It's All My Fault Chapter Twelve, a harry potter fanfic

Title: It's All My Fault
Author Name: Lying In An Angels Arms
Rating: R/M
Spoilers: Books 1-6. Written After Half-Blood Prince.
Pairing(s): Draco/Harry
Summary: Guilt is a funny thing. It makes the world seem so much...colder. Draco's guilty. Two deaths are on his conscious and the closest thing to a father he has now is hanging between life and death because of him. Guilt is a funny thing, it makes you wish you were dead. Draco's drowning in a sea of coldness and he can't grasp onto something. Can Harry Potter be that something?
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

BETA: Wrath Of The Digital Hazard

/Warnings/

Slash! (Harry/Draco. Lucius/Severus)

Depression, Suicidal themes (no suicide depicted), Mild non-graphic self harm

strong language, Sexual scenes, mild character deaths,

Mild Potions Abuse

Chapter Twelve: These places and these faces are getting old

I never knew I was gay.

I mean, I didn't even think I might have been.

In Slytherin, there are no gays and straights.

There is love and there is experimenting.

Experimenting never went passed just that, an experiment.

There was no such thing as love when it involved two people of the same gender.

I had never really cared.

I never experimented.

Blaise did.

A lot.

I never understood why but I accepted it.

Blaise was Blaise.

A manwhore.

Literally.

Sex was never a big deal in Slytherin.

Everyone was doing it, so we felt no need to hide it.

Once, on a dare, Pansy and Daphne snogged.

In the middle of the common room.

Just after dinner.

Scarred a few first years with that little dare.

They seemed to enjoy it and everyone still brings it up.

They don't care though.

Just laugh, nod and reenact it in front of squeamish second years.

Ah, the joys of being evil.

Draco had to admit, the exiting of someone else's tortured mind was a lot harder than he originally thought. It felt like part of him was being ripped out, torn apart then forcibly returned to its place. It hurt. He bit his lip to stop a scream, so hard that his lip bled. He braced himself over Severus, on his hands and knees. Severus slept on but it was different this time. Draco was sure that it was just that - sleeping. The man's once stiff body was relaxed, face tilted to one side and lips parted as he breathed steadily. Draco gave a smile and scrambled off the bed. His limbs ached, his head swirled and his heart was attempted to escape via his throat. He grabbed the door handle and swung it open, still clutching the doorjamb for support.

"Mr. Weasley!" he attempted to yell, but it came out as a hoarse croak.

"Mr. Weasley!" he tried again but the same thing happened.

"ARTHUR!" That time, the sound reverberated throughout the house and sent his ears ringing. He raised a hand to clutch his head and felt his knees wobble. He could hear thundering footsteps racing up the stairs and for a moment, thought his yell had been heard by Arthur but as a messy head of black hair appeared, followed by a scruffy body, Draco knew that wasn't the case. He tried to sneer but his eyes began to blur and his legs buckled under his weight. As the floor rushed up the greet him, he couldn't help but growl inwardly. It's just got to be Potter.

Harry had scrambled forward and latched onto the crumbling Malfoy, the extra added weight, what little there was of it, making his own legs buckle. He fell to his knees and used his arm to cushion Malfoy's head so it didn't slam into the ground. His breath came out in harsh pants as he stared down at the relaxed and vulnerable face of Draco Malfoy, his enemy. Problem was, Harry didn't see an enemy. He saw a defenseless boy who was trying so hard to be the strong one. He felt a pang of empathy with Malfoy. Can't let 'em see us fall, aye Malfoy? Harry thought bitterly. The blond's head was tilted to the side, facing Harry's elbow, lips parted as he breathed evenly.

Harry could hear footsteps racing up the stairs, lots of them, but didn't move. Malfoy was lying on his back on the floor, half sitting up, his head on Harry's bent arm.

Gaspings greeted Harry as he raised his head and looked over his shoulder at the gathering people. All of the Weasleys, minus Ginny, Bill and Fleur, were crowded at the top of the stairs. Remus, Moody and Tonks were also there, staring.

"What happened?" Arthur finally snapped out of his gaping trance and hurried towards the unconscious blond. He knelt beside Harry and began casting diagnostic spells on Malfoy.

