Poppy was a little surprised to find her patient curled up with a fluffy white cat. The cat hadn't been there earlier and, as far as she was aware, Harry Potter didn't own a cat. "I don't know where it came from," she informed the Headmistress with a frown.
McGonagall smiled slightly. "It doesn't matter at the moment," she told the medi-witch. "It seems to be comforting Mr. Potter."
Poppy nodded, casting one more curious glance at the animal before returning to her office. Harry was stirring in the bed, his eyes fluttering open. The cat in his embrace stretched languidly, yawning.
"Mr. Potter how are you feeling?" McGonagall asked patiently, her lips twitching. "I trust that you and Mr. Malfoy slept well?"
Harry bolted upright into a seated position and the cat sat up stiffly. Harry's cheeks were slightly flushed and he glanced at his furry companion sheepishly.
Draco returned to human form looking flustered. "How did you know?" he asked, his posture rigid.
"I know a great deal," McGonagall responded cryptically. "But your secret is safe with me provided that you use your ability responsibly." She raised an eyebrow expectantly.
"Of course," Draco agreed tersely.
"I'm sorry Headmistress," Harry said. "I asked him to stay. I just- I really didn't want to be alone."
"Mr. Malfoy is not in trouble," McGonagall assured him calmly. "In fact, his actions are to be commended." She smiled at the relief on the faces of the two young men. "Poppy will be around to do a final examination and then you should be free to go. In future," she added, peering at Harry sternly, "I expect that you will not allow things to get so bad. There's no shame in getting some help when you need it." She gave Draco a meaningful look as well.
She bid them a good afternoon and left the infirmary to return to other duties. She was pleased that Draco had come to her about Harry. She'd known that Harry was having a difficult time, but she hasn't realized how much he was suffering.
She had noticed, of course, that Draco and Harry spent a good deal of time together. Professor Flitwick had alerted her to the change in dynamic, and she'd been keeping an eye on them. She knew that Draco was suffering in his own way, but he set that aside in favor of taking care of Harry. It gave McGonagall hope for the man the Malfoy heir was becoming.
Harry was glad to be released from the hospital wing. He didn't really want to have dinner in the Great Hall, but he knew his other friends would be eager to see him. He turned to Draco, grateful that the blond had elected to walk with him.
"I really appreciate you staying with me," Harry said, blushing slightly.
Draco smiled slightly, keeping his eyes focused ahead. "I didn't expect for you to be so... cuddly," he commented with a smirk.
Harry rolled his eyes. "You weren't exactly fighting me off," he pointed out, nudging Draco with his elbow. "I think you needed a cuddle as much as I did."
Draco didn't argue and merely narrowed his eyes when they reached the entrance to the Great Hall. "We speak of this to no one," he informed Harry flatly.
Harry chuckled softly, shaking his head. He glanced around before giving Draco a brief hug. He released the startled blond and pushed open the door, entering the Great Hall as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.
One chilly Saturday morning a few weeks later, Harry went downstairs to find Neville being glared at by a familiar white cat. Neville was seated on a chair near the fire place, keeping a wary eye on the feline.
The cat was sitting on a low table in a strangely rigid fashion. It was giving Neville a stern, disapproving look.
"Everything alright?" Harry asked, struggling not to laugh.
"I think I made it angry," Neville muttered, flinching when the cat hissed. "I found him outside the portrait entrance and he seemed to be waiting for someone. I picked him up to bring him in and decided to see if it was male or female..." He trailed off sheepishly when the cat hissed.
Harry laughed. "I guess he feels violated," he suggested.
"You think it's a boy?" Neville asked.
"Of course," Harry said with a grin, sitting down on the couch. His smile widened when the cat jumped into his lap. "Such a pretty boy," Harry murmured, scratching under the cat's chin indulgently. He laughed when the cat meowed. "Neville's not a pervert," he responded as if arguing with the animal.
"I was just checking!" Neville cried, his cheeks bright red. He watched as the cat nudged at Harry's hand and Harry responded by stroking the cat's fur. The cat closed its eyes and purred happily. "Harry... Is that Malfoy?" His suspicions were confirmed when the cat glared again.
