Draco Malfoy, Broken

Chapter 46 - Support

Published: 4/15/2019 (plus 8 minutes)

Happy tax day!

"I am not going to dinner without Blaise and Theo," Draco insisted, as he again pinned Harry to the wall in his room.

"Neville and Luna can sit with us," Harry said, kissing him.

"No. Weasley will be there, right? I'm not going to risk him coming over and you blowing up on him in front of everyone. It's not worth it. Blaise has plenty of food in his trunk."

"I don't care about Ron," Harry snorted.

"I do. If he finds out... everyone finds out... the whole world finds out. So, let's not," Draco said, pressing his lips against Harry's throat.

"I still don't care. I want everyone to know that you are mine," Harry said, with a moan as Draco found the spot, but lifted his head up to stare into Harry's eyes.

"I am yours, Harry, but I want to wait until we are out of school. There are hundreds of students who can make our lives hell. Please... wait until we are free from this," he pleaded.

"I won't do anything without your permission Draco, I promise," Harry said, moving Draco's long hair from his eyes.

"Okay... thanks," Draco said, with a shy smile. "Everything is still so dangerous, now. I don't want it to be worse if we can avoid it."

"I understand. I just want you to know... that I don't care if the whole world knows... in fact, I want to shout it to them that I love you," Harry breathed and kissed him, again.

Draco smiled but could only mumble his response back, as Harry open-mouthed kissed him. He loved battling with Harry when they snogged. Harry usually lost or let him win, but Draco was fine with either. His hands locked with Harry's, pushed him into the wall. Harry didn't fight back. Draco loved that Harry was so... patient... comforting, supportive and even when he had permission, he never was aggressive, never hurt him. He was so careful, that Draco nearly cried just thinking about last night. Harry never came close to hurting him or sending him into a flashback. He always asked about every move and reinforced Draco's ability to control the situation.

Harry let his lips go, and immediately, went for his neck. Draco tilted it up, urging him to continue. He let moan as Harry's vicious lips clamped down in his neck. "I love you, too, Harry... fuck..." he groaned out, and he could feel Harry chuckling against his throat.

Harry stopped and Draco stared into his eyes. The green was nearly gone. He was shaking under Draco's hold or maybe it was actually Draco. His own breathing was chopped, erratic.

Harry whispered, "Are you okay?"

"Yes... do you want to... do it, again? Like... like last night?" Draco asked. He was definitely shaking, now. Control and restraint had left him. He had no idea what was holding Harry back, as his own senses were in overload.

Harry bit his lip. "Draco...."

Draco heard his tone and lowering his eyes, hurt. "Y-You don't want to?"

"No! I do... it's just... are you sure this isn't too fast? I don't want you to think that we have to do something... every time," Harry said, urgently.

Draco lifted his head up to look into his eyes, again. He saw only worry, concern. Harry was amazing. He always took care of him.

"I know... but... I want to, Harry. I really do. It feels so good, being close to you. I can't believe you picked me of all people. You could have anyone and you choose me."

"Damn right I did. You're the best boyfriend I could ask for. I don't want anyone but you, Draco. Please believe that. You are kind...smart... and powerful," Harry said, kissing him at each word. His hands fought with Draco a little trying to break his hold on him..

Draco wouldn't let go. He smiled. "I'd probably say the same about you... powerful... yes. Kind... definitely, but... not so sure about that smart part. I still amazed you made all those potions even with help from Snape's book." Harry kneed his leg this time, but Draco pulled in closer to kiss him. "Hey... that was close! But you are compassionate, strong, stupidly-brave, and, despite your appalling hygiene regimen, sexy."

"Me? Sexy? Compared to you?" Harry spluttered, staring at him affectionately. He really didn't see how cute he was? His gorgeous green eyes and black, unfettered hair were beautiful in Draco's eyes.

"I am a sex god, after all," Draco quipped.

Harry went red and Draco loved to embarrass him like that. "I can't believe you asked them what that was," Harry muttered.

"Well, I wasn't expecting them to have Luna ask it in front of everyone, either. Rockstar? They'll probably be calling me that for awhile," he grumbled.

