Story of the Prince and his Knight
It was early in the morning, and Draco lay awake next to Harry, staring at the ceiling. His stomach was in knots. He was nervous. Not that he really needed to be, but there was nothing he could do about it. Harry rolled closer to him and hugged him. He shifted and pulled his fiancé even closer before he slowly started running his fingers through his soft black locks. "Love you," he whispered.
Harry hummed and pressed closer to Draco.
A smile spread over Draco's face as he did his best to calm himself down. "You are so precious," he whispered.
"Time?" Harry mumbled.
"Five twenty-seven," Draco said.
Harry groaned as he pushed himself up. Warm lips pressed together as he settled over Draco. "How long have you been awake?" he asked softly as he pulled away.
"A while," Draco said.
"You are nervous?" Harry asked, feeling the tension in Draco's magic.
Draco sighed. "Yeah, I know I shouldn't be. Everything will be fine, even if it doesn't work out. It isn't like you are going to leave me now. I just…" He sighed. He couldn't help it. He wanted everything to be perfect. He kind of wanted their wedding to be something people talked about and envied. Maybe that was silly of him, but he wanted it anyway.
"Would you like a massage," Harry asked.
Draco smiled. "Yes," he said. He moved, so he was laying face down while Harry went to get some oil. Harry's rougher hands felt amazing on his skin. The pressure relaxing his muscles. Harry's magic moving with every touch. He rolled over and ran his hands up and down Harry's thighs as his fiancé rubbed circles over his shoulders and down his chest. He moaned as Harry moved lower. It felt so good. He focused on the firm touch while pushing his worries away.
"I know this might be nerve wrecking," Harry said softly. "It is a big party with all the focus on us. Most of the people there we know accept us as we are. There are very few unknowns. He vanished Draco's boxers and moved his hands back up slowly. "Tell me Draco. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"How can you be so calm?" Draco asked as he looked into the depths of his fiancé sparkling green eyes. He was so beautiful.
Harry smiled. "It isn't that I'm not nervous," he said. "I just suppress it. You'll notice after the party once I can relax properly again. I will need your help then, just like you need me now. Our roles will reverse and that is fine. I want to be here for you."
Draco reached for Harry, who instantly moved back up his body and kissed him deeply. "Please Harry. I want you," he said. Harry grabbed his hips and moved his legs apart gently. Their bodies joined slowly and moved together as Harry did his best to keep Draco's mind from wandering.
Deep hot breaths joined as one before Harry licked his way down Draco's body. He grabbed Draco's wrists and pulled him along to the shower so they could clean up, but his gentle caresses didn't stop.
"Thank you," Draco whispered against Harry's shoulder. He wasn't sure how long the alleviated state would last, but he felt a lot better, at least for now. They needed to get ready and make sure that everything was the way they wanted it, and then it was time to head over to the venue so they could get dressed in their robes and take some pictures before people showed up.
They got dressed and left their room behind so they could rouse their sons and get everyone ready. Andromeda joined them so she could help out as they got ready to leave.
Harry smiled at Teddy as he helped him with his green robes. They had hired a photographer, so Teddy didn't have to worry about it. Teddy would still be taking pictures, of course. He had his camera on him, but they wanted him in the photos too. He let go of Teddy and stood up. Looking himself in the full length mirror, he made sure he was ready before he wrapped himself in a black cloak and headed into the next room with his son.
Draco turned and smiled as he looked Scorpius over. His son was dressed in a simpler version of his own robes. His hair was adorned with a crown that was absent on him. He knelt and straightened Scorpius robes. "You look regal," he said.
Scorpius smiled. "I'm supposed to be a mini you," he said. He looked in the mirror as his father rose and turned towards the mirror as well. They matched and it looked good.
Draco drew a deep breath. "We should join the others," he said. He walked with Scorpius out to the Greek Hall. It looked beautiful. He smiled. Harry, Luna and the goblins working on the decorations had outdone themselves. It was all so much. He was glad that he was standing there now before everyone else was there. It wouldn't do to be this overwhelmed when it was time. He walked up towards the altar and looked down as Harry walked up behind him. "I do get to see you, right?" he asked.
Harry's laugh was a soft, rich sound that filled Draco like the flavour of chocolate. "Of course you get to see me, my Prince," he said. He knelt as Teddy and Andromeda spoke to the photographer. Pictures were taken as Harry rose. He pulled the cloak off and Andromeda walked up to him and took it from him.