"I don't know," Harry admitted. "I heard him yell for you and ran up from the second floor. He sounded really panicked. I'd just gotten up the stairs when he fai-passed out." Harry couldn't bring himself to say fainted. Passed out made it sound more dignified and not like Malfoy was a swooning girl.

"He seems to be fine," Arthur said carefully, placing his wand back in his belt. "Exhausted and low on magical energy but he's fine."

Harry unconsciously let out a relieved breath.

"Here, Harry. Step back and I'll levitate him into the room," Arthur suggested and Harry carefully relinquished Malfoy over to Arthur. He scrambled to his feet and stepped back. Molly placed a hand on his shoulder and he was unsure as to whether it was calming or restraining. He glanced over his shoulder at her face and saw only a harsh mask in place. He looked confused.

Arthur waved his wand and carefully levitated the unconscious blond towards the room, walking close to the floating body so he could control the spell properly. Harry tried to follow the man into the room but Molly's hand tightened and he was unable to move.

"You stay here, Harry dear," Molly said crisply. "I'll go in." She nudged him aside and followed her husband into the room. Harry frowned but didn't have time to dwell on it, as he was soon bustled away by Remus.

Inside the room, Molly stood with her back to the closed door, frowning. Arthur was fussing over the two in the bed as if they were his children, and not his enemies.

"Oh... wow," Arthur murmered under his breath with wide eyes. He turned around. "I think... I think Severus is awake."

Molly's eyes went wide and she stared at the bed. True enough, Severus' pose was relaxed and, feeling Draco in the bed beside him, rolled slightly, placing one arm across the young boy's chest in a protective gesture.

Molly could have been knocked over with a feather at the content sighs that came out of the men's mouth at the simple touch.

"I'm fine, Professor Lupin. Really. Malfoy wasn't dangerous. Hell, he could barely stand up," Harry protested as he was pushed into a chair, a piece of chocolate in his hand and a teacup on the table before him.

"You didn't know that though!" Remus said, almost angrily. "You could have been hurt! He could have killed you, Harry!" The werewolf's shoulders seemed to slump. "I can't lose you too," Remus said huskily, collapsing into the chair next to his best friend's godson.

All of the fight went out of Harry. He reached over a hand and pressed the chocolate into Remus' fist inside. Remus chuckled sadly and lifted the piece to his mouth, biting out a chunk and chewing slowly. He offered the rest to Harry, who took it without protest this time.

Harry said nothing. What could he say? You can't lose me because you never really had me? No. That'd just shatter him. Harry liked Remus. He was a cool adult but he had never really gotten to know him. Remus seemed to only think of Harry as James' son and Sirius' godson. He was a replacement for them and he hated it. He wasn't anyone's replacement.

They sat in bitter silence until Fleur drifted in. She wore a flowery white and pink dress that reached her knees. On her feet she wore a pair of white high heels and her hair was left down. She looked every bit the Veela bride.

"Oh! Bonjour 'arry! Remuz!" she greeted them with a welcome smile. "Vat are 'ou doi'g 'ere? I 'eard zat zee Malfoy 'eir is 'urt. I t'oug't 'ou would be zere, 'arry!"

"No," Harry said, after puzzling through her words to find out what she'd actually said. Her accent seemed to be getting worse, rather than better. "Why would you think that?"

She looked surprised. "Vhy? Because 'ou are ze 'ero! 'ou care about everyone, no? 'ave I got it wron'?" she asked quickly, seeing his dumbstruck look.

"No, no you haven't. It's just... You think I should care about Malfoy?" Harry asked, wondering if he could justify that pang of empathy as 'being a hero.'

Remus tried to cut off Fleur but she just raised her voice.

"Of course! 'e is a 'uman too, no? 'e is still a student as vell. Everyone makes miztakez, non? Even 'eros." With that, she swept from the room, head held high and a smile on her lips.

Harry didn't even hear Remus' words as he tried to change the subject.

"Yeah... Everyone does," he murmered under his breath.

"You killed an innocent man!"

"He was not innocent!" Draco yelled back suddenly, looking furious. "He had more blood on those wrinkly little hands than Voldemort will ever have!"