"It's a secret," Harry said quietly. "He doesn't want everyone to know that he's an animagus. It allows him a bit of freedom." He paused and ran a soothing hand down the cat's back. "It's comforting to both of us in a way."
Neville nodded thoughtfully. "I won't say anything," he assured them solemnly. "And... er- Sorry for ogling your bits before," he added awkwardly to the cat.
Draco transformed and then slid off of Harry's lap. "Just don't do it again," he grumbled at Neville. He relaxed his posture and slumped tiredly against Harry. Harry obliged by draping his arm across the blond's shoulders, allowing Draco to slide a bit closer and rest his head against Harry's shoulder. Harry hummed a tune, his fingers drifting up and down Draco's arm soothingly.
Neville watched them wordlessly. Harry had been bringing Draco to the Gryffindor common room for a few weeks. As the days had slipped past, they'd grown closer and such easy casual touch between the two was the norm. As far as Neville knew, they never spoke of it.
After Harry's brief stay in the hospital wing, he'd been improving. He still had nightmares and mild bouts of depression, but he was no longer struggling with guilt and self-blame. He seemed to find a great deal of comfort in Draco's presence. And Draco never complained when Harry leaned against him.
Draco rarely spoke of his own struggles. Despite his growing friendship with Harry, he was reluctant to talk about his problems. He'd been a death eater, the enemy. He'd endangered the lives of everyone at school. He was living with the consequences. He didn't want to admit it, but he didn't want to look at Harry and see pity. That would just make everything feel worse.
Harry glanced down at Draco's blond head curiously. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"I can't just come visit you?" Draco asked dismissively.
Harry frowned, his hand rubbing Draco's arm gently. "Of course you can," he said. "But I know you. You didn't come here this early just for a cuddle."
"Shut up Potter," Draco muttered, turning slightly and snuggling closer. "You don't know anything."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Did you have another nightmare?" he asked quietly. Draco's silence was enough of an answer.
Neville considered the pair for a moment. "Harry, you still look tired," he said carefully. "Maybe you should sleep a bit more. It's still really early. If you get up in an hour, you'll still have time for breakfast," he added with a shrug.
Harry smiled. "I think you're right," he agreed, stretching and gently shifting Draco aside so he could stand. He looked down at Draco, noting how tired the blond looked. There was tension in his face indicating that he was still upset from whatever was in his dreams. Harry held his arms out expectantly. "Coming?" he asked lightly.
Draco blinked in surprise, licking his lips. He glanced at Neville and then transformed. He jumped into Harry's arms, grateful that his animal form allowed this extra closeness. He wiggled his furry body so that he could look over Harry's shoulder. He made a little chirruping sound at Neville.
Neville got up and reached out to stroke the cat's head. "He's actually really sweet as a cat," Neville noted as Draco closed his eyes and purred. "You should have a name for him though if he's going to be around here with you. Like Dragon."
"Isn't that a bit obvious?" Harry asked.
"Maybe," Neville admitted. "But you are a Gryffindor."
Harry grinned. "Come on Dragon," he crooned, carrying the purring cat up the stairs.
It didn't take long for Harry's closest friends to realize that Draco was the white cat. Ron had made a strange choking noise, remembering that he'd seen the cat nuzzling Harry's neck and purring happily.
Hermione, Ginny and Neville often exchanged meaningful looks when they saw Harry and Draco together. Whenever they were out in the halls, they just seemed to be good friends. Away from the general population, their relationship was evolving. Sometimes, Dragon sprawled across Harry's lap or demanded attention in a way that only a cat can. Other times, Draco liked to put his head in Harry's lap while they chatted. Or they'd lean against one another. Draco frequently fussed with Harry's hair; smoothing it down with an expression of fond exasperation.
Harry worried over Draco when the blond had a difficult night. He was eager to touch and cuddle Draco. He seemed anxious to comply with Draco's apparent need for attention, and Draco seemed content to bask in Harry's attentiveness.
"I'm not sure it's healthy," Hermione said quietly one evening. She was looking over to where Harry sat with his arms around Draco, humming the same song that he always seemed to hum for Draco. Draco was tense and his expression was dejected. The approach of the winter holidays seemed to be driving Draco's spirits lower.
"They need each other," Ginny whispered back reproachfully. "I think it's romantic."
