A/N: This story was never going to be a huge multi chapter story. Sorry if that is what you guys want! It was just a random idea that popped in my head and I wanted it out, before it drove me insane.
Thank you for your reviews, for reading and following. Also sorry for delay in updating!
Chapter Three
When Harry returned to St Mungos, Draco's injuries had been fixed.
He smiled at Draco and said he was free for the evening.
"I might need to ask a favour. As you know I do not have a wand, I cannot drive and my house is miles away. Can you apparate me home?" he asked Harry, but never actually making eye contact.
"Sure." Harry didn't know what else to say. He wanted to say, 'no don't go to your house, come to mine' but thought after the day Draco had, he most likely wanted to be home.
They walked to the apparition point in silence and Harry held out his arm. Draco took the outstretched arm and Harry apparated to Draco's.
Harry used his wand to clean the blood and mess in the kitchen. Draco would have to do it the muggle way and Harry thought that was probably the last thing he wanted to do – clean his own blood off the floor.
Draco watched, "Thanks Harry. For everything." Again he wasn't making eye contact, watching a point over Harry's shoulder instead.
Harry frowned, "Draco. What's wrong?" Harry wondered if he was ashamed or embarrassed.
"How much of the abuse did you witness?" he quietly asked.
Harry sighed, rubbed the back of his neck, "Look I'm sorry I didn't step in. ..."
"How much did you see?" Draco asked again, cutting Harry off.
Harry looked at his feet, "Um I left after she started, um after she was stamping on you with her stiletto heel." He confessed.
"Oh fuck. Okay well thanks for helping, I'd like to be alone now. Speak to you soon I guess." He seemed withdrawn.
"Look Draco, don't be embarrassed or ashamed, or whatever it is you are feeling. I'm here, let me help you. Don't push me away. You're cutting off your nose to spite your face."
Draco frowned and Harry almost laughed at the look on his face.
"Right. It's a muggle saying. It is an expression used to describe a needlessly self-destructive over-reaction to a problem. Don't over-react. I saw what happened, so what – don't make this harder on yourself"
Harry didn't know why he was arguing with Draco, but he wanted to help Draco and Draco wasn't making it easy.
"Look Potter…"
Harry sighed, "Back to Potter now am I? You do realise when you respect me and treat me with respect you call me Harry. When you're being an asshole, you call me Potter." Harry pointed out.
"Whatever. The point is Harry, you've done your job. You've saved me, so why are you sticking around?"
Harry couldn't believe it, Draco was insecure. He believed that Harry only stuck around so he could fulfil his 'saving people' fantasy and now that Draco was free of Astoria, he expected Harry to leave.
Harry laughed, "Look Draco, yes I did my job and I helped you. But that is not the reason why I want to stick around. I thought we agreed to be friends, and friends are there for one another. The thing with me, once you become my friend, that's it – you're stuck with me. I'm fiercely loyal, stubborn and well a nuisance. So it's easier in the long run if you just accept it" he gave Draco a cocky smile.
Draco's shoulders relaxed slightly, he was glad that Harry wanted to remain his friend. He just didn't want Harry to stick around out of a sense of pity, or obligation.
"Fine, but I can call you Potter whenever I wish – no whining about it" he said snottily but not really pulling it off.
"Sure Malfoy as you deem it, so it will be" Harry laughed, pleased that Draco had stopped acting the prat.
"I do want to be on my own tonight though. I think I will have a nice long soak in the bath and an early night"
Harry zoned out for a bit at the mention of Draco in the bath. All wet and naked. All covered in bubbles and naked. All sexy and naked.
Harry blinked a few times, "Right. Yes. Bath. Bed."
Draco laughed at him, "That wasn't even a sentence. Think you have over worked your brain today, you should go home and have an early night too"
Harry blushed and smiled sheepishly, "Yeah I think I'll go chill out. Okay, well you still have that mobile phone if you need me. I'll see you tomorrow if that's okay?"
Draco tried to look indifferent, but a small smile broke out. "I'll like that. See you tomorrow."