Soft fingers touched his face as he turned back to Draco. The fingers trailed down his bare shoulder, and he shuddered from the gentle touch. "You have eyeliner on?" Draco asked, as he studied Harry's face.
Harry chuckled. "What? Did you think I knew nothing about makeup, just because I usually don't care about things like that?" he said with a gentle, loving smile. He knew Draco wore makeup on a regular basis, and it certainly wasn't the first time for him. He just didn't make a big deal of it.
"You look amazing," Draco said. "You should do that more often."
Harry chuckled. "Okay," he said. "I'll consider it." He pulled Draco closer to him for the photographer.
"You better keep your hands to yourself, or we are going to miss this wedding," Draco said.
"Like I would allow that to happen," Harry said. "I know how much you want this." He smiled down at Andromeda. "Come on boys. Join us for a few pictures before we head over to the other room," he said.
Andromeda walked up to them with Carina and gave her to Harry. "Here you go, dear," she said. She looked at the two of them. The Hall was a lot and the wedding was big, but it fit. This was the wedding of Lord Black. It was supposed to be grand. She was glad they didn't care what people might think, though, and had chosen to do things their way. She took Carina once they were done with the pictures so Harry and Draco could sit down and relax as best as they could while the guests appeared.
…
The hall was bathed in bright white light and looked like a marbled frozen dream. Guests were arriving slowly. Both humans and goblins. The goblins moved up to the higher seats so they would be able to see, but also to separate them from the humans without being too obvious about it.
Music started playing as the doors closed. The officiant walked out and took his place.
"This is a tale. A tale seldom told," Luna said as she walked out from behind a pillar. Grand wings spread from her back, fluttering softy and sparkling in beams of light reminiscent of the sun. "In a grand seat of power, a prince sat alone. He was a studious one. The light of his father's eye and the jewel of his mother heart, but he sought something more. His eyes trailing the forest beyond the castle grounds. In the early rays of the morning sun, he escaped in between the trees."
Scorpius ran down the aisle and looked around. His clothes were silky, and his blond hair was adorned with a crown. He smiled as he looked at the guests.
"Under the branches of the reaching trees, he found a forest child playing in the shadows," Luna said as Teddy appeared, looking like a miniature Harry. Leaves adorned his hair and clothes. "The two played for days on end, a friendship made in the stars, until the Prince no longer had time for frivolous endeavours. He stopped wandering between the trees, and the forest boy sought comfort in the silver pools and soft rains of my lands."
Scorpius disappeared and headed over to his grandmother, while Teddy walked up to Luna and leaned against her.
"The years passed by quickly until the Prince stood tall and proud," Luna said softly. Teddy vanished behind her so he could head over to his grandmother and sit down.
Draco drew a deep breath. He was not going to show his nerves. The music changed and he walked out. His blue robes flowed around him as he headed down the aisle.
"A dragon threatened the lands below, and the king called for a champion to protect their people. Many came and many fought until a wondrous day when a knight appeared and slayed the beast," Luna said. "The knight was called to the castle and the Prince met him to hand him his reward."
Harry threw the doors open and walked in, his framed covered and his steps much quicker than Draco's hand been as he entered. He knelt before Draco, his dark cloak flowing around him.
"He was offered gold and recognition. He was offered gems galore," Luna said. "The knight rose and showed his face, and the prince realised that before him stood the forest boy. His friend of old. The boy he had played with as a youth."
Harry rose slowly and pulled his cloak off. It vanished as he dropped it. "I have no need for riches or fame," he said as he walked up to Draco. He reached out slowly. "I miss my friend. You left me behind."
"That was a lifetime ago," Draco said. "We aren't children any more. I have responsibilities I cannot ignore for a frivolous day in the forest." He went to swipe Harry's hand away, only to have his wrist caught in a tight, but gentle hold.
Harry moved closer to Draco and placed his hand over his heart. "I was a gift to you from the Fairy Queen. My heart… my very soul belongs to you," he said as they moved slowly around and up the steps. "Will you throw away this gift, my Prince."
"The Prince was a proud soul, but who was he to turn down a gift from the Queen of Fairies. If what the knight said was true, this man would never falter, would never leave him," Luna said. "Not often one to be selfish, this was one time he wished to be."
"If you are a gift to me, then I shall keep you and cherish you, but I wish your protection in return," Draco said. He pushed Harry back, and they moved closer to the altar
"I will guard you and protect both you and those you love," Harry responded, while spinning them one last time. Their hands joined and they stood before the altar.