"But they're just friends," Hermione argued. "That's not normal," she insisted. "I don't want Harry to get hurt."
"They're adults," Neville reminded her. "You can't fix it for them. They'll figure themselves out."
"We'll just have to be supportive," Ginny agreed giving Neville an approving nod.
"Want to tell me about it?" Harry asked softly, unaware of the quiet argument occurring nearby.
"I dreamt of the forest again," Draco responded tiredly. He didn't need to say more than that. That particular dream varied very little with each recurrence. He always found himself wounded, exhausted and despised in the Forbidden Forest. Abandoned by everyone and left to die with nowhere to turn. Draco hated the feeling of emptiness that came with the dream. Harry seemed to understand. The sound of Harry's humming seemed to drive the emptiness away, at least for a while.
"I'm sorry Draco," Harry whispered.
"At least it wasn't a nightmare about the Dark Lord killing my mother," Draco murmured. He hesitated and then tilted his head back to look at Harry. "Will you hum that song again?"
Harry smiled and resumed his humming. It wasn't even a real song as far as Harry knew. He'd just sort of made the tune up. Draco seemed to like it though, so that was good enough for Harry.
The next day, Harry received quite a shock. He and Draco went through the portrait entrance to the common room and were stunned to find Ginny and Neville snogging enthusiastically. Harry gasped and the couple broke apart with wide eyes.
Logically, Neville knew that he hadn't done anything wrong. Harry and Ginny weren't together. But Harry's horrified expression made his insides squirm with guilt. He felt even worse when Harry's eyes grew damp. "Harry... mate..." He trailed off, having no idea what to say.
Ginny sighed and patted Neville's arm. "Can you give us a minute?" she asked nodding toward Harry.
Neville nodded and hurried into the hall, dragging Draco with him.
"Are you alright Harry?" Ginny asked.
Harry was silent for a moment, staring at Ginny. "I'm shocked," he replied, his voice rough.
"We're just starting, Neville and I," Ginny explained carefully. "He's really great."
"What didn't you tell anyone? Why didn't you tell me?"
Ginny smiled apologetically. "We weren't looking forward to Ron finding out," she explained. "You know what he's like. But you... Harry, I was trying to think of how to tell you. It's a bit awkward."
Harry nodded slowly, his thoughts muddled. "It's really over, isn't it?" he asked. "You and I?" He sighed. "I hadn't really thought about it. I think part of me thought that we'd just... happen."
"But it's not what you want anymore," Ginny said gently.
"I- I mean-" Harry was so torn. He cared about Ginny. He thought that they'd end up back together before long. But something about seeing her with Neville felt so... final. He felt as if his path in life had been ripped away. It was disorienting but, at the same time, he didn't feel heartbroken. Hurt maybe, but the feeling was much milder than it would have been if his heart was truly set on Ginny. How had this happened? They'd been so good for each other.
"Harry, it's alright," Ginny assured him. "I'm moving on, but I will always love you. You know that. It's just more of a brother/sister sort of love now." She smiled mischievously. "I think your heart is set on someone else anyway."
Harry looked away, his cheeks flushing. He knew what she meant without a second thought. "That's... Don't be silly..." Harry stammered.
"Harry Potter," Ginny chided. "You can't fool me. I see the way you look at him. You fancy the pants off of Draco Malfoy." She laughed when he groaned and hid his face in his hands.
Harry wasn't as oblivious as most of his friends liked to think. He knew that his behavior toward Draco had been less than platonic. He hadn't allowed himself to really think about it much, but he couldn't deny the urge to caress Draco's face, stroke his soft hair and sooth away his anxieties. He'd never had those sorts of compulsions with Ron or Hermione. He'd felt an attraction toward Draco for some time now.
"Is it wrong?" he asked, his voice muffled by his hands. "He was awful to all of us for years. He was on the wrong side of the war. Forgiveness is fine but... Is it ridiculous for me to feel this way?"
"Perhaps," Ginny said lightly. "But does it change how you feel? You've got a big heart and apparently you decided to make room for Malfoy. And I think that's just fine."
"And the fact that he's a bloke?" Harry asked hesitantly.
"Doesn't matter," Ginny declared firmly. "The two of you have a sweet relationship and I that's great." She was pleased when he smiled slightly and lunged forward to hug her tightly.