Harry was reluctant to leave, he wanted to stay. Talk to Draco, hear his voice, see his face and make him laugh. But he knew if he didn't leave soon he would look like a weirdo. So he smiled said he will call tomorrow and left.
Draco did take a long relaxing bath and came to the sudden realisation that tonight was the first night without Astoria, lurking, weighing his mind down like a storm cloud. He was free to do as he pleased. However he was too tired to really do anything. So he relaxed and read in front of the fire, before retiring to have a nice long sleep.
Draco tried to ignore how pathetic and awful his life had become. Instead he thought about the future and what little light he could see in it.
The next morning Draco looked up different solicitors – all were too expensive. But he wanted to start divorce proceedings and to charge Astoria with domestic abuse. He had no idea what that involved, but he couldn't just leave her and not say anything about the abuse he suffered. Yes it was embarrassing to admit and humiliating, but if he didn't say anything, Astoria might meet someone else and do it to them.
Astoria had taken control of the finances, but he still had access to the joint account. He could use the funds in that to pay for the solicitor. Hopefully after the divorce and court case, he would regain control of his money.
He also had a suspicion that Astoria would be released on bail, until the court case. So he packed everything that he wanted to keep, and stowed the things in a few boxes. His mobile rang at 11am.
He answered, "Hello"
"Morning, or afternoon, or whatever…"
"Hello Harry" Draco said smiling, Harry had already made him smile and he had only said five words.
"Hi, um I'm free. Is it okay if I pop over?" he was unsure if he was welcomed, Draco seemed off last night.
"Sure. I have a few questions anyway. I'll put a pot of tea on. Bye"
"Um okay bye"
Draco smiled again, agreeing to see Harry had surprised Harry for some reason. Well he liked surprising him.
Harry appeared a few moments later and smiled shyly at him.
"Did you sleep all right last night?" Harry asked as he accepted a cup of tea from Draco.
Draco was actually rather relaxed considering his life was an utter mess, but he felt calm. Like the hold Astoria had on him has been broken and he was becoming himself again.
"Yes. The best I have in a long time. It helped that Astoria wasn't in the house or the bed. Before she used to...never mind" Draco said as he looked away.
Harry stepped closer and touched Draco's arm, "You're going to have to talk about it in court. Maybe if you talk about it before, then you will have more control when you say it again in court"
Draco could see that logic, he indicated to Harry to join him in the conservatory and they sat on a comfy sofa, watching the birds flutter in and out of a small bird house, which was in the garden.
"It's just hard to talk about the abuse. Because at the time I explained it away, made excuses for her behaviour and even blamed myself. Like I caused her to lash out, I deserved it somehow. But now I'm starting to realise that it wasn't okay for her to do the things she did, and I feel stupid for allowing it to go on for so long."
Harry touched his knee and Draco like the warm and tender touch, it gave him courage to carry on. However he didn't look into Harry's eyes, instead he stared in his cup of tea.
"Sometime when I slept she would be angry about something and would start …start hitting me or biting me whilst I slept. I'd wake up of course and I wouldn't have a chance to gather myself, before she full on laid into me. So last night, knowing that I could sleep without fear was brilliant and I slept very well."
Harry squeezed his knee, "What was the cause of her anger?" Harry couldn't understand it.
Draco shrugged, "Don't know really. She must have some issues of her own. Her own insecurities and problems. Maybe her mother and father had an abusive relationship, growing up around it she thought it was normal. But our marriage was arranged and I think I wasn't what she expected and she was sorely disappointed."
Harry didn't interrupt, just offered a calming presence and occasionally a touch, to comfort Draco.
"I stayed in the abusive relationship by my own shame, and a belief that I could and should 'be a man' and handle such private matters with no external intervention. I withdrew from interaction with my parents, and friends. My behaviour and lifestyle became reclusive; friends and colleagues were cut out of my private life. I was truly alone and trapped by her and by my own mind."
