Chapter 30

                                        

                                              
Draco was full-on sobbing when they appeared... wherever they were. He couldn't control the flood of emotions from the last... decade. They collapsed to the floor, and Harry hugged him and didn't let him go. Harry was his master and his reason for living, but the mission was over with, now. So, what were they? What was he? Harry came for him... he came for him and saved him. Harry was so mad... and clear-headed. Harry was as alive as Draco had ever seen him. What could Harry need him for? Harry didn't need him to protect him or care for him. Draco could even pinpoint the exact moment that Harry ceased needing him... the moment the brand was on his arm.
Draco was looking at Harry desperately, and no sound came out of his mouth. Fuck... the gag order was still on him. 
"I rescind all orders that I gave you," Harry said, quickly.
"Master... please..." he begged, unable to know what he was asking for. He didn't know how to handle being alone. He was still gasping for air as he cried into Harry's chest.
"Shh... I'm sorry for all the orders that I gave you. I really am, Draco. Shh... Draco... listen to me!" Harry said, and Draco cried from the pain of the Mark. "Shit! I'm sorry. Please breathe... please calm down...."
Draco gripped him hard and didn't let go. "Master...."
"You don't have to call me that... come on, Draco. I had to put on that show. I had to get you free. I'm so sorry you were hurt and scared," Harry said.
"I understand, Master," he whispered into his chest.
"Draco... please look at me."
Harry was going to look into his mind, again. He didn't look up. Harry would have to make him. Draco didn't want him to see how hurt and broken he was. 
"No... please... Master...."
"Draco, please stop calling me that... I don't want to order you anymore."
Draco crawled further into his chest. "I'm sorry, Master... please... please...."
"I-I don't know what to do, Draco! Come on... I need you to tell me what to do!" Harry wailed, and Draco could feel Harry's heart going faster.
Draco stopped crying. Harry was his responsibility. He was what mattered. Did Harry really need him? He didn't know, but he glanced up and saw tears coming out of Harry's eyes.
"Draco... please... come back... I can't do this without you!" Harry cried, distraught and panicking.
Far from the cruel, resolute leader when he took on Voldemort and the Wizengamot, Harry was cracking.
"You... need... me?" Draco whispered.
"What? Yes! Yes, you fucking idiot!" Harry half-shrieked. "You think I can handle what happened on my own!? The mind healers tried to get in, Draco. They attacked my wall... I almost... and everything is so... bright and loud. They chained me down... I couldn't get out... I couldn't save you... find you... trapped... I was so scared...."
Draco's mind stabilized. He had a job to do. He released his death grip on Harry and sat straight up, looking at him. Harry breathed easier and still had tears in his eyes. 
"Draco... I can't get through this without you. I'm sorry for hurting you in front of all those people."
"I know. I know you had to. I had to hurt you, too, for V-Voldemort."
"Oh, Draco... please be okay. I shoulda just escaped with you right after the bastard died."
"I'm... fine... but it was a lot. They wouldn't let me s-sleep."
"And that fucker Yaxley..." Harry growled, angrily.
Draco nodded. "He's gone. They all are. We're free, Harry."