Harry drew in a shaky breath allowing himself to relax a bit. "Thank you," he said against Ginny's shoulder. He felt lighter, somehow. Admitting his feelings to himself and to Ginny was a relief. He felt a bit stupid for ignoring it for so long. Ginny was kind enough to not call him an idiot to his face.
"We're family," she reminded him. "Now let's go get our men. I'm sure they're worried."
Harry blushed. "He's not my man," he muttered.
"Yet," Ginny corrected playfully before leading the way out of the common room.
Neville and Draco looked up anxiously when Ginny and Harry stepped through the portrait opening. "Harry I'm so sorry," Neville blurted out.
"It's fine Neville," Harry chuckled. "Honestly, I'm happy for you and Ginny. As long as you are good to her, I'm fine with it."
"You were so upset," Draco commented softly, frowning as his eyes roamed Harry's face.
"I was," Harry admitted. "It felt like a betrayal, but I hadn't really thought about where Ginny and I stood. It's hard to let go of. But I know it's not what I want anymore. We're better off as we are, and I'm glad she's happy," he added, smiling at Ginny.
Draco glanced at Ginny and then back to Harry. "You're sure?" he asked seriously.
Harry smiled. "I'm fine Draco," he assured the blond. "Why don't we go to the kitchens for some cider?" Draco nodded his agreement. "Did you want to join us?" Harry asked Ginny and Neville.
"No, you two enjoy," Ginny said waving them off. She winked at Harry when Draco looked away.
As the two young men walked off, Neville bit his lip anxiously. "Harry's really okay?" he asked.
"He's fine," Ginny replied, rolling her eyes. "He was just shocked, and I suppose that realizing that our relationship was finished for good was a bit painful. Our relationship was familiar and comforting. But, he's good. He's completely gone on Malfoy anyway."
Neville smiled, leading Ginny back into the common room. "He confirmed it then?"
"Of course. He's not an idiot."
In the kitchens, Harry and Draco sat side by side at a table while one of the house elves brought them hot cider and biscuits. They'd been mostly silent, but it didn't bother Harry. He'd become so comfortable with Draco in just a few short months. He was actually a bit disappointed about the start of the holidays. Draco was leaving to spend Christmas at Malfoy Manor with his mother while Harry was going to the Burrow. He was excited about spending Christmas with the Weasleys, but he wasn't eager to be apart from Draco.
"Are you excited to be leaving tomorrow?" Harry asked, taking a cautious sip of his drink.
"I suppose," Draco replied, shrugging. "I'll be glad to see Mother. But I hate the thought of sleeping in the Manor. Too many memories."
"I'm sure you'll have a nice Christmas," Harry said, holding a biscuit up to Draco's lips. He smiled when Draco dutifully bit into the biscuit, humming in approval of the flavor. "Now that the war is over, you can relax and enjoy yourselves again."
"Maybe," Draco responded, brushing crumbs off of his cashmere jumper. His gray eyes sparkled with amusement. "I don't know what I'll do without you there to spoil me."
"You poor thing," Harry chuckled. "We'll be back here before you know it." His face became more serious as he met Draco's gaze. "And you can always contact me if you need me."
Draco smiled a bit shyly, and leaned against Harry's arm. "Thank you Harry," he murmured.
Draco was pleased to see his mother. He was glad that she was healthy and looking as beautiful as ever. She seemed determined to show as much affection as she was capable of offering while Draco was home.
Draco should have felt more happy. But just as he feared, the Manor made him feel rather uncomfortable. It didn't feel like his childhood home anymore. It felt lonlier than ever and his nightmares seemed to become even more intense. And Harry wasn't there to make it better.
Harry was often in his thoughts. Their friendship had grown so much since the start of term. The other Gryffindors tolerated him well enough. But Harry... Harry was light in the darkness. An oasis in the desert. Draco rolled his eyes at his own thoughts.
To his surprise, an owl delivered a package from Harry on Christmas Eve. It was very light and the owl flew off again without waiting for a response.
"Perhaps he sent you a Christmas present," Narcissa suggested, eyeing the parcel curiously.
"No, my gift is in my trunk," Draco replied, carefully pulling apart the brown paper. "We exchanged gifts before we left school. I'll open that tomorrow."
