Harry slept in since it was Saturday. He barely had time to get ready and go to breakfast. He knew he was probably going to cave and go along with Malfoy. But, he had to talk to Dumbledore about concerns he had. He made his way to the stone gargoyle and gave the password. He knocked on the door and was told to come in. He stepped inside to find Dumbledore at his desk.
"Ah, Harry. I assume you made your decision," Dumbledore said, with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Um, yes. I'll do it but there are a few things I'm confused about."
"Well, tell me what they are and I'll see what I can do to help you figure it out."
"Where to start? Um, I guess the biggest thing. Well, we're supposed to be married and, well, I know Malfoy is going to expect us to, um, do what married couples do."
If at all possible, Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling even more. "Ah, I assume you mean sex."
Harry practically choked. "Um, well, yes. I don't think I'm willing to go that far to help Malfoy."
Dumbledore laughed. "I'm sure I can come up with something to help you there. What else?"
Harry sighed. "I mean, he's gonna expect me to know everything about 'us' and his version of 'us' and my version of 'us' are entirely different. I don't know what he thinks has happened between us. Also, where are we supposed to stay? Are we in our regular dorms and just see each other whenever?"
"I'm sure you can figure out a way to learn about your history as Mr. Malfoy knows it. The few times we've had married students, we've given them a private set of rooms. Mr. Malfoy knows this and is probably expecting it." Dumbledore watched a myriad of emotions cross Harry's face. 'Hmmm, it seems Harry has given this a lot more thought than anyone else in his position would.'
"So, I have to share a bed with him? Can't we just stay in our own dorms?"
"Mr. Malfoy knows about the private rooms and will not settle for sharing a dorm with five other boys when he can share with only the person he believes he is married to. You can still back down if you're not comfortable with that."
Harry sighed. "No, I already said I would. I'll figure something out."
"I'm sure you will, Harry. Now, I believe your husband is awaiting your visit. I believe he expected you there already."
Harry said goodbye and walked to the Hospital Wing. He made his way over to Draco's bed where Draco was lying on his side. He was staring at the ground, deep in thought. 'Why does he look so sad? He looks so lost and vulnerable.' Harry knew in that moment he had made the right decision and felt an overwhelming need to protect this small, blond boy. He realized that while he was lost in thought, Draco had looked up and was staring at him, a hurt puppy look on his face. Harry wanted to do anything he could to put a smile back on his face.
Harry smiled at Draco. "Good morning. Sorry I didn't get here earlier. I overslept and then met with Dumbledore after breakfast. Came straight here after that. I know you said you were fine last night but I was still worried about you."
Draco looked up at him, hope shining in his eyes. "I thought you might be mad at me since you didn't come first thing. You normally would."
Harry decided to file that away for the future. "No, I'm not mad. I had to hurry to breakfast so I wouldn't miss it and I wanted to speak to Dumbledore about the accident. How are you feeling?"
Draco beamed at him. "Better now that you're here."
Harry chuckled. "You know how corny that is, right?"
Draco shook his head. "Doesn't matter. It's true. I was disappointed that you weren't here earlier. I feel much better now that I know why."
"Does your head hurt at all? Feeling dizzy or anything?"
"No, perfectly fine. I'm ready to get out of here. I want a real bed to sleep in."
"This is a real bed."
"No, it's not. It's uncomfortable and lumpy."
Harry rolled his eyes. "You can take away your last name but you'll always be a Malfoy," he teased.
Draco sniffed. "Of course. So, do you know when I can leave?"
"Not yet. I'll go talk to Pomfrey." Harry walked off to find the nurse. He couldn't believe how easy it was to get along with Malfoy and how much he enjoyed it.
"Harry, how nice of you to come and check on Draco."
"Yeah, he's wondering when he can leave."
"I want to keep him here for one more night. The headmaster wants to talk to the school and tell them what's going on. He wants to make sure no one will tell Draco the truth and risk his mental state."
"Malfoy won't be happy about that. He wants out. I'll let him know and try to make it easier." Harry hurried back to Malfoy's bed.
"So? Do I get to leave?" Draco asked, hopefully.
"Not today. You get to leave tomorrow."
"What?! I can't take another night here. I'll die of boredom!" Draco whined.
"Stop being childish, Draco. Tell me what you want to make the time easier and I'll do it or get it."
"Anything?"
"Anything. Within reason," he added, as an afterthought.
Draco watched him carefully. "I want you to stay here with me. All night."
Harry's eyebrows shot up. He hadn't expected that. "Um, I suppose I can. As long as it's okay with Pomfrey."
"Good because I have plans for you tonight," Draco said with a wink.
Harry just gulped.
