When things would get too much, Draco would find himself in the astronomy tower's balcony at any free time he could come by. And right now, things could not get more stressful. His father going to Azkaban was a hard blow. It's true he knew his dad idolized the dark lord, but not so much to place his family in harm's way. It was hard enough finding real respect for himself when most people treated him based on his father's threats. No they either hate and despise him openly or praise him for his closeness to the dark lord. Few people now are just his friends. Now he could count the number of people he trusted on one hand. What was worst of all was now there was beyond no chance that the Gryffindor golden boy, savior to be, would ever talk to him.

Looking up at the sky a calming sense fell over Draco. The star filled sky was unforgiving and understanding, for it was just there to be. With a sigh and talking to no one, Draco spoke in a quiet voice.

"What do you want from me? First you have me fall for the one guy I can't have, then reinforce the chances against me. Now you send this match maker give me false hope to tease me! Don't forget being gay is frowned upon in my family. What is it you want me to do?"

The sky did not answer his call, merely taking in all that was unspoken. With one last deep breath of night air, Draco heads into the tower only to find the door locked. "Oh this is just great."

Night could not have come soon enough. Every time Harry saw Malfoy he thought about what Luna had said. Draco seemed to be watching him. Not like that was anything new, but it felt different somehow. Could he be my mate? The idea felt right but his head was not about to allow that. So as with any other over worked day, Harry took to his broom by jumping out of Gryffindor's tower window. After some free falling, high speed dives, and dangerous moves, Harry glided over to the Astronomy tower's roof for some star watching.

Coming into view of the tower from his position near the clouds, Harry spied a person lounging on the balcony. Not wanting them to see, he approached from the other side of the tower. But it seemed Hogwarts had other ideas; pulling Harry's broom straight to the balcony. Landing with a thud from the unexpected landing, woke the sleeping person into sitting position with his hood sliding off his head.

"Sorry about that" Harry said brushing off his robs where he had landed on the tower floor. "Hogwarts seemed to pull my broom here. She does that occasionally." Looking up, Harry's voice died in his throat. Pure platinum blond hair and stormy gray eyes with sleep looked back.

Draco was first to speak "Hi." came a quiet voice sounding bewildered. They had reached a civil way of interaction this year on a direct order from Dumbledor. Clearing his thoughts "So what were you doing flying so late at night?" His voice coming out stronger.

"Just clearing my head" Harry responded, surprised at how calm his voice was.

"Same… then I was locked out."

"And you fell asleep. Cold?"

"A little."

Harry rapped his outer clock around Malfoy's shoulders. It had a permanent heating charm on it for his night outings.

"Thanks" both guessed how they had come to be on this tower and it did not need to be said. Hogwarts had pared them off.

"So … how have you been? It seems like this school year had been a bit harder on you." Harry tried nervously to start up a conversation, sitting down next to the other boy.

A little amazed that anyone had noticed, Malfoy responded truthfully. "Yea, it has."

"So what's up with you and Voldemort, because to me you don't seem like death eater material?" Harry asked, fiddling with his figures on his lap. He may speak him mind, but that did not always make it easy.

"I don't know whether to be insulted or pleased. My entire up bringing was to become a loyal servant; ether to my father or to that madman." Malfoy replied with a sarcastic snort.

"You should be pleased. Not many could go through your life and come out strong and as independent as you." He looked up to catch a glimpse of those stormy eyes.

"Wow Potter, you are being pretty straight forward tonight aren't you."

"Harry."

"What?"

"I want you to call me Harry."

"Why?"

"You don't have to…" thinking he was jumping ahead of things.

"… I would like to. Harry" the word was like honey on Draco's tongue. He wanted to know more about this boy that has always been a mystery to him. "Harry, I wanted to thank you, and you friends, for catching my Fa…Lucius, and putting him away."

"You're happy he is gone?"

"Yes, without him over my head, I have more choices that I get to pick from without worry of punishment. He was not a good father."

"Sorry"

"For what?"

"That you did not get the family you deserved."

"That's nothing you could have helped. Besides from what I hear you had a similar problem at that muggle house. Am I right?" Many rumors about Harry's family were around Hogwarts, and not always good ones. There was the hero, golden boy, luxuriously living one. And then there were the darker ones of abuse and pain.

Looking down at his hands, Harry's body language changed to dark in a matter of seconds. "No."

"Then tell me what it's like to live with those muggles." So was the luxury life true? But that should not upset him this way. If the abuse is true, then that would mean they hurt him so bad he things he deserves it. Who could hurt someone of their own blood so much? Hello, all he had to do was look at his own life. Severus saved him, but it seems no one has saved the boy in front of him.

"Nothing"

"Nothing?"

"It is like nothing."

"I'm afraid I don't understand." Trying to get him to talk about the details.

"Nothing, it is nothing, I have nothing, I am nothing." His voice growing rigged with every word.

"Harry…"

"No, I have told you too much. They will know and I will be punished." Picking up his broom, Harry tried to take off but Hogwarts was not about to let that happen.

"Harry please. Tell me about it. Let me help you." Draco's voice mixed with worry for the boy who seems to be falling apart before his eyes.

"Why! There is nothing you can do. I have told people before." pacing back and forth "Bloody hell I told Dumbledor and you know what he said? It's just teen rebellious speaking." his voice grew louder. "And he sent me back. I know what I am worth. An icon to a world that wants saving. Harry Potter is needed by all. But this Boy" double hitting his hand on his chest for emphases stopping in front of Draco "is worth nothing." his hand sticking through the air, cutting it down.

"You are so much more than an icon." This cased Harry to pause. "You are one of the few people who even care to look at me different than just the death eater's son. You can argue with me with passion like no other. My statue of Malfoy does not even register in your head." Walking up behind harry "You see all the good in people who don't always deserve it. You Harry are an amazing person. The endless love you give to people knowing that it may never be returned or appreciated. The pain of others you take upon yourself. And you do is all as easy as second nature, not even noticing the help and sacrifice you are giving. Just for the fact that it's right. No one in this word could replace you."

Tears running down Harry's face, he collapsed agents Draco as he lowers them to the ground. Draco pulled him up into a hug and held him with no intention of ever letting go. This is what they had both been wanting for, for a long time. To have someone to hold them; and not just anyone, but each other: Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter.

The balcony door clicked. It was unlocked meaning it was time to go back to their dorms. With a last hug the silent promise to try to see the other was made.