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Chapter Text

Draco climbs into the train, not excited about going back to Hogwarts for his eighth year. He’s only going because part of him does want to as well as not having anything else for him, not after what happened with the war. He sits down and looks out the window, thinking about anything. He ends up thinking about Harry and what he had done for him after everything Draco had done to the green-eyed boy. He’s mostly thinking about how if it weren’t for Harry and some others then he’ll be locked away at Azkaban. He shivers at that thought and what could have happened to him if he was there. Even though he’s not there, he feels like he’s locked away because he knows he’s not himself. He feels like a shell of himself and doesn’t know how to get better, so he just sticks to his dull and quiet depressive self.

“I would say good morning, but you look like you have seen a ghost,” A familiar voice says.

Draco looks up and sees Blaise and Pansy standing there before they sit down with him. Blaise sits across from him as Pansy sits beside him, all the while Draco is shocked to see them. He knew they were coming back as well, but he also knew they were having doubts like he was. Realizing he hasn’t said anything, he just shrugs at his friends before looking down at his hands.

“We missed you,” Pansy says, wrapping her arms around Draco’s arm.

“Sorry, everything has been a mess and mother is…Well, you know,” Draco says, patting Pansy’s hand.

“We know. Do you know what she’s moving to?” Blaise asks curiously.

“I just know she’s leaving the manor and that’s it,” Draco says with a shrug.

Draco falls silent again as the train takes off and his friends try to find something to talk about. They don’t like Draco being this silent, they love the confident and loud Draco. But at the same time, they know that that part of Draco is gone and he’s not coming back.

“I wonder if Potter and his friends came back,” Draco mumbles, not enjoying the silence.

“I thought I saw Weasley, but I’m not completely sure since I never saw his face. But I bet they do come back and get the education that we all got ripped away from everyone,” Blaise says.

“It’s going to be weird,” Draco says.

“Without a doubt, but we’ll get through it and never come back,” Pansy says, leaning back against the back rest.

Draco looks down at his folded hands on the table, thinking that he doesn’t have anywhere to go after this year. That after this, he’s completely screwed and he only has himself to blame for it.

“Dray!” Pansy says, snapping her fingers in front of Draco’s face and making Draco flinch.

Draco stares at her with wide eyes as she looks at him apologetic.

“Don’t you dare apologize for anything, you haven’t done anything wrong,” Draco says, knowing she was fixing to apologize.

“I know and everything is going to work out fine and you’re going to be okay. You’re a new person and not who you used to be, you’ll be okay,” Pansy says, squeezing Draco's arm.

Draco flinches since it’s the arm with the mark and Draco feels sick that it’s there, wanting it off his body for good.

“If you say so,” Draco says as Pansy removes her hand.

“So, why do you wonder why Potter and his friends will be back at Hogwarts?” Blaise asks, changing subjects.

“I don’t know, I want to apologize and just see them and just see them alive,” Draco says honestly.

“You really have changed,” Another familiar voice says.

The three Slytherins look up and see a wide-eyed Ron standing there in their compartment.

“Weasley?” Draco asks.

“No, I’m an imposter,” Ron teases.

At first Ron regrets saying it knowing their history, but he relaxes when he sees the slightest smile on the blonde’s pale face. He’s not happy about how Draco looks, but glad that he’s here hence why he’s standing here. Himself, Hermione, Harry wanted to know if he’ll be here so Ron went to look for himself.

“Whatever you say, Weasley,” Draco says, rolling his eyes, bringing Ron back to reality.

“What brings you to our compartment?” Blaise asks, tilting his head to the side. 

Ron smirks, knowing what he's about to say is probably gonna get him slapped, but he'll take it.

“Just wanted to see if our favorite troublemakers actually came back,” Ron says before leaving before he gets in trouble.

“Did that just happen or am I going insane?” Pansy asked, pointing in the direction Ron left. 

“It did,” Blaise says in shock. 

“They did come back,” Draco mutters to himself. 

“Told ya they would be here,” Blaise says playfully. 

Draco just smiles faintly before looking out his window. He falls silent again as he watches everything go by and before he knew it, they were standing outside the entrance to the castle.

“And we're back,” Pansy says, looking up at the castle.

Draco nods his head, feeling anxious standing there as he looks at the castle. He flinches when someone appears in front of him. 

“Granger?” Draco asks, tilting his head to the side. 

Granger doesn't say anything, just studying Draco in a nonjudgmental way. Draco knows he looks awful from his eye bags from getting maybe two hours of sleep for awhile, his almost too skinny body from not eating like he should, to just looking not himself. 

“Draco,” Granger says sadly. 

“People are staring,” Draco whispers, feeling the stares from everyone. 

He doesn't blame them due to the history between the silver trio and the golden trio. 

“Take a picture, it lasts longer otherwise get moving,” Harry says, looking around at everyone. 

Draco is shocked by Harry’s attitude but knows the war has changed everyone. He knows Harry is still Harry, but he has changed like everyone else in a way. Once the stares stop, Harry turns his attention back to the Slytherins. 

“Well, I guess we should be heading to the Great Hall,” Harry states. 

The other four agreed that they should, not wanting to get in trouble. They grab their belongings and start walking away, all but Draco. Draco blinks a couple of times before both of his hands reach out and grabs a hold of Harry's. Harry looks down at their hands before turning to fully face Draco.

“I'm sorry for everything!” Draco says, cutting off whatever Harry was about to say. 

Draco watches Harry's eyes widen before he relaxes with a smirk. Draco barely flinches when he feels Harry's free hand on his waist. 

“We're fine, but let's talk after we're done with the speech and everything, okay?” Harry says, squeezing Draco's waist. 

Draco only nods his head, finally letting go of Harry’s hand. Harry gives him another smile and squeeze before letting go as well. Draco grabs his stuff, shocked to see that Harry has waited for him before they walk to the Great Hall. They go to their respective tables, but sit so they can still stare at each other. 

“You two never change,” Pansy teases from beside Draco. 

Draco only blushes as McGonagall does the normal speech. Draco thinks it's strange not seeing Dumbledore doing this, which has him regretting everything once again. Though, he's brought back to reality when he feels a gentle squeeze. He looks to the side to see it's Pansy with a sad look in her eyes. That's how he knows he's not hiding his emotions too well. 

“I'm fine, everything’s just different,” Draco whispers. 

“I know, it'll be fine in the end,” Pansy promises. 

They end the conversation as they go back to listening to McGonagall's speech, which leads into the sorting part. During this part, Draco looks up, only to lock eyes with Harry. He notices that Harry has a sad look in his eyes and he can't even imagine what that boy is thinking. Neither of them looks away, content with just staring at one another as the sorting continues around them. The only thing that breaks their staring contest is McGonagall talking again. 

Which is her asking the eighth years stay back for a few more minutes, only for them to know some new rules for them. 

After that, they're dismissed to go to their common areas. Draco walks out of the Great Hall, only for Harry to pull him to the side. Draco just lets it happen, not knowing why he's trusting Harry at the moment. 

“So, you wanted to talk?” Draco asks, shoving his hands into his pockets. 

“Yes. Can we start over now? The war is over and I want this feud between us to end. I came to the conclusion that the feud between was pointless to begin with,” Harry says. 

“Yeah and I never wanted this feud to happen, I just wanted to be your friend and then got jealous when you got what I wanted, which was just some praise,” Draco says. 

Harry gives Draco a smile as he reaches out and runs his hands through Draco’s slightly longer hair. 

“I'm sorry for everything,” Harry says. 

“No reason to apologize, Potter,” Draco mumbles, subconsciously leaning into Harry’s touch. 

Harry watches Draco close his eyes contently, subconsciously leaning into his touch. 

“If it means anything, I'm really glad you decided to come back. I was worried you weren't when I didn't see you at the station,” Harry mumbles as he removes his hand. 

“I about decided not to, but with everything that happened and with you talking on my behalf and just wanting away from the lonely manor, I figured it would be better to just come back,” Draco says, looking off to the side. 

Harry can tell Draco doesn't want to talk about it anymore, making Harry decide to not pry more. 

“Just for the record, we decided to come back because we wanted to. Ron heard you guys wondering if we were coming back or not, we never planned on not coming back,” Harry says, shoving his hands into his pockets. 

“That's good to know, I figured you were, I just didn't see you. Though Blaise said he thought he saw Weasley, just wasn't sure,” Draco mumbles, looking back at Harry. 

“Ron said the same thing,” Harry says, looking into Draco's eyes. 

It hurts Harry seeing Draco so fragile and sad, but he knows the war has changed everything. They both jump when someone approaches them and gently touches Draco's shoulder.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you guys. But we're heading to the Slytherin’s common room and getting our rooms,” Blaise says standing at the side of the two boys. 

“Okay, see you around, Potter,” Draco says, glancing back at Harry. 

“You know it,” Harry says with a smile before he catches up to his waiting friends. 

Blaise and Draco watch them head towards the Gryffindor’s room. Harry gives Draco one more smile before Draco leaves with his friends. 

“Is everything good between you all?” Blaise asks as they walk towards the basement. 

“Yeah. We decided to have a fresh start and now we're friends?” Draco says, letting everything settle in. 

“That's good, really good. Maybe this year will be better,” Blaise says. 

“I don't know, I'm a danger magnet and I highly doubt that everyone here wants me here,” Draco says, feeling Pansy squeezing his hand. 

“Hey now, no more of that. Besides, the Golden Trio wants you here, I want you here, Blaise wants you here, and Theo wants you here,” Pansy says. 

“Theo's here,” Draco asks in shock. 

“Yeah, surprised you didn't see him in the Great Hall,” Pansy teases. 

“He was watching Potter and he was late,” Theo teases, stopping as he faces his friends. 

“Good to have our group still,” Blaise says with a stretch. 

Draco feels a punch of sadness at the slim remembrance of Vincent. 

“He's with us in spirit,” Pansy says, squeezing Draco's shoulder as they start walking again. 

They keep the conversation light with Draco retreating to just listening to his friends. Part of him is glad he's here with his friends, but the majority of him just wants to be gone from the Earth for good. He doesn't know how he's going to survive this year, but he's going to try because he's with his friends. 

“Hey, come back to us,” Pansy says, bringing Draco back to the present with them. 

“Yeah, yeah,” Draco says, looking off to the side. 

He keeps his word and does listen to his friends talk till they get to their common room. They only stop to get the load down before they are able to get their rooms. Draco goes to him and puts his trunk at the end of his bed. He looks around and notices that there's a bathroom, which makes him feel content. He ends up sighing and curls up on the bed and stares blankly at the wall across from him. It's moments like these when he's alone with his thoughts, the thoughts are always negative. 

He wishes that someone will tell him he's worth something instead of just being a failure. To have someone to hold him, helping him get a good enough sleep that he never has anymore. He never voices them, slightly hoping to just vanish so when he decides to end it, no one will miss him. He knows his friends will be better off not having a former death water attached to them. His absence will make everyone happy and feel safe

“Honey,” A voice says, shaking Draco to the present. 

He sits up and sees his friends standing at the edge of the bed. 

“Sorry, lost in thoughts,” Draco says, looking up at them. 

“It's fine,” Theo says, knowing Draco isn't being honest but doesn't want to push him to open up. 

“I know that we asked this already, but how are you doing?” Pansy says as they all sit around Draco. 

“I'm okay, just getting used to everything once again,” Draco says with a shrug. 

“Okay, but just know that we're here to listen to your problems and help you anyways we can,” Blaise says, squeezing Draco’s knee. 

“I know, but you guys don't have to,” Draco points out. 

“Hun, you listen to our problems all the time and as your friends we are here to do the same thing,” Pansy says.

“She's right, we love you, Mate and want to help you out anyway we can,” Theo adds. 

“Okay, if I have any problems, I'll tell you guys. But I'm fine right now, just adapting and sleepy from the train ride,” Draco says. 

“You better,” Blaise teases with a smile. 

Draco rolls his eyes fondly as he stares at Blaise. 

“Now onto a whole different note. Blaise, still have that huge crush on Weasel?” Draco asks with a playful smile. 

“How can I not? He's hot, funny, sweet,” Blaise says. 

“Sweet and funny to everyone but us,” Theo points out. 

“I know,” Blaise whines. 

“What about you Theo? Do you like anyone?” Draco asks curiously, never knowing who Theo liked since he's private mostly. 

Theo blushes as he looks away from his friends before answering the question. 

“Longbottom,” Theo mumbles. 

“I knew it!” Pansy says excitedly. 

“Wait, we all have crushes on Gryffindors?” Draco asks himself. 

“All of us? Who do you two like?” Theo asks, pushing a nagging Pansy away. 

“I have a crush on Harry and she has one on Hermione,” Draco says. 

The conversation continues which it ends up merging into about the school year. The topic that Draco doesn't want to talk about. So, for the most part, he just listens to what the others have to say. He knows he's not going to have it easy, that everyone is most likely going to go after him. But he doesn't blame them after everything that has happened. He slowly tunes the conversation out, losing himself in his thoughts. Hearing Harry’s name is what brings him out of his head. 

“I'm not lying, everyone was shocked at the tone that Potter had outside,” Theo says, leaning back on his hands. 

“They seem different, not in a bad way, but like they're protecting us in a way,” Pansy says. 

“That's what I was thinking, plus, they're glad that we're here,” Draco says. 

“Everyone wants a fresh start, so maybe this is what everyone needs,” Blaise suggests. 

“I agree, but I highly doubt that everyone is going to see us differently just because of the golden trio,” Pansy says. 

“It's a start at least and people still like us,” Blaise says with a pout. 

“I agree as well and I believe that if this friend group stays together then we'll be fine as well,” Theo says.

“That's the perfect thing to say right now,” Draco says, nodding his head.

Draco was right about getting attacked, just sooner than he expected. He's been hex multiple times as well as tripped as well. His only saving grace is the golden trio finding him and helping him off the ground. 

“Youre a klutz?” Ron asks, arching an eyebrow. 

Draco nods his head, highly doubting that the red head is believing him right now.

“Since when is the Draco Malfoy a klutz? I'm not believing that for a second. Now tell me the truth, what happened? Especially with this being the fifth time you fell in an hour,” Ron says. 

“I'm telling the truth,” Draco says, crossing his arms across his chest. 

Draco knows that he's lying and it's clear that Ron does as well. 

“Then I'm walking you to your next class since we have it together and I'll just see how much of a klutz you are,” Ron says, crossing his arms across his chest. 

“You, don't have to!” Draco says with wide eyes. 

“Too bad pretty boy, I am. Now stop being a git and let's go,” Ron says, grabbing Draco's cloak sleeve and dragging him along. 

They make it to charms class without a hitch, making it more clear Draco was lying earlier. They ignore the stares as Ron sits Draco between him and Hermione. 

“Liar,” Ron whispers with a smile. 

“Prat,” Draco whispers back with a pout. 

Their interaction leaves everyone confused, including Ron's best friends, the whole class. Ron and Draco couldn't care less, focus on the lesson or if someone will try to hex Draco. Well, Draco is focused on seeing if he'll get hex, but ends up focusing on the lesson since it's more important. 

“So, tell me the truth,” Ron whispers. 

“I'm a klutz,” Draco whispers. 

“Such a liar,” Ron says as they try to do their work. 

“What is up with you two?” Hermione whispers as herself and Harry lean in. 

“Nothing,” Ron and Draco say. 

Hermione and Harry stay confused for the rest of the class. Draco thought he'll get the pass about the interaction after class, but Harry doesn't let him. 

“Okay, what gives? You two were way too nice to one another. I'm not complaining, just confused,” Harry says as they start making their way to their next class. 

“He doesn't believe me when I say I'm a klutz because I've been tripping all day,” Draco says. 

“But you're not? Why have you been tripping a lot today,” Harry says. 

“Think about it Potter,” Draco says after sighing. 

Potter furrowed his eyebrows, doing what Draco said. Draco immediately knows when it dawns on Harry what is happening.

“What the hell! They can't do this, who are they?” Harry asks, rage present in his eyes. 

“I don't know and it doesn't matter, the less people get involved, the better it will be for me. Please Potter, don't do anything,” Draco says, eyes pleading. 

Harry scoffs as he looks away, but agrees nonetheless. Draco feels relieved before they resume their walk to their class. Harry might not go after anyone, but he stays close to Draco remainer of the day. Well, they got to the Great Hall for dinner since they sit at different tables. As soon as Draco sits down beside Theo, Pansy is already on him.

"So, what's going on between you, Weasley, and Potter?” Pansy asks, resting her chin on her hand. 

“Nothing,” Draco says, looking down at his plate. 

He's not lying either, there's nothing happening between them. Then again, he remembers Harry wanting a fresh start, so he's not sure what's happening. He knows he needs to eat, he just doesn't have an appetite anymore. 

“So, walking from class to class and now the Great Hall with Potter ain't nothing, along with Ron dragging you to charms ain't nothing?” Blaise asks with a smirk. 

“They were just being nice like you two should be. Theo is my new favorite,” Draco says, playing with his food. 

Theo only laughs as the other two look like a kicked puppy with Draco thinking that what they get. 

“Hun, you need to eat,” Pansy says, noticing Draco's empty plate. 

“I'm not hungry,” Draco says with a shrug. 

“Are you okay? You haven't eaten much today,” Theo says. 

“It's just the nerves,” Draco says with a shrug. 

Draco hates lying to his friends, but he doesn't want them to worry that he's not eating. He knows that they know something is up with how he’s rapidly losing weight. Draco is grateful when the conversation is cut short due to another voice. 

“Okay Ferret, want to tell me why you kept falling till Harry and I started walking you around?” Ron asks. 

Draco takes it back, he's not grateful at all. 

“I told you, I'm a klutz, you git,” Draco says, locking eyes with Ron. 

“No you're not. Wait, are you already getting hex?” Blaise asks. 

Draco sighs as he remains quiet which answers that question. 

“That explains a lot then,” Ron says. 

Draco dares to steal a glance at Ron, shocked to see sadness in his eyes. 

“It's nothing, it's going to happen. Who knows, maybe it'll stop once things go back to normal around here,” Draco mumbles. 

The others remained quiet, making Draco uncomfortable. Draco lets out a frustrated sigh as he gets up and leaves the Great Hall. He makes it halfway to the Slytherin’s common room before a hand on his shoulder stops him. Draco turns around, seeing that the golden trio is standing there. 

“Did I cross the line? I swear I didn't mean to, I was just teasing. And I was only teasing because of this fresh start you and Harry agreed to. I'm sorry if I crossed the line,” Ron says, voice full of guilt. 

“It's fine, everything is fine. Everyone was bound to find out anyways, nothing stays a secret here,” Draco says, looking off to the side for a minute. 

“Malfoy, are you okay?” Hermione asks. 

“I'm fine, Granger. Just tired from the day,” Draco says, which is a lie but not. 

He's exhausted, but he doesn't sleep and most likely won't. 

“I can still talk to them who hex you today,” Harry says, sadness present in his eyes. 

“You three, it's fine. I'm fine. Everything will be fine, okay? Thanks for your concern, but it's not a problem, I'm not a problem, I've changed,” Draco says, holding his hands up in surrender. 

“Malfoy,” Harry says, appearing in front of Draco. 

Draco just watches as Harry runs his hand through Draco's hair, tucking a longer strand out of his eyes. 

“We're in your corner,” Harry says, retreating his hand. 

“Okay, now I'm going to go and shut the world out before the common room gets loud,” Draco says. 

He doesn't wait for the others' responses, he just wants his mind to shut up. He curls up in a chair and watches the fire, seriously thinking how he's going to survive this year. Part of him wants to, but once again, the majority of him wants to end it all. But right now, he's just confused about the golden trio as well as how this year is going to get worse. 

Chapter Text

Thirty minutes is all the sleep that Draco was able to get so far. He once again had a nightmare, a vivid one, which he won't go back to sleep. With a groan, he gets out of bed and goes to the desk in his room. He lays his homework, that he's about ahead of, and does more. It keeps his mind off of his nightmare and everything else that has been happening. He still remembers the dream, especially when he was being tortured by a death eater. 

I guess this is what I deserve if not more

He shakes his head, trying to get rid of the negative thoughts for at least a night and focuses harder on his homework. He uses his wand to check the time and sees that it's five thirty. He'd be so dead if Pansy knew that he decided to attempt to sleep at five in the morning instead of when everyone else was going to sleep. He puts his wand away and decides to finish the last bit of the homework he was doing before curling up in bed. 

Once curled up under the blankets, he just stares at the ceiling. There was no way he was going to sleep, besides he doesn't have much longer before the others come to wake him. He ends up in bed till he hears the others getting up and moving outside his door. He forces himself to get dressed before any of his friends barges into his room to make sure he's up. He was just putting his robes on when Pansy barged into the room. 

“Draco! It's time to-, oh, never mind you're already up,” She says with a smile. 

Draco returns the smile before he leaves his room and to the common room. They had plenty of time before breakfast, so he sits down on the couch with the others and listens to them talk. 

“Draco, are you okay? You look like you haven't slept,” Blaise says, sitting down besides Pansy. 

“Yeah, went to bed late. That's all, and I know I shouldn't do that,” Draco says, standing up. He's really not in a mood for a lecture and he knows that Pansy is about to give him one. To avoid the lecture, Draco just walks out of the common room. He walks away to an area they won't look for him at before leaning against the wall. He lets out a sigh as he leans against the wall. He loves his friends, but everything feels too much for him right now and getting lectured from his friends doesn't help. He hears footsteps right before awful stinging. He doubles over, wrapping his arms around his middle before his hair is roughly gripped. 

“You should be rotting in Azkaban, you death eater! No one wants you here!” The younger Hufflepuff says before hexing again. 

They don't stop till Draco is curled up against the wall in pain. He knows they're having fun and he can't do anything so he doesn't get in trouble. So, he curls more in a ball just waiting for it to be over with. 

“Hey!” A familiar voice yells. 

The  Hufflepuff just walks off with a smirk as Draco keeps his head down. The rapid footsteps before they stop beside Draco. Draco calms down as the voice comes into focus

“Dray! Dray, are you with me?” Theo asks, gently putting his hand on Draco's shoulder. 

“Yeah,” Draco mumbles, resting his head on Theo's shoulder. 

“Are you okay?” Theo asks. 

“I am. I'm fine. Just please, don't tell anyone else and please don't make me go to the hospital wing, it's nothing that needs healing or anything!” Draco says, staring straight into Theo's eyes. 

Draco watches Theo's internal war in his eyes before Theo closes them and sighs. 

“Okay, but you got to be more honest with me in return. I know you're not being honest,” Theo says, helping Draco up. 

“Deal,” Draco says as they start walking before they're found. 

They find an alcove nearby and quickly go in there and sit down. 

“You know a lot, if not ninety-five percent of everyone here don't want us here. But I'm their target because of what I can guess is because of my past. Since the first day of classes everyone has been hexing or jinxing me, but nothing bad. Ron found me on the ground after seeing me fall due to a tripping hex. Neither of us saw the person so Ron didn't even know I was hex. But he knew I was lying about being a klutz like Harry, that's why they've been with me,” Draco explains, looking down at his feet. 

“Draco! We need to tell someone, this can't keep happening,” Theo says with wide eyes. 

“No, I don't want to cause more trouble. Please Theo, don't tell anyone. Please. Harry knows as well, he's protecting me,” Draco says, looking over at Theo. 

Theo thinks it over before promising to keep his mouth shut about it, making Draco relieved. After that, they get up and leave the alcove, only to run right into two Gryffindors. Draco catches one of them before they hit the floor. He glances down and sees a lot of brown hair. 

“Hey! Oh, hi guys,” Hermione says as Draco lets her go. 

“Hi, sorry about running into you, we didn't mean to,” Draco says. 

“It's all good, we weren't paying attention anyways,” Hermione says. 

A laugh catches their attention, having them look to the side to see Neville laughing at something Theo said. The two of them look in their own world as Hermione and Draco look back at each other. 

“Anyhow, are you okay? You look tired,” Hermione says, rubbing her finger underneath Draco's eye.

Draco closes his eye, letting Hermione do whatever she wants. 

“I'm fine, I just went to bed too late,” Draco says as Hermione pulls back. 

“That's still not good, you need proper sleep,” Hermione says with wide eyes. 

Draco swears he can see worry in her eyes for unknown reasons. 

“I will, okay?” Draco asks, rubbing the back or his neck. 

“Good,” Hermione says, squeezing his arm. 

Draco nods his head and they finally turn their attention back to the other two. 

“Ready for breakfast?” Hermione asks, gripping Draco's wrist and drags them to the Great Hall. 

Draco stumbles after her with his friend laughing behind him. Draco just flips him off as the four of them walk to the Great Hall. Hermione stops abruptly, making Draco run into her once again. 

“Do you guys want to come in together or seperate?” Hermione asks, turning around to face the others. 

“We don't mind, the question is if you two want to be seen with Slytherins,” Theo says. 

Hermione thinks it over before grabbing Draco again and walks into the Great Hall with the other two following right behind. They go to the respective tables and both boys know they're not getting out of this. 

“Soo, you guys and Gryffindors?” Pansy asks with a playful smile. 

“We literally ran into them, nothing is happening,” Theo says as they get breakfast. 

Draco gets food to worry anyone, deciding to just eat a little of it. The rest he just pushes around as he listens to his friends talk about random topics. 

“So, it's already been a week and people are already getting caught doing it, nice,” Blaise says with a smile. 

“I mean, if you want to do it, you'll find a place to do it if not in a bed,” Theo says. 

Draco pushes his plate away from him as he arches his eyebrow. 

“What? It's true,” Theo says, throwing Draco a pout. 

“I know, but it seems like you have experiences,” Draco says with a playful tone. 

“No! I just heard stories,” Theo whines. 

“I bet if they do it in classrooms and closets, who bets that they do it in alcoves,” Draco says. 

“Do what in alcoves?” A new voice asks. 

Draco looks up and sees Ron standing there looking confused. 

“Shagging,” Draco says with a smirk, getting elbowed by Pansy. 

“What? He asked and I'm sure he's well aware," Draco says, rubbing his side. 

“I don't even want to know,” Ron says, rubbing his forehead. 

“So, what does bring a Gryffindor here to the Slytherins?” Blaise asks, looking back at Ron. 

“Oh, just to check on my favorite klutz,” Ron says with a smirk. 

“I ain't nobody's,” Draco says with a point.

“Sure. But I really came over to see how you were doing since I haven't had the chance with you constantly finding something for us to talk about, almost like you don't want us asking about you,” Ron says, narrowing his eyes. 

Draco just smirks as he rests his hand on his hand, but he loses his smirk because he doesn't want to lie. 

“I'm fine, don't worry,” Draco says. 

The two of them haven't really talked since the first day besides classes since Ron makes sure Draco is sitting with him and his friends. So, he doesn't know how to feel about Ron checking in on him but he does know he feels honor that Ron seems to care. Draco thinks that this could end well, but also knows it's never easy. 

“Have everyone hexed you today?” Harry asks, quiet enough for his friends and Draco to hear. 

“Stinging jinx,” Draco says, staring at Flitwick. 