"Under the stars in the sky and the golden leaves of summer these two souls shall join as one, their wells linked forever," the Officiant said. "As light of day and dark of night, Draco Malfoy and Hydrus Black are set to take their vows. In this the Fairy Queen's court are there any among you that wish to speak against them?" He looked at the guests. He doubted anyone would dare say anything against these two. "A bond formed and promises made upon this day will guide your steps to the future. Speak now, Draco Lucius Malfoy."
"When we first met, you rejected me. That hurt and sent me down a road of pain and suffering. You left scars upon me that will never fade. Still, I saw your courage and your determination in the darkest of time and found solace in the knowledge that you fought, and you would keep fighting. For years, you were but a whisper on the wind until one day everything changed," Draco said as he turned slowly and reached for his son to come join him. "Your kindness and guidance for my son turned to love between us. I do not wish to live the rest of my life without you. You are my light in the dark. My shield against harm. My knight." Scorpius handed him a ring. "With this ring, this band, I wish to show my love to you. I wish to stand beside you for the years to come." He placed the ring on Harry's finger and clutched his hands once more.
"A bond formed and promises made upon this day will guide your steps to the future. Speak now, Hydrus Wezen Iacomus Black."
"Our beginning was rough, we went from school rivals to enemies in a war neither of us wanted. You saved my life, and I saved yours. We caused each other harm in our ignorance. I know you do not wish to hear it, but I find you more courageous than me. You had to step away from all that you were, all that you could be and change for the sake of your own sanity and the life of your son," Harry said. He reached for Teddy, who walked up to join him. "Our sons became friends, and through their friendship we found each other. In your courage and your acceptance, I found solace. You are my guiding star in the night sky. My protection against those who wish me harm. My Prince." Teddy handed him a ring, and he raised Draco's left hand. "With this ring, this band, I wish to show my love to you. I wish to stand beside you for the years to come." he placed the ring on Draco's finger and raised his hand to kiss his knuckles as he and Draco moved.
"Kneel for me, my knight," Draco said. He placed his hand on Harry's shoulder and pushed him down. He picked the iron up from the altar and heated it. He could tell that the goblins were shifting. "I am not like you. I have not earned a shield. Still, I wish to show that you are taken, and you have agreed to let me do this." He turned the iron until it was angled right. "To show our union to those who know and honour your shield. I mark you." He pressed the iron against Harry's shoulder. There was no sound, only the smell of burnt flesh.
Draco removed the iron and cooled it off before placing it back on the altar. He reached out for Harry and pulled him up.
"Draco. Hydrus. Seal the bond between you with a sign of the love you share," the Officiant said.
Draco moved forward and caught Harry's lips in a kiss.
"I now pronounce you Draco and Hydrus Black Lords of the House of Black and equals in your standing," the officiant said.
Lucius eyes widened slightly. He had not expected that, but he should have with the way Hydrus and Draco acted around each other.
"Side by side, never to part. The Prince and the Knight step into the future. Only time will tell what is to come," Luna said softly.
Ron let out a whistle and people laughed and clapped and cheered for them.
Luna moved down. "It is time for a feast," she said. "A feast to the Dragon Slayer and his Prince. Follow me." She led the guests into the other room.
"Are you okay?" Draco asked. He touched Harry's shoulder and saw the burn mark, red and oozing, on his back. He brought out a salve. "I'm allowed to heal it, right?" he asked.
"Yes, you are," Harry said. He sighed as Draco spread the cool ointment over his back.
"It looked to me that our brethren appreciated you following tradition and gaining a mark even though Draco does not have a standing with the Clan," the officiant said.
"I felt like that was the case as well," Harry said.
The officiant walked away and Draco pulled Harry in for another kiss. They could hear the camera going off as Teddy took pictures of them.
Draco sighed. "Thank you for allowing me to do this, and thank you for making this day so special," he said.
"It is a story that will be told for certain," Harry said. "It is our story, and I can guarantee you that Dean will make a painting for us." He rolled his shoulders. "We should join the guests. Does anyone need to head to the bathroom first?" He looked at their sons.
Scorpius shook his head.
"Nope," Teddy said and signed.
"Then let's head in and join the rest," Harry said. He walked his family through the doors and into the next room. From the frosty marbled landscape into a warm golden hall with tables set up. The seats were filled and basins stood behind several couples, including their own chairs. Harry checked on Carina, who had been placed there only recently by the people they had hired for the childcare.
"She has been so good," Dwayna said with a smile.