Draco opened the box and frowned slightly at its contents. It was a small wreath woven with strange looking white and yellow flowers. He picked up the wreath to look closely at the flowers.
"They look like honeysuckle," Narcissa noted.
"I think it is," Draco replied, smiling slightly. "He's so weird..."
Narcissa hid her smile behind her teacup. She had a suspicion that Harry wasn't simply being eccentric. She had an old book to consult later.
HPDM~HPDM
"You don't think it's too obvious?" Harry asked.
"Maybe," Neville admitted. "But why would Malfoy assume that you're sending him secret messages with flowers?"
"Maybe because it's weird to send flowers?" Harry suggested a bit hysterically.
They were in the living room at the Burrow, enjoying the warmth of the fire. "Relax," Neville said firmly. "Even if he figures it out right away, you didn't send anything too bad."
Ginny looked up from her book curiously. "What did you send?" she asked.
Harry blushed. "A wreath of honeysuckle," he said quietly.
"It means 'generous and devoted affection'," Neville explained.
"That's just wonderful!" Molly cried happily, suddenly stepping through the doorway. Arthur was close behind her, his expression apologetic. She didn't seem to notice Harry's mortified expression. "Who is the lucky girl?" she asked Harry.
Harry paled and swallowed hard. This was incredibly awkward.
"Mum, it's not a girl," Ginny said quietly.
"It's... What do you mean?"
"Bloody hell..." Ron muttered, rolling his eyes. "It's a bloke, Mum."
Molly's eyes widened in surprise. She saw Harry bite his lip and look down. "But..." Molly trailed off with a confused glance at Ginny. Ginny's eyes were focused anxiously on Harry.
Brushing aside her shock, Molly moved to sit down next to Harry and take his hand. She nearly cried when he shot her a hopeful look. "My sweet Harry is in love," she murmured, yanking him into a hug. "It doesn't matter that it's a boy dear. We just want you to be happy." She smiled when he tightened his hold on her. After a moment she released him with one final loving pat on his cheek. "So who is this young man?"
Harry blushed again. "Well..."
"It's Malfoy," Ron blurted out, earning a glare from Ginny and Neville. George snorted with laughter.
Molly looked over at her husband uncertainly. Arthur looked stunned for a moment and then his expression became thoughtful. "I'm sure young Malfoy has changed a great deal if he has won our Harry's affection," he said reasonably.
Our Harry. The words warmed Harry's heart as much as their loving acceptance. This was family. Suddenly overwhelmed, he hugged Molly again.
Molly smiled over at Arthur. "Our youngest son is definitely the sweetest," she declared, petting Harry's messy hair lovingly.
"Oi!" George and Ron shouted. Ginny, Neville and Harry laughed at their expressions of outrage.
HPDM~HPDM
On Christmas morning, Draco opened his presents downstairs with his mother. It was a far less jubilant affair that it had been before the war, but Draco was grateful that he had the freedom to enjoy the holiday.
To his surprise, Luna Lovegood had gotten him a gift. Draco tolerated her because Harry was very fond of her. She gave Draco a headache. She believed in strange things and made seemingly random comments. Occasionally she'd have this knowing look that made everyone a little nervous. Her present was just as confusing as a conversation with her.
Nestled in the brightly wrapped box was a ornate metal frame containing stained glass. The shards of colored glass we're arranged to create a picture of a dragon. Draco frowned, holding the frame up the light. It was actually very beautiful with the light shining through the glass.
"Stained glass?" Narcissa asked, bewildered.
"It's from Luna Lovegood," Draco told her.
Narcissa nodded as if that explained everything. "Odd family," she murmured, relaxing in her chair. "So where is this gift from Mr. Potter?" she asked.
Draco reached out and picked up a gift wrapped in silver and gold paper. He unwrapped the package, conscious that his cheeks were rather warm. Harry had given him a small box of his favorite chocolates, a limited edition of Most Potente Potions, and the softest jumper that Draco had ever owned. "Oh Merlin," Draco murmured, rubbing the dark blue fabric against his face.