“Ferret, that's not good. Are you sure you don't want to tell anyone?” Ron asks, looking straight at Draco. 

“Won't do any good and is Ferret my new name?” Draco asks, looking back at Ron. 

“It is, and we won't say anything. But if it gets worse, we are,” Ron promises. 

Draco just nods his head, turning his attention back to Flitwick. 

The boys fall silent for a few minutes before Harry speaks up again.

“Have you ever thought about teaching others wandless magic?” Harry asks. 

“I guess it depends, but no one has asked why?” Draco asks, looking over at Harry, who's looking at him. 

“Just wondering,” Harry says, tucking a strand of Draco’s hair behind his ear. 

“Nosy Potter,” Draco says in a playful tone. 

“Whatever you say, Ferret,” Harry says back playfully. 

Draco rolls his eyes and focuses on the lesson, besides bumping knees with Harry, who definitely started it. At the same time, Draco feels warmth spread throughout his body that Harry is messing with him. This goes on for the rest of class with neither of them complaining. The content Draco felt leaves, thinking that Harry is just going to go off with his friends. But to his surprise, Harry walks with him to their next class. 

Draco still doesn't know what to think about Harry being around him, but he likes it. This is all he wanted from their first year and now he finally gets it. He's afraid though, afraid that the friendship he has with Harry and his friends won't last. That's why he makes a silent promise to not compromise this friendship. Draco listens to Harry talk, even when the teacher was trying to teach class. Harry only stopped talking was when Hermione slaps his shoulder to silent him. That didn't stop them because they started passing notes when they weren't talking. Or Harry would lean in and whisper everything into Draco’s ear with Draco doing the same thing. 

“You two act like a couple, I swear!” Hermione says as the group walks to lunch. 

“We're making up for lost time,” Harry says, making sure Draco stays close. 

He knows Draco and he knows Draco will bolt the second he could. 

“Whatever Mate, even we're not that bad,” Ron says from beside Hermione. 

“Whatever, you two don't understand,” Harry says with a pout. 

Meanwhile, Draco lets himself be dragged as he listens to the other three bickering. 

“And you, Malfoy. You better eat lunch. Don't think I didn't see you eat barely anything this morning,” Hermione says, sending Draco a look. 

“Okay! Plus, you don't have to worry about that, I'm sure my friends, especially Pansy, will make sure I'll eat,” Draco says, holding up his free hand in surrender.

“Good, someone needs to. You're too skinny,” Hermione says, sadness in her voice. 

Draco falls silent because he knows that she's right, he's the reason he's how he is now. He remains quiet most of the trip after that, not knowing what to say now. He gets lost in his thoughts, making him not see the others stopping which makes him run into Ron's back. 

“Shit, sorry,” Draco says, back up a few steps. 

“It's all good,” Ron says, squeezing Draco's shoulder. 

Draco looks around and notices they're not at the Great Hall yet. 

“Did I say something to offend you?” Hermione asks, worry laced in her voice. 

“No, why?” Draco asks, tilting his head to the side. 

“You fell silent after I made a comment about eating. I didn't mean anything about it, I'm just worried about you. I don't want anything bad to happen to you,” Hermione says, giving Draco a hug. 

Draco hugs her back with his free hand since Harry is still refusing to let him go. 

“You're fine, it's nice to see that people still care,” Draco says, slipping out some truth he didn't want to admit. 

“The three of us care about you, Mate,” Ron says, squeezing Draco's shoulder. 

“He's right, that's why we act the way we do with you,” Harry adds. 

“I know,” Draco whispers with a small smile. 

Ron and Hermione pull away, but Harry still refuses to let go of Draco. They continue to walk and keep up a small talk the whole way to the Great Hall. They stop outside the Great Hall for a minute before walking in together. That’s how far their interaction go as they go to their receptive tables. Draco sits besides Pansy, waiting for them to have it out with him. 

“So, you and the golden trio?” Pansy asks, filling Draco's plate full of food. 

“Hush, nothing going on. We're friends,” Draco says with a pout.

Pansy just smiles at him and tells him to eat up. Draco sighs but eats nonetheless, remembering the sadness Hermione had in the hall. Draco keeps his head down while he eats, only lifting it when he feels like he's being watched. He looks around before landing on the golden trio, who's not hiding that they're watching. Hermione gives him a smile when she sees that he's actually eating something. That's when Draco tunes into the conversation his friends are having, making Draco unsure what they're getting at. 

“I'm telling you, it's odd,” Pansy says. 

“What is?” Draco asks, putting his fork down. 

“That the golden trio all of a sudden took an interest in you. For seven years they hated you and now they're fine with you? It doesn't make sense,” Pansy says.

“I told you, Potter wanted a fresh start,” Draco says, defending the Gryffindors. 

“A fresh start all of a sudden? I don't know, I don't trust them,” Pansy says. 

“No one said you have to,” Draco says carefully. 

“Neither should you with your guys’ past, I don't know why you all of a sudden trusting anyone,” Pansy says, eyes snapping to Draco. 

“I spent my whole life not trusting people, okay? I'm just trying to live my life normally and I need to trust people more instead of thinking they have an ulterior motive,” Draco says before barging out of the Great Hall. He rushes through the halls with tearful eyes because he's overwhelmed. He didn't even keep his word and ate more for Granger, making him feel worse. He's only stopped when a hand wraps around his bicep. 

“Don't hurt me!” Draco freaks, yanking his arm away out of habit. 

“Woah, it's just me, Ron,” Ron says. 

Draco blinks a couple times to clearly see Ron standing there with his hands up in surrender. Draco sighs before rubbing at his eyes before crossing his arms across his chest. 

“Sorry, a habit,” Draco says. 

“It's fine and I won't ask about that habit till you're ready to tell,” Ron says, gripping Draco's elbow. 

He leads Draco out of the castle and to the lake for privacy. They sit down against a tree and Draco pulls his knees up as Ron digs something out of his robes. 

“Here, I know you didn't eat much,” Ron says, holding a bag of gummies.

“Thanks,” Draco says, taking the bag with shaky hands. 

He opens the bag and starts eating them slowly as he watches the lake. Ron stays quiet for a while as they watch the water and Draco eats. They're not sure how long they sit there before Ron starts talking.

“What happened?” Ron asks. 

Draco bites his bottom lips as he stares at the bag in his hands as he thinks about it. 

“They don't understand why you guys all of a sudden want a fresh start with me, they don't trust you guys and said I shouldn't and don't know why I all of a sudden started trusting. I want a normal life the best that I can and I spent my whole life not trusting people so I want to start,” Draco says, staring straight at Ron. 

He gasps when Ron reaches out to take ahold of one of Draco's hands. 

“We're not going to harm you, we just want to be your friend like we should have years ago. We all grew up and we really thought about you from your perspective, you didn't have a choice and how you were raised made you who you were. I promise we just want to take care of you and all of that,” Ron says, sincerity present in his eyes. 

“Okay,” Draco says, closing his fingers around Ron's fingers. 

“You hold hands cutely,” Ron says, smiling down at their hands. 

“Guess it's how I was raised and never really held hands,” Draco says. 

Ron snorts as he squeezes Draco's hand before speaking. 

“Feel better now?” Ron asks. 

“I do, seriously, thanks Weasley,” Draco says. 

“Not a problem, Ferret,” Ron says, standing up without letting go of Draco. 

Draco let himself get pulled up with Ron not letting go once he was standing. 

“Ready to go? If you want, you can spend time in Harry's dorm,” Ron says. 

“I would love to, but I should hang out with my friends so they don't think I'm betraying them,” Draco says, squeezing Ron's hand. 

“That's fine, the offer still stands in case you change your mind. But can I at least walk you to the dungeon?” Ron asks. 

Draco nods his head so Ron walks him down to the dungeon. Draco does get hit with a tripping jinx. Ron clicks his tongue as he catches Draco before he hits the ground. 

“Real mature, real mature, you gits,” Ron says once Draco was stabilized. 

After that, they had an uneventful walk to the Slytherin’s room. 

“Thanks again,” Draco says, turning to face Ron. 

“No problem, have a good night,” Ron says with a smile. 

Draco nods his head as he says the password to the portrait. He disappears into the common room and starts seeking out his friends. He wanders down to Blaise's room and hears them laughing and having a good time. Draco thought about knocking to join them, but something stops him. He bites his bottom lip before rushing out of the room and to the hallway. He runs towards the stairs, hoping to catch up with Ron. He runs up the stairs and sees Ron almost to the top. 

“Ron!” Draco yells from halfway up the stairs. 

Ron stops and turns around and waits for Draco to catch up with him. 

“Does that invitation still stand?” Draco asks, fidgeting with his fingers. 

Ron doesn't respond with words but with a smile as he grabs Draco's hand and takes him to the Gryffindor's room. Ron looks around and doesn't see Hermione or Harry anywhere as Draco hides behind him. 

“Are you two dating?” Neville asks from the chair. 

“No, why?” Ron asks, tightening his hand around Draco's. 

“Your hands,” Neville says. 

“We're not dating. Anyhow, is Hermione or Harry here?” Ron asks, moving to shield Draco from the others. 

“Sorry mate, I haven't seen them since they left the Great Hall,” Neville says. 

“It's fine, we're heading to my room. Night,” Ron says, dragging Draco to his room. 

Draco looks around before Ron drags him into his room. 

“You can sit on the bed or lay, it doesn't matter,” Ron says, turning to face Draco. 

Draco nods his head before making his way to the bed as Ron digs his wand out of his robes. He curls up in the bed as he watches Ron get his patronus to let Harry and Hermione know where they were at. Once the patronus is gone, Ron closes the door and joins Draco on the bed. There was inches between and Draco lays his head on Ron's shoulder, only you doze off. He feels Ron covering him up with something, which he knows it's not the blanket since they're sitting on it. But he doesn't think much about it as he falls asleep, which leads to a nightmare. 

Draco blinks his eyes open, only to see the night sky, stars, and moon. He furrows his eyebrows as he sits up to gather his surroundings, noticing he's in the woods. He gets up just as he hears blood curling screams. He runs towards the sound before stopping abruptly when he sees what is happening. He's staring at himself being tortured by the one who should love him. 

“Stop father! Please,” Draco screams as pain surges through his body. 

“This is what you deserve! You're such a waste of space and it'll be better if you were gone!” His father yells as he pulls Draco up by the hair. 

Draco watches as he gets torture by his father, knowing this was his past. But this version is worse as the abuse is worse. He screams when he watches himself get bashed into a tree, only to wake up with a yell. 

“Draco,” Ron says, catching Draco after he sprung up from Ron's shoulder. 

Draco is breathing heavily as he clenches Ron's white shirt. Ron rubs his back till Draco has calmed down and knows where he's at. 

“H-how long was I asleep?” Draco asks, looking between the other three. 

“Twenty minutes or less,” Hermione says with sad eyes. 

Draco nods his head before he rests it against Ron's shoulder. 

“You don't have to answer this, but do you normally have nightmares?” Harry asks, gripping Draco's hand firmly. 

Not trusting his voice, Draco nods his head as he closes eyes. 

“Why not ask Madam Pomfrey for something after explaining why you can't sleep, I'm sure she can help,” Hermione says. 

Draco just shrugs as he looks down at his cloak covered lap. He smiles when he notices that it's Ron's robes, that's what Draco was covered up with. He notices that Harry changed topics, like he knew Draco didn't want to talk about sleeping anymore. Instead of just listening, he ends up participating in the conversation. At some point Ron and Harry traded places so that Draco could lay on Harry. Like with Ron, Draco rests his head on Harry's shoulder. Midway to the conversation, Draco's eyes become heavier and heavier. 

He wants to stay up, but he knows he's not going to last much longer. None of them look like they're going to make it longer so they decide to change clothes. They go back to their original position, just this time the blanket is pulled back. Harry wraps an arm around Draco, pulling him closer to his side. Draco smiles a little as he curls to his chest and closes his eyes. He feels the blanket being wrapped around him and Harry’s hand rubbing his side. That's how Draco ended up falling asleep, feeling safe and secure. 

Chapter Text

Draco was walking through the halls, wanting a break from his common room. He thought about finding Harry, but he didn't get a chance. He's stopped by a younger Gryffindor, who's just glaring at him. Growing frustrated at the silence, Draco finally speaks up. 

“What? I'm not doing anything wrong,” Draco says, crossing his arms across his chest. 

“Stay away from Harry, Hermione, and Ron,” She says, grabbing her wand from her robes. 

Shit

Draco backs up into a wall with his hands balled up in a fist. He has his wand in his pocket, but fears he'll get in trouble if he does anything. 

“I can't control what they want to do,” Draco says, voice wavering. 

“Stay away from them!” She yells before using incendio. 

Draco freezes when he catches on fire as he watches the Gryffindor go wide eyed, clearly she didn't mean to. But luckily he was immediately hit with a counter spell that extinguished the fire. The Gryffindor runs off as Draco falls to the ground with Blaise at his side. 

“Are you okay? Wait, you're not, you're burnt. We need to take you to see Madam Pomfrey, please Draco,” Blaise says, eying the burns on Draco's arms and neck. 

Draco nods his head with a slight wince as he lets Blaise help him up. He leans heavily on Blaise, the burns are very painful. Blaise apologizes the whole walk to the Hospital wing. Blaise fills in Madam Pomfrey, who tells him to sit Draco down on the bed. Blaise does just that before sitting in the chair. Madam Pomfrey comes over to Draco and checks his burn, not happy about how bad  they look. 

“What happened?” She asks, looking at Draco. 

Draco thought about lying, but the look she's giving him made him think better. 

“I got hit by incendio,” Draco says, looking away to stare at the wall. 

He hears Madam Pomfrey sigh before leaving to go get something, leaving Blaise and Draco alone. As they wait for Pomfrey to come back, Blaise starts talking. 

“Dray, are we good?” Blaise asks, fidgeting with his nails. 

“Why wouldn't we be?” Draco asks, looking down at his burnt wrist. 

“You're not around as much after we questioned the golden trio’s intentions,” Blaise says, looking up at Draco. 

Draco looks over at Blaise, giving him a reassuring smile. 

“We're fine. It's just you three seems like you're hiding something from me or walking on egg shells around me. I'm not fragile, I can take your guys normal behavior,” Draco says honestly. 

“But we're not, I swear we're not. We just don't want to hurt you because we know you got hurt a lot, especially last year. We just don't want to do anything that will push you away,” Blaise says. 

“You guys won't. And I get you guys don't trust Potter and the other two, I'm not asking you guys to just because I'm trusting them. I just want you guys to trust me and be in my corner because I need my friends,” Draco says. 

“You do got us, we're in your corner, I promise. I'm sorry that we made you feel like we aren't and I'm sorry that we act like we don't trust you because we do,” Blaise says with wide eyes.

“I trust you guys as well, and that's all I want is trust, even if it's just a little of trust,” Draco says. 

“We fully trust you, even with our lives,” Blaise says, making Draco smile a little. 

Draco smiles as Madam Pomfrey comes back with burn cream. She puts some on Draco before giving him some for later before letting them leave. They walk through the halls towards the courtyard where their friends are at.

“I know you don't want to tell McGonagall, but you know that Pomfrey will, those burns are nasty,” Blaise says. 

“I know, I'm ready for her questions,” Draco says, looking down at the ground. 

Blaise squeezes his shoulder, feeling bad because he knows Draco is just trying to stay out of trouble. That this is the reason why Draco didn’t want to come back, but did because he likes Hogwarts and always found it as home. They remain silent as they walk into the courtyard and see their friends sitting at the lake. 

“Where have you guys been?” Pansy asks as Draco sits beside her.

“Hospital wing, some Gryffindor decided to use incendio on me. I’m fine so there’s nothing to worry about, okay?” Draco asks with pleading eyes.

“If you’re sure you’re okay. You said you’ve been at the hospital wing so I’m sure you wouldn’t have got released if Pomfrey thought it was worse,” Theo says.

“Exactly so, have we missed anything while we were gone?” Draco asks.

“Just students snogging and then some asking Potter out on dates before his friends made sure to leave him alone,” Pansy says.

“Sounds fun,” Draco says as he rolls his eyes.

Draco ends up listening to his friends talk about snogging and everything that comes along with it. Draco doesn’t understand their logics, but he finds them intriguing and different he supposes. They end up staying there talking till the sun begins to set and it starts to get chilly.

“I’m calling it a day and going inside,” Pansy says standing up.

Blaise and Theo agree as they stand up as well to follow Pansy when they realise Draco is still sitting.

“You guys go ahead, I’ll meet up with you guys later. I think I’m going to watch the sun set, I’ve been cooped up inside for too long,” Draco says, waving his friends off.

They nod their heads before leaving Draco alone in the courtyard. Draco watches them walk towards the castle before he makes his way to the lake. He sits against the tree and brings his knees to his chest and rests his chin on them. He watches the sun set as he thinks about his life. He wonders if it’ll be better if he was gone for good, off this Earth like so many people want him to be. He then looks at his wrists and thinks about how easy it would be to just slit them or just drown in this lake. He wants to stay out of trouble and he knows if ending his life would be the way to go to stay out of trouble. He imagines how happy everyone will be when his body is discovered in the lake or somewhere if they don’t decide to celebrate his death. 

Why did I even have to be born or why did he just not kill me or why didn’t I just jump off the astronomy tower that night. Why? Why? Why? It would have been so much better for everyone

He’s only brought out of those thoughts by footsteps coming up to him. He turned his head fast enough to cause whiplash and caused his neck to crack.

“Sorry, it’s just me,” Harry says, rubbing his own neck.

Draco sighs with a small smile as Harry walks till he’s beside Draco, who’s looking up at him.

“Can I join you?” Harry asks.

Draco nods his head, making him wince because of the burns. Harry sits down, eyes immediately going to his neck. 

“Who did this to you? And what did they do?” Harry says, watching Draco dig out the cream. 

“I don't know who she was, just that she was a Gryffindor and wanted me to stay away from you three and she used incendio, but I don't think she knew what she was doing cause of the wide eyes when she saw what she did,” Draco says, looking down at the cream. 

“Bitch,” Harry mutters under his breath as he takes the cream from Draco. 

Harry scoots till there's centimeters between before he starts applying cream to Draco's burns. Draco rests his head on Harry's shoulder as he tells Harry where the rest is at. 

“I can't believe someone did this to you, why didn't you fight back?” Harry asks, putting the lid back on the container. 

“First off, it was a girl. I don't want any reason for me to get in trouble with McGonagall so I don't fight back at all. On top of everything, I froze cause I was taken back to that day,” Draco says, watching Harry use his wand to clean his hand off. 

“Draco, it's okay to defend yourself. You can't let yourself get hurt cause you could die and I don't want that to happen,” Harry says, keeping Draco’s face in his neck. 

But I want to die

He didn't say it out loud as he realized Harry used his first name. 

“You called me by my first name,” Draco mumbles, making Harry shiver. 

“Well, yeah? Do you not want me to cause I can just use your surname,” Harry says. 

Draco thinks it over, he likes hearing his name coming off Harry’s tongue. 

“I guess it's fine, only if you use it when it's just us or with your friends,” Draco says. 

“We're your friends as well,” Hermione says, walking up with Ron. 

“Woah, what the hell happened to you?” Ron asks, sitting beside Draco. 

“Got hit with incendio by a younger Gryffindor and we're friends?” Draco asks, turning his head to face Ron. 

“Duh, you're like the only one I have a nickname for. You were literally in my bed laying against me. We always hang out all together,” Ron lists off. 

“I guess you're right,” Draco says, laying his head back against Harry's shoulder.

Harry wraps an arm around him and keeps him close. 

“Oh! How are you and your friends? I know that you guys seemed to be having troubles,” Ron asks. 

“We're fine, Blaise and I talked everything out about our group so everything is good,” Draco says. 

“That's amazing, mate,” Ron says with a smile.

“It is, but we should head inside cause it's dinner time now and Draco needs to eat,” Hermione says. 

“I'm not hungry,” Draco says, snapping his head up. 

“Mal-Draco, you didn't even eat breakfast,” Hermione says. 

“I slept in?” Draco says, which is a half lie. 

He did sleep in, only because his body gave up to exhaustion. 

“I still think you need to talk to Pomfrey about that,” Hermione says. 

“It's fine,” Draco says. 

“If you want him to tell Pomfrey, then you might have to force him,” Harry says with a smirk. 

Hermione's face brightens up as she jumps up and makes Draco stand up as well. Draco sends Harry a glare at the group of four heads back to the hospital wing. Pomfrey arches an eyebrow when she sees all four of them. 

“Is everything okay, Mr. Malfoy?” Pomfrey asks. 

Draco just sighs as he looks to his left at Hermione, who's gripping his cloak's sleeve. 

“Tell her the truth or I will,” Hermione says. 

Draco just sighs as he tells Pomfrey about his lack of sleep. He watches as her eyes soften at him before disappearing. She comes back with some dreamless sleep. She tells him how to use it and when to use it. He nods his head as he stares down at the potions. He thanked her and the four of them left and walked to some alcove, keeping a light conversation going. Draco made sure to put the potions in his satchel so he doesn't lose them. 

“We're proud of you for speaking up,” Ron says, rubbing Draco's shoulder. 

Draco nods his head before looking at Hermione with a smile. 

“What do you want to do now?” Draco asks.

“Now we go eat, now arguing about it,” Hermione says, hands on her hips. 

“Fine,” The three boys say as they stand up. 

They all walk in together, only to stop when three Ravenclaws and two Hufflepuffs third years stop in front of Draco. 

“Look who it is, it's the death eater that caused a lot of deaths and came back like nothing happened,” One of the Hufflepuff says. 

“So selfish, it's idiotic,” A Ravenclaw says. 

“Wow Harry, didn't know we go to school with stuck off pricks,” Ron says. 

“I know, they must be a know it all if they shit talk one of their peers,” Harry says. 

Draco and Hermione shorts as they clench the other two robes so they don't pounce. 

“They must also really know what happened during that time, during the war that they weren't even at school yet. And the history Malfoy has to become who he is,” Ron adds. 

“Why are you two defending the death eater!?” The second Ravenclaw asks.

“He's not a death eater! He was forced into it! He didn't have a fucking choice! You don't know anything about him, stop fucking acting like you do because you know nothing! If you did, you would have known he apologized! That even my own brother forgave him because he knows he didn't kill anyone! My own brother knew Malfoy didn't have a choice and now wants to protect Malfoy! My family knows he's paying the price for everything and even they feel bad for him because he lost EVERYTHING!” Ron snaps. 

Draco eyes widen as he back hugs Ron in an attempt to calm him down. Ron turns around to hug Draco properly, hiding the blonde’s head in his neck. Draco's body is shaking as he silently cries with Ron reassuring him. Hermione looks away from the duo to the ground of five. 

“Now leave! You caused enough damage,” Hermione says with a glare. 

The group leaves, leaving the trio to calm down Draco. 

“I'm sorry,” Draco says as he pulls away from the hug. 

“Why are you apologizing? You haven't done anything,” Harry says, moving Draco's hair out of his eyes. 

“I-, um, I, I don't know,” Draco says. 

The trip gives him another hug before hearing footsteps. 

“Draco!” Pansy says with red eyes. 

She throws herself on Draco and hugs him tightly. He looks past her at Blaise and Theo, who also have red eyes. 

“I told them about our conversation and they cried and then we went to find you,” Blaise explains. 

“We'll see you later, Ferret,” Ron says. 

“Ferret? Really, that's all you got?” Draco says with an arch eyebrow as he breaks the hug with Pansy. 

Ron looks at him for a second before smirking. 

“Okay you git, I could do a lot worse, just don't want to hurt your ego,” Ron says. 

“Yeah, sure,” Draco says, watching Ron get pulled away by Hermione. 

“Hey! I'm not finished!” Ron says as they disappear around the corner. 

The Slytherins are alone now and they have a good talk before going to the g

Great Hall. Draco feels calmer after talking to them and feels better about their friendship. 

“Okay, I need to say this. I know that we don't trust Potter and them, but just know we trust you and just want you happy, so if they make you happy then we're fine. Just don't think that we'll hang out with them,” Pansy says. 

“I figured you wouldn't anyways,” Draco says, patting her shoulder. 

He removes his hand to fill his plate with for. He does try to eat more but his body doesn't let him, but at least he's trying. He pushes his plate away and stares down at it, missing someone walking up to the table. 

“What do you want, Smith,” Pansy asks with a sneer. 

Draco snaps his eyes up when Smith leans over Draco to rest his hands on the table. 

“Just seeing how the Slytherins are,” Smith says, running his hand down Draco's back. 

Draco tenses but the hand is snatched off, making Draco turn around to see Harry gripping his wrist tightly enough to leave a mark with an evil look on his face. 

“You're not doing shit to them, in fact you're going to walk away from me and not touch them again. Do I make myself clear?” Harry asks, tightening his grip on Smith’s wrist. 

Everyone, besides Draco, Hermione, Ron, are watching Harry with wide eyes as they have never seen him this way. Draco is shocked, but finds it attractive and makes him feel calm. 

“Why the fuck do you even care about them? After everything they did,” Smith says, snatching his hand back to rub it.

“They were kids! And you're fucking no better, don't fucking think we didn't know what you wanted to do to Malfoy!” Harry says. 

Draco swears Harry was fixing to get in a fight if it wasn't for McGonagall breaking them up. After that, Draco walks out of the Great Hall, wanting to get away from the stares and everyone. He walks through the halls and ends up sitting in the library alone. He digs out his homework and does it even though he's ahead now. He doesn't want to be alone, but at the same time he does. He sits there staring at his work, thinking about if anyone would miss him if he would leave the world. Especially after his interactions today with everyone. He sighs as he shakes his head to get rid of those thoughts. Then Harry pops into his head, making him think about being in a relationship with him. In his head, they could have a good and healthy relationship. 

But he doesn't even see me like that, he's straight

He wishes his mind would just shut up and let him be happy for a second. But no, his mind doesn't want him to be happy. He scoffs as he focuses back on his homework. If he can't be happy then he'll just bore himself with homework. Which worked for a few minutes because his mind goes back to Harry. What he'll let Harry do to him with those strong hands. Running his hand over his muscular chest whenever he can. Going on dates with him, loving him, just being the best boyfriend he could.

At least, he could think this because he knows it can't really happen in real life. Not with his past and his problems and the fact that Harry is straight. But he could daydream about it, especially with Harry being obsessive over him. Now that does something to him and he wants it to be reality. He jumps violently when a gentle hand taps him on his shoulder. 

“I'm so sorry. It's just me, Hermione. I called your name a couple of times, but you didn't hear me,” Hermione says, coming into view. 

“It's okay, I'm sorry. I was lost in thoughts. Where's Potter and Weasley?” Draco asks. 

“Ron took Harry to his room to calm him down after the Smith incident. But can I join you?” Hermione asks, motioning to the free chair. 

“Yeah, I was doing homework but I'm ahead,” Draco says. 

“Feel that. But that's fine, I just wanted to talk to you about something,” Hermione says. 

“Okay, what did you want to talk about?” Draco asks, putting his stuff away. 