"Thank you, Dwayna," Harry said. He sat down next to Draco and looked out at their guests. He tapped the table and the appetizer showed up on everyone's plate.
Harry smiled as he watched their guests eat. He hoped everyone would like the food. They had done their best to make sure everyone's needs were catered to. Normally there were speeches, but they had decided not to do that at all. While they had people who could speak for them, they didn't really care to have anyone talk during the meal. The Sipala Clan and the Weasleys were spread out in their separate couples among the guests. They had chosen to spread both families out since they were large and didn't need to be seated together. It was better they got the chance to speak with new people.
Draco reached out and grabbed Harry's arm and rubbed it. He turned around slowly. Little Carina was fuzzing behind them. He knew Harry couldn't hear her of course, so he brought her with him, and they passed her between them as they ate the rest of the food. They had avoided the dance after dinner, since Harry couldn't hear the music anyway. Children were running around having fun as the adults spoke.
Harry and Draco mingled around and spoke to people. Well-wishes and happy comments streamed around them. Draco felt almost surprised that so many people their age were friendly and happy to speak to him. That was not what he had experienced out in the world. Was he just blind to those who did not wish him harm? He guessed that was possible.
They passed from Emillios and his wife to Arthur and Molly. They spoke to Ernie for a bit before Harry walked up to Susan and hugged her. "I'm glad you could make it," he said.
"This is beautiful," Susan said. "You and Draco both look so lovely. I can't say I realised this is where the idea of the Fairy Queen and the Knight ended up."
"I found my Prince," Harry said as he looked at Draco.
"And we'll hope for a happy ever after," Susan said.
"Cheers to that," Taeko said. "For a happy ever after." He raised his glass to them.
Harry bowed his head. He was getting tired, and the talking was slowly getting to him. He leaned against Draco and closed his eyes. He let Draco lead him on as they spoke to several more people before Draco caught his face between his hands. "You are exhausted," he said.
"People and talking and trying to keep track of what is going on. If Christmas was hard, this is a mess," Harry said. He was only keeping it together because of Draco at this point. If his husband walked away from him now, he was likely to have a break-down.
"Then let's leave," Draco said. "We are packed and ready. Let's go say goodbye to our children and head out." He could sense the tension in Harry's shoulders and wanted to take him away before he simply wouldn't have the energy for anything else. He did have plans for after the party.
Harry nodded slowly. They found Teddy and Scorpius with a group of other children and hugged them. Andromeda and Luna were standing together talking to Glint and Ragnok. They exchanged a few words before heading out.
Draco grabbed Harry's robes once they arrived in their hotel room, nearly half a world away. He removed the dark green fabric and placed the robes aside. "You took care of me this morning, let me do the same for you now," he said. He helped Harry out of his clothes and moved him over to the bed before undressing himself. He smiled at Harry as his husband gave him a tired smile. He placed his clothes down and walked up to the bed before climbing up over Harry. "Move up love," he said.
Harry chuckled. "Yes, my Prince." He moved up and back so he was lying in the centre of the bed. "Anything else you want from me?"
Draco smiled. "Keep your eyes on me," he said. He cast several spells and rubbed his hands over Harry's chest slowly. As he kneaded and rubbed over Harry's shoulders and down his chest, he felt Harry relax under him. "So good for me, my knight," he said. "So loyal and compliant."
Harry's breath hitched as he studied Draco's face. "Only for you," he said. "I know you will protect me. I know I will not come to harm. He moaned as Draco moved his hands lower.
"Turn over," Draco said.
Harry waited until Draco moved off him before rolling over onto his stomach. He relaxed back into the sheets and sighed. "Feel's good," he said as Draco rubbed his hands over his calves.
"Better now that it is just the two of us?" Draco asked.
"Yes," Harry said. He had been worried he would be too tired for this, but he felt like Draco energized him with every touch. He would be fine, and that made him glad.
Draco smiled as he straddled Harry and leaned down to kiss the nape of his neck. "Love you," he said.
"Love you too, husband of mine," Harry said.
Draco felt warmth blooming in his chest. He placed his left hand over Harry's shield and squeezed. His other hand travelled down and grabbed Harry's hip. "Come on, love. Present yourself to me."
Harry shifted and hummed contently as Draco's hands travelled down his sides. "You are so good to me, Draco," he whispered.