"I don't care. You are sexy enough to be a rockstar, Draco."

"Well... this rockstar wants to come... so can we?" Draco said, a bit snarky.

"As you wish... princess..." Harry responded and Draco growled as he lunged forward.

"You are going to pay for that!" Draco said as he leaned in to claim Harry's mouth.

"You keep saying that..." Harry murmured.

"You will..." Draco growled, playfully, as he started thrusting against Harry's hips.

Harry put some strength into his hands and broke free from Draco's hold and grabbed Draco by the neck to hold him in place as he bucked against Draco, too. Harry moaned heavily, though it was muffled by Draco's lips. His fingers wrapped around the back of his neck, but he didn't grip hard. Harry held back, not like Draco. No, his hands were on Harry's chest, digging into his muscles through Harry's shirt. He was going to leave marks, not that Harry seemed to mind it. He urged Draco to continue.

Draco increased his thrusting, going faster than Harry was. His head rubbed against his silk boxers and it felt rough, but each hit against Harry sent jolts of pleasure through him. He felt it building again, he had to chase his orgasm. He went faster and leaned more into Harry, finding direct contact, again.

"Come on, Harry. Faster," Draco urged and Potter met his challenge, pushing back in unison. Seeking their climax, they pressed on harder, until Draco cried out Harry's name as he came in his pants, again. He gave a few more half-hearted thrusts, but the skin was so sensitive at the point, he had to stop.

Harry moaned his name a second after he stopped and rested his head against under Draco's chin. "Are you okay?" he said, breathlessly, after cleaning both of their trousers.

"Are you going to ask me that every time?"

"Yes. I don't want you to ever feel that I don't care about you," Harry whispered and Draco's heart thumped a little louder at his words. "You can always tell me how you feel."

"Thank you, Harry, but you don't have to be so careful. Everything's fine. I am okay."

Harry pulled back to stare at him, as if to challenge his assertion. Last night was a prime example of his limits and they hadn't really talked about it. Draco hoped he wouldn't ask. He lowered his eyes confirming his fear. Harry read him so well. Harry took his hands and leaned forward, resting his lips on Draco's forehead as though to comfort him.

"Sorry," Draco mumbled, realizing he had killed the mood, again.

"Don't be... I can take off my shirt if it will help?" Harry said with a smirk.

Draco perked his head right up, a smile already forming. He felt that warm and fuzzy feeling, again. "Really? Will you?"

"I suppose...." Harry said, still grinning, but didn't move. Draco understood.

"Or I can take it off?" Draco asked, shaking slightly in anticipation. Aside from the quick glance that last morning at his mother's flat, he'd never really looked at Harry in the light.

"If you want..." he purred, seductively.

Draco fingered out of Harry's grip and found the fabric of his rough, cotton-blend shirt. Potter needed better clothes. Harry stared back at him, though tensely waiting. Draco slowly pulled it over his head, his glasses slightly askew. Draco dropped his shirt to the floor, not caring, and reached up to straighten his round glasses. Harry's peering eyes stared back at him and Draco kissed his lips, slowly, savoring every second. His hands took ahold of Harry's shoulders and tore him away from the wall. He slowly turned him around while they kissed and backed him toward the bed. Harry followed his movements easily and didn't break the connection.

Draco stopped him when Harry's legs hit the bed. He could push Harry backwards onto the bed, but that seemed unnecessary. He stepped closer into Harry and he sat down, still lip-locked with Draco. He pressed forward more and, finally, Harry laid back onto the soft blankets. He stared back at Draco, smiling and pulled his legs up on the bed and turning so he was completely on. Draco hopped on, straddling him across his waist. He was very aware that only fabric separated their cocks. Harry stared at him wide-eyed. Draco smiled at his nervousness. It was a rare thing to catch Harry so vulnerable, though he said nothing.

"Now, I got you, Chosen One," Draco hummed.

"Y-Yeah... you do," Harry said, his fingers trembling. It wasn't fear, necessarily. It was the unknown.

"I can study you more closely... but don't worry Potter, I shalln't do anything untowards," Draco whispered fervently.

Harry glared and placed his hands on Draco's hips, dangerously close to Draco's groin. "Is that so?"