“The hexes and jinxes that you have been getting, have they always been this bad? I know Ron and Harry mention tripping or stinging,” Hermione says, talking about the incendio. 

“No, it never got that bad. But like I said, I think she didn't know what she was doing and she wanted me to stay away from you guys,” Draco says with a shrug. 

“Have you told McGonagall yet? She can do something about it,” Hermione says, not commanding, just curious. 

“I don't want to because it's not that bad, but I'm sure Pomfrey has after I left today,” Draco says. 

“As much as I want you to tell her, I'm not going to force you. I just don't want you to get seriously hurt,” Hermione says. 

“I know and I appreciate that you care, I'm not used to it,” Draco says. 

“That's sad. But do you want to head to the courtyard, maybe seeing you will calm down Harry,” Hermione suggests. 

“Sure, sounds like a plan,” Draco says, nodding his head. 

They leave the library together while having a pleasant conversation. They were laughing and carrying on till Draco got blasted away from Hermione. He bangs his head off the wall hard as he falls to the ground. He hears Hermione yell his name as she rushes to his side. Draco brings a hand up and notices that he busted his head open. 

“Merlin! We need to get you to the hospital wing, now,” Hermione says, grabbing at Draco.

For once, Draco agrees about going to the hospital wing as he gets up. 

“What happened!?” Ron asks as him and Harry runs up to them. 

“Someone blasted Draco into a wall and now he's bleeding. Can you two take care of his stuff as I take him to the hospital wing?” Hermione asks, as she holds Draco, who's bleeding good. 

“Yes, now go!” Harry says with wide eyes. 

“You two are the best, come there afterwards,” Hermione says as herself and Draco starts walking away. 

“Take care of him, yeah?” Harry calls after them. 

“Don't worry! I won't hurt what's yours!” She calls back down the hall.

Draco wants to question that, but the pain is taking his attention. They walk as quickly as they could, but the pain keeps slowing them down some. 

“This sucks!” Draco cries out as blood starts blocking his vision. 

“I know, sweetie,” Hermione says, wiping the blood with a cloth. 

“Couldn't we just apparate there?” Draco asks, looking down the hallway. 

“Not with your head busted open. I don't want to take any chances,” Hermione says as they start moving again. 

Draco just sighs as he holds cloth against his head as they get closer to the hospital wing. Luckily they only had a couple of hallways to go through and finally made it. 

“Madam Pomfrey! We need help! Malfoy was blasted into a wall and he busted his head open!” Hermione says, rushing them into the room. 

“How?” Madam Pomfrey asks, taking Draco from Hermione. 

“I don't know who they were, but it was a Ravenclaw and they casted something. I don't know, I was too focused on Malfoy,” Hermione says, standing near the bed. 

Ron and Harry come running into the room breathless as Ron holds Draco's papers and books as Harry holds his bag. 

“Those potions broke when he was blasted, but we cleared the bag and it's all new, we just wanted to get here, ” Harry says, holding up Draco's bag. 

“The ones I gave you?” Pomfrey asks as she heals Draco. 

“Yeah, but it's fine, I'll figure something out,” Draco says, looking defeated. 

Ron and Harry put Draco's satchel back together as Hermione pats Draco's knee. 

“All better, you'll have a headache for a couple hours though, but should be fine tomorrow. But please stay for a couple minutes so I can get you more of those and McGonagall is on her way,” Pomfrey says. 

“Yes ma'am,” Draco says. 

“We're staying as well,” Harry says, sitting beside Draco on the bed with Ron on the other side of Draco. 

Pomfrey nods her head as McGonagall comes into the room. She gets informed that everyone is staying, which she was okay with. She starts questioning Draco, which Draco answers honestly and said he didn't want any problems. 

“One last thing, Mr. Malfoy. Don't forget that you matter just like everyone else,” She says before letting them go. 

Draco nods his head as he lets Harry drag out of the room. 

“Well, that went well,” Ron says once they're turned the corner. 

“Yeah,” Harry says, pulling Draco closer. 

They end up going to the courtyard and sitting on the fountain. 

“You okay?” Harry asks, rubbing Draco's back. 

Draco just shrugs, not knowing what to say. Harry just gives him a smile before pulling him closer and starts rubbing his side as Draco lays his head on his shoulder. 

“Maybe now everything will calm down some,” Hermione says hopefully, making Draco snort. 

“I doubt it, nothing in my life calms down, it only gets worse as time goes on,” Draco says. 

“Well, now you have us and we won't let anything happen to you, especially me, if we have any say in it,” Harry says, resting his lips on Draco's head. 

“I know,” Draco says, resting his hand on Harry's knee. 

He really did from what he has seen, he's just not sure how far Harry would go. But something tells him that he'll go as far as he needs to. 

“Good, because I don't like what's mine being touched,” Harry says, tone darker. 

Chapter Text

Draco wasn't expecting to spend his free day in the library helping Ron with homework. But here he is, watching Ron do his work. 

“Why did you ask me to help you? I mean, doesn't Granger normally help you?” Draco asks, resting his chin on his hand. 

“We're in a fight right now so yeah. Why? Am I bothering you?” Ron asks, looking up at Draco. 

“No! I mean no, I'm happy to be here with you. I'm just surprised you wanted my help,” Draco says, flushing a little. 

“You're my friend, I want to spend time with you, you're also like the most intelligent person I know besides ‘Mione. Plus, you're fun to be around and don't drive me insane like some others,’ Ron says. 

Draco can't help but smile at the words as he looks down at the table, missing the smile Ron gives him in return. 

“You're fun to be around as well and, you're smarter than people give you credit for as well more braver than people give you credit for,” Draco says, looking straight into Ron's eyes. 

Ron smiles brightly as he reaches out and tucks a piece of Draco's hair behind his ear. 

“You're beautiful,” Ron says, resting his hand on Draco’s cheek. 

Draco leans into his touch as an owl flies in and lands beside them. It faces Draco, so Draco takes the note before the owl takes off. He watches the owl fly off before reading the note. 

Draco, 

Meet me on top of the Astronomy Tower at 11 pm tonight, please. I know the history of that place that you have, but that's not why I'm asking you to meet me here. I want to talk to you about something and this is the best place to do that. So, if you want to, let me know at lunch. If you decide you don't want to, I'll find another spot for us and owl you again

Harry

“What does it say?” Ron asks, slightly worried in his voice.

That's something Draco noticed about those three. They always have a worried voice when Draco receives anything from anyone, which he could understand. 

“Harry wants to meet up on top of the Astronomy Tower to talk tonight,” Draco says, smiling. 

“Are you going to go?” Ron asks, tilting his head. 

“Yeah,” Draco says, nodding his head. 

“Okay, if he does anything and I mean anything to hurt you in any way, let me know and I'll take care of him,” Ron promises. 

“Okay, I'll keep that in mind,” Draco says, smiling. 

“Good, because I do care about you. Even if some days I don't show it,” Ron says. 

“I know, and I appreciate it a lot. You guys have no idea. But I do have a question,” Draco says. 

This question has been nagging at him for awhile. Plus, with what his friends were saying, he wants to know the answer to it. He knows it could be a bad answer, he wants to know because it's important to him. 

“Draco? Earth to Draco,” Ron says, waving his hand in front of Draco’s face. 

“Shit, sorry. I spaced out for a question,” Draco says. 

“It's fine. But what was your question?” Ron asks. 

“Why did you decide to befriend me? I know you said you guys wanted to be friends, but why? Why after everything I put you guys through?” Draco asks, laying the note on his work. 

“Because we really thought it over and seeing how your family acted, it showed how you were raised and didn't know any better. But you actually seem like a nice person deep down and this year, it's showing that we're right. And I personally find you funny and I wanted a fresh start and get the friendship we should have had years ago,” Ron says. 

“Thanks. And can I ask you one more thing?” Draco asks, subconsciously playing with Ron's fingers. 

“Of course, ask whatever you want,” Ron says, squeezing Draco's hand. 

“What you said about your family, was it the truth?” Draco asks, staring at their hands. 

It takes a minute for Ron to realize what Draco was talking about. 

“It was, every part. In fact, George is dying to see you again. He's worried about you, something about being off with you even though he hasn't seen you, just heard stuff,” Ron says. 

Ron watches Draco and sees that sadness they all have been seeing more and more as the days go by. It worries them seeing that sadness, especially with Ron's family being worried as well. 

“I, I'll visit one day soon,” Draco says, staring at their hands. 

“I know,” Ron says, smiling a little. 

“Hey, you know if you ever need someone to listen to you, I'm here for you,” Ron says. 

That caught Draco by surprise if his wide eyes and shock expression said anything. 

“Do you know that?” Ron asks, gripping both of Draco's hands. 

Ron eyes widen as Draco shakes his head no.

“Well, you do! Harry and I would love to listen to you if you ever have problems or anything!” Ron says. 

This time Draco nods his head and Ron makes sure he understands it before they eventually go back to their original task. 

“You're lovable even though it's clear that you don't see it that way,” Ron mumbles, glancing at Draco out of the corner of his eye. 

“Are we sure you're not saying that because you're my friend?” Draco asks, showing Ron what to do. 

“Yes and no. I don't care what people say, you are lovable and you're caring, you just hide that side of you so that you don't get hurt more than you have,” Ron says, watching Draco. 

Draco's face falls momentarily, making Ron more worry that there's more going on than what meets the eye. They all see it and they're all worried as it gets worse the longer everything happens. But they don't want to push Draco, so they don't force the blonde to open up. 

“So, what do I do next?” Ron asks, wanting Draco to feel better. 

Draco snorts as they do go back to their work with Draco helping Ron. They don't know how long they stayed till Ron decides to use his wand to check the time. 

“Hey Draco,” Ron says, looking over at the boy looking down at the book. 

“Yeah?” Draco asks, looking up. 

“There's twenty minutes left of dinner,” Ron says. 

The two of them stare at each other, not believing the time. 

“And no one knows we came in here,” Draco says. 

“Yeah,” Ron says. 

“We're dead, aren't we?” Draco asks. 

Ron nodded his head, so they quickly packed up and ran to the Great Hall. 

“Fuck!” Draco tells as he grips his neck. 

“What? What's wrong?” Ron asks, rushing back to a kneeling Draco. 

“I may or may not have gotten hit with hexes where my burns are this morning,” Draco says, standing straight again. 

“Who?” Ron asks, eyes turning dangerous. 

“I honestly have no clue, I never saw them. They were gone before I could look,” Draco says, gripping Ron’s wrist. 

“Where?” Ron asks. 

“Dungeons,” Draco says. 

“Dray,” Ron says, face falling. 

“I know what you're thinking and I don't want to believe it cause I thought the same thing. And Dray?” Draco asks. 

“Then let's not think about it, but yeah. You're not Dray or Ferret to me,” Ron says, nodding his head with his hands on his hips. 

“Whatever you say…Mon étoile,” Draco says, walking past a shocked Ron. 

“What did you just call me? Did you just give me a nickname? And what language was that?” Ron asks, chasing after a laughing Draco. 

“French and yes I did and it's nothing bad,” Draco says as they enter the Great Hall. 

“Tell me what it means, please,” Ron whines as he clings to Draco’s arm. 

They know they're getting stares but they could care less. Draco stops and turns around to face the pouring red-head. 

“My star,” Draco says before turning around and walking up to Harry. 

Harry looks up and Draco sees the relief in his eyes. 

“And you, I'll be there,” Draco says, turning to go to his table. 

Only to realize his friends are absent, Draco just sighs as he heads towards his table. But Ron stops him before he could get too far away. 

“Just join us for today,” Ron says. 

Draco hears the groans from behind him so he just shakes his head. 

“It's fine, I'm not hungry anyways,” Draco says before walking away. 

“Malfoy!” Ron calls out. 

Draco doesn't stop as he rushes out of the Great Hall and to an alcove. He brings his knees to his chest and rests his chin on them. He's actually hungry, he always is, but he can't bring himself to eat. He doesn't want to eat and he'll be too uncomfortable to sit with Gryffidors, so he just stays where he's at. He jumps when a bag of crisps landed beside him. 

“Eat. You're not getting out of eating,” Ron says, sitting down beside Draco. 

Draco smiles and the two of them eat their snacks while making small talk. 

“Dray,” Ron says. 

“Hmm?” Draco asks, putting his legs down. 

“I'm never going to leave you. I promise to take care of you,” Ron promises with a serious expression, letting Draco know he means it. 

Draco can only nod his head with a small smile. Ron returns the smile before Draco rests his head on his shoulder. 

“Thanks for being here,” Draco mumbles. 

“Wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now,” Ron says, resting his head on Draco’s. 

They stayed there for a while, well till late when Harry found them. 

“So, this is where you two wandered off to,” Harry says, waking a dozing off Draco. 

“What time is it?” Ron asks, rubbing his eyes. 

“Almost eleven, ten minutes to be exact,” Harry says with a fond smile. 

“Then we should probably go to the Astronomy Tower then. See you tomorrow, mon étoile and it means my star,” Draco says, answering Harry's unasked question. 

“Definitely, Ferret,” Ron says as they stand up. 

Harry and Ron say their goodnights before Harry and Draco head off. 

“Why did you choose the Astronomy Tower for a late meet up?” Draco asks, looking over at Harry. 

“Well Dragon, I know we've already been up there a couple of times and you look relaxed up there and I want you to be relaxed when we talk cause it's important to me. Also, why can't I have a nickname,” Harry says, whining at the end. 

“Fine, I guess you can have one, Mon lune. And before you ask, it means my moon and it's French,” Draco says as they make it to the tower. 

That's when Draco freezes, like always, but Harry takes his hand and goes at his speed. Draco takes a shuddering breath before nodding his head, so Harry leads them up to the tower. Like clockwork, Draco calms down once he starts looking at the stars. Harry watched him, pondering when he should confess to Draco. But when Draco looks back at him with the softest he ever seen on him, Harry couldn't keep it in anymore. 

“I want to be your boyfriend! I've had a crush on you since like fourth year. I never did anything because I didn't think I stood a chance. But now I want to take my chance because who knows when I will next. I like so fucking much, in fact, I love you. I know if we do get in a relationship that you'll probably want it to be secret for a while and I'm okay with that because then you'll officially be mine. I don't want to share you or anyone else have you, I want you for myself and yes I know that I'm being selfish with that. And I mean in a relationship way, I don't care who you are friends with be-,” Harry gets cut off by soft and plush lips pressing against his. 

Harry's eyes widen for a second as he processes that Draco is kissing. He felt Draco pulling away, which he didn't want so he pulled Draco back. Draco chuckles as Harry takes control of the kiss with his hands resting on Draco's waist. Draco wraps his arms around Harry's neck and plays with the hair at his nape. Damn oxygen came present, making them break the kiss. 

“Yes, I'll be your boyfriend. And I do want to keep it a secret with everything going on and I've had a crush on you since second year,” Draco says as Harry kisses down his neck. 

“Good. Now I can call you mine,” Harry says, pulling Draco till they're sitting against the wall of the tower. 

“You've been calling me yours for the past week,” Draco points out, straddling Harry's lap. 

“True,” Harry says, pulling Draco back into a kiss. 

Draco smiles into the kiss as his arms wrap around Harry's neck. Harry's hands wander around Draco's body, just exploring. Draco knows Harry can feel just how unwell he is and it makes him nervous. He breaks the kiss and chews on his bottom lip. 

“It's okay, we'll get through this,” Harry promises, releasing Draco's bottom lip from its trap. 

Draco nods his head because he does believe Harry, but at the same time he's so messed up in his head. 

“I promise, I know you're going through more than you're letting on. I'm not going to force you to tell me any of it, I know you will when you're ready,” Harry says, rubbing his hands up and down Draco's sides. 

Draco tears up, not knowing what to do as Harry wipes away the stray tears. 

“We're going to get through this, together,” Harry says, pulling Draco down for  another kiss. 

Draco immediately kisses back, tangling his fingers into Harry's hair. The kiss is sweet and Harry isn't pressing for it to be harsher. Draco leans more into Harry’s touch as his hands wander everywhere once again. They eventually stop in favor of stargazing instead. Draco rests against Harry’s front with Harry's hand wrapped around his middle. Well, Draco was stargazing, Harry was fascinated with Draco and his longer hair. Draco knows Harry loves it and already voiced not to cut it. So, Draco is planning on leaving it to keep himself content and Harry. 

“You and Ron have gotten extremely close,” Harry points out. 

“Yeah. Are you okay with that?” Draco asks, tilting his head back to look at Harry. 

“Definitely,” Harry says, kissing Draco's forehead. 

Draco just hums and goes back to his original position. 

“Do you know what's going on with him and Granger?” Draco asks. 

“Not a clue,” Harry says, pulling Draco closer. 

Draco hisses when it jostles his burns on his side. 

“Hey, what's wrong?” Harry asks, concerned.

“I got hit with hexes today where my burns on in the dungeons and I don't know who it was. But Ron and I both thought of the same people and by the look on your face you do too,” Draco says, looking back at Harry. 

“Do you think they would?” Harry asks, holding Draco close. 

“I hope not. But let's not think about it, let's just enjoy this moment,” Draco says, laying his head on Harry's shoulder.

Harry hums as he leaves a kiss on Draco's head. 

“Sounds lovely,” Harry says, rubbing Draco's stomach. 

Harry was heading down to the dungeon to gather Draco when he saw the latter go down with help. He sees his attackers run away, which Harry swears he sees green but not certain since it's dark. But he also doesn't pay close attention to it because he rushes to his boyfriend. 

“Draco!” Harry says, helping Draco sit up. 

“It's okay, I'm fine,” Draco says as he gets up with the help of Harry. 

“Whatever you say, mate,” Ron says, appearing out of nowhere. 

“Awe, how sweet. Two Gryffindors are escorting me to class,” Draco playfully even though his side is throbbing. 

“Yeah, but first we're escorting you to Madam Pomfrey,” Ron says with a smile.

Draco just pouts and lets the two Gryffindors lead the way. 

They go straight to the hospital wing, surprising Pomfrey. 

“Again? Draco, what happened?” Pomfrey asks, making Draco sit down on a bed. 

“The same, just a hex that got my burn. Nothing bad, they're just worried,” Draco says, shrugging. 

“Who did this?” Pomfrey asks, checking the burns. 

“Didnt see them,” Draco says honestly. 

“I thought I saw green but I didn't get a good look since it's dark in the dungeon and I was worried about Draco,” Harry says.

“I got there too late,” Ron says sadly. 

“It's fine, mon étoile,” Draco says, looking at Ron as Harry squeezes his shoulder. 

“Draco, dear. I don't know what you think is fine, but you can't keep getting hex or jinx, especially with these burns cause they're not going to heal for a while,” Pomfrey says. 

“There's nothing we can do, no witnesses, no knowing who did it, and no one cares. I don't care at this point, it is what it is and I have to deal with it,” Draco says, silencing the others. 

“We'll figure something out and keep you safe because you're important to us,” Harry says. 

“Okay,” Draco says, looking down at his lap. 

Pomfrey finishes up what she was doing before ushering Ron and Harry off to breakfast. Ron and Harry protested but lost in the end and left the hospital wing. Draco remains on the bed, fidgeting with his fingers as Pomfrey sits down in a chair across from him. 

“Honey, can you be honest with me?” She asks. 

There's the Pomfrey that Draco knew, the one who has always had a soft spot for him. Draco just nods his head, ready for whatever she has to say. 

“Do you really not know who's attacking you?” She asks. 

“They always get me when I'm distracted or I don't know their names and just the house they're in,” Draco says honestly. 

“Okay, but seriously, be careful cause you're not healing and those burns get worse each time they get hit along with you losing  weight. I haven't done anything because you haven't voiced anything, so are you eating or sleeping?” Pomfrey asks. 

“I'm eating more because my friends make sure I do and give me snacks. And I keep forgetting about those potions to help me sleep, but I'm still getting sleep. I promise,” Draco says.

“Okay, I better not see you in here for the rest of the week and I'm not going to keep you long because I know the other two are pacing outside the door,” Pomfrey says. 

“Okay, thanks,” Draco says standing up. 

“Take care, dear,” Pomfrey says, standing up as well. 

“I will,” Draco says, faking a smile. 

Pomfrey gives him a motherly hug before letting Draco go. 

Draco walks out of the wing and literally runs into Ron. 

“Thank God! Is everything okay?” Harry asks with worried eyes. 

“Yeah, she just wanted to check in. But we should go to the Great Hall, she's on my case about eating as well,” Draco says. 

“Let's go then,” Ron says, pulling Draco along.

This time, Draco did sit with his Slytherin friends. He was quiet the whole time, eating as much as he could manage. Afterwards he goes to class, only to get pestered by Ron and Harry. 

“Could you guys stop, we're going to get in trouble,” Hermione hisses out. 

“We're not doing anything the can,” Ron whispers, knocking his knee with Draco's. 

“Yes you are,” Hermione whispers. 

“We're not going to get in trouble, we're Flitwick's favorites,” Harry whispers. 

“I don't care, I don't want to risk getting in trouble,” Hermione whispers. 

“Why are you so mad at us?” Ron whispers. 

Draco hits his knee to get his attention back to the lesson. Ron just sighs as the three of them continue to bump knees. But Draco abruptly stops when the lesson takes a turn about something that makes Draco uncomfortable. It brings him back to the past and it has him busting out of class. He runs through the halls before collapsing on some stairs, trying to catch his breath. He looks around and notices he ran pretty far from class. He just rests his head on the stairs and wraps his arms around him. He sits there and thinks back to the war, to when he saved the twins by getting them out of danger. 

Draco was running through the halls when he spotted the twins. He knows they shouldn't be here because he has a feeling it's not going to be good. Without thinking about it, he runs to them to get them to leave. 

“You two need to leave! It's not safe,” Draco says, stopping in front of them. 

“Why should we believe you?” Fred asks, crossing his arms across his chest. 

Draco bites the inside of his cheek before gripping their wrists and running away with them away from the Room of Requirements. They make it down a few halls when they hear a huge explosion. 

“Go somewhere safe! Now!” Draco says, hearing his name being called. 

The twins stay in their spot as they watch Draco run away so they don't get spotted. Draco stops and gives them one more look before going to his “friends.”

Draco can't help himself as he starts crying. It's an emotional turmoil inside him, regretting everything. He doesn't even know if the twins made it out alive because he never asked or anything. He can only think that they are since Ron is coming around him and befriending him. He's just hurting and he doesn't know what to do about it because he thinks he deserves it and a lot more. He jumps violently when a gentle hand rests on his shoulder. 

“Draco?” The voice belonging to the hand asks. 

“Charlie,” Draco says, looking up at the older boy. 

The two of them met by chance when Draco was getting stuff for school and somehow became friends in the hour they spent together. Charlie gives him a smile as he sits beside him on the steps. He wiped away Draco's tears as Draco sat more straight. 

“Arent you supposed to be in class?” Charlie asks. 

Draco just shrugs, still holding himself while looking straight ahead. 

“What brings you here?” Draco mumbles. 

“Hagrid needed my help and the twins wanted me to give you this when they heard I was coming,” Charlie says, holding a sealed letter out. 

Draco sniffles as he takes the letter and opens it to read it. 

Hey DrayDray, 

We have a feeling you need a letter right now because we feel like you're sad. So, just know we're here for you and everything will be okay. You're not alone and you got the Weasleys in your corner and if Ron isn't nice to you, let us know and we'll take care of it. But try to have a fun time at school to the best of your ability and we miss you! And we’re planning to come visit soon, especially to visit you!

Weasleys Twins

“Good to see a smile on that pretty face,” Charlie says, resting his chin on his hand. 

Draco wipes away the stray tears and tells Charlie why he's not in class. 

“Bad history with that topic?” Charlie asks, rubbing Draco’s back. 

“Everything is a bad history with me,” Draco mumbles. 

They stop talking when they hear rushing footsteps approaching them.

“Draco!” Ron says, running right to Draco with Harry in tow. 

“Hey Charlie,” Harry says. 

“Heya,” Charlie says. 

“Dray, are you okay?” Ron asks, ignoring his older brother. 

“Yeah,” Draco says. 

“Liar,” Charlie says, still rubbing Draco’s back. 

“What does he mean?” Harry asks, looking between the two on the stairs. 

“Nothing, he means nothing. I'm fine,” Draco says, looking away from everyone. 

Besides the fact I'm completely messed up and just want to end it all for good

“Lets get to our next class,” Draco says, standing up. 

Ron and Harry nod their heads and Charlie escorts them to their class with their day being uneventful for once. 

Chapter Text

“You're still here?” Draco asks, catching the familiar scent. 

“Today is my last day before going back to Romania for a few weeks. But I wanted to come and see you because I heard that you haven't been wanting to get out of bed these past couple of days,” Charlie says, sitting down beside Draco on the bed. 

Draco only hums as he pulls the blanket more over his head so he's fully covered. 

“Little Dragon, what's wrong? And don't say you're fine because we all know that it's a lie. Please Draco, let me in,” Charlie says, pulling back the blanket to see Draco. 

Draco looks up at him for a few minutes before sitting up. He pulls his blanket covered legs to his chest and stares at the wall.

“I, um, I. I can't say it,” Draco says, tearing up. 

“That's fine. I'm not going to force you,” Charlie says, gripping Draco's hand. 

Draco looks down at their hands, letting the tears fall down his cheeks. 

“I-I'm, I'm depressed and suicidal, I think,” Draco admits. 

“You think?” Charlie asks with sad eyes. 

“I have. I have these thoughts,” Draco says. 

“What kind of thoughts? Again, you don't have to tell me though,” Charlie says. 

“That it'll be better if I was gone for good, off this Earth,” Draco says, freely crying. 

Charlie ends up crying as well as he pulls Draco into his arms and holds him to his chest as he hides his face in his hair. 

“You're wrong Little Dragon, we need you here with us, we'll probably die if we lose you. The twins need you, Ron needs you, I need you, Bill needs you, Harry needs you. I know it's hard to believe but it's the truth, we'll be so lost without you,” Charlie says, holding Draco tightly. 

Draco continues to cry into his chest, finally letting everything out. 

“I-it's so hard,” Draco says. 

“I know it is, we'll get through this, you're not alone. I promise I won't tell anyone because I can tell you don't want anyone to know,” Charlie says, rubbing Draco's back as the blond nods his head. 

They stayed in that position till Draco had fully calmed down against him. Only then was Charlie comfortable with letting Draco go. Draco wipes Charlie's tears away when he notices the tears in the older’s eyes. Charlie proceeds to move beside Draco and pulls him back to his chest. 

“I'm missing breakfast,” Draco mumbles. 

“I know, here,” Charlie says, moving to get a plate off the table. 

“Don't ask,” Charlie says, handing it to Draco. 

Draco nods his head as the two of them start to eat the food Charlie brought. 

“Thanks Charls,” Draco says. 

“For what?” Charlie asks. 

“Letting me cry without judging me,” Draco says, looking down at his food. 

“I will never. And I won't tell anyone till you're ready to tell,” Charlie says honestly. 

“Thanks,” Draco says, going back to eating. 