Draco sighed, "At times I prayed that she would go too far, that I would just ...die. I thought that was the only way out. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't thinking of suicide, but when she would be physically abusive and I was under attack, I just prayed for an end. For it to stop-even if that meant the end of my life."
Harry had slung his arm around Draco's back. Draco was sat forward on the sofa, and Harry remained leaning back against it. Harry reached out and lightly placed his hand at the small of Draco's back.
"I'm glad that it didn't get that far Draco. I know I haven't been anyone of importance in your life, that I ignored you after the war. But I had my life and it was selfish, I just lived it and forgot about you. But now that I am in your life, I hate the thought that you could have died. You mean too much to me, I can't lose you."
Draco didn't dare look at Harry, his words and his tone of voice said it all. He couldn't bring himself to look into those eyes-too much emotion would be displayed and he couldn't cope. Coward! His voice echoed in his head.
I'm done being a coward. He argued with himself. So he turned his body towards Harry and met his eyes. Making direct eye contact, Draco saw everything he had gathered from Harry's voice, reflected in his eyes.
Draco just stared at Harry. Harry was being slow with his movements and careful with his words, he was worried one wrong movement or word and Draco would shatter. So when Draco turned and looked at him, he maintained eye contact. Waiting for Draco to decide what to make of the situation and what to do or say.
Harry could feel the weight of the situation, it was thick in the air. Draco was vulnerable, he probably felt weak and strong at the same time. He had finally escaped the abusive relationship, he didn't need Harry overwhelming feelings shoved down his throat. He needed a friend and support.
So Harry broke the eye contact and looked out at the garden. After a long silence, Draco spoke again. His voice low but clear.
"There was nothing beautiful about the way in which we remained together. People talk about matches made in heaven and love at first sight. It was as if we had been placed together to demonstrate to our respective families and friends, and to those people who became involved in our relationship, of how not to lay a solid foundation for the rest of your life. It was a destructive attachment centred around her insecurities and my inability to free myself from her."
"Draco, stop torturing yourself. You have left her now, you are free and you are safe."
Draco turned to Harry's gaze, "Yes free of her. But not free from the memories, the effects of the abuse will stay with me for the rest of my life. Not the physical wounds, the damage it has done emotionally. I was seriously fucked up before I married, what with the stellar upbringing and the war. Now add on the baggage of being in an abusive relationship – I'm messed up. No one will want to put up with me. Even if I found someone, I would be just waiting for them to turn on me. I would have to build up my trust, confidence and everything that most people take for granted."
Harry frowned, "Hey. Listen to me. Draco. Look at me." Harry said firmly.
Draco turned his attention back to Harry.
"It is natural to feel this way. But some of it is because Astoria put you down, made you feel worthless and unwanted. You believe her and you think that no one will think anything better of you. Well she's wrong and you're wrong. Because I for one, think better of you. You may think you're a coward, or ashamed of what has happened. But going through what you have, it shows how strong and brilliant you are."
Draco didn't look convinced.
"Draco I know how you feel. Not completely, as the abuse I suffered was a long time ago, and not at the hands of a partner. But growing up I had to stay with my aunty and her husband. They knew my parents were wizards, I didn't. I was told they died in a car crash – um a car is a form of muggle transport. Anyway I suffered years and years of abuse at their hands."
Harry smiled sadly at Draco.
"You know my clothes that weren't school uniform, were always too big and well awful, and I was rather skinny and short. Well that came from not being well nourished and the clothes were hand me downs from my cousin. He was a fair few sizes bigger than me-hence the bagginess."
Draco frowned, "I'm sorry"
Harry laughed, "What for?"
"I used to insult your clothes and looks, I never stopped to think why you were the way that you were. I just bullied you, adding to the abuse you suffered. I have no idea why you even want to talk to me?"
Harry laughed again, "No me neither" but he was teasing.
Draco gave a weak smile, "You don't have to, you know, out of sympathy or pity. You're free to walk away and not think of me ever again"
Harry raised an eyebrow and shook his head, "Nope. Can't get rid of me that easily? Yes I feel sympathy for you, but that isn't a bad thing. I'm not sticking around for any piss poor reasons, I just want to and we're friends now."