"You're lying. Dumbledore was a kind, caring man and you're just pathetic to try and lie about him."

"Just because he was nice to you, Potty," Malfoy snarled, "does not mean he was nice to everyone else."

"Everyone," Harry repeated softly, unaware of the panicked look on Remus' face.

When Draco woke, he became aware of an amazing feeling. He was wrapped in someone's arms and it felt nice. Like he was loved. He kept his eyes closed, trying to keep the dream going just a little longer.

"Draco?" a familiar voice questioned nearby and Draco hid a groan. Just a little longer. "Draco, please open your eyes."

Please. Draco did groan this time. Why did he have to use that word. His eyes fluttered open and peered out. The room was dark again but he could see a shadow nearby.

"Lumos," the shadow said and light exploded in the room. Draco hissed and closed his eyes again, the light burning his pupils.

"Sorry!" the voice said and Draco could feel the light dim, see it from behind his eyelids, and carefully opened his eyes, squinting first to allow them the chance to adjust to the light.

"Mr. Weasley?" Draco could finally see who the person was. Arthur Weasley beamed at the teenager and nodded.

"You gave as all quite a scare, fainting like that," Arthur said, walking forward and saying 'nox.' The world plunged into darkness again but Draco soon began to glow as Arthur cast diagnostic spells again, just in case. Draco winced at the world 'fainting.' Passing out was a much better turn. Less pansy-like.

"Especially Harry. He was most concerned," Arthur continued on, shocking Draco.

"What?" Draco spluttered. "Potter was concerned about me? You're bonkers."

Arthur's face softened. "Harry's a good kid. He cares about everyone, even if he thinks he hates them."

"Thinks?"

Arthur smiled. "I don't think Harry has it in himself to hate anyone at the moment. He's a good kid," Arthur repeated, almost to himself.

Draco frowned. Kid? That kid has to kill the Dark Lord. Does he even have any training or do they just expect him to kill on the spot? These people are crazy.

"Okay, I reckon you're alright. Restrain from doing any spells for a while and your magic reserves should replenish themselves. You're quite lucky you know." Arthur replaced his wand into his belt again, casting a lumos so the wand spelled the light towards the ceiling. Draco nodded his head and behind him, something shifted. He tensed. What the... Oh. Draco spun around, the arm across his waist lifting slightly so he could. He rolled over, facing the still sleeping Severus Snape. The man finally had color back in his cheeks and was breathing evenly. He laid on his side, one arm curled up under his head and the other resting over Draco's waist.

"Severus! You're alive," Draco gasped under his breath. Yes! I didn't screw it up! Severus shifted slightly but didn't open his eyes.

"I don't believe I gave you permission to use my given name, Mr. Mal-...Draco." Severus' mind was obviously fully functional if he could remember not to call Draco by his last name. Draco grinned unashamedly, because Arthur couldn't see his face and he didn't care if Severus saw it.

"Yes, you did," Draco retorted lightly. "When I was four and kept calling you Snap."

Severus snorted.

"Why don't you open your eyes," Draco prompted quietly. Severus said nothing but his eyelashes lifted. Draco soon found himself staring into the pitch black eyes of his professor. Draco felt a lump in his throat and did the only thing he could think of. He dipped his head and tucked his head under the man's chin, hiding his face from view.

"I'm glad you're alive," Draco said, voice perfectly controlled but Draco was sure Severus could feel the wetness of Draco's tears on his chest. Severus made no mention of it, or of the slight shaking of Draco's shoulders.

"As am I, little dragon."

Arthur had left the room as soon as Draco rolled over and he had heard Severus' voice. He knew he should go tell the others that they were both awake but Arthur wanted them to have a little privacy first. Severus' voice, while it sounded almost exactly the same, had a warm undertone that made Arthur doubt whether there was anything Severus wouldn't do for Draco.

Arthur sighed and walked down the stairs to the kitchen. Molly was cooking something, Ron and Harry were playing chess (Harry was loosing rather spectacuarly for the tenth time), Hermione and Remus were reading (the same book, side by side at the table. Occasionally they would point out an interesting passage to one another and discuss it quietly, so they didn't disturb anyone), Bill was getting his hair braided by his wife (He was smirking all the while, having noticed his mothers disapproving looks), Charlie was avidly discussing dragons with Ginny, while holding a side conversation with the twins about the properties of dragon specimens in potions. Arthur smiled; the noise loud and the room crowded, it felt like home.

