Harry changed position in the transport wheelchair and took a look back at the end of the queue where he imagined he could still see Draco's white blond hair glowing among the crowd.

"I think we can actually make it," Martin said, considerably relaxing now. "The queue has really moved fast."

Harry nodded absentmindedly. He realized Thomas was observing him.

"Are you Ok?"

"Yes, I'm fine," Harry lied, gripping the handrims tighter. The wheelchair was a few sizes too big for him and it was uncomfortable to propel himself forward but it would suffice to get to the gate.

Thomas crouched down in front of him, trying to look him into the eyes. "Cheer up, Harry. He is not gone forever. Maybe you will see him next year, right?"

"Hm…"

"You told him that you will be at the east coast again, didn't you?"

When Harry did not answer Martin joined the conversation. "You didn't tell him."

Thomas raised his eyebrows in surprise. "But Harry… why?"

Harry wheeled away from the two as far as he could without bumping into the passengers waiting in queue behind them. "It's still not clear if all goes according to plan. I… don't think it would have been fair to tell him now. I did not want to get his hopes up high unless it's not happening. And even if it is it could be one year!"

Martin shook his head angrily. "I have never heard anything this stupid!" he cried out.

Thomas narrowed his eyes. "You did not want him to wait for you," he stated.

Harry shrugged, unwilling to show how close Thomas had hit the truth.

"I think it should have been his decision, Harry," Thomas said, standing up again when the queue moved.

Harry snorted when he propelled himself forward, furiously. "And you think he would have told the truth, right into my face? That he was not willing to wait one year for a… cripple?!"

Harry was shocked by his own words and an uncomfortable silence settled over them, joined by bystanders who had not missed Harry's outbreak.

"That's not how he thinks of you Harry. Neither do we," Thomas finally said in a low voice.

Martin sighed exasperated. "I don't believe you, Harry! He is into you like… totally lovesick! I would kill for a girl to fall for me like that!"

Harry hung his head to hide his blush. "I will tell him, I promise. Don't you go and tell him anything before I do. Please?" he added.

Thomas nodded but Martin stared at him for a few seconds before giving his consent. "Ok, but if you don't tell him within one month I will do," he said, daring Harry to object.

Harry ground his teeth but had to give in eventually. "It's a deal."

Harry had to wait on a bench behind a curtain for manual check-up while the transport wheelchair was X-rayed. Through a gap in the curtain he could see Martin and Thomas going through the full body scan. Thomas looked worried as he approached the machine and froze under the scanner immediately. He left with a relieved smile; walking quickly as if afraid the machine might change his mind. Martin followed and his eyes filled with joy when he was bid to raise his hands. He bounced on his way out and called out for Thomas. Both men waited a few meters away.

As he observed the two, clutching their freshly x-rayed backpacks, flight tickets and passports, Harry felt warmth spread in his chest. He was leaving without knowing when he will return and whether Draco will still be there for him. But he knew that whatever happened, he was not going alone. When the security officer had finished the patdown, Harry was allowed to transfer into the transport wheelchair again and exit the examination chamber. He grinned as he approached Thomas and Martin. "Time to go home!"