They stayed there eating till they both were done which for Draco was not a lot of it. Draco was glad Charlie didn't judge him for his eating habits, which he has a feeling he knew about it already. They then take their plates back to the kitchen before Charlie shoos Draco off to go off to be with his friends. Draco sighs like the dramatic person he is and does what he was told. He walks through the halls and ends up in the courtyard where he spots Harry at the fountain. He was alone as he looked through the potion book on his lap. Draco bites his lip as he walks up to his lover and sits down beside him. 

“Wow, I didn't know you knew how to read,” Draco says with a smirk. 

Harry doesn't look at him as he rolls his eyes and goes back to the book. Draco immediately gets hit with anxiety the longer Harry doesn't look at him. He knows Harry and Ron have been making sure he gets up, making him worried it's too much and they're done with him. He nearly yelps when a hand wraps around his wrist. He watches the hand rub up and down before his eyes travel to the owner. 

“Shut up, prat,” Harry says, still looking down at his book. 

Draco does, not knowing what to do in this position. Harry must notice cause he looks around and watches the last student leave. 

“Can't be suspicious,” Harry says, closing his book. 

Draco relaxes, knowing that it was all just an act. Harry gives him a sympathetic smile before leaning in and kissing his neck. 

“Where have you been all morning?” Harry asks, still rubbing Draco's wrist. 

“With Charlie. Where's Granger and Ron?” Draco asks. 

“Fighting, I left cause I didn't want to hear it anymore,” Harry asks. 

“Do you know what they're fighting about?” Draco asks.

“No clue, I'm staying out of it, besides, I'm focusing on something else,” Harry says with a smirk. 

“Yeah? And what may that be?” Draco asks, placing his hand on top of the one on his wrist. 

“A boy, he's tall, platinum longish hair, beautiful yet dull grey eyes,” Harry says, tracing Draco's face with his eyes. 

“I got dull eyes?” Draco asks in disbelief. 

Harry was going to answer, but an owl landing beside Draco stopped him. Draco takes the note from the owl and watches the owl take off. He turns to look at Harry before opening the letter to read it. He gasps when he sees who has written the letter

Storm, 

I've heard that you've been having a hard few days especially after that one charms class. Are you okay? I can come to see you if needed to be, I don't like that you've been having a hard time. You do realize that I'm here for you, right? We're planning on visiting Hogwarts because we want to see everyone. But I specifically want to see you and check in on you myself because Ron doesn't tell me exactly what's going on. Even Bill wants to come, so we're working around that as well. Anyhow! Please write back to us or me so that we know you're alive and our brothers aren't just saying you are to keep us happy. We love you Storm and we want to be there for you! 

Love

Fred

“Is everyone worried about me?” Draco asks, staring down at the letter. 

“Yes,” Harry says, gripping Draco's wrist firmly.

Draco bites his lip, not knowing what to say to that. 

“There's nothing wrong though,” Draco says with a sigh. 

He lays the note in his lap as Harry rests his lips on his shoulder to leave a kiss. 

“Liar,” Harry mumbles from his spot. 

Draco just shrugs as Harry pulls away a little. 

“I should write them back,” Draco says, grabbing a piece of parchment paper and a quill and ink pot. 

He feels Harry resting his head on his shoulders. 

“I feel jealous,” Harry says, shaking his head. 

“Huh? Why?” Draco says, waiting for Harry to respond. 

“You're mine and I gotta share you with the Weasleys’ affections,” Harry says. 

“You don't have to be, you know. I'm dating you and they're my friends, okay?” Draco says, bumping his shoulder into Harry.

“Yeah,” Harry says with a smile. 

Draco returns the smile as he focuses on his task. But he just stares at it because he doesn't know what he's doing. 

“I don't know what to say,” Draco says with a pout. 

Potter chuckles as he pats Draco's back fondly. 

“Just be you,” Harry says, making Draco nod his head. 

Hey Freddie and Georgie

I am alive, your brothers didn't lie about that at all. I am fine, just the usual hexes and jinxes. You guys don't have to make a visit to come see me if you don't want to, your brother and Harry are taking good care of me. Charlie was as well while he's been here. Sorry I haven't responded, I didn't know what to say and there's so much going on, well, I guess I've been overworking and didn't have motivation to get out of bed the past couple of days. But Ron and Harry made sure I did and I am doing better today. But how are you guys doing? I hope you guys are doing well and I just miss you guys

Draco

P.S. Storm? Really Fred that the best you can come up with?

“Now let's go send it,” Harry says once he watches Draco finish. 

Draco nods his head as he packs up to leave with Harry. They walk to the owlery and send the note off before sitting down. 

“It is nice seeing you being friends with the Weasleys,” Harry says, lacing his fingers with Draco's. 

“They're not like what I hear while growing up. They're fun to be around,” Draco says with a small smile. 

Harry in response pulls Draco into a heated kiss. Draco cups Harry's face as Harry wraps one arm around his waist and the other cups his cheek. Draco could stay like this for the rest of the day, securely in Harry’s strong embrace. But damn oxygen came into play, making them break apart. 

“You're a damn good kisser,” Draco says as Harry nuzzles his face into the crook of Draco’s neck. 

He feels Harry smirk before harshly biting where he could hide it if he wants. Draco gasps as he grips Harry's jumper. 

“Mine,” Harry growls out. 

“Yes, yours,” Draco says, closing his eyes in pleasure. 

Harry pulls back a little to see Draco's glazed over eyes. He reaches out and rubs his thumb back and forth on Draco's cheek as they compose themselves. 

“You're so beautiful,” Harry whispers, leaning in to peck Draco's lips again.

“So I've been told,” Draco says playfully. 

“Who has?” Harry says with narrowed eyes. 

Draco has to bite the inside of his cheek to hold back a laugh at Harry's jealousy. 

“Charlie, Ron, others I don't names of,” Draco says. 

“Of course the Weasleys brothers have,” Harry says, wrapping his arms around Draco's arm. 

“They don't mean harm, I'm sure they know I'm yours,” Draco says, rolling his eyes fondly. 

“Good because I'm not sharing you with them in that way,” Harry says, kissing Draco again. 

Draco smiles into the kiss as he uses his free hand to grip the front of Harry’s jumper. They break apart again when Draco starts shivering due to the cold. 

“Let's get out of here,” Harry says against his lips. 

Draco nods his head and lets Harry drag him to his room. They curl up in bed with Draco laying on Harry’s chest. He's tracing random traces on his chest as Harry is deep in thought. 

“D-do you have scars from that incident?” Harry asks. 

Draco immediately knows what Harry is talking about because it's hard to not know. 

“I do and I don't blame you for it so don't start stressing about it. It's in the past and we're fine and here together,” Draco says, moving to look up at Harry. 

“I know it's just, can I see them?” Harry asks in a quiet voice. 

Draco thinks it over before moving to lay on his back and looks up at Harry.

“Go ahead,” Draco whispers. 

Harry moves between Draco's legs and pushes up the jumper, exposing Draco's scars. 

“It's okay,” Draco whispers, resting his hand on the hand in his waist. 

Harry nods as he leans down and starts kissing the scars he caused. When he is done, he leans up and captures Draco's lips with his. 

“You're so fucking beautiful and all mine,” Harry says, leaving kisses down the side of Draco's neck. 

Draco whimpers, wrapping himself around Harry as he tilts his head to the side so Harry could have more room. 

“And so obedient, my perfect boy,” Harry says against the blonde's neck.

“Harry,” Draco moans out as he tangles his hand in Harry’s hair as the latter sucks more on his neck. 

They both know there's no hiding it and neither of them care. Draco loves this side of Harry and that he's the one who gets to see it and no one else. Harry kisses up his neck till they're connecting lips again. 

“Mine, and no one else's,” Harry says, breaking the kiss. 

“Always been yours, no one else ever had me and never will,” Draco says as they rest their foreheads together. 

Harry smiles down at him as he rubs Draco’s side lovingly. Draco wraps his arms around Harry’s neck to play with the hair at the nape. Draco pulls Harry back down for a kiss, not caring if they would get caught or not. 

“Did you get mauled by a creature last night?” Ron asks, eyeing his neck. 

Draco did hide the marks for the most part but Ron is very observant most times.

“Something like that,” Draco says, looking across the room at Harry. 

“Sure, Ferret. Anyhow, thanks for partnering up with me,” Ron says as they return back to their project. 

“No problem, we're friends so there's no need to thank us,” Draco says, looking at the instructions. 

They work in silence a little besides saying what needs to be done. It's only when they're done when Draco asks his burning question. 

“Are you and Granger okay?” Draco asks, looking over at Ron. 

He watches Ron tense up as he puts the last of their items up. 

“Nevermind, you don't have to tell me. Sorry that I asked, I know it can be personal,” Draco says, putting his stuff back in his bag. 

“We might be breaking up very soon because all we're doing is fighting,” Ron says, gripping Draco's arm. 

Draco looks over at Ron, seeing the sadness in his eyes.

“I'm so sorry to hear that, if you want to talk about it, I'm here to listen,” Draco promises. 

“Thanks Draco, I'll keep that in mind. It's just a lot right now,” Ron says, shrugging. 

“Know how that feels,” Draco says, looking at the table. 

Ron looks at him and knows what he's talking about so he rubs Draco's shoulder. 

“I'm here for you as well if you want to talk, I'm a good listener,” Ron says, smiling. 

Draco nods his head before sending Ron a smile. 

“I'll keep that in mind as well,” Draco says, squeezing Ron's hand. 

They keep talking till class is over and most of the students are gone. 

“Do you want to break up with her?” Draco asks. 

“No, I love her. It's just the fighting is too much and too personal for me,” Ron admits. 

Draco knows that there's more to it and he doesn't want to pry if Ron doesn't want to talk about it. They go down the hall before they run into Harry. Ron catches Harry up so that he's not in the dark about what's happening. 

“Damn, I'm sorry, mate,” Harry says sadly. 

“It is what it is. Who knows, maybe we can work it out in the end,” Ron says with a shrug. 

“That's the spirit,” Draco says, patting Ron's shoulder. 

“How's your burns?” Ron asks, changing subjects. 

In the two weeks that I have them, they're finally mostly healed,” Draco says, crossing his arms across his chest. 

“So, the creature had no problem attacking your neck?” Ron asks with a smirk as he pokes one of the marks. 

Harry looks away with a blush as Draco swats Ron's hand away. 

“Not one problem at all,” Draco says, sticking his tongue out. 

“You two are always talking about something weird,” Theo says, coming up to the trio. 

“Lies, just lies,” Draco says, flicking Theo's forehead.

“Yeah, sure,” Theo says, rolling his eyes fondly. 

“What do you want anyways?” Draco asks curiously. 

“We were heading to the library to do homework and we wondered if you wanted to come along,” Theo says. 

“Yeah, I'll come. See you two later?” Draco asks, looking between the two Gryffindors. 

“Yeah,” Harry and Ron said with a forced smile. 

Draco gives them a stern look before leaving with Theo. They're quiet till they weren't near the other two. 

“Are they okay? They seemed tense,” Theo says. 

“They're fine, they're just stressed a little but they're fine,” Draco says. 

Theo nods his head before they start talking about something random till they get to the library. 

“Hey Darlings,” Pansy says from her spot. 

“Hey,” Draco and Theo said, sitting down across from her. 

Blaise is beside Pansy, nose already in a book. 

“You're doing okay, honey? You haven't seemed like you have been,” Pansy says, tilting her head to the side. 

“I'm fine, just didn't have motivation to do stuff,” Draco says, getting his books out and laying them on the table. 

They all fall quiet as they actually do their homework, the only time they talk is asking for help. Draco enjoys the silence because it's rare when he gets some in this place.  

“So, are things with the golden trio still going well?” Pansy asks, propping her chin on her hand. 

Draco smiles a little as he stares down at his book. 

“Things between us are going very well, thanks for asking,” Draco says, looking up at his friends. 

“We care about you and we like to know if you're okay or not,” Pansy says, squeezing Draco’s hand. 

Draco stares at his hand as Pansy pulls away, feeling weird about her doing that compared to Ron doing it. He's so used to Ron doing that anyone doing it now feels weird. 

“Well, thanks for asking. I care about you guys as well,” Draco says. 

“We know, Darling,” Pansy says. 

Draco smiles at Pansy when she sends him a smile.They end up doing homework for another hour before calling a stop, especially with Draco being ahead. So, they packed up their stuff and left the library. Draco gets lost in thoughts for a few seconds before Blaise brings him back to reality. 

“Are you close with all the Weasleys or just Ron?” Blaise asks. 

“I guess I'm closer to them than I realized?” Draco says, putting his hands in his pockets. 

“Just be careful, okay?” Pansy says. 

Draco stops ahead of his friends to turn around and face them. 

“I will, I promise,” Draco says with a small smile. 

“We know, but we just don't trust them still, there's too much history to just trust anyone,” Pansy explains. 

“I know and I understand. I'm being careful and I know how to take care of myself, I had years of practice by now,” Draco says with a shrug. 

The other three Slytherins frown at that comment, not liking what he implied. Theo looks over Draco's shoulder and spots someone entering the library. 

“Hey, isn't that Weasley’s brother?” Theo asks, pointing behind Draco. 

Draco looks behind just in time to see Charlie for a split second. 

“Yeah, I'm gonna see what he's up to,” Draco says before rushing off to the library. 

He entered the library and searched around for the red-head. 

“There you are,” Draco says when he spots Charlie in the back of the library. 

“That's funny, I was looking for you as well,” Charlie says, walking up to Draco. 

“Really, now? I didn't do anything wrong,” Draco says with a pout. 

“I didn't say you did. I just wanted to let you know how to mail me. Mom said she can send out mail for me so you don't have to stress about any of that,” Charlie says. 

“Okay, thanks for everything. When are you coming back?” Draco asks, gripping Charlie’s jacket. 

“I promised mom that I'll come back in a few weeks and then Christmas,” Charlie says. 

Draco nods his head before Charlie ruffles his hair with a smile. 

“Mail me, I mean it. If not, I'll track you down,” Charlie threatens, seeing Ron coming up to them. 

“What is it with you Weasleys brothers and threatening to track me down if I don't speak?” Draco asks, crossing his arms across his chest. 

“It's because we care about you,” Ron says, throwing an arm around Draco's shoulders. 

“Now I'm surrounded by Weasleys,” Draco points out playfully. 

“And you're stuck with us as well,” Charlie says. 

Draco rolls his eyes before they land on Ron. He immediately can see the sadness on his face even though he's smiling.

“What happened, mon étoile?” Draco asks, turning fully to face Ron. 

“You do look upset, what happened?” Charlie asks, crossing his arms across his chest. 

Ron looks away as he rubs the back of his neck, thinking about something. 

“Hermione and I decided to take a break. Right now it's not healthy to stay in a relationship together, so we thought this would be better till we figure out what we want to do,” Ron says, looking between the other two. 

“Ron, I'm so sorry,” Charlie says, squeezing Ron's shoulder. 

Ron just shrugs, clearly not wanting to talk about it more. 

“You're still coming home in a few weeks?” Ron asks, tilting his head to the side. 

“Yeah, everyone wanted me to so why not,” Charlie says with a shrug. 

“Good,” Ron says with a smile. 

“And you, Mr. Malfoy, you better mail us like you say you will and take care of yourself. I don't want to come back here because my brothers don't hear from you and think you're dead no matter what Ron says,” Charlie warns, narrowing his eyes. 

“Yeah, yeah,” Draco says with a pout. 

“When are you leaving?” Ron asks, curiously. 

“I was after I talked to Draco, so now,” Charlie says with a shrug. 

“Can we walk you out?” Ron asks. 

Charlie nods his head so Draco and Ron walk with Charlie to McGonagall’s office. They stop at the floor and Charlie turns towards them. 

“Ron, don't give up hope with Hermione, things will work out. And Draco, please take care of yourself and rely on your friends and remember what I told you this morning, we all need you,” Charlie says. 

Both boys nod their heads and watch Charlie leave. 

Ron and Draco turn to leave, but McGonagall calls out to Draco. 

“Draco dear, can you stay back for a few minutes?” She asks, stopping the boys in their tracks. 

“Go ahead, I'll meet up with you afterwards,” Draco says to Ron. 

Ron nods his head and leaves the office. 

“I've been staying out of trouble, Minnie,” Draco says, sitting down in a chair. 

Their relationship of how Draco basically got adopted by McGonagall is a different story for another time. 

“I know you have, I also know Poppy sees you in the hospital wing more and more,” McGonagall says. 

“I got nothing I couldn't handle or a problem,” Draco says. 

“Besides a busted head and burns that took longer to heal,” McGonagall says. 

Draco bites the inside of his cheek as he looks away. 

“Draco, I want you to come to me if these things don't stop because it shouldn't be happening,” McGonagall says with a sigh. 

“I will and please tell Poppy that I'm sorry for worrying her,” Draco says, looking down sadly. 

“We care for you dearly, we love you and you're like our son, that's why we worry about you,” McGonagall says. 

“I know,” Draco whispers. 

“Now, go and be with your friends before they start panicking that I'm keeping you longer, and get some sleep,” McGonagall says standing up. 

Draco stands up as well and lets McGonagall give him a hug. 

“But I'll tell her that you're sorry even though she'll just tell you not to be,” McGonagall says as they break the hug. 

Draco gives him a tiny smile before leaving the office. Like always, he ran right into Ron, who was pacing. He looks up and sees the other two are there as well. 

“Are you in trouble?” Hermione asks. 

Draco looks behind towards the stairs he just came down before turning back to his friends. 

“No, come with me and I'll explain some stuff to you to clear stuff up,” Draco says, leading the trio through the halls to the lake. 

Chapter Text

Draco is running late all because he didn't want to get out of bed. But he forced himself to get up, only to run into Theo in the common room. That's when Theo was questioning why he got back so late last night.

“I was with Ron, Harry, Hermione last night and we didn't realize just how late we stayed out,” Draco says, biting the inside of his cheek. 

“I only care that you're alive and well, so it's fine. But you forgot your bag,” Theo points out. 

Draco groans as he rushes back to his room, only to notice the contents in his bag are all over his desk. He runs his hand through his hair before packing his bag and throwing it on his shoulder. He's in a rush because he promised he'll eat breakfast instead of skipping. But at this rate, he's not going to make it anyways. Especially now with Smith cornering him in an isolated and dimmed hallway. 

“Leave me alone. I didn't do anything so get out of my way,” Draco says with a sneer. 

“Bullshit! You shouldn't even be here!” Smith says, grabbing his wand. 

Draco clenches his hands into fists as he glares at the other boy. 

“Hit me with your best shot, I don't fucking care. Besides, you won't get away with this!” Draco snaps. 

“No one cares what happens to you,” Smith says before hitting Draco with cruciatus. 

Draco lets out blood curling screams as he crumbles to the ground, writhing in pain. It lasts for a minute before it stops then he gets hit with a laceration spell before another hit of cruciatus. Draco feels the blood rushing out of him and the excruciating pain he's going through. Through the pain, he knows if he doesn't get help soon he's going to die. 

“This is what you deserve! All the pain you caused everyone and everything, get ready to pay the price. Well, that is if you survive this. Maybe I should just keep torturing you and watch you die,” Smith says, smirking as he kneels beside a writhing Draco. 

Draco can only continue to let out blood curling screams as he bleeds all over the floor. 

“What the hell!?” A familiar voice says, running to Draco. 

Smith quickly ends the cruciatus spell and runs away, leaving Draco bleeding on the ground. Draco breathes heavily from the screaming, pain, and blood lost as his savior reaches home. 

“Fuck! Charlie! Go get help! Now! He's losing too much blood!” The person says, turning Draco onto his back. 

Draco hears quick footsteps as two other figures kneel beside him. Draco’s focus is wary and he can't focus on who's looking over him. He blinks a couple of times before he recognizes the first one.

“Hey Dragon, you're going to be okay,” Bill says, cradling Draco’s head. 

Draco focuses on the other two and notices Ron and Harry. 

“We're right here, help is on the way and will be here any minute,” Bill continues to say, running his hand through Draco's hair. 

Draco slips in and out of consciousness and before he knows it, McGonagall, Pomfrey, and Charlie are there. Draco can tell he's losing consciousness so he needs to tell them what he's been hit with.

“L-laceration and C-c-cruciatus,” Draco says before everything goes black.

“We need to move him, now,” Promfrey says with wide eyes. 

Harry doesn't hesitate carefully picking up a lifeless Draco. He rushes him to the hospital wing and lays him one of the beds. Pomfrey is right behind him, immediately getting to work to save him with McGonagall as Bill ushers the other three to the other side of the room so they can have more space to work. 

“Did he say he got hit with a laceration spell and an unforgivable spell?” Ron asks, wanting to make sure. 

“Yes,” Charlie says, crossing his arms across his chest as he watches the two older ones save Draco's life as a couple more professors come to help. 

“And the bastard disappeared once again,” Harry says with a scowl. 

“Again?” Charlie asks with an arched eyebrow. 

“This has been going on since the beginning of the year, just never this bad,” Ron explains. 

“And nothing has been done?” Bill asks in shock. 

“Can't do much if you don't have names, all we ever see is the house colors,” Harry says. 

“Boys, you can go if you want,” McGonagall says, walking up to them. 

“We're not leaving,” Ron says, stubbornly. 

“Okay, we got him patched up, but he's still unconscious. Did you happen to see who did this?” McGonagall asks. 

“No, we heard his screaming and when we finally found him, the person took off,” Harry says. 

“Okay, thank you. He should wake up soon, feel free to stay as long as you want,” McGonagall says before going back to Draco. 

The four boys watch as McGonagall and Pomfrey watch over Draco for a couple of minutes. 

“Did you know they practically adopted him?” Ron asks, eyes never leaving Draco’s. 

“Yes,” Charlie and Bill say. 

“How?” Ron asks in shock. 

“We are close to him,” Bill says, shrugging. 

“How did you all become close?” Harry asks curiously. 

“We ran into him by chance,” Charlie says. 

Bill and Charlie were running some errands in Diagon Alley, talking about moving back when they spotted Draco. They stopped what they were doing in favor of staring at Draco. The said boy was looking down, too skinny and way too pale. The two red-heads share a look before walking up to the blonde. All they said was his name before he instantly apologized for everything. 

“Hey, it's fine. We forgive you,” Charlie says sincerely. 

“Are you okay though?” Bill asks, already knowing the answer. 

Draco sighs as he tells them he has no one anymore, which breaks the other two hearts. 

“Then, we'll take care of you and take you in,” Bill says, watching Draco's lighten up. 

“And ever since, we've been close and taking care of him. We stayed at the manor with him till he left, surprised you didn't see us at the platform,” Bill says, rubbing the back of his neck. 

The two younger Gryffindors stare at the other two like they grew another head. 

“What about his mother? We know his father is locked away, but what about his mother?” Harry asks. 

“She left, she had no restrictions so she left. Couldn't take anymore,” Charlie says, glancing back at Draco. 

“Wait, Fred and George, they know, don't they?” Ron asks. 

“Why do you think they all of a sudden got so protective over their precious boy,” Charlie says, glancing back at his brother. 

Draco has been in the wing for four days, two of those days he's been asleep. When he woke up, he saw Ron and Harry sitting beside his bed. He learned that Ron was with him for the first two nights and Harry was going to take over. He also learned about Harry and Ron learning the relationship between the two oldest Weasleys. But now, he was getting discharged but still had to be careful. 

“Ready to go?” Harry asks, checking Draco's bag. 

“Yeah, let's get going before we're in trouble for being late,” Draco says, taking his bag from Harry. 

“We have a valid reason,” Harry says, putting Draco's hand on the bend of his elbow. 

Another thing they discovered is that Draco can't walk right without hurting, but will be fine over time. Only being able to is to have a little assistance, hence why he's holding onto Harry. 

“Take care of him,” Pomfrey says once they open the curtain. 

“Don't worry, I will,” Harry promises with a smile. 

Draco gives Pomfrey a smile as well before the two of them leave for class. Seeing Ron and Flitwick look happy makes Draco feel calm. Harry squeezes his hand before going to their seats. Draco sits between Harry and Ron, who squeezes his knee under the table. 

“When you can, please mail my brothers before they get an ulcer over worrying about you,” Ron says, leaning against Draco. 

“I will, promise,” Draco says. 

“Thank you and welcome back, Ferret. I fucking missed you,” Ron says right before Flitwick started the class. 

Draco actually pays attention and takes notes for the most part. Then he ends up bumping knees with Ron and Harry for the remainder of class. Afterwards, Ron leaves with Hermione, since she wanted to talk to Ron, leaving Harry and Draco alone. Harry watches them leave before he feels a hand wrapping around his arm. Smiling, he turns his attention to his boyfriend, who's shyly smiling a little. 

“Are you ready to go?” Harry asks, tucking some of Draco's hair behind his ear. 

“Yeah, I'm ready,” Draco says. 

Harry nods his head before they walk out of the classroom. They have some free time so they were planning on going to alcove to kill time. They would go to the lake, but Harry knows Draco is hurting and isn't in the shape to sit on the cold ground. It took some convincing because Draco didn't care about his pain. But after Harry made some good points is what got Draco, with a pout, to surrender and agree. Harry made sure the coast was clear before he kissed Draco's forehead for going his way. When he pulls back, he can't help but smile at the soft look in Draco's face. It amazes Harry how despite everything, Draco can still smile like his life is good. He starts walking again, making Draco walk as well so he doesn't get pulled along. 

“I know you most likely don't want to answer this, but I have to know. Who attacked you?” Harry asks. 

“That is what I would like to know but we'll get to that. For now, would you two come with Mr to my office?” McGonagall asks. 

The look on her face let them know that they don't have an option in the matter. So, they nodded their heads before following McGonagall to her office. They sit down across from McGonagall, waiting for her to speak. 

“Draco, do you know who did this to you?” McGonagall asks. 

“It's not a big problem, I swear,” Draco says with wide eyes 

“Draco, you nearly died and still have nerve damage. It's a problem and I need names,” McGonagall says with sympathetic eyes. 

“No, no, no! I can't! I just can't! It'll just get worse for me! No one gets it! I'm the villain here! If I start naming people they'll make it worse! Look at me now! I haven't said anything and Smith nearly killed me! I can't imagine what he'll do if I start saying names! I got nothing else going for me! I don't!” Draco says as he breathes heavily and not realizing he named his attacker. 

While Draco continues to ramble as he panics, Harry has been trying to calm him down. It's when Draco feels Harry cupping his face when Draco starts calming down. 

“Draco! Hey, hey, you're okay, you're safe here. No one can touch you when we're around. Come on, love, focus on me,” Harry says while trying to get Draco's attention. 

Draco blinks a couple of times before realising that he's standing now and he says the name of his attacker. 

“That's it, you're okay,” Harry says, helping Draco sit down.

McGonagall waits till Draco seems more like himself. 

“Smith did this to you?” She asks. 

“Please, don't do anything! He didn't mean to do it! I'm begging you!” Draco says, barely feeling Harry wrapping his arms around him. 