Harry spotted him first, making Arthur wonder if he had been glancing over a the door the whole time. "Mr. Weasley!" he called out, practically leaping to his feet. He bumped the table, knocking off the one pawn of Ron's Harry had taken. The pawn spouted abuse but Harry didn't seem to hear.

"It's alright. He's awake," Arthur soothed, not saying who 'he' was. If anyone got huffy later, he could tell them honestly that he had informed them that Severus was awake. It was not his fault if they got the wrong impression and thought of the wrong 'he.'

Harry sighed in relief. "Good."

"Why do you care so much, Harry? He's the Pratty-Ferret!" Ron pointed out, taking out Harry's bishop with a pawn. Pratty-Ferret was the nickname for Draco Ron had created, making him sound like a super-villian. Harry didn't like thinking of Malfoy as a super villain because in his experience, glances he'd stolen at Dudley's collection, super villains and superheroes had a nasty habit of wearing spandex.

"He's a human being, Ron," Harry said, practically echoing Fleur's words from earlier. Fleur gave Harry an approving look over her husband's head and smiled, going back to braiding Bill's hair.

"He's still a prat. You're move, Harry," Ron pointed out and Harry randomly moved his rook down the board. Ron grinned and took his queen with a bishop. Harry frowned but shrugged it off.

"Vat vas v'ong vith 'im?" Fleur asked, pressing a loving kiss to the crown of Bill's head. Arthur sat on one of the chairs at the kitchen table, sighing.

"He was just exhausted. He's okay now."

"Zat is good, yes?" Fleur smiled. "Vill 'e be joini'g us for dinner?"

"No!" Molly snapped at the same time Arthur said, "Yes."

Molly looked furious. "Arthur! What on earth are you thinking? Think of Bill."

Bill looked insulted. "I can think for myself, Mum."

Molly continued on, barely sparing her son a glance. "We will not have a convict sitting at the table with us."

"You didn't mind when it was Sirius," Harry said suddenly and everyone froze.

"Oh Harry," Molly simpered. "That was different."

"How?" Harry asked, staring at her. She squirmed.

"Sirius didn't kill anyone," she supplied.

"Neither has Malfoy."

"He tried to kill Dumbledore!" Ron snapped.

"Sirius tried to kill Pettigrew," Harry countered.

"That rat deserved it," Remus pointed out.

"How do you know Dumbledore didn't?" Harry said without thinking and everyone gasped, paling. Harry paled too, unable to believe he'd said that.

"Just because he was nice to you, Potty," Malfoy snarled, "does not mean he was nice to everyone else."

Harry shook his head, trying to get Malfoy's voice of out his mind.

"He was NOT innocent!"

"Oh Harry, how could you say that?" Hermione demanded, looking horrified.

"I... I..."

"That's horrible, mate," Ron said, gaping.

"I didn't... I..."

"Harry Potter, how dare you say something like that," Molly practically screeched.

"I'm... I didn't."

"What's wrong with you, Harry?" Remus demanded. "How could you?"

"I just... He's not..."

"Get out, Harry. Before you say something else you'll regret," Arthur said softly, eyes burning with anger he didn't act on.

Harry scrambled to the door, pausing without looking back.

"He wasn't perfect," Harry pointed out. "Nobody is... I don't get why nobody else can see that."

Harry left.

Draco was lying peacefully in Severus' arms, though the man had grouched about how he wasn't hugging Draco for all the galleons in the world. Draco's back was against Severus' chest, Severus' arm around Draco's waist and Severus' other arm cushioning Draco's head. Draco felt safe.

Until the door slammed open.