Draco smiled. "As are you to me, my pet," he said. He wanted to give Harry the same kind of care he had received that morning. They were in no hurry. It was just the two of them. Their bodies joined, and Harry gasped and mewed contently. Slow and steady. A rhythm set to last. "I'm so glad I have you, Harry. Your warm embrace. Your steadfast heart. I love your laughter and the way your eyes take on a magic light when you smile at me. You are one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Never leave me." He could feel Harry shuddering under him and clenching around him. "You feel so good, my love," he said.
Harry could no longer think straight, only feel. Draco's heat against his back. The silky sheets under him, smooth against his skin. The gentle movement in and out of him. He felt himself being turned around. The cool sheets rubbed against his back as he sought Draco's gaze. He smiled as their eyes met. Draco moved his legs and their bodies rejoined. He reached out slowly and gasped, Draco grabbed his hand and pressed it down against the sheets. He opened his well to Draco fully and tangled his fingers into Draco's hair as he leaned in to kiss him.
"What are you doing?" Draco asked against his lips, wonder filling his voice. He had never felt anything like it before. He leaned in to kiss him again. Their tongues danced against each other as Harry's magic moved around them, drawing him in deeper, closer, until he released all that he was into Harry. He cried out and buried his face against Harry's chest. Warm arms wrapped around him and he collapsed in exhaustion.
Harry hummed content and held his husband close as he drifted off.
…
Darkness surrounded Draco. Pulsing ever deeper around him. Light streamed from his chest and seemed to connect to something far away. He pushed himself up slowly and looked around before he started running. He wanted to reach whatever was at the end of the light. The darkness seemed pressing consuming, clinging to him, pulling him back.
Where was he?
What was going on?
He wouldn't stop moving. He needed to get back. He needed to find a way out. Where was Harry? What had happened? His last memories were of their wedding night. It had been so good, so perfect. What had happened?
"Draco!"
Draco looked around for the origin of the voice. "Who?" It was familiar, but he couldn't place it.
"You are dreaming, my Prince."
"Harry," Draco said as he realised who was speaking. Where was he? What was this darkness surrounding him? He looked around.
"Please wake up, Draco. I didn't mean to. I'm so sorry, my love. Please come back to me."
"What do you mean?" Draco wondered. He started running again. What was going on? It hadn't sounded like Harry was there with him. His voice sounded like it was further away.
"You made me feel so good. I wasn't thinking straight. I just wanted you."
"I want you too," Draco said. Why did Harry sound so heartbroken? "I love you." He doubted Harry could hear him, though.
"Please wake up, Draco… Please come back to me." There were tears in his voice as it became small and desolate.
Draco clutched his chest, his heart aching for his husband. It was clear enough that Harry was crying. What the hell had happened? He kept running. The trail led him on. Exhaustion pulled at his soul, but he would not give up, would not give in. Harry was waiting for him. Begging for him to return.
What had happened?
Draco racked his brain for information. Mages had mana wells. Their bodies were their wells, but it went deeper than the physical plane. Harry was an exceptionally powerful mage, and he wasn't weak either. Harry's well had opened fully for him. Hadn't he read something about that? Mages were rare. Finding a mage you melded with was unusual unless you were related. Finding one to call your lover, your partner, your heart, was even less likely to happen. "But what is going on?" he murmured.
It sounded like Harry knew, so getting out was one way to find out. Draco looked around and sighed. The sobs stilled slowly as Harry cried himself to sleep.
Draco kept running. He kept running as shadows moved in the darkness. Deep black cloaks billowed around him.
"Finally here nephew!"
Draco froze in fear as Bellatrix appeared in front of him. He stood there for a second before his fists clenched. He was more powerful than her. She screeched as he cast her aside. She was not welcome, and he needed to get to the end of the light trail. He had to get out. His magic moved out to defend him. He lashed out angrily as something tried to grab him.
Harry needed him to come back. He wondered how long he had been out to make Harry distraught enough to cry the way he had. How much time was passing as he was trapped in the darkness?
Draco had no idea how long he had been running when he heard Harry's voice again. He was singing now. It was the same song he had sung to sooth Scorpius when he aided in healing him.
"We'll paint the grey clouds, with pretty rainbow hues. And we'll brush the gloom away, and save it for a rainy day. Rainy day." There was a strangled sob before he continued. "Oh, today. If troubles cast a shadow, and shadows make the sun afraid to stay. But it's okay. 'Cause there'll be sunshine shinin', and we'll find a silver linin'. Another day…" The sound Harry let out as the song ended cut through Draco's heart.
Draco was still running. He had to be getting closer.
"I need you to come back."
"I'm trying," Draco said. "Harry. I'm trying."