“For his first offense, I'll give him detention saying the two older Weasleys saw him, which they did,” McGonagall says, giving Draco some tea and a snack. 

Draco nods his head as he accepts the drink and snack. Harry only lets him go once he makes sure his lover is okay. 

“Can you tell us how it happened?” McGonagall asks, not wanting to hurt Draco anymore. 

Draco takes another sip of his tea before telling the other two everything. 

“I honestly thought I was going to die, but then I saw Bill and knew I was going to be okay because he'll never hurt me, he's protective over me like Charlie,” Draco says, tears running down his face. 

“Draco, I'm so sorry you went through that. I wish I wasn't away from your side, I should have picked you up. It's just I knew Bill and Charlie were coming because Ron asked them to come and we wanted to surprise you,” Harry says, wrapping his arms around Draco and resting his forehead on Draco's shoulder. 

“Don't apologize, there's nothing no one could have done. No one could have seen this coming, but I'm okay, I'm right here,” Draco says, rubbing Harry's knee. 

“You two are free to go and I recommend to rest with everything that has happened the past few days,” McGonagall suggests. 

The two boys nod their heads before standing up and leaving the office. Draco's grip on Harry's elbow is tense so Harry quickly but carefully gets them to his room. As soon as they're on the bed, Draco curls up to Harry's chest. Harry runs his hand through Draco's hair, letting Draco calm down against him. 

“I know you have questions, so ask away,” Draco says, making Harry jump. 

“It's fine, I don't want to prolong it any longer,” Harry says, leaving a kiss on Draco's head. 

“Just ask, git,” Draco says, glancing up at his lover. 

“I know you didn't fight back because you want to stay out of trouble. But why didn't you defend yourself?” Harry asks. 

“I honestly didn't think about it. I told him to hit me with his best shot so I guess I really did ask for it,” Draco says with a sigh. 

“No one asks to get attacked like that, you didn't ask for it. He's just a bitch and going to land himself in some serious trouble,” Harry says. 

Draco knows there's a meaning behind that, but he doesn't want to dig into it right now. Despite being asleep for four days, he's so exhausted from the day. 

“Go to sleep, love. I'll watch over you,” Harry says, fingers still playing with Draco's hair. 

With that, Draco closes his eyes, which lets Harry know how much Draco actually trusts him. It makes his insides feel content that Draco trusts him enough to catch up on sleep. He watches Draco while he sleeps, grateful that they found him when they did or this would have been a different outcome. He wants to get revenge on Smith, but he knows Draco would hate that so he pushes it out of his head. He doesn't know how much time has passed till Ron comes into his room. 

“You missed classes and food,” Ron says, startling Harry. 

The jerk woke up Draco, who sits up as Ron sits on the bed. 

“We were told to rest and then Draco went to sleep and I didn't pay attention to anything else,” Harry says with a sigh. 

“Figured. Who told you to rest?” Ron asks, giving the other two the food he was able to take. 

The two lovers share a look before Draco retells their earlier conversation with McGonagall with Harry making sure Ron won't attack Smith like everyone wanted. 

“I'm sorry, Dray. My brothers did stay the first night and they were here because they wanted to see you and we asked them to come because I wanted to just visit them, clearly they know more about what's going on with you, which we're all okay with with how close you all are,” Ron says, happy that Draco is eating. 

“It's a mess is all I can say,” Draco says with a sigh as he plays with his food till Harry nudges him to eat. 

“What isn't anymore? Especially with that rumor going around,” Ron asks, picking at his food. 

“Mate, he doesn't know and I didn't want him to know just yet,” Harry whines as Draco looks between them with wide eyes. 

“What rumor?” Draco asks, putting his plate off to the side. 

“Shit, I didn't think. It's nothing really, just apparently you and Charlie are shagging and together,” Ron says. 

Draco's eyes widen, wanting to know how this rumor even happened along with how Charlie feels. 

“Which we both know ain't true and my brothers find it hilarious that out of everyone, Charlie is the one who got caught up in a scandal. Which, we find it hilarious as well and Charlie loves it,” Ken says. 

“So, you guys aren't mad?” Draco asks, wanting to make sure he didn't mess anything up. 

“Hell nah, we're all fine. Like I said, we all find it hilarious,” Ron says. 

“I mean, it is hilarious,” Harry asks with a smile. 

“It is. I mean, your brother is attractive, but he's not my type,” Draco says with a shrug. 

“So the rest of us Weasleys aren't attractive, that's not fair,” Ron says, crossing his arms across his chest. 

“Sod off,” Draco says, throwing a pillow at Ron. 

Ron easily catches the pillow with a laugh leaving his lips. 

“So, you don't have to answer this. But are you gay or bi or?” Ron says, not wanting to say the wrong thing. 

“I'm gay,” Draco says, leaning back against Harry. 

“Cool,” Harry and Ron say as Harry pinches Draco's side to mess with him. 

“Prat! And all of you Weasleys are attractive,” Draco says, moving away from Harry. 

“Good to know,” Ron says, watching Harry pull Draco back into his embrace. 

It's nice seeing them so calm after everything they have been through this year alone. Ron also knows there's something going on between the two of them, but he's waiting for them to come to him about it, that is if they want to. 

“Now back to this rumor, how did it even happen?” Draco asks, resting his hand on Harry's arm.  

“Rumor is that you and Charlie are shagging and are together because he was caught leaving your dorm the previous visit he made here before we asked him to come,” Harry says. 

“I mean, he was in my dorm. But wasn't shagging, he was worried about me and made sure I ate. It was when I didn't want to get out of bed, so he was checking on me,” Draco says with a shrug. 

“We know, he told us about it. Like I said, we find it hilarious and just going with it because it seems harmless as of right now. But if it changes then people will have a problem with all the Weasleys, which includes Harry, because we don't mess around when it comes to you. Trust me on that,” Ron says, completely serious. 

“Okay, that's good to know. But my question is, who started this rumor?” Draco asks. 

Harry and Ron share a look, clearly knowing at least something about it. 

“We heard it from Neville, who said it was a Slytherin who started it,” Harry says carefully. 

Draco remains quiet, letting what Harry had said sink in fully. Then he looks up before sitting up and looks between the two Gryffindors. 

“We need to find Theo,” Draco says.

“Huh? Why?” Harry asks curiously. 

“Because he won't lie to me, and if it was a Slytherin who started it then he'll know who started it,” Draco says. 

Harry nods his head before grabbing his map and locating Theo in the library. 

“Let's go,” Ron says, getting up from the bed. 

The other two followed him and made it down the Gryffindor tower before they were stopped. 

“Harry! I need your help with something, it's important,” Hermione says with wide eyes. 

“I can't,” Harry says, pulling Draco away before Hermione can stop him. 

“Go Harry, we got this covered,” Ron says. 

Harry looks at him and sees the look in his eyes so he nods his head. Ron takes the map before rushing off with Draco. Luckily Theo didn't leave the library when they made it. They go inside and find him at the back of the library.

“Theo,” Draco says as they walk up to the boy. 

“Hey Draco, Weasley. I have a feeling you're here cause you heard about the rumor,” Theo says with a sigh. 

“I'm not mad at you, you're one of my best friends. But I need to know who started it cause I've heard it was a Slytherin,” Draco says. 

“It was, I know because I was there when it started and I tried to stop it, but it didn't work,” Theo says sadly. 

“It's okay, we find the rumor hilarious but who started it?” Draco asks, sitting down beside Theo. 

Theo waits a minute as Harry catches up to the group. 

“It was Pansy. She saw you and Charlie leaving your dorm and she got mad because of how close you've gotten with Gryffindors and that was the last straw because she saw your red eyes and she just blew it out of proportion. I'm sorry Draco, I really did try to stop her, but she wouldn't listen to me,” Theo says. 

“Hey, it's okay. We're fine, I'm not mad at you. Thanks for telling me. Yes, I'm closer to the Gryffindors and yes, I'm close with Charlie. But we aren't dating, we're just best friends like us,” Draco says, pulling Theo into a hug. 

He waits till Theo relaxes before he decides to pull away from the hug. 

“For what it's worth, I like that you're close to who you are close with. It's nice seeing it to be honest, I like that you seem happier than you were at the beginning of this year. I did visit you in the hospital wing, it almost killed me seeing you like that,” Theo admits. 

“Thanks for visiting me and for everything. I don't know what to do with what I heard, but I do know that we're fine, but I'm not fine with Pansy,” Draco says. 

“You have the right to, and if you don't want to see her right now, you might want to leave cause we agreed to meet up to do homework,” Theo says. 

“Okay, thanks again,” Draco says standing up. 

“We're friends, I want to protect you,” Theo says. 

“Vice versa,” Draco says with a smile. 

Theo returns the smile before Draco leaves with the two Gryffindors. The three of them ended up sitting in an isolated and dimmed hallway, not knowing where they wanted to go. 

“Ron, can we know why you and Hermione decided to take a break? We know you two have been fighting, but why?” Harry asks. 

Ron sighs before looking at Draco, who sees the inner battle in his eyes. 

“It's about me, isn't it?” Draco says. 

“It started off that we've gotten too close and I cared more about you than her. Which is true because you have no one besides a selected few and I could see that you're going through stuff so I want to be there for you. Then it turned to you corrupting my whole family and that we all forgave you too quickly, which I didn't like my family getting brought up. Then it was me cheating on her with you even though you're the same with my brothers and Harry. It's just gotten too much and it hurts that she said she cared about you, but talked shitty about you when you're not around,” Ron says. 

“Yeah, she started that with me as well. Saying he's corrupted Charlie and making him do scandalous things. That Draco seems like an attention whore and wouldn't be surprised if he's sleeping around with all the Weasleys and me,” Harry says. 

“That's why you got to us quickly then, you left her,” Ron says. 

“Yeah, I told her I didn't want to hear it and ran to the library,” Harry says. 

They then turn their attention to the quiet boy between them, who's looking completely defeated. 

“Dray, are you okay?” Ron asks, resting a hand on Draco's knee. 

“Yeah, I'm fine,” Draco says brokenly. 

Chapter Text

It took two weeks for Draco to end up in a similar situation as that dreadful day. 

“Now what do you want? Came to finish the job? Make it to where I really can't do anything without assistance? You were close, I still gave tremors and my body doesn't want to cooperate like it should still,” Draco says, gripping his wand this time. 

He knows he'll only use it only when he needs to, otherwise, he just grips it. 

“You got me fucking detention!” Smith yells. 

“I didn't do shit. That was older boys who fucking saw you standing over me and you know it. You're just here to try to kill me again,” Draco snaps. 

“I know it was you! And you are right, I am here to finish the job. Though it seems like you're doing a good job yourself by how shitty you look,” Smith says with a smirk. 

Draco knows exactly what he's talking about, Draco does look awful. He hasn't slept in days, he relapsed back into not eating and the only time he does is when his friends make him. 

“Everte Statum!” Smith says, throwing Draco in a wall behind him. 

Draco crumpled to the ground, remembering the day this happened. 

“This isn't the first time you've used that spell on me, isn't it?” Draco groans, moving to get on his knees. 

“It's easy to get people on board with attacking you. I know that your own friends also would love to hurt you. It's so easy, you let your guard down and boom we got you,” Smith says, stalking closer. 

“If you wanted me dead, why wait till now? You had three months to do it, why wait?” Draco asks. 

“It's fun to torture you,” Smith says, waving his arms. 

Draco freezes, eyes locked on the wand, not knowing how to save himself. 

“Expelliarmus!” A voice booms out. 

Smith's wand falls out of his hand, both boys are wide-eyed. 

“Did you not fucking learn you lesson!? Do you want it to be worse for you, get the fuck away from my friend before I make you regret it and you know I will cause this isn't my first rodeo with your ass,” Ron snaps, standing in front of Draco with his wand pointed at Smith. 

Smith looks like he's thinking about fighting back, but Ron isn't backing down. He also doesn't let Smith get a clear shot or sight of Draco, who's still on the ground. 

“And for the record, Harry, my brothers, and myself will never hurt Draco. He means a lot to us, now fucking leave!” Ron snaps, tightening his grip on his wand. 

Smith scrambles to get his wand and runs off before Ron could hex him. Ron made sure Smith was gone before turning around to face Draco. 

“Are you okay?” Ron asks, kneeling in front of Draco. 

Draco looks up at him and Ron can see the tiredness present on his face. 

“You're not okay, when was the last time you slept?” Ron asks, rubbing his thumb under Draco’s eye. 

Draco can only shrug because he doesn't know the last time he slept. Ron bites the inside of his cheek before he helps Draco up. Draco sways before collapsing onto Ron, who easily catches him. Ron eyes widen how light Draco feels, but he doesn't have time to think because Draco has passed out. Without a second thought, he picks up Draco and rushes him to the hospital wing. 

“Pomfrey! Pomfrey! Are you here!? I need help! Draco passed out after getting hurt! Pomfrey!” Ron says, getting more desperate as he looks around the wing. 

Ron whines before he lays Draco down on one of the beds. He doesn't know what to do, but he needs to see Draco awake. 

“Draco, wake up! Please! Wake up!” Ron says, pulling on Draco's robes. 

Draco doesn't respond or move, he just lays there. 

“Draco! Please!” Ron says, on the verge of crying. 

“What happened?” Pomfrey says, rushing to the bed. 

“I don't know what all has happened. But I saw Draco on the ground with Smith over him with his wand pointing at Draco. Then Smith left and I helped Draco up and he passed out. He's too light and he looks like he hasn't slept in days,” Ron says, moving out of the way. 

Pomfrey only sighs as he checks over an unconscious Draco as Ron bites his nail out of nervousness. 

“Okay, he's not anymore injured. He passed out due exhaustion as well as being frail from the last attack and his magic not fully being back yet,” Pomfrey says, walking up to Ron. 

“What can we do about him not sleeping? He's like a walking zombie,” Ron says, watching Pomfrey look over his hand. 

“We'll talk to him when he wakes up, but for now, we just have to watch over him,” Pomfrey says. 

“You're not making me leave?” Ron asks in shock. 

“I know you won't,” Pomfrey says, leaving Ron alone with Draco. 

Ron sits down in the chair beside Draco's bed and grabs his hand. 

“Draco, what is happening to you?” Ron asks sadly. 

He rests his head against the bed and thinks back to the time when he found the worries from the twins about Draco. 

Ron was roaming the twins’ shop, looking for nothing in particular. He stops when he overheard his brothers at the counter. 

“Have you heard from Draco lately?” George asks, leaning on his elbows. 

“Charlie said he's just been laying in a ball on the couch, they're making sure he eats at least,” Fred says sadly. 

“He looked so defeated when he came here last week,” George says. 

“He has no one but Charlie, Bill, and us. His family disowned him, his father is in Azkaban, his mother left him, and I don't trust his friends,” George says. 

Thinking about it now, he knows why they were worried and where it was coming from because he feels it right now. He looks at their intertwined hands and he knows he's going to protect this boy at all costs. 

“I promise Draco that I'll protect you, even if it kills me,” Ron promises. 

Ron got himself comfortable in the chair he was in without letting go of Draco’s hand. He decided to stay in the wing till Draco woke up, which ended up being early Friday when Draco decided to grace everyone with his beautiful eyes. Ron was there when he woke up, along with Pomfrey checking him over. 

“You really need to stop scaring us like that,” Pomfrey says fondly as she continues to check the boy over. 

“I'll try,” Draco mumbles, clearly still waking up. 

He looks over at Ron and squeezes their intertwined hands. 

“Thanks for being here,” Draco says with tired eyes. 

“Haven't left, even when Harry came in a panic that we were absent with Hermione trying to get me to leave to eat something. Harry got her to leave, hence why he's not here,” Ron says. 

“Did he care that you held my hand? I might have been unconscious, but I still felt and heard everything,” Draco says with a soft smile. 

“Not at all, he loved it. He's happy we're close,” Ron says. 

“So am I,” Draco says. 

“Can't believe Smith got away with just a slap on the wrist. I know you didn't want anything to happen, but he deserves a worse punishment. He nearly killed you,” Ron says, looking into Draco's eyes. 

“Thinking back about it, maybe I should have McGonagall given him what he deserves instead of begging not to. But I was just afraid it would get worse for me,” Draco says, looking down at the bed. 

“We will protect you from everyone who attempts to hurt you, even if they're your friends,” Ron says, tilting Draco's head so they're locking eyes. 

“That's sweet, but you have class to attend now. Draco is safe here with me, so off to class and then you can come back. Plus, it's good to get fresh air,” Pomfrey says, opening the curtains with Harry and Hermione behind her. 

“I tried to talk her into letting us stay,” Harry says, walking up to Draco. 

He moves Draco's hair out of his eyes and gives him a smile. 

“Hi, Love,” Harry whispers. 

“Hi,” Draco whispers back. 

“Class you three,” Pomfrey says, ushering the three Gryffindors out, which two of them went reluctantly. 

Draco just smiles as he gets more comfortable before Pomfrey comes back with McGonagall. 

“Knew this was coming,” Draco says with a sigh. 

“I've heard Ron's side of the story and Smith's. Now I need your side of the story,” McGonagall says. 

Draco sighs once more before reciting what had happened, just to get it out of the way. When he was done, the three of them talked before Draco fell asleep till Ron and Harry came back. Draco was happy that they came back and was sad when they had to leave because they promised to meet up with Neville. But if they waited twenty minutes later, they would have been there when Draco got discharged. 

“Take care and stay close to people you trust,” Promfrey says. 

Draco nods his head before walking out of the hospital wind and into the noisy hall. He decides that he doesn't want to be around so many people, so he makes his way to the courtyard. So, he walks to the courtyard as he ignores the loudness of everything around him at the moment. He pushed through the crowds and finally made it to the courtyard. He sits down at the fountain and lets out a sigh of relief. It felt nice to sit in the silence for a minute after everything that has been going on. 

He eventually grabs his bag and sees what Harry had put in it earlier that day. He smiles when he sees that it was what he has missed in class along with some sweet notes from the Weasleys and himself. He grabs his work and does some of it since he's surprisingly not behind on it with how many times he's out for days. But first, he reads the notes that make him smile a little. 

Maybe my life could be worth living, maybe

He puts the notes back in his bag to keep them safe before going to his work. He checks what everyone has written down before busying himself into his work. He doesn't know how much time has passed, but he guesses it could have been too long since no one has looked for him. Anyhow! His attention got taken away from his work to someone walking across the courtyard.

He looks up and sees it's Hermione and Pansy. They look close which Draco is okay with, but something is not adding up. He then thought back to what Ron had said a couple weeks ago about their fighting. He knows there's more than what meets the eye and he wants to try to figure it out. He packs up his stuff before rushing to Hermione, who has walked away from Pansy. 

“Granger!” Draco calls out, making the latter stop in her tracks. 

She turns around and waits for Draco to catch up to her. 

“You got discharged,” She says with slightly wide eyes. 

“Yeah. Look, I'm going to get straight to the point. I know I'm not the only reason you're fighting with Ron. Why are you fighting with him anyways? And don't lie, I'm tired of lies,” Draco says. 

Draco watches her face fall, which lets him know it's not good. 

“Granger, tell me what happened,” Draco says. 

“I’ve been shagging Pansy and it's been going on for over a year,” Hermione admits. 

“You've been cheating on Ron!? What the hell!?” Draco asks in shock. 

“I didn't mean for it to happen, it just happened,” Hermione says. 

Draco can't believe what he's hearing right now. 

“You knew she started that rumor, didn't you. Did you even see Charlie with me that day?” Draco asks. 

“I did, people were getting suspicious so we needed someone else to put the heat on,” Hermione says sadly. 

“Unbelievable, I need to go. Have a good evening,” Draco says, walking away quickly. 

He hears her calling his name, so he ends up running away to get away from the voice. He doesn't stop till he's in McGonagall’s office, begging her to get Bill and Charlie to come. It took him begging for a minute before she agreed and got the two boys in her office at a quick speed. 

“Draco, what's wrong?” Bill asks, worried in his eyes. 

“Come with me,” He says, pulling Bill out of the office. 

The three of them walked through endless hallways till they ended up being in a deserted classroom. Draco closes the doors and uses charms and spells to lock the door and make sure no one can hear them. 

“Okay, what's going on?” Charlie asks concerned. 

“I learned something and I don't know what to do with it. Especially with everything going on and it's going to kill me and I need your help,” Draco says. 

“Okay, tell us then and we can help,” Bill says, squeezing Draco's shoulder. 

Draco takes a deep breath before telling the other two about his and Hermione’s conversation. 

“What the hell!?” Charlie and Bill say with wide eyes. 

“I know! And I don't know what to do because Ron and I are close and I can't keep this from him but at the same time, I don't want to break his heart by telling him. I honestly don't know what to do and there's too much going on to keep it a secret,” Draco says sadly. 

Charlie immediately pulls Draco into a comforting embrace to calm him down. Draco almost immediately melted against him, tension leaving his body. 

“Shh, it's okay. You're not going to tell him,” Charlie says, running his hand through Draco's hair. 

“He needs to know, it ruins us if he finds out and then finds out I knew,” Draco says. 

“We'll tell him, right now,” Bill says, rubbing Draco's shoulder. 

“I don't want to cause trouble between them, but I also don't want to keep it in. She also knew about the rumor and helped start it cause she wanted the heat in someone else instead of herself and Pansy, who's supposed to be my friend. It's like she's trying to cause a rift between me and you guys along with your brother and Harry, it's not fair even though I deserve it, ” Draco says into Charlie’s shoulder. 

“The rumor about you and Charlie?” Bill asks before watching Draco nod his head. 

“You don't deserve any of this Draco, everything will work out the way it's supposed to, I promise,” Charlie says, staring at Bill. 

“He's right, we'll figure this out and get everything worked out,” Bill promises. 

“Smith didn't get expelled cause I begged McGonagall not to, he threw me against the wall two days ago. I haven't been sleeping or eating these last couple of weeks and ended up passing out in Ron's arms after he saved me and woke up today before getting discharged today,” Draco says. 

“Dragon,” Charlie says, tightening his arms around Draco. 

They all fall silent as Charlie holds Draco and calms him down better. They know they need to because he'll end up back in the hospital wing. It takes a few minutes, but they were able to calm Draco down. Charlie pulls away and sits on top of one the desks with the other two following suit. 

“So, you and Charlie are shagging?” Bill asks playfully as he nudges Draco with his shoulder.

“Sod off! You know we're not,” Draco says with a pout. 

“I feel honored to get rumored about shagging Draco,” Charlie says, putting his hand on his chest. 

“I hate you as well,” Draco says, no heat in his voice. 

“Sure you do, sure,” Charlie says with a smirk. 

Draco just rolls his eyes with a smile forcing its way through. 

“So, you are okay with that rumor?” Draco asks, looking at Charlie shyly. 

“I really am, it's harmless and we find it hilarious, which I'm sure you have heard. It doesn't affect our relationship or anything, we're fine. I don't care what people say because their say doesn't matter. As long as you're in my life and everything, I'm happy and no rumors or shite will change that, I promise,” Charlie says sincerely. 

Draco relaxes more, feeling content that he's not losing an important relationship due to a rumor. 

“So, was it Hermione who started that rumor?” Bill asks. 

“Her and my friend Pansy,” Draco says with a sigh. 

“Damn,” Charlie says as they all fall silent again. 

Then Draco remembers them telling Ron about Hermione. 

“Wait, are you two really going to be the one to tell Ron?” Draco asks. 

“Yes. He needs to know and we know you're afraid of ruining your relationship with him,” Charlie says, losing his smile. 

“I know, I just don't want him to hurt. He deserves to be happy with everything all of us have been through these years, especially them. They've been through more than I have,” Draco says, bringing his knees to his chest. 

“Little Dragon, you've been through just as much if you want to believe it or not, hell, you had him living under your roof along with that thing you call father hurting you for every little thing,” Charlie says. 

Draco doesn't say anything, just rests his chin on top of his knees. 

“When are we going to tell them that when we could, you guys took me to Romania during breaks to keep me from dying?” Draco asks curiously. 

“Whenever you want to. We know that would bring up the topic about your abuse and we feel like that should be your story to tell, not ours,” Bill says. 

“You guys did save me from nearly being killed, literally” Draco says. 

“And if we knew more about what was going on, we would have done something to keep you away from your parents,” Charlie says. 

“We all would have been murdered then. Anyhow, back to topic, are you guys sure you want to tell him? I don't mind telling him, I don't want to cause any problems between you guys,” Draco says, pulling his knees closed to his chest. 

“We're positive,” Bill says, pulling Draco into his embrace. 

Charlie pulls out his wand and summons his patronus to go get Ron and Harry. Once it was out of sight, the attention was back on the blonde again. 

“You said you were attacked earlier, what happened, Dragon?” Bill asks, twirling Draco's hair through his fingers from where Draco is resting his head on his shoulder. 

“You lot and your nicknames for me. I swear only George has a normal nickname for me,” Draco mumbles lightheartedly,

They all know Draco loves the nicknames, he just won't admit it.

“Not too sure about that,” Bill says with a smirk.

“What does he call me?” Draco asks, glancing up at Bill. 

“He calls you light, but in French. The only word he probably knows thanks to you,” Charlie says fondly. 

“Lumiere,” Draco says with a smile.

“Yep! Now tell us about your attack, you're not getting off that easy,” Charlie says. 

Draco sends him a smile before telling them about the attack. 

“Sounds like Ron is your savior,” Charlie says, smiling fondly. 

“Him and Harry always save me without a second thought,” Draco says, headbutting Bill’s hand to get it moving again. 

Bill chuckles fondly as he resumes what he was doing. 

“It's good to see that you're being protected here. We wish you could just have a normal year, but it wouldn't be us if we didn't have something going on,” Charlie says with a sigh. 

“Exactly, but it would be nice if I could get a break from being hurt or having drama thrown at me,” Draco says with a sigh. 

“We know, which brings up something else we want to talk to you about,” Bill says. 

“If I was a guessing person, it's about my sleeping and eating habits,” Draco says, looking down at his and Bill's lap. 

“You're not in trouble, we're just worried. You need to eat and sleep, you won't make it if you don't. We know you don't want to make it, but we do because we need you. I know it's probably not something I should be saying, but I feel like you should know that you're needed. And trust me when I say we'll all be lost if we lose you,” Bill says. 

“I get that, but it's so hard. I try to get better, but then I relapse into my old habits, especially with everything that keeps happening. I can't catch a break at all and I don't know what to do,” Draco says, tearing up. 

“We're not telling you what to do, but you can start letting them in more, but whenever you want,” Charlie says with a small smile. 

“Yeah, I guess you're right. It's going to be hard to tell what's going on, but they are close to me and they should know,” Draco says. 

“Just do it when you're ready, they already know there's something going on, but they’re waiting for you to come to them when you're ready,” Bill says. 

Draco only pouts as he internally curses the two older boys for being wise. They don't say anything else since they got distracted by someone trying to open the door. 

“Charlie?” Ron asks from the other side. 

Charlie jumps off the desk and goes to the door and lets the other two inside before locking the door. Ron and Harry look around and see Bill and Draco still sitting on the door. 