"What did you do to Harry, you bastard?" Ron Weasley snarled and Draco started, having not even heard them walk up the stairs. Hermione Granger stood beside Weasley, The Weaselette was there too and Dragon-Weasley as well. Dragon-Weasley stormed forward, grabbed Draco's arm and tugged in from the bed, ignoring Draco's sharp cry of surprise. Draco was half dragged, half thrown from the room and forced down the stairs before he could even regain his bearings. He stumbled, undignified and panicky. He opened his mouth to ask where he was being taken, when Weasel growled, "Don't even think about speaking to us, or we'll throw you down the stairs."

Draco's eyes snapped to Granger, wondering if she was going to scold him. She stared coldly back and Draco sneered. He regained his footing and walked proudly to wherever they were taking him. If he was going to die and then he'd die with grace, at least.

He was practically thrown into the lounge, stumbling ever so slightly but righting himself quickly. Everyone was sitting on couches. Minus Potter, Draco quickly noted. They were all glaring at him. Brilliant, what have I done now? Draco automatically sought out Arthur Weasley, expecting to see him lighthearted and cheerful as ever. It was not the case. Arthur was scowling, just like the rest, and his eyes burned as they stared at Draco. Draco unconsciously took a step back.

"Thank you, Charlie," Mrs. Weasley said and Dragon-Weasley released Draco's arm and went to sit beside Ponytail-Weasley who's hair was... braided? Draco would have smirked, had the situation not been so serious. Granger, Weasley and the Weaselette went and sat down by the Weasley mother.

"Now, do you know why you're here?" Remus Lupin asked. Draco pierced him with frozen grey eyes.

"No. I suspect it's some kind of party. Pin the tail on the Draco party-game, perhaps?" Draco sneered.

"Shut up, Malfoy," Moody snarled, glass eye purposely raking over him. Draco shuddered at the name and the feeling of violation that eye always gave.

"What spell did you put on Harry?" Weasley snarled and Draco's eyebrows met his hairline, before he quickly replaced them back to where they should have been and plastered a cold look on his face.

"Why on earth would I waste what little magic I can harness on cursing Potter," Draco said acidly.

"Why don't you tell us?" Remus replied coldly.

"What spell have I supposedly placed upon him?" Draco asked, crossing his arms and straightening his stance. He looked down his nose at them and his lips formed a faint, patronizing smirk.

"A mind control spell!" the Weaselette announced, bitterly. "There's no other explanation for it!"

"For what?"

"Harry said that Dumbledore deserved to be killed," Mrs. Weasley practically snarled, something one didn't see of the motherly woman often at all.

It took all of Draco's control not to gape. No bloody way. "You have got the kidding me," Draco sneered. "Potter worshipped that crotchety old manipulator. You're lying."

They looked uncomfortable now. His reaction to the news couldn't have been faked.

"You didn't cast a spell?" Lupin asked, just to confirm.

"Salazar, no! I wouldn't waste my breath. If he can throw off Imperio, he can get rid of any spell I could cast," Draco said coldly.

"He can throw off Imperio?" the Weaselette gasped and the room exploded into noise. Draco winced, rubbing his forehead. He turned on his heel and walked towards the door, intending to go back into the warm bed waiting for him upstairs.

"Where do you think you're going?" the Dragon-Weasley snarled, the only one who noticed Draco leaving.

"Back to bed, which you rudely removed me from," Draco said carelessly over his shoulder. "You all don't need me here to argue amongst yourself." Before they could react, Draco left the room. He made sure they could hear him walking up the stairs. He crashed, almost literally, into Potter on the second floor.

"Malfoy!" Potter squawked, nearly bowling Draco over as he came out of the second floor bathroom. "You're up!"

"How astute," Draco sneered and went to move past him. Potter grabbed his arm, startling Draco.

"Wait!" Potter said, a begging tone to his voice. "Are you okay? Why were you up? Are you allowed to be up? Do you need Mr. Weasley's help? You could have just called. Everyone hears everything in this house," Potter rambled. Draco raised an eyebrow.

"I'm fine. I'm up because someone came to get me. Yes, I assume I'm allowed to be up seeing as I was just bombarded by questions, none of which was that question. No," Draco practically snarled that word. "I don't think I'll be needing Mr. Weasley's help for a long time. Now, excuse me." Draco wrenched his arm out of Potter's grip and stormed up the stairs. Halfway up, he heard Potter break out of his shock.