"I will give everything that I am. I'd rather never do magic again than live without you." Harry's desperation lined his voice. This was the same man who had tried to kill himself so he wouldn't be a danger to others.
"No, don't hurt yourself," Draco said. This was not what he wanted. He wanted Harry whole and healthy. He gasped as a wave of magic passed through him. What was Harry trying to do? He caught the next wave and pushed it back. He was not willing to lose Harry.
"Draco?" Harry's sounded shocked, almost relieved.
"Yes, Harry. You foolish man, I'm here," Draco said. He could only hope Harry could hear him
"Draco, if you can hear me, send the next wave back," Harry said. He placed his hands against Draco's chest and pushed magic into him.
Draco smiled. That was better, that meant Harry would focus the magic more and not just do this out of desperation. He caught the wave and sent it back. He could hear Harry's gasp. Then there was nothing for a moment as Harry gathered his thoughts as best as he could through his grief-stricken mind.
"Okay… okay. Your consciousness is lost somewhere between my well and yours. You need to find your well, not mine. If you are coming towards the waves, you are going the wrong way. I'll try to pulse you. Please don't keep going towards me. If you reach my well instead of your own… I don't think your body will survive. You are so cold."
Draco saw the pulse and caught it, holding it in his hand as it connected back to Harry. So he needed to find his own body. It had to be out there in the darkness somewhere. If Harry was the light, then he was right. That was not where Draco needed to go. He held on to the wisp of magic in his hand as he ran into the clinging darkness. Somewhere out there was his body, his well. He had been going the wrong way this whole time. That was not good.
"We are locked in this room," Harry said softly. "Our magic is keeping us in here, and I have no control over it. I think… I think we need the both of us to dispel it. It's been three days…" He fell silent for a while as Draco kept going. If it had been that long, then Harry hadn't eaten in as long. That was not good. Draco looked around, His poor husband was slowly draining what he had to give to keep him alive. That wasn't good for either of them.
"I shouldn't have done this. I drew you in to link our wells. It… there are no known cases of this succeeding in human records, but the goblins have scrolls and lore far older. Did you know that Helga's daughter and one of Godric's sons did this? The tale is quite sweet. Some think this will link our souls, but that isn't how it works, from what I have read. It isn't like one will follow if the other dies, though It seems like it can be quite painful to lose your linked partner. Not that it isn't painful to lose a loved one regardless," Harry rambled.
Draco squeezed the wisp in his hand and smiled as Harry gasped again.
"I wish I could do something to help you," Harry said dejectedly. He needed something, anything to do. His mind kept wandering to the what ifs. What if Draco didn't make it back? His eyes teared once more, and he let out a strangled sob as his shoulders shook. He pressed his face against Draco's chest.
Draco squeezed the wisp again, drawing another set of sobs before Harry managed to focus on the pulse. "You'd think I'd be used to you being silent while I speak. Right now, all I hear from you is your breathing. At least I hear that," Harry said.
Draco raised the wisp to his lips and kissed it. If Harry had spent three days terrified, he needed reassurance right now. His chest ached for his husband. He at least knew Harry was right there. He was falling apart, but at least he was safe.
"You are still so cold," Harry mumbled. "You look wrong. Your skin is ashen. It almost gave me a heart attack to see you that way and now that… If you leave me now, that is all I will remember." He felt the tears run down his checks again. He was surprised he had any left to cry by now. "I'm tired, but… I don't want to fall asleep… in case you wake up," he managed to say between sobs.
Draco pressed his teeth down on the wisp.
Harry groaned. "Ouch, that hurt, Draco. No, I haven't eaten, I can't get out, and we didn't bring food with us. I have gone without food before. I'll live," he said.
Draco bit down again. He didn't like hearing that, but that was not what he was after.
"What are you…? Do you want me to bite you?" Harry asked. "I'm not eating you, you know. I'd rather starve. I'd probably turn into a bloody wendigo with my luck."
Draco snorted. It was nice to hear a joke from Harry, even if it was in bad taste. Pain shot through the darkness. He started running towards the source.
"I hope that is enough," Harry said. "I can do it again if you want, but I am doing it under protest."
Draco pulsed twice.
"I assume that is a no," Harry said. One pulse. "Okay. Just let me know if you change your mind." One pulse. He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against Draco's chest. He had been so close. "I almost went hollow," he said softly. "I know that isn't something you want to hear, but you know my history. I finally had you, had a husband I know loves me, and I woke up to your body cold beside me. I panicked. It took almost two hours before I realised you were still breathing." He felt a warm pulse in his chest.