“What's going on?” Harry asks, concerned. 

“Draco was told something and he's going to let us tell you,” Charlie says, sitting on the desk again. 

Ron and Harry follow suit and wait for someone to say something. 

“I confronted Granger in the courtyard and questioned her if I was the only reason for the fighting and it turns out she's been shagging with Pansy for over a year. She saw Charlie and me leaving my dorm and helped Pansy start the rumor so the heat would be on someone else!” Draco says before running away to an isolated staircase. 

He falls against the steps as he tries to catch his breath as he looks around. That's when he noticed the steps he's at, it's the ones Fred and George would always take him when his friends got too much. 

“Draco!” Someone yells, snapping Draco to reality. 

Draco looks around and finds Bill running up to him. 

“There you are, damn you run fast,” Bill says, sitting down beside Draco. 

“I'm not supposed to be running,” Draco says. 

“Of course. By the way, Ron isn't mad at you, he's grateful that you told him. And to cheer you up some more, George gave me this to give to you since I was with him when we were needed,” Bill says, handing Draco a letter. 

Draco takes the letter and immediately opens it up to read it. 

Lumiere

You really need to stay out of the hospital wing, our poor hearts can't take it! Are you sure you can't just leave Hogwarts and work for us? We would love you here as well as know that you're safe! But I do hope that you're doing okay and just know we missed you and we will visit you soon. We also heard about your attack, glad that you're okay. Love ya!! 

George

Draco lays the letter down before getting tackled into a hug. 

“We're fine. Thank you for telling me,”  Ron says into Draco's neck. 

“You needed to know, I couldn't keep it from you. But are you going to be okay?” Draco asks, hugging back. 

“Yeah, I got a good support system around me,” Ron says, pulling away from the hug. 

That's when Draco sees the other two standing behind Ron. 

“What are you going to do?” Draco asks, grabbing his letter. 

“To be honest? I don't know,” Ron says with a sigh. 

Chapter Text

It's been a week since Draco has woken up in the hospital wing and he feels the worst. Between the hexes, jinxing, the backtalk he hears about himself, plus school puts him almost breaking. He's trying to get better, but he keeps relapsing in the end. He's just glad he hasn't lost the true ones in his life over it. Like his lover, he hasn't left his side at all which makes it easy for him to be honest. 

“I'm thinking about leaving Hogwarts,” Draco says, knees brought to his chest as he stares off at the lake. 

“How come?” Harry asks, rubbing his hands up and down Draco's back. 

Harry isn't mad at Draco about it, in fact, he doesn't blame him. But part of him doesn't want Draco to leave because he doesn't want him away from him. 

“Just with everything that's been happening. And I don't have to worry about a job, I got an offer,” Draco says, moving so he's lying against Harry's chest. 

“Yeah? Where at?” Harry asks, rubbing Draco's stomach. 

“Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes,” Draco says with a smile. 

“Sounds like a good job,” Harry says fondly. 

“Do you think I should leave?” Draco asks, glancing up at Harry. 

“Do I want you to leave? No. But do I see why you want to and don't blame you as well as want you to be happy? Yes. So, no I don't want you to leave, but if it's what keeps you happy and safe then I'll be okay with it and would want you to,” Harry says, moving to rub Draco's sides. 

“So you don't think I should leave?” Draco asks, glancing up at Harry again. 

“I just want you to be happy and safe and if that means leaving Hogwarts then so do it,” Harry says, kissing the side of Draco's head.

Draco hums as he melts under Harry’s touches as the sun disappears under the horizon. That's when they decide to crash in Harry’s bed. Harry doesn't care because he noticed that's when Draco gets the most sleep. They get changed for bed and as soon as Harry is laying down, Draco is immediately on him. Harry wraps his arms around Draco and holds him close to him.

“If you so decide to leave, just know I won't be mad at you,” Harry says, nuzzling his face into Draco's hair. 

“Would you miss me?” Draco asks, smiling into Harry’s chest. 

“I'll miss you like crazy,” Harry says honestly. 

“I would miss you just as much, if not more. I just don't know how much more I can take,” Draco says with a sigh. 

“I know, that's why I'm not telling you to stay,” Harry says, playing with Draco's hair. 

“Maybe I'll stay, I'm not sure,” Draco mumbles.

“The choice is yours, Love,” Harry says, tightening his arms around his boyfriend. 

Draco just hums as he leaves a kiss on Harry's chest. He nuzzles more into Harry, who tightens his arms around Draco. Harry goes back to playing with Draco's hair and it's not long before Draco falls into a deep sleep and doesn't wake up till the next morning. 

“Dray, come on. It's time to wake up for breakfast,” Ron says, shaking Draco's shoulder. 

Draco only snuggles more into the blankets, trying to sleep some more. 

“Come on, Ferret,” Harry says, shaking Draco's shoulder like Ron. 

Draco grumbles before sitting up and getting ready for the day. They go to the Great Hall and enjoy their breakfast at their tables and Draco can feel Harry staring at him. 

“Do you want to go? I'm done eating,” Theo whispers into Draco's ear. 

It's clear he doesn't want to be around Blaise and Pansy right now and neither does he. 

“Yeah, let's go,” Draco whispers back. 

With that, they get up and leave the Great Hall with Neville following them. The three of them ended up in a random hallway where Luna and her friend found them. 

“Can we join you three?” Luna asks. 

“Of course,” Draco says, sending her a small smile. 

“I'm surprised you guys aren't with your Slytherin friends,” Hannah says. 

“There's stuff going on with them and we don't want to be around them,” Theo says with a shrug. 

“There's the ones who started that rumor about Charlie and I,” Draco admits. 

“Oh my, I'm sorry,” Neville says. 

“I don't mind it and neither does Charlie. But it still hurts that it was my friends who started it. I also thought about leaving Hogwarts, but I don't know now,” Draco says, playing with his sleeve. 

“Whatever you choose, we'll support you,” Theo says. 

“I just don't know what to do, it's just a thought. I do want to stay, but I don't if things don't get better,” Draco says, pulling his knees to his chest. 

“I'm sorry that you're going through so much this year,” Luna says, moving to hug Draco. 

“It's okay, I deserve it,” Draco says, hugging Luna back. 

“No one deserves anything you're going through, Draco,” Theo says. 

“Can I ask you something, Malfoy?” Hannah asks as Luna breaks the hug. 

“Yeah,” Draco says. 

“Did you seriously almost die a few weeks ago?” Hannah asks. 

“Hannah!” Luna says, slapping her shoulder. 

“Sorry, you don't have to answer. I shouldn't have asked that,” Hannah says regretfully. 

“No, it's okay, I was close to dying a few weeks ago. Everything has been taken care of somewhat,” Draco says. 

“Do you know what's happening with your parents, Malfoy?” Neville asks. 

“No, and I don't care anymore. They never took care of me and I don't want to be a Malfoy anymore,” Draco says into his knees. 

“We'll figure something out, Draco. If you don't want to be a Malfoy anymore, we can see if we can find someone who would let them take you and let you have their last name,” Theo says, rubbing Draco's back.

Draco just nods his head as he keeps his head in his knees. He doesn't know what to do and he doesn't know who would even want to be involved with him. Well, he knows a few but he doubts they'll let him take their last name. He guesses he could ask, the worse is he gets told no. 

Draco was walking through the halls with his mind running a mile a minute. He doesn't even hear someone calling his name till they grab his shoulder. He turns around after yanking away from the person. 

“What? What do you want now? Can't I get left alone?” Draco asks with wide eyes. 

“You told Ron,” Hermione says. 

“I didn't tell him anything!” Draco snaps. 

“Then how did he know we started the rumor?” Pansy asks. 

“Or about Hermione and Pans,” Blaise asks. 

“We were told through people about the rumor and I told his brothers who told him because he deserved to know he's being cheated on,” Draco sneers. 

“You ruined our relationship!” Hermione yells. 

“He didn't ruin our relationship, you did it yourself the minute you spread your legs for Parkinson,” Ron says, stopping beside Draco. 

“Along with being two-faced when it came to Draco,” Harry says, stopping on the other side of Draco. 

“You ruin everything! We wish Smith did kill you!” Pansy yells. 

The area became deathly quiet, even Pansy looks taken back. 

“What the hell!?” A new voice yells. 

They all turn the voice and see Theo, Luna, Hannah, Neville standing there. 

“He's supposed to he your fucking friend and you want him dead? He told Weasley, so what, that boy deserved to know. And everyone knows it was a Slytherin who started the rumor and so many people talked and ended up figuring out who started it. I don't even know who you guys are anymore,” Theo says. 

“He ruined Hermione’s relationship!” Pansy yells. 

“The only one who ruined her relationship was her by screwing around with you,” Ron says, pushing Draco behind in case someone tries to hurt him. 

“Blaise! Help me here,” Pansy says, turning to Blaise. 

“No! I'm done. Draco and Theo are my friends and I'm not hurting them. I can't lose them if I haven't already,” Blaise says, moving away from Pansy. 

Theo grabs the back of his robe and pulls him beside him as he shares a look with Draco. 

“We're still best friends, Blaise. We're fine, like Theo, we're brothers,” Draco says, making Blaise smile. 

“What is going on here?” Flitwick asks, walking into the middle. 

“Just an argument that's ended,” Ron says before leaving with Theo and his group. 

Flitwick turns to Harry and Draco just as Harry drags Draco away from the hallway. Draco follows along till he hisses in pain, making him stop walking. 

“What's wrong, babe?” Harry says, immediately checking over Draco. 

“My body is starting to hurt,” Draco says honestly. 

Harry frowns as he looks around to see where they're at. He noticed that they're near the library so he leads them to it, but Draco couldn't make it inside. Harry doesn't hesitate as he picks up Draco and carries him the rest of the way. Harry knows Draco has to be in pain if he's not arguing with him about being carried. 

“Dray, how long have you been in pain?” Harry asks, stopping right inside the door. 

“Since lunch, but it was subtle till now,” Draco says into Harry's neck. 

“Why didn't you say anything, baby?” Harry asks once they were in the back of the library. 

“I honestly didn't think about it, I thought it would stay subtle and I just been on the move all with and just thinking,” Draco says as Harry sits him down in a chair. 

Harry sighs as he sits besides Draco and runs his hand through his hair. 

“I'm sorry,” Harry says, rubbing his thumb across Draco’s neck. 

“There's seriously no reason to be apologizing,” Draco says, tracing Harry's scar. 

Harry scans the library before leaning in and kisses Draco. Draco immediately melts into the kiss and winds his arms around Harry's neck. Harry's hands landed on his waist and squeezed a little. Harry only pulls away when he hears Draco's sweet moans. Draco whines as he looks at Harry with wide eyes. 

“I don't want anyone else hearing those beautiful moans of yours, only I'm allowed to hear them,” Harry says, twirling Draco's longer hair around his fingers. 

“Whatever you say possessive bitch,” Draco says fondly. 

Harry just smirks as he leans in again to kiss Draco again. When they pulled apart, they both got a goofy smile on their faces. This time, Draco leans in and captures Harry's lips. 

“As much as I want to continue, you're in pain and we're in public and we're supposed to be hiding our relationship,” Harry says after breaking the kiss. 

“We're not doing a good job at hiding our relationship,” Draco says fondly. 

“Oh, I know. But I did bring us here for a reason,” Harry says. 

“Oh? And what would that be?” Draco asks, resting his chin on his hand with a smile. 

“You're smart and I need help on my homework,” Harry says, turning shy. 

Draco only smiles as he reaches out and squeezes Harry’s hand. 

“Then, let's get to it,” Draco says, grabbing his bag. 

Harry gets his homework out and Draco immediately helps him. He makes sure Harry understands what he's doing before letting the other boy do it himself. While Harry finishes up his homework, Draco does some of his since he's still ahead. Draco finds this peaceful, just the quietness and sitting beside his boyfriend. Harry ended up finishing before Draco, so he just watches Draco finish up his. 

“I'm sorry about what Parkinson said,” Harry says, making Draco tense up for a second.

“It's what it is. No reason to be apologizing, she showed her true colors and I'm done with it and her,” Draco says, putting his stuff away. 

“I don't blame you at all,” Harry says, squeezing Draco's knee under the table. 

“Besides, I got real friends surrounding me and an amazing boyfriend I could ask for,” Draco says, resting his chin on his hand with a smile. 

“Well, your amazing boyfriend is going to continue to protect you and take care of you no matter what,” Harry says. 

“Oh I know he is, he loves saving people, especially me,” Draco says. 

“Who wouldn't?” Harry says with a smirk. 

Before they could say anything else, they heard footsteps coming right up to them. 

“Hey guys,” Harry says, seeing Ron and Luna. 

“Hello, mind if we join you guys?” Luna asks.

“Go ahead, we're going to get in trouble if it stays the two of us,” Harry teases. 

“Ain't that the truth,” Draco says with a smirk. 

Ron just rolls his eyes, clearly knowing something but doesn't say anything as the two of them sit down. 

“Hey Draco, this Hogsmeade weekend and I wanted to know if you would like to join us this time,” Ron says, looking up at Draco. 

Draco's head snaps up, clearly not expecting to be invited to Hosmeade. But then a smile, a small one but Ron will take it, as he nods his head. 

“Yeah, I would like to do that,” Draco says, looking down again. 

“Great! I'll give you more details when it's closer to time,” Ron says happily. 

“Closer to time for what?” A new voice asks. 

“Granger,” Draco says. 

“Hey ‘Mione,” Harry says with a tense smile. 

“Evening. Look about earlier, I didn't mean for it to turn out the way it did,” Hermione says. 

Draco doesn't say anything as he looks down and goes back to his work. 

“Kinda looked like it. I mean, it was three on one, well I guess two on one,” Luna says with a shrug. 

“They were there for back up,” Hermione says. 

“Back up for what? Draco doesn't hit anyone and I know he isn't going to start now. It looked like an ambush to the rest of us and that was really fair for Draco,” Ron says, looking up at Hermione. 

“Just in case. You know how he was in previous years,” Hermione says desperately. 

“So, people can't change?” Harry snaps as he grips Draco's thigh tightly. 

Draco keeps his head down, not knowing what to say during this. It's hurting him, but part of him believes that he deserves it. 

“I didn't say that!” Hermione says. 

“But you implied it,” Luna says. 

“No I didn't,” Hermione says with wide eyes. 

The arguing kept happening and Draco didn't want to hear anymore of it. He quickly packs up his stuff and apparates out of the library to the hallway. He doesn't know where he wants to go, but he just wanted out of the library and away from Hermione. He's still in pain, but not as bad as he has been. He looks around, contemplating where he wants to go. He ends up walking towards the exit so he can get to the lake. 

That way he can get the quiet that he wants and just to get away from people. He doesn't mind the ones close to him but it's the others he wants away from. He quickly makes his way to the lake and lets out a sigh of relief when he makes it to the lake. Draco sits down by the lake and grabs his parchment paper and quill. He's been planning on writing Charlie, so he decides now is the best time to do it. 

Charlie

How's Romania? Happy to be back there? I wish you and Bill didn't live so far away, it's hard with you two being far away. But if you guys are happy, then that is what matters. I hope you're doing okay, I want to hear more about the dragons! As for how I'm doing, I was thinking about leaving Hogwarts, but I'm not sure now after talking to Harry about it. My head is still a mess as you can probably tell. I do have a job offer if I do leave Hogwarts, I don't if you've heard or not. I actually want this job, so if I do stay, I hope they'll hold the position for me till I can get out of here. 

I haven't been attacked, but I'm drained completely. I'm trying to get better at sleeping and eating, but it's so hard. Harry and Ron are trying their best to keep me eating, but they don't want to force me. Maybe Pomfrey could help, but I've seen her enough and she's probably tired of seeing me. I wish you were here to help me figure out what to do, it's like I'm losing my sanity. Saw Granger today, she came to the library when Harry, Ron, Luna who's a Ravenclaw, and I were doing homework. I ended up leaving cause I'm not even sure anymore. I also don't want to be a Malfoy anymore, but I don't know anyone who would let me take their last name. Sorry for the long letter, I just needed to get everything out. Please respond back soon, I need it. 

Draco

Draco makes sure he's content with his letter before folding it up and putting it in his bag with the rest of his stuff. He throws his bag over his shoulder after standing up and starts walking to the courtyard. But he abruptly stops as he spots two tall red-heads at the fountain. 

“Fred! George!” Draco says before running to the two older boys. 

Fred turns around just in time to catch Draco, who jumped on him. Fred immediately wraps his arms around Draco and holds him close. George watches for a minute before taking Draco into his arms. Draco easily latches onto him and hides his face in his neck. No one knows what happened during the war, but right afterward it was over, the three of them have become inseparable. 

“Why are you guys here?” Draco asks as George puts him back on the ground. 

“We told you that we were going to visit you,” Fred starts. 

“And we heard you're thinking about leaving Hogwarts,” George adds. 

Draco loses his smile as he sits on the fountain with the other two sitting on either side of him. 

“If it's about the job offer we gave you, it's going to still be there till you tell us no,” George says. 

“It's not just that. I'm just tired of the fighting that I'm surrounded by here, it's draining. I'm drained mentally and physically,” Draco says, rubbing his eyes. 

“Hey, how about this. Give it till Winter break and it's still not getting better, then don't come back here and stay with us and work with us,” Fred suggests, stopping Draco from rubbing his eyes. . 

“Then we'll be lost without him, but that does sound fair,” A new voice says. 

The trio looks up and sees Ron and Harry stand there. 

“What do you say, Draco?” Ron asks, tilting his head. 

“Let's do that, it sounds like a good plan. Especially with the eighth year not being required,” Draco says with a soft smile. 

“There's our git,” George says, hugging Draco again. 

Draco just smiles slightly before they change subjects. The five of them had a good time till it was getting late and the twins had to leave. Harry grabs Draco's hand and takes him to his dorm. They get changed and Harry practically throws Draco onto the bed, making him giggle. Draco’s giggles stop when Harry attacks his lips, who almost immediately shoves his tongue into Draco’s mouth. 

Draco moans into the miss as his arms wind around the green-eye's neck. 

“Fuck, you make the most beautiful sounds,” Harry says, kissing down Draco's neck as Draco moves his head give Harry better access. 

“You make me feel so good, babe. So fucking much, you have no fucking clue,” Draco says, closing his eyes as his hand grips Harry's hair. 

They continued to make out till Draco's body was showing it was tired. Harry only smiles as he pulls away from Draco to lay down beside him. Draco knows what Harry was silently telling him, so he moved to lay on Harry’s chest. Harry plays with Draco's hair, knowing it would get Draco to sleep the fastest. 

“Get some sleep Draco, stop fighting it,” Harry says, squeezing the back of Draco's neck. 

Draco just huffs in retaliation, letting Harry know just how tired Draco is. Harry only sighs through his nose before kissing Draco's head. Draco scoots closer to Harry's chest and lets sleep take over. Harry smiles when he realizes that Draco has fallen asleep and ends up rubbing Draco's lower back. He can't help but think how he never does get over how beautiful Draco is. In fact, Harry was so occupied rubbing Draco's lower back that he didn't notice Ron walking into the room. 

“He's asleep?” Ron asks, closing the door and making Harry jump a little. 

They freeze as Draco stirs, but doesn't wake up, he just nuzzles more into Harry. 

“Yeah, which I'm glad about. He needs it,” Harry says, glancing down at Draco. 

Ron hums in response as he carefully sits on the bed so he doesn't wake up Draco. They remain silent as they watch Draco peacefully sleep after weeks of not getting any sleep. Harry then looks up at Ron and can tell he's sad about something. 

“Are you okay? I know you're going through a lot with Hermione,” Harry says, staring at Ron. 

“It just fucking sucks that's it. I knew we couldn't stay together because I would think it's toxic to stay together knowing she's shagging Pansy,” Ron says. 

“I'm sorry about that. I really am,” Harry says with sad eyes. 

“It's fine. I think we could be better as friends but it's going to be awhile before I can actually trust her,” Ron says, moving so he can run his hand through Draco's hair, pushing it out of his eyes. 

“No one is against you for doing that, it's okay to keep her at arms length right now, I mean, she did cheat on you for over a year,” Harry says, watching Ron play with a strand of Draco’s hair. 

Harry knows what he's doing to keep him grounded and engaged in the conversation. 

“It just fucking sucks,” Ron says, looking over at Harry. 

“I know,” Harry says before they fall silent again. 

They just sit there and watch over Draco after the blonde starts twitching. But calmed down when Harry took a hold of his hand. So now, Draco is gripping Harry's shirt in a tight grip after relaxing. 

“Would you be mad at Draco if he does leave Hogwarts?” Ron asks suddenly. 

“No, I want him safe and if that's with him leaving Hogwarts then so be it. I also want him to be happy and what I just said implies that as well. Besides, I'll know he'll be in good hands and it's not like we couldn't visit him or owl him,” Harry says, resting his chin on Draco's head. 

“Same here, it's time for him to be happy if that's here with us or at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes,” Ron says with a smile. 

“Your brothers will have him spoiled by the time we get back to him,” Harry says, shaking his head. 

“Right? And Draco would be doing what he loved, which is potions and whatever my brothers have up their sleeves. I have a feeling the three of them together is going to be chaotic,” Ron says with a light chuckle. 

“You think? I think as well, they're all three little pranksters, it's just Draco is more subtle about it,” Harry says fondly. 

“Oh trust me, I know. I've heard stories about Draco helping them with pranks. 

“I believe that completely, I mean, Draco only put on a front for everyone but in private, it was different. 

“I know, I just wish we could go to the past and change things,” Ron says, losing his smile. 

“Me as well,” Harry says, losing his smile as well. 

Chapter Text

Theo and Blaise were lounging on Theo's bed talking when Draco comes into the room in a frenzy with clothes in his arms. 

“I need your help! I don't know what to wear,” Draco says, throwing clothes on Theo's bed. 

“We would love to help!” Theo says happily as he gets up. 

Both him and Blaise immediately dig through the clothes to find the perfect outfit. 

“Blaise! He has purple and blue!” Theo says. 

“Shut up. I basically lived with four Weasleys, they helped me find my true colors and myself,” Draco says with a pout. 

“Adorable,” Blaise says before going back to the clothes. 

The two of them ended up picking out an oversized maroon turtleneck to go with black jeans. To finish the look off, they picked out a black trench coat and a pair of black ankle boots that had some heels to them. 

“Now go get changed so I can get my hands on your hair,” Blaise says, handing Draco the clothes, minus the coat. 

Draco nods his head before rushing off to the bathroom to get changed. When he comes back out, Theo takes him to the full body length mirror. 

“You look amazing,” Theo says, smiling at Draco through the mirror. 

“You two did pick out good clothes, now to do something with my hair,” Draco says, looking up. 

“That's when I come in,” Blaise says, coming up to them. 

Draco nods his head and lets Blaise style his hair, which ends up being a half up and half down little bun with the loose ends framing his face. 

“Amazing,” Draco says. 

“You look amazing before,” Blaise says before he gets tackled into a hug. 

“Thanks for staying,” Draco says into his shoulder. 

The other two immediately knew what he meant, so Blaise hugs back with a smile on his face. 

“Wouldn't have it any other way,” Blaise says, hugging Draco close. 

Theo joins the hug, all of them laughing as they hug one another. For them, it feels like old times before things got bad and things were just good for them. But they eventually break apart with wide smiles on their faces. 

“You two are truly amazing, seriously,” Draco says with a sincere smile. 

“So are you,” Blaise and Theo say in unison. 

“And I still stand when I say I trust you with my life,” Blaise says. 

“That's good to know. And I know Pansy and Hermione asked you to join them at Hogsmeade and I want you to go because I don't want to ruin friendships,” Draco says. 

“I've already told them I'm not going to join them because Dean and Seamus asked me first and I told them I would join them,” Blaise says with a blush. 

“Ooo, someone has crushes?” Theo teases. 

“Like you're any better,” Blaise says, flicking Theo's forehead. 

“Us and Gryffindors,” Draco says fondly. 

“Thinking of them, you better get going before you're too late,” Theo says, checking the time. 

“Shit!” Draco says, throwing on his trench coat. 

Blaise and Theo laugh as Draco runs out of the room after him. Draco just shakes his head as he quickly makes his way to the entrance. When he got close to the entrance, he heard worried voices. He stops for a minute to catch his breath and listens to the voices. 

“Where is he? Shouldn't we have gotten him ourselves? What if he's injured?” Harry says, sounding like he's pacing. 

“Mate, he's a minute late. I'm sure he's about here,” Ron says. 

“Are you sure?” Harry asks. 

“If he's not here in five minutes, we'll look for him, okay?” Luna says. 

“I am here,” Draco says, walking up to them. 

Harry’s eyes immediately are on him and taking him in. 

“Damn mate, you look good,” Ron says. 

“Thanks, I had some help,” Draco says, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“Couldn't have much help cause you look good everyday,” Ron adds, making Draco blush.

“I've never seen you out of black before,” Luna says, staring at the sweater. 

“Yeah, some friends got me it to brighten up my wardrobe,” Draco says, glancing down at himself. 

“Well, those are good friends,” Harry says, holding his arm out. 

Damn Harry and knowing that he's still hurting, especially after running to get here. Draco takes the offered arm and the four of them walk away. 

“Is the nerve damage getting any better?” Ron asks, walking beside Draco. 

“Not really, it's going to take a while till then my body is going to ache from time-to-time,” Draco says with a sigh. 

“Well, just know you can hang off of me whenever Harry ain't around to help you,” Ron says, making Harry smile. 

“Thanks,” Draco says, squeezing Ron’s shoulder. 

They keep the conversation light as they make their way to Hogsmeade.

“Oh! Did you guys hear about who Dean and Seamus invited to Hogsmeade with them?” Ron asks. 

“Yes,” Draco says. 

“No,” Luna and Harry said.

“I know how you know, but they're taking Blaise,” Ron says. 

“Maybe they'll make their move on him because their crush on him is so obvious,” Harry says, subconsciously moving Draco closer. 

Draco went willingly, smiling at the close proximity between him and Harry. He ends up listening to the other three talk, feeling content to just listen to them. Harry sends him glances, clearly making sure he's okay. Instead of responding, he squeezes Harry's elbow to let him know he's okay. Like Harry is in tune with Draco, he gives him a knowing smile. As Luna and Ron were talking, Harry leaned in to whisper into Draco's ear. 

“Do you want me to carry you the rest of the way? I know we're going to do a lot more walking once we get there,” Harry says. 

Draco stops walking, making the others stop as well and nearly making Harry fall, to really think it over before nodding his head. Harry nods his head before turning around and bent down so Draco can jump on. Draco does so and wraps his limbs around Harry as Harry stands right and keeps a good grip on his legs. 

“Are we ready again?” Luna asks. 

“Yep,” Draco says, nodding his head. 

With that, the group, besides Draco, began to walk once again. Draco relaxes against Harry as he feels the pain begin to calm down once again. He doesn't know how much longer this pain is going to stay, he'll need to talk to Pomfrey, who has an appointment tomorrow. Draco must have been really deep in thought because he jumped when Ron spoke up. 