"Wait... WHAT?" Potter raced up the stairs behind Draco, grabbing his arm again. He spun him around and grey eyes met green. "You were questioned?"

"Yesss," Draco hissed, sounding serpetine almost. "Now, leave me alone."

"What about?" Potter persisted.

"You," Draco spat.

"Me?" Potter repeated, sounding shrill.

"Yes, You, Potter. Now let me go!" Draco jerked his arm but Potter's grip was firm and didn't let up.

"What about me?" Potter asked, quietly now.

"They wanted to know whether I had put a spell on you or not," Draco said, relenting. He could have jerked Potter around a bit more, pissing him off but Draco hated how close they were standing. Potter dropped Draco's arm in shock at his words and Draco used it to step up a few steps, towering over Potter and just out of his reach, should he feel the need to grab Draco again.

"What?" Potter demanded, hoarsely.

"Yes, seems they were worried that the big bad Death Eater had put a spell on iddy-biddy Potty. As if I would waste my time," Draco sneered.

"Why?" Potter said quietly, when Draco would have simply walked away again. Draco paused.

"Why what?"

"Why did they think you'd... you'd do that to me?" Potter was staring at him, even though Draco had turned around, his back now to Potter, Draco knew. He could feel the eyes burning his back.

"Why not, Potter?" Draco said simply and walked away. This time, Potter didn't even try.

As soon as Draco entered his room, he scrambled for the bed. Diving under the covers, he buried his face in his pillow. He had forgotten about his bedmate, until he felt a hand on his shoulder. He peered out, golden hair covering part of his face. Severus Snape stared down at him coldly. Draco could see a faint glimmer of concern in his eyes and was instantly warmed.

"What happened?" Severus asked simply and Draco relaxed. He'd never realized how nice it was to have someone who was waiting for him.

The story spilled out, explaining about all of his and Potter's fights. The hexes, the pure magic and, lastly, the interrogation. Severus stayed quiet, hand still on Draco's shoulder, a constant weight. Draco found he didn't mind, it wasn't like when Potter touched him. Severus calmed, Potter made him feel like he was on fire.

"-then I came up here and you disturbed my moping," Draco finished, burying his face back in his pillow. Severus snorted.

"I apologize. Had I known you were moping because of Potter I would have not interrupted. Feel free to continue," Severus said dryly, removing his hand. Draco wanted that hand back. He peered out at Severus cautiously and found the man smirking. Draco scowled at him. Severus' smirk just widened.

"I hate you," Draco said lightly, not meaning it. Hell, if he was brave he would say the opposite. Severus continued to smirk and laid back down on the bed.

"Hm, I'm sure you do," he said as he rolled over, back to Draco.

Draco could have made some snappy comment but the silence in the room was so comfortable that he didn't dare disturb it. He let out a sigh and closed his eyes, hiding his face back into the pillow.

They both tensed when they heard footsteps creeping quietly up the stairs, towards their door. Severus relaxed, so he appeared asleep. Draco did the opposite. His eyes snapped open and he pushed himself up into a sitting position, not one to be disadvantaged. Draco tensed, eyes narrowed as the door swung open, revealing Arthur Weasley. He wanted to relax, fall into the pleasant conversation they had previously but he couldn't get the sight of those accusing blue eyes out of his mind.

"What do you want, Weasley?" Draco snarled. He felt Severus shift slightly behind him, back pressing against his in silent support. Draco felt his dignity return at that simple touch and tilted his chin upwards proudly.

"Draco, I wanted to apologize-" Arthur tried to say.

"Save your breath," Draco interrupted. "I don't need your fake words." I won't let myself be set up for another fall.

"Draco, I didn't want to accuse you-" Arthur soothed.

"But you did," Draco said coldly. "You can't take that back, Weasley. You think I'll just let you apologize and then turn your back on me again when you reckon it's got the be that scummy Death Eater?" Severus shifted behind him and Draco realized with a start that he'd been yelling. He winced inwardly at his loss of cool but it seemed to work on Arthur. The red head was pale and drawn.

"Draco-"

"Get out."

"What? No! Dr-"

"OUT!" Draco snapped, pointing to the door. Arthur took a step forward and Draco unconsciously pressed further back against Severus.