Draco closed his eyes. His husband had spent two hours thinking he had killed him. That was going to leave scars on his psyche. He needed out of there. Harry's nightmares were going to be horrible. He raised the wisp again and bit it.
"That really isn't very comfortable," Harry said. "You want me to bite you again?" One pulse. He shifted and bit down on Draco's shoulder while infusing it with magic.
Another pulse of pain moved through the darkness. Draco rushed forward. He bit the wisp again.
"I can't keep biting you, Draco," Harry said. "It feels so wrong." He gasped as the strange feeling went through him again and held. He whimpered and tears started running down his face. A prolonged bite would probably leave a scar. He was not placing a scar where people would see it. Draco would hate that. He really didn't want to do this. He opened his mouth and bit down. His mouth filled with blood slowly. What was he supposed to do with that? He relaxed and swallowed. It was all he could do. He was not spitting it out.
Draco was running again, accompanied by Harry's sobs and whimpers. He was getting pulses of pain. He knew he wouldn't like this much once he woke up, and he was asking too much of Harry, that was clear already. His eyes widened as he saw it. It was leaking darkness. That had to be him, though. It wasn't like he was a beacon of light, and he was well aware of that. He ran forward. It was a big hole in the ground before him. He didn't hesitate. He didn't falter. Strong legs kicked off against the ground, and he jumped in.
Harry lay over Draco's lap with his head resting against a pale thigh. His eyes were empty. The connection he had managed to establish with Draco was gone. His husband. His lover. Gone… he would never love again. It only led to misery and his heart would not heal this time, no mater how much glue Luna had. He knew deep down that he would have to keep going. They had three children who needed him. He couldn't lay there and wither away, no matter how much he wanted to. He pushed himself up slowly and got out of bed.
The wards laid by their magic were gone. He stepped into the shower and let the water run down his body. He cleaned off slowly before returning to the room so he could get dressed. Each movement took great effort to do. His body was starving, but he didn't really want food. Still, he would have to eat to regain his strength.
Teddy. Scorpius. Carina.
With a heavy heart, Harry made it out of the room and down to the restaurant. His behaviour and his empty stare worried the employees. They searched on who he was and saw that there should be another man with him.
A soft groan moved through the room. Draco sat up slowly. He felt like shit. He guessed that could be because he hadn't eaten in more than three days. Harry wasn't there. That wasn't good. What had caused Harry to leave?
Draco touched his hip. Damn, Harry had bitten him hard. He pushed himself up. He needed to clean off and sanitise the wounds so he could heal them. He got up to do just that. His legs were unsteady at first. He would have liked Harry's aid, but he could not find it within him to be irritated with his husband. He was pulling on clothes when there was a knock on the door. "Yes!" he called.
"Oh, thank heavens. Your husband is sitting down in the restaurant. He looks like something horrible happened."
Draco nodded. "Magical anomaly," he said. "I'll take care of it." He pulled on a shit and buttoned it. He knew what he looked like and death surely could look better than he did right now, but he needed to get to Harry before his husband sank so deep there would be no saving him.
"You don't look good, sir. Maybe you should lay down."
"I can do that once I know Hydrus is okay, and I have had something to eat," Draco said. He pushed past her and headed down towards the restaurant. His heart ached when he saw Harry. His green eyes were empty… unseeing. His fingers twitched, forming words. Teddy. Scorpius. Carina. Over and over and over again like a mantra. It would be the only thing keeping him going now. He didn't acknowledge Draco as he knelt before him. He couldn't see what was happening around him any more.
Draco reached up and touched his face. "Harry. My Knight," he said. He moved up slowly and pressed his lips against Harry's. He needed there to be a reaction. How was he supposed to get through to his husband. He needed to break through somehow. Harry needed to know he was okay. "This is not fair on you," he said softly. He leaned Harry's head to the side and bit down on his neck while pushing magic into the bite.
Harry gasped as pain spread through him, followed by a rush of magic. He would have thought he had cried himself dry already, as tears filled his eyes and ran down his cheeks. A kiss was pressed against his cheek as an apology, before Draco moved back, tasting the salt of his husband's tears on his lips.
Harry rose slowly from his seat and stumbled closer to Draco before wrapping his arms around him. "I thought you wouldn't return," he whispered as he felt the familiar presence of Draco's body against his. "I caused you harm. I almost killed you. I…"
"Shhh," Draco pulled Harry flush against him. "You didn't do anything of what happened on purpose," he said. "It is just as much my fault as it is yours. He sat Harry back down before grabbing a chair and sitting down himself. He grabbed Harry's hands. He knew Harry would have a lot of healing to do now. He might have been the one close to death, but what had happened had damaged Harry far more than him. "Can you eat the rest of your food?" he asked.
