to return to a war they never wanted to fight.

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to JK Rowling.

Prompt: The needs of the many are worth fighting for, worth dying for, but so are the needs of the few. The needs of one. Drarry + throwing it all on the line for love. Minimum: 340 words - Maximum: 640 words.

The maximum for this prompt wasn't even close to being long enough! The restriction nearly killed me.

Harry flew through the tendrils of smoke, weaving his way through stacks of long-ago discarded items. His heart jumped into his throat at the sight of Draco, his nearly white hair stark in the growing, black smoke. Fear overtook him as Draco climbed the mountain of furniture, flame licking at his heels.

Draco gave a look behind him, a terror filled glance over his shoulder. At his friend, or the growing fire, Harry wasn't sure. He swore to himself, knowing what he had to do. It hadn't been the first time he'd saved the other boy's life and he had a tingling feeling it wouldn't be the last.

He maneuvered his broom into a tight dive, feeling the heat grow in intensity against his skin. He heard a shout of anger behind him, Ron, he was sure of it. He paid his friend no attention, knowing this was more important. He couldn't leave Draco behind. Begrudgingly, he realized he'd have to save Goyle too.

Edging closer to the soon to be charred boys, he outstretched his arm. Draco gripped his hand instantaneously, his palm moist with sweat. A tingle ran up Harry's skin at the touch, activating every nerve. He pulled against Draco, attempting to heave him upwards, but the weight of Goyle was too much and Draco slipped from his grasp.

Harry shot a panicked look at Ron whose mouth was downturned, and had agitation lining his forehead. But, he knew what Harry was asking and gave an almost imperceptible nod. Harry made another circle around the trapped Slytherins, coming to their aid again.

"Leave him!" He shouted over the crackle of flame, reaching out again. Draco hesitated, opting to stay with his friend instead. "Oh, for the sake of Merlin!" He jerked his head towards Ron. "I didn't mean permanently."

Draco's Adam's apple lurched upward as he swallowed, allowing Harry to pull him onto his broom. The cleansweep gave beneath the sudden weight, dropping several centimeters before Harry was able to regain control. He turned towards the exit, the broom gaining speed as Draco's arms were tightened around his waist.

"You never did learn, did you?"

"Shut up and get us out of here, Potter." Draco growled against his back. His voice dripped with venom, but the way he clung to Harry gave him away. It was a continuation of how their relationship had always been, insults thrown to cover up the intimate touches, the whispers in each other's ears under the cover of night.

Harry felt the rise and fall of Draco's chest against his own back, paying more attention to that than flying. The two of them grew close to the ground, broom heading between the large, wooden doors that led them to safety. He hadn't bothered to slow, knowing Hermione had the horcrux, zooming instead down a corridor. He turned down the maze of hallways, until they found themselves alone. He dropped lower, worn trainers meeting stone and sending the two of them toppling.

"I thought you were supposed to be a quidditch legend." Draco shot him a glare as he stood, dusting grit from his black trousers.

"And I thought you were smart enough not to get messed up with the Death Eaters." Harry turned so fast to face him that Draco stared back in surprise. He wound his fingers into the strands of golden hair, pulling tight so as to bring the other boy to him. "Don't be daft." He whispered against the skin of Draco's lips before he pressed himself to him. Draco froze beneath his touch, the only movement in that of his tongue as he met Harry's. "You know what side is right. Don't help him win." The words were muttered breathlessly as they separated, knowing there was a war they had to get back to.

"…I won't."