Narcissa shook her head fondly. It seemed that Harry Potter was attempting to woo her son. She knew that Lucius wouldn't be especially pleased, but she wanted Draco to be happy. Her son could certainly do worse than the Savior of the Wizarding world. And they had Harry to thank for the fact that they hadn't been to sent to Azkaban.
She decided not to tell Draco what the honeysuckle symbolized. She'd let Harry carry on and Draco would figure it out on his own. Narcissa was curious to see what Harry would do next.
The Forbidden Forest.
Draco shivered as a cold breeze rushed past him, ruffling his hair and tugging at his tattered robes. His skin was littered with cuts and bruises.He was alone, huddled up against a massive tree. He could see Hogwarts castle looming in the distance. But he wouldn't be welcome there even if he could manage to walk there. He'd let the Death Eaters into the school. That was unforgivable. He was a pathetic excuse for a Death Eater, so the Dark Lord's followers had abandoned him.
Draco sighed and braced one hand against the tree, climbing to his feet. He took one step but crumbled to the ground quickly, weakened by his injuries and fatigue.
His vision blurred with tears. He rested his head against the roots of the tree as his face grew damp with his weeping. Surrendering to death would probably be the easiest thing he'd done in a long time. There could be no escape. He didn't belong anywhere.
He closed his eyes in resignation, not having the strength to stand again. The wind sang a haunting melody through the trees, making Draco shiver again. And then he heard something strangely familiar. Singing? No, there were no words. It was humming. Someone was humming.
Gentle fingers touched under Draco's chin, carefully tilting his head up. Draco opened his eyes and found himself staring into the vibrant green of Harry's eyes. Harry continued humming as he slowly brushed away Draco's tears. Then he drew Draco into his arms and picked him up, cradling the blond's body.
Harry carried Draco as he walked through the forest. He knelt and set Draco down when they got to a small stream. Harry took a scrap of fabric and dipped it into the water before cautiously bathing the wounds on Draco's hands and face.
Draco was crying again. "Why?" he asked in a broken whisper. "You shouldn't be helping me. I've made a mess of everything. I don't belong with decent wizards."
Harry paused to smile kindly at Draco. "You belong with me," Harry said softly. "The war is over. Leave the past behind." He leaned close and pressed a sweet kiss to Draco's lips. Draco sobbed against Harry's mouth, his hands coming up to clutch at Harry's robes. Harry shushed him gently, resuming his task of cleaning Draco's face. "I'll take care of you," Harry assured him.
Draco woke with a gasp. He blinked in confusion as the images from his dream warred with his memories. Tears leaked out of his eyes and ran down his face to soak his pillow. It had all felt so real. His dream self had no awareness of his friendship with Harry, but Harry had appeared to save him anyway.
"Draco?" his mother called out just before hurrying into his room. Her anxious frown deepened when she saw his tear stained face. "Tilly alerted me that you were having a nightmare," she explained, sitting down on the edge of the bed and smoothing down his hair.
"The forest again," he informed her, still panting slightly.
Narcissa made a noise of sympathy. "My poor darling," she murmured. "Tilly said that you called out for Harry," she added hesitantly. "Would you like to send for him?"
Draco's expression brightened for a moment but then he bit his lip. "It's alright," he said quietly. "I'm fine. There's no need to interrupt his holiday."
"He's your friend," Narcissa argued. "And we both know what Gryffindors are like. He'll want to know if you have a difficult night." When he waved her off, she stood up and left the room.
Draco huffed and forced himself to get out of bed. He tiredly used the restroom and cleaned his teeth before sighing and climbing back into bed. He didn't feel like going downstairs just yet. He was sure that his mother would understand.
"Having a lie in?"
Draco jerked upright at the sound of Harry's voice. "What are you doing here?" Draco gasped.
Harry approached the bed, smiling when Draco opened his arms for him. Harry shifted onto the bed and into Draco's embrace. "A house elf popped into the Burrow demanding to see 'young master Malfoy's Harry,'" Harry quoted with a grin.
"Oh Salazar, how many Weasleys heard that?" Draco asked with a groan.
"Just Arthur, Molly and George," Harry replied. "They said it was adorable."
"Oh my god..."
"Nevermind that," Harry chuckled, shifting so he could see Draco's face properly. He frowned, reaching up to run his fingers through Draco's silky blond hair. "Did you have a nightmare?"