"Dr-"

"I believe he said get out, Weasley," Severus' voice said from behind Draco, cold enough to free lava. Arthur stopped in his tracks and slowly backed up. He wasn't foolish enough to pick a fight with two Death Eaters, even ones who were injuried and without wands.

"I'm sorry, Draco," Arthur said quietly, disappearing out of the room. Draco sneered and threw himself back onto the bed. He attempted to suffocate himself in the pillow, saved only by Severus' hand which gripped the back of his neck and yanked his face up.

"Don't be overdramatic," Severus sneered. Draco turned his face to the side, staring up at the dark man.

"You must be cold," Draco piped up suddenly, getting an amused look from Severus as his excuse was seen through easily. He didn't care.

Draco moved over to Severus and wrapped his arms around the man's waist, burrowing his face in the exposed neck. Severus snorted and laid back down, one hand still pressed to the back of his neck.

"Why on earth woud you think Malfoy cast a spell on me?" Harry demanded as he entered the lounge, shortly after Draco left. The occupants all look up, startled.

"Harry-" Molly attempted to soothe but Harry didn't care.

"Why? Is it impossible that for once I was thinking for myself?" Harry said, clenching his fists.

"Mate, you told us Dumbledore deserved to die," Ron said slowly, as if Harry was just slow and not angry.

"So? Dumbledore wasn't perfect. Maybe he did something inexcusable to Dr-Malfoy and Snape?" Harry growled out.

"Like what? Didn't give Malfoy the Head Boy position?" Ron sneered.

"Like... I don't know! Something! People don't just kill other people for the heck of it," Harry yelled, frustrated. "There has to be some logic to it!"

"There isn't, Harry," Hermione reasoned. "I've studied it up and down, there's nothing."

"How could you?" Harry said bitterly. "You weren't there. Not one of you were there. You didn't see it!"

"See what, Harry?" Arthur asked, quietly.

Harry hesitated, shaking his head. "The desperation," he said simply, walking from the room, "and the hesitation." He left the room even more confused than previously.

Harry didn't come in for dinner that night. Fleur found him outside on one of the nearby hills, watching the stars. She appeared like a spirit, practically glowing from the moonlight.

"Ah! 'ere 'ou are, 'arry! Everyone iz very vorried about 'ou," Fleur said, eyeing the ground beside him in distaste before settling on a nearby rock which she cleaned first.

"I know," Harry admitted. He didn't want to go back in. He was sorry he'd yelled. He was sorry they didn't understand but he wasn't sorry he'd stood up for Malfoy and Snape. HE was so confused. He hated them, didn't he?

"Ah, 'arry?" Fleur said softly, catching the hero's attention. "'arry, 'ou are scared, are 'ou not? About lozing more of 'our family, yes?"

Harry hesitated but seeing the warm eyes watching him, nodded.

"It iz good, yes, to ztand up for vhat 'ou believe in. Even if 'ou do not underztand vhy. Malfoy iz ze reazon my fiancé is mauled but we 'ave forgiven 'im."

"How?" Harry asked, almost desperately. "How can you forgive someone who could have taken away your love." And has taken away your mentor?

Fleur smiled. "I cannot tell 'ou, 'arry." At his distraught, insulted look, she hurried on. "becauze it iz different for everyone!" She watched his face turn from insulted to defeated and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I cannot ztand to zee 'ou un'appy, 'arry."

"Why? You don't know me," Harry pointed out.

"Ze w'ole world knowz 'ou, 'arry!" Fleur said with a delicate laugh. "'ou are 'our 'ero, no? But-" she smiled, "-I am different zhan ze otherz. I 'ave zeen 'ou fight for those who cannot fight for z'emselfs. 'ou zaved my zizter, even z'ough she waz not 'ours to zave."

"She was safe anyway," Harry said, shaking his head. "I didn't do anything special."

