The next couple of weeks had passed in kind of a blur for Harry. He kept that green potion in stock and took several drops every couple of days. Sometimes if he was feeling down he'd take several doses a day. Draco was becoming increasingly worried. Even though the sex they had was terrific, Draco couldn't help feeling like Harry was becoming addicted. Though the blond didn't want to say anything at first, thinking that this was much better than the cutting. But after he found him in a right state, he couldn't hold his tongue any longer.

Draco walked into the boys' showers feeling gross from the potion they had to brew, that took the entire period. He placed his towel on the hook, took off his shirt and was getting ready to undo his pants when he heard a strangled cry. Draco, puzzled, started to look for where the sound was from and from whom.

Draco stared, watching as his lover was crying and scratching at his arms. Draco gasped quietly.

Harry looked up, startled.

"Help me," he pleaded, running his hands through his hair, as if trying to shake something from his hair. "They're all over me."

"What's all over you?" Draco asked looking around but seeing nothing that could be on him, other than water.

"The bugs. They won't come off."

Draco turned off the water and sat on his knees in front of Harry.

"There's nothing there, Harry, see."

Draco moved his hands gently over Harry's skin.

Harry watched, wide eyed, as the bugs began to disappear.

"You have magic hands," Harry said in awe.

"Let's get you to bed, so you can relax."

Draco hefted the dazed Harry up and walked slowly back to the common room.

Draco's thoughts consumed him.

How the hell am I supposed to explain this? How is it that Granger or Weasley have not noticed that their best friend has worked himself into a downward spiral? Why have I kept this a secret? It's obviously not doing him any good, not anymore; if it ever did.

Draco decided that he was going to tell Hermione everything as soon as he got Harry into bed.

Draco laid Harry down and covered him with his blanket.

"Dray," Harry said, still a little out of it.

"Yes, love?"

"Why are always there to save me?"

The question shocked Draco. How could Harry not know he loves him. Draco does this, the helping him bandage his wounds, the keeping his secret, the everything, out of love. Surely Harry knew this.

Deciding Draco was taking too long to answer he decided to guess. "Is it because you love me?"

Duh, his brain screamed.

"Yes," Draco answered honestly.

"Good. Because I love you too."

Harry then cuddled up to his pillow and fell asleep.

Draco smiled to himself, replaying those words over in his mind.

/

Draco entered the common room just as Hermione and Ron stepped through the portrait. Hermione dropped Ron's hand as she noticed Draco's pained face.

"What is it? What's wrong?"

"I'm not quite sure exactly. I found Harry in quite a frantic hallucinating state in the showers. He's seems to have calmed down and is sleeping. But I just had to tell you. I had to tell some one."

Hermione started to panic. She knew something had been up with Harry ever since he seemed to magically come out of depression.

"Why? What's he doing?"

"He's been taking some green potion. I don't know where he gets it from but he's been taking drops like the world is coming to an end, again."

"What kind of green potion," Ron asked, also panic stricken.

"It's this stuff that makes you feel tingley and great. But when you're coming off it, it feels a bit like hell."

"You've done it before, then?"

Draco nodded. "Just once. I didn't even really want to. Harry just dropped a bit in my mouth before I could properly protest."

"Did it cause you to hallucinate?"

Draco shook his head. "I don't think Harry's had them before today, either."

"We must tell McGonagall," Hermione said quickly.

Hermione took Ron's hand and headed for the headmistress' office while Draco headed back upstairs.

Draco slid into bed next Harry and started to gently stroke his hair.

"We're getting you help," he whispered.

Harry stirred. "Hmm?"

Draco cleared his throat, not realizing Harry was awake.

"I said we're, uh, getting you help."

"Help? For what," Harry asked suddenly angry, getting out of bed.

"Harry, something is seriously wrong with you. You've been downing that potion like your life depends on it and you hallucinated in the bathroom..."

"My life does depend on it! Haven't you noticed how happier I've been? I haven't cut myself in over a month and you want me to stop taking this potion? This is unbelievable!"

"We're just worried about you. And you know damn well you need help. Crying over bugs that aren't even there! This has gone on far enough! I told Hermione everything and she and Ron are on their way to McGonagall's office now," Draco explained.

"You what," Harry exploded. "That's supposed to be kept a secret! Meaning don't tell professors or headmistresses!"

"Harry..."

Harry ran to the dorm door and threw it open. He was going to attempt to stop Hermione.