“Sorry Mate, just wanted to let you know we're here and if you wanted to walk or still be carried,” Ron says. 

Draco climbs off of Harry and shoves his hands into his pockets. 

“So, where first?” Draco asks, looking around. 

“Where do you want to go first?” Harry asks, staring at Draco. 

“I guess Honeydukes,” Draco says, looking in that direction. 

Harry only smirks as he holds his arm out again. Draco easily takes it and lets himself be dragged wherever they wanted to go, which started with Honeydukes. It was crowded and Draco felt himself become anxious. Harry keeps him calm by getting Draco to pick out what candy he wanted. 

“You're okay, love?” Harry asks as they leave Honeydukes.

“Yeah, I guess I'm not ready for big crowds. Though I've never been big on being in crowds really,” Draco says, following the others. 

“I can see that at times,” Harry says, leading Draco to the next store. 

“How did Harry notice but not us?” Luna asks curiously.

“Because Harry is obsessed with Draco and has been for years, even though he won't admit it,” Ron says, leading them into the next store. 

“Oh hush it!” Harry says with a pout as he tugs Draco along. 

Draco just laughs quietly as he follows along, not like he has much choice with him holding onto Harry’s arm. This store isn't as crowded so Draco feels at ease as they migrate through. Of course Harry spoils Draco by buying whatever he stared at longer than three seconds much to Draco whining. Harry just hushes him as he checks out and they go on their merry way. After the third store, Harry can tell when Draco is uncomfortable or not. So, when Draco is beyond quiet, Harry keeps him calm as he coaxes him into a little conversation. Draco would just nod his head when a store was crowded, but in a non-crowded store, Draco was more talkative. Well, he was till the sixth store they visited, which alerted everyone. 

“Hey, what's wrong, Ferret?” Ron asks after stopping in front of Draco. 

“Pain, it's coming back strong,” Draco admits. 

“Do you want to leave now and sit down or what?” Luna asks. 

“Lets finish up in this store and then I'll go sit down,” Draco says, looking up. 

As soon as he looks up, they can see the pain written all over his face. 

“Are you sure?” Harry asks, making sure. 

Draco nods his head, so the group quickly finishes up in the store. But at the same time, they were being careful because they didn't want to cause Draco any more pain. After they got what they wanted in the store, they checked out and left quickly. They easily found a bench and sat Draco down. Luna and Harry sit on either side of him as Ron kneels in front of Draco.

“Go shop, I'll be fine. I just need to rest for a few,” Draco says, shooing them off. 

“Draco, are you completely sure?” Ron asks. 

“Yes, go and do some more shopping, I won't be going anywhere else,” Draco says, not wanting to ruin their shopping. 

“If you're sure, and we'll be back before you know it,” Harry promises. 

Draco nods his head which finally got the other three to go along their way. Draco was able to sit there for a little while before he had company. 

“Oh Malfoy, how's the nerve damage?” An annoying familiar voice says. 

Draco rolls his eyes as he stands up to face his company. 

“Leave me alone,” Draco says, crossing his arms across his chest. 

“Or what?” Smith asks with a smirk. 

Draco rolls his eyes again as he starts to walk away. He only got a few steps away before he was hit with a tripping jinx. He hits his head off the bench before being able to catch himself. He looks up at the other two with a glare. 

“What the hell do you want now?” Draco sneers. 

“Nothing, just love to torture you,” Macmillan says with a smirk as he hits Draco with a stinging hex. 

Draco hisses as he gets back on his feet once again just in time to dodge a hex. 

“You know, maybe I should have let that spell go on longer, I would love to see you insane or better yet, completely defenseless,” Smith says. 

“So, you're confessing to using that spell?” A new voice says. 

Macmillan and Smith freezes before slowly turning around to see Draco's friends. 

“Why not? I got away with it,” Smith says, crossing his arms. 

“That's because our brothers didn't know what spell you used and Draco was unconscious to confirm anything, in fact, he never said anything about it,” Fred says. 

Draco can't be more grateful that the twins, Theo, Blaise and his friends decide to show up with his group coming up as well. Macmillan glares at Draco before hitting him with incendio, making the boy tense up again. But George acted quickly and used a counter spell. Draco falls to the ground and curls up in a ball with Harry gathering him in his arms. After that though, Draco doesn't remember a thing. He hears voices and people around him, but he doesn't remember what was said, who was moving around him, what happened to him next. He just knows one minute he was being hit with incendio and the next, he has an angry Pomfrey in front of him. 

“Is fire the new thing people torture others with now?” She asks, throwing her hands up in the air. 

Draco glances to his side at Harry, who's already looking back at him with wide eyes. Draco gives him a small smile as he reaches out and pats Harry's knee as McGonagall speaks up. Of course she's here, why wouldn't she be. 

“I would hope not. Dear, we won't be talking about it today, but we will be talking about what on Earth happened to you today,” McGonagall says, turning her head to Draco. 

“Yes, Minnie. Sorry, Poppy. I know you're tired of seeing me,” Draco says, looking down at his lap. 

“I'm not tired of seeing you, honey. I'm just tired of seeing you hurt,” Pomfrey says with sad eyes. 

Draco gives her a small smile as he takes hold of Harry's hand. Harry easily laces their fingers together before resting them in his lap. He's glad Harry refused to leave when Pomfrey tried to get him to leave. But when Harry's made up his mind, there's no changing it at all. 

“And let me guess, my healing time just got longer,” Draco says. 

“It's nerve damage, love. It has,” Pomfrey says sadly. 

“That's okay, I have people who love to take care of me,” Draco says, sending Harry a look. 

Harry just smirks as he shrugs his shoulders without looking up from his lap. 

“Could the nerve damage be permanent if these attacks don't stop?” Harry asks, finally looking up from his lap. 

“Sadly yes, so I need you to be careful Draco. That's why we told you to stay close to people you trust. This time was luck and I don't know what will happen if you get attacked again,” Pomfrey says. 

“I know, they just get me when I least expect it,” Draco says. 

“Then I'll stay close or nearby or be around Theo or Blaise, I know they want to protect you as well,” Harry points out. 

“Okay,” Draco says with a shrug. 

He sees McGonagall give him a look, which he knows he's not getting off that easily. But for now, they're released and they end up at the lake once again. Harry leans against a tree as Draco curls up to his chest between his legs. They don't say anything as Harry runs his fingers up and down Draco's arm. Draco slowly relaxes against him the longer Harry continues to do it. 

“You okay?” Harry asks, leaving a kiss on Draco's head. 

“I guess? It always drains me after getting attacked. I don't even remember what happened after you gathered me in your arms,” Draco says, tilting his head so he could look at the water. 

Harry leaves another kiss on his forehead before telling him what he had missed. 

“So, I basically went into shock?” Draco asks. 

“Basically,” Harry says, wrapping his right arm tighter around Draco. 

“Hmm,” Draco says, tilting his head to leave a kiss underneath Harry's chin. 

Harry chuckles before leaning down to kiss Draco properly. He feels Draco smile into the kiss as Harry holds Draco closer to his body. Harry breaks the kiss and starts playing with Draco's hair. Draco just watches him softly before going back to gazing at the water. He stays plastered to Harry's front and holds Harry's forearm that is wrapped around his middle. 

“Thanks for being in my life,” Draco whispers. 

“You needed to get up and get food in you so stop trying to kill me with your glare,” Blaise says, hugging Draco. 

Theo laughs from across the table at the sight of Blaise calming a tired Draco.

“You're lucky you're my friend. And I don't need to be watched!” Draco says, turning his glare to Neville. 

Neville, who has been watching him along with Luna, just sends him a smirk. Draco pouts as Theo pushes a plate of food in front of him. 

“You're just as bad as Harry and Ron,” Draco mumbles as he starts eating slowly. 

They all know he's not going to finish all of it, but he's trying so they'll take it. Draco feels someone else look at him, so he looks over his shoulder to see Luna watching him. 

“What in the world do I have? A protection group?” Draco asks, looking back at his friends.

“Yep!” Blaise and Theo said in unison. 

“Merlin help me,” Draco says with a pout. 

“You love and you know it,” Theo says playfully with a playful smirk. 

“Yeah, sure. Whatever you say,” Draco says with a playful smile. 

Theo returns the smile as they go back to eating breakfast. Draco knows they're gonna be watching him today and they prove him right as Draco gets followed by his friends all morning. 

“So, is this going to be an all day thing?” Draco asks as they leave their last morning class. 

“Nope, cause it's our turn after lunch,” A familiar voice says behind Draco. 

Draco turns around and smiles when he sees Harry standing there. 

“Not surprised,” Draco says, putting his hands on his hips. 

“Yeah yeah. Ready for lunch?” Ron asks with a smile. 

“Sure,” Draco says before walking away. 

The others followed him without being told like he was their leader. They know everyone is giving them looks but they could care less at all. 

“Hey, have McGonagall talked to any of you yet about yesterday?” Blaise asks. 

“No, but when she was in the hospital room with us, she said she'll talk to us about it,” Harry says, catching up to Draco, who's losing his speed. 

Once Harry is at his side, Draco takes his elbow. 

“Wonder when she'll gather us up to ask us,” Theo says. 

“I'm sure she will soon, it's McGonagall, she loves to do stuff when we least expect it,” Ron says. 

Harry listens to the conversation behind him, but his attention is on Draco. 

“You okay?” Harry whispers after leaning in. 

Draco looks over at Harry and gives him a small smile. 

“Bad day,” Draco says honestly, squeezing Harry's elbow. 

“If you need to be carried, you know I will,” Harry says with a smile. 

“I know,” Draco says, returning the smile. 

They continue to listen to the conversation behind them, finding the conversation humorous. But they all shut up and stopped talking when McGonagall was standing in front of them. 

“We didn't do anything,” Ron says, linking his arm with Draco's. 

“I would hope not and that's not why I'm here. I'm here to have you guys come to my office,” McGonagall says, looking at all of them. 

“Told you she'll do it when we least expect it,” Ron says, looking back at the other four. 

“Let's go before you get in trouble for what you say,” Harry says, looking around Draco at Ron. 

Ron sticks his tongue out at Harry before following McGonagall to her office. She questioned Theo, Blaise, Luna first then moved onto Neville and Ron. Everyone knows she's letting Harry stay with Draco and going to question them together. 

“Do you think I'm going to get in trouble?” Draco asks as he paces in a circle. 

“You haven't done anything wrong,” Harry says, watching Draco pace in a circle. 

“You never know what the others outside the ones I trust said,” Draco says, looking down at his feet. 

Harry sighs before pulling Draco into his embrace so he's not going in a circle. Draco sighs as he nuzzles his face into Harry's neck. 

“I know, but it's how my mind thinks,” Draco admits. 

“I know, love. I know,” Harry says, rubbing Draco's back. 

“If it means anything, we told the truth so you shouldn't get into any trouble,” Seamus says. 

“Can we know what you said?” Harry asks, still holding a hiding Draco. 

“That Smith and Macmillan was after Malfoy and Macmillan lit him on fire as Fred and George was dealing with Smith and that the two of them kept hitting Malfoy with different stuff like they wanted to hurt him as well as George quickly using a counter spell of incendio to save Malfoy,” Dean says. 

“Thanks for being honest,” Harry says. 

“No problem. We like Malfoy and we're tired of everyone going after him because they know he won't fight back,” Seamus says. 

“Trust me, there's a whole group who feels the same way,” Harry says, rolling his eyes with a smile. 

“Can we join?” Dean asks. 

“Yes,” Harry says. 

“I like you two as well,” Draco mumbles from his hiding spot. 

“Man, so many Gryffindors,” Theo teases as he, Blaise, and Neville join them. 

“What can we say? Draco is a Gryffindor magnet,” Seamus says. 

Harry feels Draco snort into his neck, which makes Harry smile fondly at his lover. 

“I can't even argue with that because it's true,” Theo says, shaking his head with a fond smile.

“Exactly,” Dean says. 

“Are we having a meeting?” Ron asks, coming down the stairs from McGonagall’s office. 

“Yeah, about how Draco attracts the Gryffindors,” Blaise teases. 

“He really does, doesn't he,” Ron says, a smile plastered on his face.

Draco finally removes his face when they hear McGonagall coming down the stairs. 

“And now it's our turn,” Harry mutters under his breath as he lets go of Draco. 

“The sooner you do it, the sooner we can put it all behind us,” Luna says with a small smile. 

Harry returns the smile before his attention is back on Draco. Draco leans against him and waits for McGonagall to call their names. 

“Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy, please come with me,” McGonagall says. 

Harry feels Draco tense up so he reaches out and squeezes Draco's hip.

“We'll see you guys in class, go enjoy lunch cause I don't know how long this will take and you guys need to eat before class,” Harry says to the others. 

They don't wait for a response as they follow McGonagall up to her office. Only for them to stop as soon as they enter the office because they weren't expecting to see Pomfrey and Flitwick behind her desk. 

“Come sit, I don't want to keep you guys here longer than you want,” McGonagall says, sitting down in her chair. 

Draco and Harry share a look before sitting down. As soon as McGonagall asked, they took turns recounting what they knew of what had happened at Hogsmeade. But it was Draco who tried to make it seem like it wasn't a huge deal. 

“It's fine, I'm alive. George immediately took care of the fire before anyone could react. Besides, it was just nonsense they were saying, that's all,” Draco says. 

“Dearie, can you please be honest with us and tell us the truth about everything? We're just worried about you, that's all,” Pomfrey says. 

There must have been something in her tone or her expression because it was what broke Draco. 

“I hate it! Every day I'm in pain because of the attacks, hexes, jinxes! I thought I could handle it but I can't! I'm constantly in fear that I'm going to get hurt, that they're going to kill me! I play it down because I don't want more trouble for me but everything is getting worse! These suicidal thoughts I have are getting worse! I never care what is thrown at me because I want to die! I want to end it all! I want to make everyone happy by ending it all! But I can't, I can't,” Draco bawls into his hands. 

Harry, whose heart is broken for Draco, immediately pulls Draco into an embrace. 

Draco lets out heart-wrenching sobs. They all let Draco cry because they know he needs it. Everyone in that office knew Draco was hurting, just not how badly he was. Harry's comforting embrace calms down Draco, who just realized they're on the floor now. No one says anything, not wanting to hurt Draco anymore. 

“Please don't make me see a mind healer, I don't trust them,” Draco says brokenly. 

That's when it dawns on them that Draco isn't hiding anymore. 

“We won't make you. Would it make it better to see Pomfrey?” Flitwick asks. 

Draco thinks it over before nodding his head before practically trying to climb into Harry's body. Harry smiles fondly as he tightens his arms around Draco, not wanting to let him go with a second. 

“Will I be okay?” Draco asks, clenching Harry's robes. 

“Over time, Dear. Over time,” Pomfrey says, settling tea and snacks down in front of the two boys. 

Chapter Text

Draco doesn't know how long himself and Harry sit on the office's floor, but no one minds it. They just let them sit there as Harry gets Draco to eat his snack and drink his tea. Draco doesn't know what's going to happen now, but he's certain Harry isn't going to let him be alone for long periods of time. 

“Is there anything else?” Harry asks, looking up at the other three. 

“No, you two are free to go. Draco, we'll be in contact if you want to talk,” McGonagall says. 

Draco nods his head as he stands up on shaky legs with Harry's help. Once he was steady enough, that's when the two of them left to originally go to the Great Hall, but ended up in alcove. They sit down and Draco rests his head on Harry's shoulder as Harry runs his hand through Draco’s hair. 

“Are you going to break up with me?” Draco whispers into Harry’s shoulder. 

“Absolutely not, why would I break up with you?” Harry asks, glancing down at his boyfriend. 

“For being depressed, a burden, causing you too much pain that you don't need, for bringing you down, causing more drama and getting more people involved,” Draco says, sitting up straight. 

“Hey, don't say those things, they're not true,” Harry says, moving to sit on the ground between Draco's thighs. 

Draco laces their fingers together like it's his only anchor.

“You're not dragging me down or causing me pain. Everyone who's gotten involved got involved because they care about you. I want to be here with you, and yes you're depressed, but that's not going to make me leave. I'm going to stay at your side till we die. I want to help you with your journey because I love you. You've been through so much and we all could sense something was wrong, but we didn't want to push or pry and just wanted to wait till you came to us with it all,” Harry says, leaning up to kiss Draco's wobbling lips. 

Draco's shaky hands come up and cups Harry's face as he kisses back. Harry only pulled back when oxygen became present.

“Whatever happens, I'm going to be right here for you. We're going to get through this together, I promise,” Harry says. 

Draco nods his head, believing Harry because he loves this boy. He's just too afraid to say it out loud, so he just hugs Harry. Once Draco breaks the hug, they go to the Great Hall where the others are at. Not wanting to let Draco out of his sight, Harry takes Draco to his table. Everyone wants to know what happened, but they wait till they find themselves in the courtyard at night. Draco is sitting beside Ron and resting his head on his shoulder with a far away look. 

“Dray, come back to us,” Harry says, squeezing Draco's knee. 

Harry sits back down on the ground but makes sure he can easily reach Draco if needed to be. 

“Can we know what happened? Or do you want to keep it private?” Dean asks. 

Harry glances up at Draco, who's looking down at him, and quietly asking if he wants to tell them. Draco sits up straighter and tells them about his depression and suicidal thoughts and everything else. By the end, Draco has tears running down his cheeks with Ron and Theo hugging him close. Blaise and Harry are in front of them, resting a hand on Draco's knees. 

“Malfoy, I'm so sorry you're going through this. You have us in your corner still if it means anything,” Seamus says. 

“It really does, you have no ideas. Wait! I need to tell Ron's brothers!” Draco says, growing anxious. 

Harry and Theo share a look before Theo gets everyone to leave as they know Draco is getting anxious. He was coherent enough to say goodbye to them and then noticed it was himself, Ron, Harry alone. Draco really focused on what they were doing and slowly Draco calmed down. 

“I need to tell them, only Charlie knew. The day he was caught leaving my room, that's when I told him. I couldn't hide it from him because he knows about my past with my parents, that they abused me. Bill knows as well and so does Fred and George, especially after they saved me from them,” Draco says, playing with Ron’s fingers. 

Ron reassures Draco as Harry digs out everything Draco needs before handing it to the blonde. Draco takes them and takes a minute to calm down before he starts writing. 

Fred, George, Charlie, Bill

Hey, I need to tell you all something so please read this together. Well, Charlie already knows this, but not fully. Anyhow! Um, I don't know how to say this really but I'm going to try. But, um, I know you all can tell that something has been going on with me and that I'm depressed. Charlie, please fill them in on what I've been telling you please, I don't know how to write it out. I hope this doesn't change anything between us because I need you all in my life, you all are my anchors. 

And, don't worry about me being alone, I know Ron and Harry won't let me. They know as well now, I didn't mean to confess, but McGonagall was questioning us and asking if I could be honest about everything and that broke me to come clean to them including Harry and I had to tell the rest cause they were worried. But I'm okay and going to keep fighting and I need you guys in my corner please? If you don't want to then it's fine because I know it's a lot to handle. I just don't want to lose you guys and I'm afraid that I am losing you guys because of this. But, please let me know very soon somehow, it'll mean a lot to me. 

Draco

P.S. Oh! Did you know I'm a Weasley now? Your mom mailed me telling me I'm a Weasley and her son and that I'm part of the family and she's said if she hears me doubting my place in her family, she'll show up and lecture me. Thanks Charlie. 

After Draco was finished, they went to the owlery and sent the letter before Hermione came by and took Ron. Harry and Draco encouraged him because the two of them are still friends. But being the just of the two of them, they go back to the lake in their normal position. It's obvious Draco is beyond tired and that he's fighting it. 

“We can go to my dorm and sleep,” Harry suggests, moving Draco's hair out of his eyes. 

Draco shakes his head before nuzzling more into Harry's body. Harry laughs fondly as wraps his arms more around Draco's body to keep him close. 

“Okay, we'll stay out here for a little bit longer,” Harry says into Draco's hair. 

Draco smiles as he wraps his arms around Harry’s left arm. 

“Good,” Draco mumbles.

The two of them sit in silence and Harry almost thinks that Draco has fallen asleep till he hears Draco speak. 

“Harry, I've been in love with you since third year. But I have had a crush on you since second year. I've just been too scared to admit that I loved you because I didn't want to be heartbroken if you broke up with me afterwards. I always wanted to be around you, but I couldn't. But now I am and I'm happy about it, despite everything else. I'm not afraid now because you haven't left me after knowing everything. I fucking love you Harry, I fucking do,” Draco says, staring up at Harry with wide with slight worry in them. 

Harry smiles as he cups the side of Draco's face and rubs it back-and-forth. 

“I've been in love with you since third year as well. There has always been something about you that draws me in. I now have you and I'm not going to give you up, you're mine and I'm not going to let anyone take you away from me. I'm so madly in love with you, I want to grow old with you and I'm going to get down on one knee one day and ask you to bring my wife, treat you the way that you should be treated,” Harry promises as he rubs Draco's bottom lip. 

Draco is blushing, but never breaking eye contact with the person who has his heart. He takes Harry's thumb into his mouth and sucks on it all while keeping eye contact with Harry. 

“Such a tease,” Harry says fondly as his thumb slips out of Draco's mouth. 

“You love me though,” Draco says, moving so his head is over Harry’s heart. 

“You have no idea,” Harry says, holding Draco close. 

“Wait, you said you had a crush on me since fourth year,” Draco says. 

“Yeah, that was before George and I sat down and he made me really think about it, but I never gave him a name,” Harry says. 

“The twins are smart, even though some might think otherwise,” Draco mumbles into Harry's bicep. 

“Wait. Do I have to be concerned about you leaving me for the Weasleys?” Harry asks. 

“Maybe, maybe not,” Draco teases. 

Harry can feel Draco smiling so he tickles Draco's sides for a minute. 

“I hate you,” Harry says with a laugh, pulling Draco back to his original position. 

“Love you too,” Draco says before yawning. 

“Words can't describe how in love I am with you,” Harry says, rubbing Draco's side. 

Draco leaves a chaste kiss on Harry's chest as he wraps himself around Harry's arm. This time when they fall silent, Draco has fallen asleep against Harry and doesn't wake up till the morning and still against Harry's chest. Draco lays there for a few before glancing up at Harry, who's sleeping soundly. Draco can't help himself as he leans up and kisses Harry’s neck. Harry grumbles as he tightens his arms around Draco before blinking his eyes open. 

“Morning,” Harry grumbles, leaning down to kiss Draco's forehead. 

Draco himself with a content smile as he nuzzles into Harry's chest. 

“Slept well?” Harry asks, rubbing Draco's lower back. 

“Best sleep I've gotten in a while,” Draco says.

“Can we talk about your sleeping habits and eating habits? I know you're trying to get better at it, but I just wonder if you can tell me how it all started?” Harry asks, trying to be careful how he says it because he doesn't know how to ask. 

Draco sits up, making Harry sit up as well and move so he's facing Draco. Draco grabs Harry's hand and tells him from the beginning how he got his disorders. When he was finished, Draco can tell Harry wanted to murder his parents. But he calms down and pulls Draco into his embrace. 

“I wish I knew that this was happening and I would have gotten you out of that hell hole a lot sooner,” Harry says, running his hand through Draco's hair. 

“Charlie and Bill say the same thing and like I told them, it would have gotten you killed and I wouldn't have lived with myself if you guys got killed,” Draco says, gripping Harry's shirt. 

Harry just sighs because he knows that Draco is right. 

“I know, but I still fucking hate that I couldn't even do anything to save you,” Harry says, hugging Draco close. 

“It's in the past now and I'm safe. Bill and Charlie kept me safe when everyone was against me and now I got you, Ron, and the others here when everyone else is against me,” Draco says, looking up at Harry. 

“I guess you're right,” Harry says with a sigh as he kisses Draco’s forehead. 

They would love to stay like this for the whole day, but they know they have to get up. Reluctantly, Harry is the one who gets up first and dragging Draco, who's grumbling the whole time, along with him. 

“Come on you big baby, we do have classes today and if we don't get a move on, we're going to have our friends dragging us out of here,” Harry says, handing Draco his clothes for the day. 

Draco only rolls his eyes as he starts to get changed after Harry turns around to give him privacy. Once they are done, they share a few more kisses thanks to Harry, who can't get enough of Draco’s enticing lips, before they leave for the Great Hall to breakfast. They enter the Hall and go to their separate table, which Draco is slightly shocked to see Hermione cause she hasn't sat with them for awhile. But he doesn't think much as he joins his friends at their table. 

“Good morning, slept with Potter again?” Theo asks as he puts food on Draco's plate. 

It's not when Blaise, who's sitting across from them, bursts out laughing and Draco's red face for Theo to realize what he said. 

“I didn't mean it like that,” Theo grumbles, passing Draco his plate. 

“Oh, I know what you meant,” Blaise says with a smirk. 

“Oh shut it you prat,” Theo says, no heat in his voice. 

“Yes, I slept with Harry last night. And get your head out of the gutters, Blaise,” Draco says playfully. 

“I do have to admit, I'm quite shocked to see Granger with them after she's been avoiding them for a few weeks now,” Blaise says. 

“You're right. Maybe they got everything straightened out and fixed everything,” Theo says, looking over at the Gryffindor table. 

The other two do the same, curiously watching them laugh and have a good time together. After a couple of minutes, Blaise turns the attention to Draco and how he's doing. Draco answers them honestly as he starts to feel someone staring at him. He glances up to see Harry staring at him while talking to Ron. Draco sends him a wink before going back to his friends like Harry has done. Only for him to jump violently when he hears Granger yell about something, which got everyone to stare at the Gryffindors. 

“No way! That's a lie!” She yells.

Harry and Ron look away as Dean tries to calm down Hermione. 

“‘Mione, you're causing a scene, calm down please,” Dean says. 

Hermione looks around before clicking her tongue and crossing her arms across her chest. 

“It's not a lie,” Ron says, looking off to the side. 

“I would have known! It's not hard to figure it out,” She grumbles. 

“That's not true and you know it, plus, you're never around him so how would you?” Harry asks, growing annoyed. 

“Whatever, I bet he's doing it for attention,” She says, rolling her eyes. 

“He's not. How dare you accuse him of that,” Neville snaps with narrowed eyes. 

That got Hermione to stop and think about her actions. She glances over at Draco, who's under Theo’s protective arm. She shivers at the glares from Draco's friends before turning to face her friends. 

“He heard everything, didn't he?” She asks. 

“The whole fucking Hall did,” Harry says with a sneer. 

Hermione turns around again and notices Draco was gone. No one knows exactly when he left nor where he got off to. Harry just growls before storming off to hunt down his boyfriend, ignoring Hermione’s pleading for him to come back. He doesn't listen and ends up running through the halls to check all of Draco’s favorite hiding spots, but doesn't find him anywhere. He starts to really panic the longer his boyfriend isn't anywhere to be found. He goes down another hallway and stops in his tracks. He found Draco, who's not alone like Harry had thought. 

“Molly,” Harry breathes out. 

Draco, Molly, McGonagall look at him while Draco gives him a weird look. Harry runs up to Draco and wraps him into a warm embrace. 