Draco smiled and Harry noticed it was a better and stronger smile than before.
"Would you say the abuse you suffered still affects you?" Draco asked Harry.
Harry didn't want to lie to him, "Yes. Always. But I've learned to live with it and in a way it has made me who I am today. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger and all that! My abuse was different, it was cruel and nasty. It was more withholding anything that was seen as a luxury. I had the bear minimum and had to make do. I wasn't starved, I had clothes and an education. I just had little food, I was punished, had chores, had awful sleeping arrangements and never had birthday or Christmases. Anything that would give me joy I guess. But I still had a lot more that some people do. I had shelter, food and an education"
Draco laughed, "Only you could see it like that. I guess that's where we differ. I was raised with everything luxurious and was showered with so much. I soon turned ungrateful and demanding – I saw it as my right. I never stopped to think that there was people out there worse off than me. And even if I did, I would only laugh. They were below me, what did I care if they suffered. I guess we were opposite ends of the scale, but we were both raised wrong. It really should have been somewhere in the middle. You should have had more love, more attention and more basic things. I should have had less. Too little or too much of something is bad, you need an even amount."
Harry nodded in agreement, "I'd second that. We learnt the hard way. But at least we have learnt these lesson and not carried them on."
"I miss magic. I miss the simplicity of it. I took it for granted and these last three years have been difficult for so many reasons. But when I get my wand back, I think I will feel more protected, securer and maybe a bit more like myself. It's a part of me, my magic and it's been neglected."
Harry decided that he would use his influence as 'Harry Potter' and a good Auror to see if they could reduce the restriction on Draco's magic and get his wand back early. Three years is plenty and Draco hadn't stepped one toe out of line. Besides Harry can argue that Draco needs it for his own safety.
"Talking of magic, I have to go to the Ministry for a few hours. Question Astoria, set up a few meetings and such like. I'm going to take some leave – I think I want to concentrate on helping you with the court case. If that's okay?"
Draco gaped at him, realised it was probably unattractive of him to do so and snapped his mouth shut.
"That's fine by me Harry"
Harry beamed at him, "Great. Well I'll go now, but maybe I can be done by dinner and we can get something to eat together?"
Draco was speechless, Harry really wanted to help and be his friend.
"That's fine also"
Harry nodded, waved goodbye and disapparated.
Draco blinked at the spot Harry had vanished. Damn you Harry. Where were you three years ago? You're exactly what I need, what I want.
Harry spoke to a few Aurors and then questioned Astoria. It was decided that tomorrow she would be released on bail. She wasn't a dangerous dark wizard and the ministry said she hadn't been found guilty yet, so they couldn't keep her prisoner. But they gave Harry a list of safe house for Draco to consider staying at – as they knew Draco and Astoria could no longer live together.
Harry had spoken to Kingsley and had spent a long time arguing that Draco deserved to be able to defend himself and for that he needed his wand. Eventually Kingsley relented and granted permission to end the restriction on his use of magic.
Harry went to the department where all the confiscated wands were stored.
He handed the clerk the parchment from Kingsley granting permission and the clerk huffed.
"I see Malfoy has managed to throw enough money at the right people, to get his wand back early"
Harry bristled, "No. He has served three years without magic, which is plenty."
"I don't think so, the scum should be in Azkaban, not walking free and after three pitiful years of not using magic, can live a normal life. Whilst others are dead, or still recovering after the war."
Harry raised his eyebrows at the statement.
"Are you really preaching to me of all people about the war? Do not speak of what you have no true understanding of. I suggest you fetch me Mr Malfoys wand and keep your ludicrous thoughts to yourself" Harry sternly said.
Then man looked shocked, but didn't dare argue. Not with Harry Potter – he wasn't a fool. So he remained silent and handed Harry, Draco's wand.
"Thank you. I suggest you refrain from spewing your hateful opinions in the future" and Harry turned and left.