Harry looked down at his plate. "Yeah, I… think so," he said. He felt Draco wiping the tears off his face. "You could hear me… that wasn't just…"
"I heard you, Harry. You saved me. I was heading for your well before you told me not to," Draco said. He ran his fingers up Harry's arms. "I have taken care of the things I asked you to do." He saw relief in deep in Harry's eyes.
Harry nodded. He was glad Draco had dealt with it already. He wasn't sure he would have been able to stand seeing the wounds. The scar would be bad enough.
"I need to order food," Draco said. "Will you be okay staying here while I do that?" He squeezed Harry's hands as Harry nodded slowly. He could tell that Harry's eyes were following him as he ordered food and returned to the table. He took Harry's left hand in his. "Please finish your food, love," he said. "You need it."
Harry turned slowly and picked his fork up. He finished what was on the plate before turning towards Draco again. "I don't really know how what happened will affect us," he said softly.
"We will figure it out," Draco said. He smiled as his food was brought out and ate as quickly as he would allow himself to eat. He pulled Harry with him back to their room and pushed him up against a wall before kissing him. He could feel when Harry started shaking. "What is wrong, love?" he asked.
"I'm terrified I'll hurt you again," Harry whispered. "I don't want to be, but I am." He was scared of intimacy with his husband. He knew they needed to speak about this. Draco had to know or he wouldn't understand.
"How do you want to handle it?" Draco asked softly. "I will not leave you alone. That is the one thing I won't do." He pressed himself closer to Harry, but let his hands move in a gentler, less hungry way.
"I want to ease back to what we did. I need to face it, but maybe not right away," Harry said as he looked up at Draco, meeting his eyes. There was so much fear and pain there that Draco felt his heart ache. "Cuddle on the balcony?" he asked. "I could order some fruit for us." He wanted to be near Harry. He wanted to be there for him.
Harry smiled sadly at him. "That sounds good," he said tiredly.
Draco led Harry outside and sat him down. "I promise I'll be back in just a moment," he said.
Harry nodded as he moved back and looked out over the beautiful magical island hidden among the many islands of the Maldives. He closed his eyes. He had lost Draco twice, even if his husband hadn't died, it was still more than his heart could take without scars. Maybe he would never heal. He wouldn't assume the worst before he had a chance to speak to Tatiana, though.
"Move, I want to hold you," Draco said as he returned. He sat down behind his husband and wrapped his arms around him tightly. "I know you will need time with Tatiana after this. I know there will be nightmares. Please… just please, don't withdraw from me." He moved Harry's collar to the side as he summoned the healing salve so he could heal the bite he had given Harry to wake him up to the world around him again. "I mean everything I told you on our wedding night. You are precious to me, and I don't want you thinking this was your fault."
"I opened my well to you," Harry said miserably. It was all his fault. He should never have...
"I brought you to a state where that happened. You didn't consciously choose to do it, right?" Draco asked. He was pretty sure he had pushed Harry into subspace. He couldn't blame his husband for anything that happened after that.
Harry sighed softly as he fell back in his own memories. Draco could hear him and feel the way his body reacted. He knew Harry wouldn't be ready for that kind of intimacy that day, though. Not after what happened. Harry's shoulders were shaking and tears streamed down his face as he returned from the memory. He turned around and pressed his face against Draco's shoulder.
All the emotions from that night ran through him, and he had a hard time processing. He was clutching to Draco like he was a lifeline, the only one who could keep him afloat. "I was so scared, so broken. It will take me time to heal, and I need you to do so. I love you, Draco. Your gentle touch. Your protective soul, including your possessives at times. I love the way you look at me like I'm the only thing that matters in the entire universe. Your hidden smiles and your sharp tongue. You proved to me that not all was lost and there was someone who would love me for who I am. I almost lost you, and I know I would still be sitting downstairs staring at nothing if you hadn't come to get me. You asked me to never leave you. Well… right back at you. Never do that to me again. I want to grow old with you. I don't want to lose you."
Draco smiled. "Never," he said. He pulled Harry close and held him there until he fell asleep. He was exhausted himself. A nap didn't seem like a bad idea. He laid back properly and closed his eyes. Harry's hair brushed his chin and he knew he would not let go.