"Yez, 'ou did 'arry!" Fleur protested. "'ou did not know, so 'ou acted with 'our heart. 'ou are special 'arry, not because of 'our zcar," she pointed to his forehead, then let her hand drop so it pointed to his chest, "but becauze of 'our 'eart. Never forget to trust 'our 'eart, 'arry. 'ou vill do great thingz, if 'ou only learned to liz'en and trust 'ourself." Fleur smiled and lent over to press a kiss to each of his cheeks, then one to his forehead directly over his scar. He flinched, expecting to feel the burn of pain but there was nothing. It felt... nice.

"Thanks," Harry said quietly and Fleur smiled wider.

"No, 'arry. Z'ank 'ou, for letting uz believe in 'ou in z'eze dark timez," Fleur said softly, rising to her feet. She want to walk back to the burrow. "'arry?" She called and he turned around.

"Yeah?"

"'arry, do not z'ink z'at juzt becauze 'ou are our 'ero, doez not mean 'ou do not need one of 'our own."

Harry stared.

Fleur smiled. "'our family will be inzide, if 'ou vant to be a zon, inztead of a 'ero."

She left, leaving Harry staring after her, wondering how someone so blond, could be so damn smart.

Harry stayed outside for another fifteen minutes until the chill finally penetrated the warm coat he had grabbed (he was fairly sure it was Ron's, as it was several sizes too wide across the shoulders) on the way out. He got up, feeling dwarfed in the jacket and approached the house. He could hear laughing and gently crept inside. They were still in the lounge. Molly had gotten biscuits and tea ready and they all sat around. Just... having fun. Harry wanted that too.

"Um?" he said softly, barely audible. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared. Molly looked nervous, and everyone else looked ashamed.

"I'm sorry," Harry said quickly before he lost his nerve. "Can we just... forget it?"

"Of course, Harry!" Hermione said immediately. She got to her feet and embraced him. "Let's just pretend it never happened."

"Yeah, momentary lapse of sanity," Ron said and grinned, slapping Harry's back. Harry smiled back and was pulled down between them, sitting on the couch. Molly pressed a cup of tea into his cold hands and he gave her a warm smile. She gave a watery one back. Harry scanned the room and met Fleur's eyes. She was sitting beside Bill on one of the love-seats, embracing.

"Thank you," Harry mimed to Fleur. She merely smiled back.

Author's Note:

Here's a little treat for you guys! Another chapter! I'd had this written for a few days but, sadly, my BETA didn't check her e-mail so it got delayed a lot Dx

Ah well, at least it got here, right?!

It has hints of slash! (Yes, we're finally getting there!) aaaaand SEVVY'S BACK!! :Cuddles Severus Plushies:

Oh and I appologize if anyone thinks Severus' is OOC. Quite frankly, I always thought of Severus like my father. He's a mean old bastard when people piss him off, dislikes bratty children but is always kind to the ones he cares about. My father gets the title "Grumpy old bugger" when he's working but he's always up for cuddles from his kids when he gets home. ;3

REVIEWER RESPONES:

Ali-chan et Vani-chan: I'm glad you like it xP I updated for ya! Don't hate Arthur too much because of his actions, he did it out of love for Harry. Hope you liked this too!

MarieEsmereldaDumbledore-Black: Hehe. Sorry, I have a habit of doing cliffhangers. I'm glad you liked it, especially Arthur blackmailing Molly xP Well, I hope you get to writing more of it. Your name's quite intriguing.

Enigmus: Thanks so much! You're so nice ;3 I hope you enjoy this. Drama is the Weasley's middle names xP

Soupcan: Haha. I'm glad you liked the fan comment, I always thought since Draco's so usually composed, that his thoughts have got to be random. You know, I wrote that part and I don't know how Draco knew what a fan -was-. Muggle studies, perhaps? Hope you liked this chapter too!

Smaradgus: I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yes, everyone makes Molly accepting and loving but, c'mon, Draco -did- let her son be mauled, constantly teased the hell out of them, mocked them and she and the Malfoy's never get on well. I can't imagine her taken Draco into her clan completely, straight away. I'm glad I could give you something refreshingly different. Don't worry. Molly will accept Draco...eventually. Thanks so much!

NamelessLittleGirl: Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. Thank you :3 I hope you enjoy this one too.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. Especially those who wished my mother well, you are all completely wicked (in a good way ;3).

I hope you enjoyed this!

Review M'dears!

-Liaa