Draco hesitated, overcome with an unfamiliar shyness. He took a fortifying breath and then looked Harry in the eye. "It was the Forbidden Forest again," he said. "But it was different this time... You were there."
"I was?" Harry asked, uncertain if his presence in the dream had been good or bad.
"I heard you," Draco explained, his expression thoughtful. "You were humming that song. And then I opened my eyes and you were there. You carried me to a stream and cleaned me up. You said..." Draco hesitated. The words "You belong with me" echoed in his mind, but he couldn't say them. He cleared his throat. "You said that you'd take care of me."
Harry smiled. "I will take care of you," he agreed solemnly. His eyes scanned Draco's face. "Are you alright?"
Draco nodded, pulling Harry in for a hug. He took a deep breath, reveling in the warmth of Harry's comforting embrace. It was strange to think of how important Harry had become to Draco in a few short months. "You're my best friend," he mumbled against Harry's hair. "The best friend I've ever had."
Harry smiled, his hand reaching up to curve around the back of Draco's neck. His other hand gently stroked down Draco's back.
Draco pulled back slightly to look at Harry's face. "And Weasley is like your brother now or something, right?" Draco asked.
"Right..." Harry replied with a curious frown.
"So, as your brother, he can hardly complain about someone else being given his former title of best friend," Draco went on, a playful smile tugging at his lips.
Harry laughed, shaking his head in amusement. "You're my best friend," Harry assured him, his eyes bright with mirth.
Draco laughed softly. He met Harry's gaze again, his throat tightening when he saw Harry's tender expression. Draco bit his lip and then tugged Harry a bit closer. His pulse raced as he leaned and kissed Harry's lips gently. He pulled back again, relieved to see Harry's surprised smile. He was flooded with warmth when Harry pulled him close for another kiss.
The kisses were slow and sweet. Just a gentle, slow pressing of lips. They parted only to draw one another back in. Neither of them attempted to deepen it and their hands didn't wander. It was a perfect display of affection that wasn't fueled by lust. At that moment, they wanted nothing more.
After several minutes, Harry pulled away slightly. "Do you want to get up now?" he asked quietly. "You still look tired."
"Maybe I'll rest a little while longer," Draco replied. "Will you stay with me? At least for a little while?" he asked hopefully.
Harry checked his watch, considering. "I can do that," he decided. He stretched out on the bed on his side facing Draco. Draco settled back and turned to face Harry, blinking slowly. Harry smiled and reached up to stroke Draco's hair, humming the song that was now Draco's favorite.
Once he was sure that Draco was sleeping peacefully, Harry carefully slipped out of the bed. He reached out and picked up the bouquet of little white flowers that he'd set on the bed. Draco had been so distracted that he hadn't noticed the flowers. Harry looked around for somewhere to place the flowers.
"Use this." Narcissa stepped into the room, holding a simple glass vase. She eyed the flowers as Harry added water to the vase and tucked the stems inside. "Lobularia," she noted quietly.
"Also called sweet alyssum," Harry agreed, setting the vase on the table by Draco's bed.
They walked out of Draco's room and Narcissa closed the door softly. "Worth beyond beauty," she said, smiling when Harry's cheeks flushed. "Draco may not be aware of the significance of these flowers, but I am. I can appreciate the creativity of your methods."
Harry hadn't even considered that Narcissa would understand what he was doing. He really should have thought of that.
Sensing his distress, Narcissa shook her head. "Don't fret Mr. Potter," she said calmly. "I approve of you. And I'm willing to forgive this unorthodox courting of my son if you promise to keep me updated on your progress."
Harry blinked in surprise. Well that was an unexpected response. "Of- Of course," he stammered. "Thank you Mrs. Malfoy."
Narcissa nodded graciously. "Now, you'd best be off. I'm sure your family is anxious to spend more time with you. Good day Mr. Potter," she concluded with a regal nod.
Tilly the house elf appeared then and held out an expectant hand for Harry. Harry smiled and took the elf's hand. A moment later, he was back at the Burrow. The Weasleys were gathered in the living room and looking at him expectantly.
"Is he alright?" Molly asked with a concerned frown.
"He is now," Harry replied, resisting the urge to reach up and touch his lips at the memory of Draco's soft kisses.