Harry also requested holiday leave and then he called a solicitor and hired Draco the best in the business.
By the time he apparated to Draco's it was 6:30pm.
Draco was preparing vegetables, and Harry took a moment to admire Draco. Without Astoria around he seemed more relaxed. Then Harry groaned, Astoria would be released tomorrow.
Draco was startled by Harry's groan and he whipped around, eyes alert. Then he recognised Harry and he rolled his eyes.
"Bloody hell Potter, give a bloke warning next time"
Harry laughed, "Sorry" he stepped into the kitchen and joined Draco at the counter, but leaning against it, facing outwards.
"You know that would go a lot quicker if you used magic" Harry tried for casual.
Draco frowned, "Yes I know. No need to rub it in." he grudgingly said.
"Well why don't you, I mean use your wand?" Harry suggested.
Draco stopped chopping to glare at Harry, "You know I can't" he snapped.
Harry had slid Draco's wand out from his sleeve earlier, without Draco noticing.
"Why not? Your wand is over there." Harry said and pointed to Draco's wand that he has placed on the opposite counter as he walked in the kitchen earlier.
Draco frowned at Harry, "What are you on about Potter. You're mad my wand is locked up at th…"
Draco stopped mid rant, as he glanced over in the direction Harry was pointing and he saw a wand on the counter.
Harry kept his grin in check. Draco walked over to the counter and stared at his wand, then he picked it up and turned it over in his hands.
Harry moved to his side, "Try it" he breathed in his ear.
Draco's eyes were wide, "Shit I can't have this. I'm braking my probation restrictions." He shoved the wand at Harry.
Harry grinned then and shoved it back. "What restrictions, you must have been mistaken. When I checked, the restriction was for three years and not four. So I was allowed to collect your wand for you. You're free to use magic again, with no consequences."
Draco looked shocked and was speechless, "What did you do? I know for a fact it was four years."
Harry held his hands up in innocence, "Me? I didn't do anything. Now try your wand" he avoided admitting it and he knew Draco would eventually get him to admit it, but for now, Harry had gotten away with it.
Draco was too preoccupied with having his wand back.
Draco cast a few spells, flowers shot out of his wand, then he levitated them into a vase. Then he cast a spell that shot sparks out of his wand and finally a chopping spell, so the vegetables chopped themselves.
Harry stared, Draco looked utterly stunning. His face was full of joy and happiness, he had never seen Draco smile or laugh like this. He was lost in the wonder of finally having his wand and casting spells. He looked handsome and beautiful – Harry was happy that he caused Draco to have some happiness.
Draco hugged Harry, but it was so quick and brief, Harry wondered if he imagined it.
"Thank you Harry. I don't know what you did, but thank you"
"Well it wasn't me" Harry knew it was a pathetic attempt at denying it.
Draco shook his head but didn't push it. He felt wonderful. He had his wand – he could do magic, he could defend himself – such possibilities were open to him now. All because of Harry, he had lost control of himself earlier and hugged Harry. But before Harry could respond he realised what he had done and pulled away.
"Now that was the good news, I have some bad news" Harry turned serious.
Draco arched an eyebrow, "What might that be?"
"Astoria will be realised on bail tomorrow"
Draco froze. So soon.
"Draco. You can't stay here. She will return here"
Draco focused on Harry and shook off the feeling of fear and dread.
"I know. I've packed a few things, now I have my wand I can shrink the objects and pack more. Did the Ministry say anything, like maybe offer advice for me?"
Harry nodded. "Yes. But I don't want you to choose that option. Come live with me. I have plenty of space, I could use the company and my house is probably safer than Hogwarts" Harry knew his wards were strong – they had to be.
Draco wanted to accept Harry's offer, he really did. But he was starting to like him more and more, and he was still messed up and he didn't want to get into anything complicated.
"What did the Ministry say?" Draco asked, avoiding Harry's offer and Harry's eyes.
Harry was annoyed, Draco had completely ignored his offer.
