Malfoy's face visibly relaxed. He was listening. Harry had no idea if talking about his case would hurt or help, but he was listening.
                              
"Cause I jumped there without backup. Aurors go in pairs. Fuckers even brushed off the fact that you would have died if I hadn't, like it wasn't a big deal. DEK probably still could have Apparated out, even if I did wait. He was ready and quick. Exit prepared. But... I... I didn't cast a vitals spell on you... and you nearly died. I'm sorry for that, but you were... well... I'm so sorry. My gut turns just thinking about it. Actually, it scared the fuck out of me when your mum reported you missing. Twenty-three hours you were gone, if you didn't know. You're tougher than me, Draco. I couldn't imagine... even watching it.
                              
"I don't know when I'll be able to go to sleep, again. Thank Merlin for Stay-Awake Potions, but I'm sure I'll start hallucinating eventually. Can't live without sleep. I've tried to. I'm sure you have, too. If there's anyone who understands me, it's you. It's always been you. I've always understood you, too. Fuck, sixth year... I knew. I knew what they made you do, and no one would believe me. And then I... I hurt you, when you were vulnerable and desperate. I'm so sorry for that. It was an accident... I didn't know what that spell did, and it still gives me nightmares.
                              
"But I know you, Draco. You're not a killer. You don't even like hurting people. I was there... at the tower."
                              
Draco twitched at that, but he didn't turn his head. He also wasn't crying anymore.
                              
"Dumbledore froze me. I think you knew... you saw the two broomsticks. But I watched and I heard what he said and what you said. You were so scared and trapped, but you lowered your wand. Even when the others came up... you still refused to kill him. I can't tell you how impressed I was... that you didn't give in. But, I suspect you knew what the consequences were for refusing to kill him."
                              
Draco shuddered and took a shaky breath.
                              
"You still picked the right choice, Draco. It was nearly a year later when I was on my knees in front of you. I saw the fear and recognition in your eyes. You refused to say it was me, even after all you went through. I... read your file. The Cruciatus Curses? DEK had no idea that you understand that pain more than anything. I'm so sorry, Draco. I'm sorry that you were hurt by people you trusted. I'm sorry that you're still paying for things that you didn't deserve, and I'm sorry that you went through another long bout of torture because of another psychopath."
                              
Tears welled in Draco's eyes, again, but he was breathing easier.
                              
"I'm going to find him. I'm going to make sure that he won't hurt you or your mum, again. I'm going to make sure that he pays for it. I want you to feel safe... not just from him, either. You don't deserve to be stuck in that house... in your room, alone. I won't let you," Harry said, and he didn't know where the words were coming from. It sounded stalkerish, crazy even, but there were just some things you followed with your heart. Draco only responded with more tears.
                              
"Well... maybe I can talk about less awkward things? I guess I'll tell you about my friends. Ginny is playing for the Harpies as a star chaser, and she's also going out with Alicia. I guess they hit it off. They made it to the semifinals last year. We never did get back together after the war as we both went after our careers.
                              
"Ron and Hermione married. Ron's working with me, still watching me back. Don't know if you heard about Hermione... as it wasn't really published in the Prophet, but she joined the Department of Mysteries."
                              
Draco's forehead furrowed in confusion, but he still refused to look at him.
                              
"I know, right? I figured she'd be taking on the world in the Wizengamot or the other powerhouses in the Ministry. But no, she's making new spells and doing Merlin-knows-what there. She's gotten so... badass now, that she scares me. There's just something about being an Unspeakable that puts everyone on edge. So, don't think that your mum isn't safe with her. She was the one who figured out how to scan and follow Apparation jump points... really advanced our response. But unfortunately, some jerk in the Auror department sold the 온라인카지노게임 to the Prophet."