“You okay?” Draco whispers into Harry's ear. 

“Mhmm, just looking for you,” Harry says into Draco's neck. 

The two women let them have their moment till Harry turns his attention to them. 

“Molly, not that you're not welcome, but what are you here?” Harry asks. 

“I heard about everything about Draco and I wanted to see him in person, McGonagall is the one who took him out of the Hall during Hermione’s angry moment, anyhow, McGonagall did because I wanted to let Draco know that if he needs anything to let me know because I'm his guardian, even though he's old enough to not have one,” Molly explains. 

“I love that, really,” Draco says with a small smile. 

“That's good, I was hoping you would like that idea. I would have owl you, but I then wanted to see your reaction to it. But how are you doing Harry, Ron?” Molly asks, seeing Ron a few steps behind Harry. 

“Doing good, mom,” Ron says, standing on Draco's other side. 

“He's right, just having fun taking care of this one,” Harry says, pointing at Draco. 

Draco sends him a playful glare as he clings to Ron's arms. 

“I'm happy to hear that. Oh! Bill and Charlie are moving back here. They both found jobs they liked here and they took them because they wanted to be close to home again,” Molly says. 

“That's amazing, I missed them being around more,” Ron says happily. 

“I agree. They just have a few more things to do, but they'll be officially moved back by Winter break,” Molly says. 

“So, a month left,” Ron says. 

“A month left till all my boys are closer to home, including you three. Which reminds me, Draco dearie, are you going to visit your mother during Winter break?” Molly asks. 

“I'm not sure, I don't know where she's at,” Draco says with a shrug. 

“If anything, come stay with us. You're of this family and we want you at that house with us,” Molly says. 

“Thank you for the offer, I'll think about it but I'll most likely come. I do like you all,” Draco says shyly. 

“Never thought I would hear you say that,” Ron says playfully. 

“Sure about that? You're going to be the next one Draco is going to get in a scandal with,” Harry says playfully. 

“Let it happen, I don't mind one bit,” Ron says, wrapping himself around Draco. 

“Okay you two, go enjoy your Sunday,” McGonagall says with a smile. 

“Yes, ma'am,” Harry says before dragging Draco away, who drags Ron with him. 

Harry eventually lets go of Draco once he knows Ron has a grip on him. Oddly enough or not, Harry doesn't feel jealous. Mainly because he already talked to Ron about how he feels about Draco along with what Draco told him last night. He loves how close the two of them have gotten instead of at each other's throat. He loses his smile when Hermione stops them. 

“Harry, can we please talk?” Hermione asks with pleading eyes. 

Harry doesn't say anything at first, only gripping Draco's jumper. 

“Go Harry, she's still your friend,” Draco whispers into his ear. 

Harry groans before agreeing to go with Hermione, leaving Draco in Ron's care. 

“They're going to be fine, right?” Draco asks as the duo start walking again. 

“I honestly don't know, she's only making things worse for herself,” Ron says, leading the way to the courtyard. 

“Sorry if I'm the one causing trouble,” Draco says sadly. 

“You're not, people are just being stupid,” Ron says, pulling Draco into a side hug. 

They finished their journey to the fountain and sat down side-by-side. 

“So, does your mom “adopting” me make us brothers?” Draco asks, leaning his head on Ron's shoulder. 

Ron laughs as he lazily wraps an arm around Draco's shoulders. 

“You now have my last name, that makes us brothers if you really don't have my last name along with the adoption not actually happening. But I yeah, we're brothers now thanks to my mom adopting you,” Ron says, resting his head on top of Draco's. 

“I think it mainly thanks to Charls,” Draco says. 

“Yeah? How so?” Ron asks curiously. 

“I told him about me not wanting to be a Malfoy anymore, plus the letter I sent to your brothers,” Draco says. 

“Yeah, probably his doing then,” Ron says with a smile. 

Their conversation runs there by an owl pecking at Draco's leg. 

“Yeah, yeah,” Draco says, taking the letter from the owl's leg. 

“It's from… Fredo,” Draco says, making Ron burst out laughing at the name. 

Draco smiles as he sits up and opens up the letter to read it properly. 

Storm, 

I hate to hear you're going through all of this. Is there anything we can do to help you? I know we said to wait till Winter break to leave or not, but if you want to leave before things get worse, just let us know and we'll get you out of there in a heartbeat. You mean the world to us and we'll do anything to keep us safe, we all do love you don't ever forget that!

Also, welcome to being a Weasley!!! It's a blast being a Weasley and you'll love it! Wait, that makes me your older brother! Hell yes, you're definitely getting spoiled more. I don't care what anyone else says, I'm going to make it happen. But take care and you better mail us back soon, if not we'll just come to check you

Love ya! 

Fred

Draco smiles before letting the other two, Harry come when Draco was reading, read the letter as well. 

“You really don't have a normal nickname, do you?” Harry asks fondly as he hands Draco his letter back. 

“No,” Draco says, shaking his head as he puts his letter away.

“Did you and Hermione make up?” Ron asks, hanging off Draco. 

“For now. I just wish she would look at the pain she's causing to all of us. It's getting bad enough that others are starting to catch on,” Harry says. 

“I think we all were just surprised at her outburst. I know it was about me, but it was more surprising than anything, I think,” Draco says.

“I'm sorry Dray, we tried to calm her down. She regretted once she realized what she had done. But I still don't think it's fair she apologized to me instead of the one she has hurt. It doesn't make sense,” Harry says, playing with Draco's hair. 

“You're her friend, I'm not,” Draco says. 

“Doesn't matter, it's not fair at all,” Harry says. 

“I know but it is what it is,” Draco says. 

“Hey, at least the three of us got each other,” Ron says, wrapping his arms around the couple. 

Harry laughs before returning the hug, squishing Draco in the middle. Draco doesn't complain, just huffs as he wraps his arms around theirs. 

“That is true, we do have one another,” Draco agrees. 

The two Gryffindors share a look over Draco's head before leaving a kiss to Draco’s cheeks. Draco blushes, but accepts his fate between them. 

“You two are lucky you're my friends,” Draco mumbles, still squished between the other two. 

“Yeah, or we'll definitely be dead by now,” Harry says fondly. 

Draco only rolls his eyes as the other two break their hug. That's when it starts pouring so Ron picks up Draco bridal style and runs with Harry to Ron's room. Draco can only hold on tightly, not afraid that Ron would drop him, just in case he slips. But Ron has a good grip on him so he's not all that worried. When the three of them collapse on the bed, Draco ends up giggling at everything that had just happened. The other two stare down, since they are kneeling on the bed, at him fondly, happy that Draco is giggling and laughing despite everything that's happening in his life. 

“So adorable,” Ron mumbles, settling down on his knees. 

“He always has been, he's just been hiding it,” Harry says, running his hands through Draco's hair. 

Draco sends them a smile, but they all know it's not going to last and this journey is just beginning. 

Chapter Text

“Harry, you need to calm down before you murder the Hufflepuff with your glare,” Ron says, dragging Harry away from the hallway.

“He’s shit talking Draco! How am I supposed to be calm?” Harry snaps as he storms off a little.

“I know, but if you go after and do something then you’ll be the one in trouble and can’t protect Draco because you have detention or something,” Ron reasons.

Harry clicks his tongue as he crosses his arms across his chest and looks away from his friend. Harry knows that Ron is right, but at the same time, he wants to protect his lover from all this backtalk.

“Fine, I won’t blast them into the next week. But if it doesn’t stop, I can’t promise that I won’t do anything. Draco is mine and I’m fucking beyond over all this shit happening to him because of the war. Hell, you forgave him and he was the worst to us and now look at us, we’re friends with him and know the real Draco instead of the one he was pretending to be,” Harry grumbles as he goes back to looking at Ron.

“Mate, are you okay? You’ve been angry all week and snapping at everyone,” Ron says with sad eyes.

“I’m not aiming to, I’m just getting pissed off at everyone who’s only causing more trouble on top of being worried about Draco because of what he’s going through and to me, it seems like he’s getting worse and I don’t know how to help him,” Harry says, leaning against the wall.

“Just be there for me and do what you keep doing which is waiting for me to talk,” A voice says from beside them.

The two of them widen their eyes before looking to the side and see Draco standing there with his arms crossed across his chest.

“Hey Ferret,” Ron says with a smile.

“Hey mon étoile,” Draco says, giving Ron a smile in return.

“You know I didn’t mean anything against what I had said against you, right?” Harry asks, worry laced in his voice.

“I know, I always know when you mean something or not. Especially if you’re mad like you’re now,” Draco says with an arched eyebrow.

Harry blushes as he looks away from everyone with a pout plastered on his face, making the other chuckle fondly at him. 

“Anyhow, what got you all mad this time?” Draco asks, tilting his head to the side.

“A Hufflepuff talking shite about you,” Ron says with a shrug.

“What’s new, it’s everyone’s favorite thing to do nowadays, especially with everyone knowing that I’m friends with you guys,” Draco says, rolling his eyes. 

“You shouldn’t be going through this though,” Ron says, squeezing Draco’s elbow.

“Don’t I though? I mean, I was on the wrong side of the war and I had him living under my roof along with me being a git for years,” Draco says with a shrug.

“Everyone deserves a second chance, including you, and you have changed. Trust me, we’ve seen the change. Hell, you’ve literally given up your last name to get rid of your family and become a Weasley and we know you wouldn’t be one like five or four years ago,” Harry says, not liking how Draco is talking about himself.

Draco just shrugs his shoulders, so Harry growls before gripping Draco’s wrist and drags him away.

“Harry!” Draco says while Ron says: “Bye?”

But Harry ignores both of them as he drags Draco away. Draco tries to get him to stop, but Harry doesn't till they're in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. Harry yanks Draco in front of him so he's pinned between himself and the sinks. 

“What-?” Draco starts but gets cut off by a rough kiss. 

Draco's eyes widen for a fraction of a second before he closes them. His arms wrapped around Harry’s neck, whose hands had gripped possessively around his waist. 

“You don't fucking deserves any of the shit that you have been through, none of it,” Harry says, kissing down the blonde's neck as his hands undo Draco's robes and shirt. 

Harry pulls back from Draco as he runs his hands down his front. 

“Fuck, I need you. Now,” Harry says, dropping to his knees. 

“Wait, we got classes,” Draco says, gripping Harry’s hands at his belt. 

“Screw class,” Harry says with a smirk. 

Draco loses his battle all because his boyfriend is sexy on his knees and the look on his face. Draco moves his hands out of the way and nods his head. 

“Good boy,” Harry mumbles as he focuses on undoing Draco's pants and pulls them down mid-thigh along with his briefs. 

Draco's member hits Draco's stomach before Harry grips it, making his lover hiss. 

“So beautiful,” Harry says, pumping his hand from the base to his leaking tip. 

“All hard and wet for me already. Are you that needy? Want me to make you feel good?” Harry asks, never losing eye contact with Draco. 

“Fuck, Harry. Yes, please. Make me feel good. I wanna be good for you, daddy,” Draco begs, clenching the edge of the sink. 

But his eyes widened when he realized what he has called Harry, who's just smirking up at him. 

“Don't worry, daddy will make you feel good,” Harry says, leaving a kiss on Draco's thigh. 

Draco moans loudly when Harry easily takes him down fully, not wasting a single second. 

“Harry! Fuck!” Draco tells, hands tangling into Harry’s hair. 

Harry focuses on Draco and Draco alone, getting off on the sounds of pleasure coming from him. Draco tries to thrust into Harry's wet cavern, but Harry's grip on his hips prevents him. Draco loses himself in pleasure and ends up not having time to earn Harry he's coming. Harry swallows everything and continues to suck till Draco starts whimpering. When Harry pulls off, Draco sits in his lap and starts grinding against Harry. 

“Can I suck you, daddy?” Draco whispers into Harry’s neck. 

“You can do whatever you want,” Harry says, guiding Draco back-and-forth. 

“Dangerous thing to say,” Draco says before sliding between Harry's legs. 

“Oh trust me babe, the things daddy wants to do to you is beyond your imagination, so do your worst, I don't care one bit,” Harry says, rubbing his thumb across Draco's bottom lip. 

“With pleasure,” Draco says with a smirk. 

“You're alive,” Ron teases as Harry and Draco walk into potions class. 

“We had matters to tend to,” Harry says, crossing his arms across his chest. 

“I can only imagine,” Ron says with a mysterious smirk. 

Draco arched an eyebrow, suspicious about Ron knowing more than he's leading on. Draco opens his mouth to question him, but Hermione cuts him off. 

“Malfoy,” She says, walking up to the table. 

Ron scoots closer to Draco as Harry grips Draco's robes as they watch Hermione. 

“Yeah?” Draco asks, crossing his arms across his chest. 

“About what I said the other day, I didn't mean it. I was just shocked, that’s it, I mean, yeah,” Hermione says, rubbing the back of her neck. 

“It's fine,” Draco says with a shrug. 

“Draco!” Ron and Harry said, not wanting him to brush this off. 

“You mean it?” She asks hopefully. 

“It's whatever, just don't expect our friendship to be saved though. I've been hurt enough and it's time I stop letting everyone just use me for their benefits,” Draco says. 

“I never had!” Hermione says. 

“The rumor about me and Charlie?” Draco asks, arching an eyebrow. 

“That was one time!” She says defensively. 

“So, you're not behind the one about me shagging Fred and George now?” He asks. 

“I needed people to stop talking about Ron and I breaking up,” Hermione says. 

“You cheated and he broke up with you, you had it coming,” Draco says. 

“It's not fair though!” She says. 

“And it's not fair to make Draco out as a slut who will spread his legs for anyone,” Ron snaps. 

“Ron-,” Hermione starts but Harry cuts her off. 

“You apologized, he forgave you, now drop it,” Harry says, not looking for a fight. 

“But-,” She starts again, but Ron cuts her off. 

“No buts, just stop looking for a fight. We broke up, you can have Parkinson all to yourself and make it public now, there's no fucking reason to hide it now,” Ron says. 

Hermione looked like she wanted to say more, but she ended up walking away. The two Gryffindors sigh before looking down at the quiet Slytherin. Draco is looking down, playing with his fingers, clearly looking upset. 

“You want to leave?” Ron asks, resting a hand on Draco's back. 

Draco shakes his head no, not wanting to talk right now. The two Gryffindors respect his choice of not talking and talk amongst themselves. Eventually though, Draco joins the conversation once he gets his emotions in check. 

“Do George and Fred care that they got in a scandal with me?” Draco asks, looking up at Ron. 

“Hell nah, they find it amusing and like Charlie, they feel honored to be in a scandal with you,” Ron says, ruffling Draco's hair. 

Draco grumbles as he swats Ron's hand away from his hair. Ron only smirks as he uses both hands to mess up Draco's hair, which Draco tries to get him to stop all the while Harry watches fondly. They only stopped messing around because class was beginning. Slughorn tells them what they were going to do for the class before putting everyone in pairs. Ron and Draco ended up being paired, which they were happy with but sad cause Harry wasn't with them. Ron and Draco get to their table and start a plan of action.

“I'm so glad to be with you cause potions is not my strongest suit,” Ron says, shaking his head. 

“Oh trust me, I know,” Draco teases with a playful smile. 

Ron playfully shoves Draco with a laugh as they go back to the project. 

“If we're being honest, I'm happy to be working with you as well,” Draco says, carefully going over the instructions. 

“Yeah?” Ron says happily. 

“Yeah, you are fun to be around,” Draco says as he shyly looks over at Ron. 

“If it means anything, you're fun to be around as well,” Ron says, carding his fingers through Draco's hair. 

Draco leans into the touch, melting under Ron's touch till Harry throws a paper ball at them to get them back to reality. Ron secretly flips him off before listening to what Draco tells him to get. It ended up with Ron getting half and Draco getting the other half. While Draco was getting his half, he jumps before realizing who brush their hands across his waist. 

“Were you jealous there, Potter?” Draco asks with a smirk. 

“Hush it,” Harry says, kicking Draco slightly. 

Draco chuckles as he looks around before leaning in to whisper into Harry’s ear. 

“I'm yours, daddy,” Draco whispers, making Harry blush. 

“Good,” Harry mumbles with a smirk as he squeezes Draco's waist. 

Draco rolls his eyes as he finishes up collecting what he needed. He gives Harry a wink before making his way back to his table. He spots a fifth year Ravenclaw walking away from his table, Draco just shrugs because he can't prove if they were at his table or not. When he approaches his table, he waits for Ron to come back. Ron comes back a minute later and lays everything on the table. 

“Well, are we ready to begin?” Ron asks curiously. 

“Yeah,” Draco says, looking at the instructions again. 

They begin their work and they do well and follow each step exactly. But just as they start the stirring that when it turns horrible. The whole classroom hears the boom before the blood curling scream. Harry, who was at the table behind Ron and Draco, saw both boys go down. Harry rushes to Draco as Hannah rushes to Ron. Harry's heart beats faster when he sees the nasty burning on Draco's neck that goes down. But it seems like that's not Draco's worried. 

“Ron!” Draco yells as Harry keeps him from rushing to his friend. 

“I'm fine, you pushed me out of the way. I only got slight burns on my left side,” Ron says getting to Draco. 

“Oh my Merlin, Ms. Granger go get Madam Pomfrey. The rest of you, leave. Class is over,” Slughorn says, eyes never leaving Draco. 

Harry, Hannah, Ron stay as the others do what they were told and Slughorn waits till everyone leaves before speaking to Draco. 

“Mr. Malfoy, where does it hurt at?” Slughorn asks. 

“It's not Malfoy anymore,” Draco breathes out. 

“He took my last name,” Ron says, squeezing Draco's knee. 

“Okay, where does it hurt at, Mr. Weasley?” Slughorn asks. 

That's when it dawns on Draco that he doesn't hurt. 

“No where,” Draco says. 

“It could be the adrenaline,” Harry says. 

“How bad is it?” Draco asks, turning his head. 

He yells in pain when he feels the pain from the turn. 

“Don't move, Dray. And it's bad,” Harry says. 

“My nerve damage, there's no way this is going to be good,” Draco says, gripping Harry's and Ron’s hands that were on his knees. 

“Hey, whatever happens, we're going to help you through it,” Ron promises, squeezing Draco's hand. 

“Okay, and professor,” Draco says, slowly blinking his eyes. 

“Yeah?” Slunghorn asks.

“It's starting to hurt,” Draco says, tearing up. 

“What's-, oh my goodness, what happened?” Pomfrey says, seeing the mess as she rushes to the injured. 

“Some fifth year Ravenclaw went by their table, which I didn't think much about. But then their cauldron blew up and Draco pushed Ron out of the way, which led to Ron getting some burns on his left side, but Draco got the worse,” Hannah explains. 

“I see,” Pomfrey says before immediately getting to work. 

She gets them to where they could be taken to the Hospital Wing without too much pain. So, Harry carefully picks up Draco and takes him to the Wing with Ron following suit. He would have stayed with them, but Pomfrey made him leave just in case something happened. Pomfrey then gets back to work and takes care of their burns. Luckily Ron just had slight burns, but Draco was slightly concerning. Draco waits till she was putting on bandages on his neck to ask his dying question. 

“Poppy, what about my nerve damage?” Draco asks, clenching Ron's hand. 

Pomfrey sighs and uses her magic to check over Draco, only to finish with a frown. 

“I'm sorry dear, but these burns were severe and it did cause permanent nerve damage due to the unhealed injuries,” Pomfrey says. 

Draco's eyes widen as he tightens his hand around Ron's to the point he almost breaks it. But Ron doesn't care as he squeezes back almost just as tightly. 

“Can I finish the school year? Or what's going to happen with that? Am I going to have to leave?” Draco asks with wide eyes. 

“Dearie, you'll finish the school year, just use minimal magic as possible and try to be extra careful along with getting enough rest. But for now stay here and I'll get you two cream for your burns,” Pomfrey says, standing up. 

Ron watches her leave before he has an armful of Draco, who broke down. Ron holds him protectively as he finally lets everything out. 

“Just let it all out,” Ron says, rubbing Draco's back, side, head as Draco cries into his chest. 

When Pomfrey came back, she stood to the side and laid the cream down beside Ron before leaving again. 

“Everything is going to be okay,” Ron whispers as he fights back tears. 

It breaks his heart seeing Draco like this as he doesn't know how to help but reassure Draco. All he knows is that he's going to protect Draco better and keep a closer eye on everything around them. He doesn't like seeing Draco like this and knows he's going to ask for help from his brothers. Especially knowing how close he is to them and they're not going like when they learn about this incident. But right now, Ron only focuses on the crying blonde in his arms. 

“I-I'm sorry,” Draco says through sobs into Ron's chest. 

“I don't mind, just let it all out. You held it all in for too long,” Ron says into Draco's hair. 

So, Draco does, he lets everything out till there's nothing left. Even when he's done crying, he doesn't pull away from Ron. Ron doesn't let him go either, letting the blonde compose himself. It's only when Draco has composed himself that Pomfrey comes back. She gives them directions on the cream before checking in on Draco, like she has been once a week. Draco just shrugs, not wanting to talk about not right now. Pomfrey understands and dismisses them along with dismissing them from the rest of their classes. As they were leaving, she stops Ron before he walks out the door. 

“Take care of him, please,” Pomfrey says. 

“Don't worry, I will. Promise,” Ron promises with a smile. 

Pomfrey nods her head as she watches Ron leave behind Draco. When the door closes, Ron wraps an arm around Draco and takes him to the lake. Ron keeps an eye out for anyone or anything that could cause Draco harm. 

“So protective,” Draco teases as he crosses his arms across his chest. 

“Oh hush it. Someone has to,” Ron says, keeping Draco close to his side. 

“I do appreciate it, I honestly do. I'm not used to it so teasing it is all I can do,” Draco says with a smile. 

“I don't mind, your teasing doesn't bother me,” Ron says as he summons a blanket. 

They lay it out on the ground before they sit down on it. 

“Yeah because you tease me right back,” Draco says, getting comfortable against Ron's side. 

“Wouldn't be us if we don't banter,” Ron says with a playful smirk. 

Draco rolled his eyes as Ron wrapped an arm around him again. 

“Sorry that you got hurt,” Draco says, laying his head against Ron's shoulders as he states at the lake. 

“It's not your fault, I hate that you got injured and now have permanent nerve damage,” Ron says, carefully petting Draco’s head. 

“I knew it was going to end up like this, I mean look at my track record,” Draco says with a chuckle. 

“It shouldn't have to be like this,” Ron says with a sigh. 

“I know. If anything, I could still leave. But I do want to finish my education,” Draco says. 

“Well, you got Harry and I here to protect you even though we're not doing good at it,” Draco says, looking back at Ron. 

“Good to know,” Ron says with a smile. 

They fall silent as they watch the lake move in the wind. They ended up sitting at the lake for a while and would have stayed longer, but Draco started to shiver. 

“Come on, let's go inside. I don't want you getting sick on top of everything,” Ron says, rubbing Draco’s arms. 

Draco grumbles, since he was very comfortable, but knows that Ron was right. So, he lets out a sigh before standing up with Ron following suit behind him. Draco turns around and watches Ron take care of the blanket before holding his arm out. 

“Still need help walking?” Ron asks sincerely. 

Draco gives him a small smile before accepting his arm and lets Ron lead him back into the castle. They should have known they were going to get asked after the accident as soon as they entered the Great Hall. They ignore everyone as Draco is taken to the Gryffindor’s table.

“What did Pomfrey say?” Harry asks, concern laced in his voice. 

“I have permanent nerve damage and to be careful, I can finish the year, and overall just be careful,” Draco says once Blaise and Luna and Theo made it to the table. 

“I'm sorry, mate,” Neville says, rubbing Draco's shoulder carefully. 

“It's fine, and no need to apologize, not your fault,” Draco says before eating a little of his food. 

They leave them alone, not wanting to push them too far and having them mad. Draco tries to eat more but ends up just being able to eat a little. Even Ron didn't have his normal appetite tonight with everything that had happened. Draco ends up wrapping his leg around Harry's under table to keep him relaxed, which got him a smile in return. 

“I am glad you two are okay, it wasn't a pretty scene,” Harry says. 

“Thanks and it was scary when it happened and how badly Draco got burnt. But right now, our focus is on just healing and getting done with this year,” Ron says. 

“Right and Draco can leave whenever he wants,” Harry points out. 

“Really!?” Dean asks in shock. 

“Yeah, I have a back up plan,” Draco says with a sad smile. 

“Ron!” Hermione says coming up to the table. 

Draco resists rolling his eyes as he continues his conversation with Dean. Well, that is till Ron storms out of the Great Hall as Harry distracts Hermione. 

“I gotta go, sorry Dean,” Draco says, standing up. 

“It's fine, go,” Dean says with a smile. 

Draco gives a small smile in return before running to catch up with Ron. He found Ron waiting for him, like he knew he was going to come. 

“You knew, didn't you?” Draco asks, taking Ron’s arm. 

“Yeah, want to go to an alcove?” Ron asks. 

“Yeah,” Draco says, nodding his head. 

With that, Ron leads the way and finds an alcove. But they stop in their tracks when they see Theo on his knees blowing Neville. Luckily they don't see them as they're in their own world. They quickly left and found another alcove that was vacant. They sit down and just enjoy the silence for a minute till Draco breaks it. Draco doesn't know why he says what he said but he felt like he should. 

“Harry and I are in a relationship,” Draco says, looking away from Ron. 

“I know,” Ron says, making Draco turn back to him with wide eyes. 

“How?” Draco whines. 

“Just how you two have been acting and haven't been that subtle. I wanted to wait for you guys to tell me, that's why I didn't say anything. Also, I'm happy for both of you, you guys are good for each other and adorable together,” Ron says with a shrug. 

“Thanks Ron, honestly,” Draco says, squeezing Ron's knee. 

“No problem. And while we're confessing, Luna and I are seeing each other. We're not together officially cause she's letting me heal, but we're seeing each other. She's truly amazing and sweet,” Ron says, looking at his knees. 

“That's amazing, Ron. You deserve to be happy,” Draco says with a sweet smile. 

“So do you,” Ron says, pulling Draco into his arms. 

“So I've been told on multiple occasions,” Draco says into Ron's shoulder. 

“It's the truth though,” Ron says as he starts playing with Draco's hair. 

They once again fall into silence and Draco can feel the tiredness in his body. He tries to stay away, but he ends up falling asleep against Ron's chest. Ron smiles softly as he continues to play with Draco's hair. That's where they stay till Harry finds them a couple hours later. He smiles fondly at them before waking them up so they could lay down in an actual bed. Draco ended up having to be carried because he wasn't doing anything but falling asleep while standing. Harry carries him to the Gryffindor Tower with a tired Ron following suit. 

“Night,” Ron says when they reach his door. 

“Night,” Harry and Draco say. 

Harry waits till Ron is in his room before going to his. He lays Draco down before getting them clothes and changes them both. But no sooner Harry gets comfortable, Draco lays on him and falls back to sleep. 

“I love you, Dray,” Harry mumbles before falling asleep himself.