"Um there are safe houses. Set up to protect witnesses and also refuges for people who suffered abuse. Most are occupied by women, but I guess some men will be there also. They aren't as safe as my house"
Draco walked away from Harry and busied himself with dinner preparations.
"Draco. Don't ignore me"
"Draco" Harry raised his voice and stomped over to Draco.
Harry froze, Draco had turned to face him and he looked scared. He thought Harry was going to yell at him, maybe hit him.
Harry stepped back away from Draco and made sure his voice was low and normal.
"Sorry. I wasn't going to hurt you. I just…I hate being ignored. Sorry. Please Draco, I will feel better knowing that your safe and, like I said my house is very safe. The safe houses are okay, but you'd be more comfortable at mine." He explained kindly.
Draco was embarrassed, he had flinched and when he saw Harry storm over he thought Harry was going to strike him.
"Harry I can't offer anything in return for your hospitality. I can't pay you, I'll be a burden." Draco finally managed to softly answer.
"Nonsense. I have plenty of space. We can work on the case and I can…" Harry stopped himself. He was going to say 'I can protect you' he wanted Draco safe and he felt a huge need to keep him locked away from the world. To be his and to not let anyone hurt him or take him away.
I think I feel for Draco as more than friend.
"So you can what, Harry?" Draco prompted.
"So I can be there for you as a friend should" he finished lamely.
Draco didn't think that was what Harry was really going to say.
"Okay. But only until I can free up my finances and then you will be free of me. Thank you for your offer. I guess we should leave after dinner, if Astoria is returning tomorrow morning."
Harry grinned, Draco had agreed to live at his. Harry could keep him safe, protect him … love him.
They enjoyed a quick dinner and then Harry helped Draco shrink various items, clothes, shoes, toiletries, all business related items and books. It all fitted into two boxes and they floo'ed to Harry's.
Harry made the relevant adjustments to his wards. Then gave Draco a quick tour of his house, stopping at the floor above his room.
"This floor has a large bedroom and en-suite, a study and small room. You can use it as a living room, if you wish. This floor will be yours, do whatever you need to do to feel settled."
Draco smiled. He had expected Harry to live in a small two bedroom place or something. This place had many rooms, floors and it was large. He thought he'd get one room, not a whole floor.
"We will have to share a kitchen, but I don't want you to feel like you have to join me at meals etc. if you wish to be alone, feel free to eat in your room or living room. Also treat this as your home, do not act the guest. What's mine is yours"
Harry grinned and called "KREACHER" he had to shout as the elf was a bit deaf.
Draco's eyebrows shot into his hairline – he didn't expect Harry to have a house elf.
"Kreacher. This is Draco Malfoy, you will treat him as you treat me. Do as he asks, understand?"
Kreacher studied Draco, "Of course Master Harry. I is treating Master Draco with respect, he is a pure blood, not like nasty Granger girl. I is remembering Dobby and I followed..."
Harry didn't want Draco to find out he ordered two house elves to trail him in sixth year, "Um Kreacher can you go make sure that Draco has fresh bedding and clean towels"
"As you wish Master Harry" and he vanished.
Draco thought Harry was hiding something, Harry only proved his point, when he started running his hand through his hair nervously.
"I'm surprised you don't recognise the place. But I have had it completely refurbished. This used to belong to the Black family. I inherited it from my godfather Sirius Black – It could have been yours, I guess."
Draco frowned and looked around him, but didn't comment. Harry filled the silence.
"Kreacher led the house-elves of Hogwarts in the battle against the Death Eaters during the attack on Hogwarts, he did it for me and for the sake of the memory of his long-dead master Regulus Black. Although Regulus was a Death Eater, he had died fighting Lord Voldemort."
"He worked at Hogwarts for a while, but when I finally sorted this place out and moved back in. I called him back to work for me."
Kreacher popped back in front of them.
"Master Draco's room is ready" and he bowed and then disappeared.
Draco smiled, "I think I'm going to take a shower and get settled. Thanks again Harry." He then walked to his room and closed the door, leaving Harry alone in the hall.