Draco ignored the subtle threat and gently bounced on Harry's groin.

"Merlin, don't!" Potter said. Draco could feel him becoming hard, again. Possibilities for him to explore later.

"I'll try to restrain myself," he said and then rested his fingertips on Harry's stomach.

Harry's stomach contracted and he was trembling. Draco spread his fingers and palm out and gripped Harry's hard muscles. He was lean, fit and apparently very ticklish as Draco wiggled his fingers.

"Come on," Harry said, squirming and laughing.

"Ticklish, Potter? That's cute!" he purred.

"Yeah... I won't stop until I find your spot, git," Harry said and Draco bent over, enjoying the friction against Harry's budge.

"Oh... it might take you awhile... prat."

"Challenge accepted," Harry said, but kept his hands on Draco's thighs. He didn't have permission to explore, unlike Draco.

Draco kissed Harry and then trailed kisses down his neck to his chest. He stopped at the large scar before pressing his lips back down on it and moving on to Harry's other scars. He again restrained himself. He wanted this to last and Harry's rising boner against his was difficult to ignore.

Draco looked up. "Are you okay, Harry?"

"More than okay. You can do whatever you want, Draco."

Draco kissed him, again. "Whatever I want, huh?" His fingers traced Harry's chest under him.

"I'm all yours, Draco. Your willing captive," Harry said, as his lips met Draco's.

"Willing captive, huh? That sounds fun," Draco said and sat up, purposely driving his hips downward and Potter let out a groan. Draco watched him with a wide grin, his own cock tenting straight into Harry's. He wondered if Harry would be up for another round after he was done inspecting his prisoner.

Draco's eyes went back to Harry's scars. The large one was almost circular, but it wasn't a brand, magically or by a rod. A Horcrux scar is what Harry called it. He didn't want to hear about Voldemort's soul and why it had burned him. Harry said that was a long conversation, which Draco also did not want to deal with. He found another thin one and asked where it had come from. Harry mumbled something about his cousin and running fast enough to snag on a tree branch.

Another was from the Battle, Harry didn't remember when. A Blast-Ended Skewt burn was on his side. Another scar was from his childhood when Uncle Vernon threw him into his cupboard and he found a nail. Draco glowered at that one. He could feel their boners sagging under the topic, but he wanted to know.

"This one?"

Harry glanced down, with a faint grin, and said, "Motorcycle accident."

Draco's eyebrows went up. Those were the two-wheeled death cars he had seen in Harry's bedroom. "And you survived?"

"I'm the Boy Who Lived, remember?" Harry said, apparently unable to help himself.

"Prat. What about this one?"

Harry grimaced, "Department of Mysteries." Draco tightened at the words, but Harry pressed forward. "I think it was in the Hall of Prophecy when we destroyed the shelves, or the time-turner room, got blasted over a desk. It could have been after the brain room where I fell down a bunch of stairs in the Death Chamber."

Time-turners? Death Chamber? Hall of Prophecy? Harry sure saw a lot of things most people never would see. Draco had to ask, "Brain room?"

"Oh yeah... creepy as fuck. They looked like brains that were jellyfish...  tentacles and all. I have no idea what they were for or do. The possibilities make me shiver."

Draco nodded continuing his survey mission. He found several other smaller ones that Harry didn't remember where they were from. Then he noticed one other mark, not a scar, but a white mark. It was angry enough to look like a stab wound, but circular. Centered over his heart.

"What's this? A birthmark?" Draco said and rubbing the white spot. It felt cold.

Harry didn't look and was quiet. His breathing stopped. Draco froze. He wasn't as good as Harry at navigating difficult topics. Harry was trapped in his head. Something dark had seized him and the color drained from his face.

"Harry... Harry... look at me!" Draco pleaded and put both hands on his face.

Harry's pained eyes found his, but he didn't say anything.

"I'm sorry... I didn't know. Please be okay," Draco said, tilting forward over him, getting closer.

Harry, without direct consent, took his hands off Draco and wrapped them behind Draco's back and pulled him into a hug. Draco didn't care or resist, he let himself be pressed flush against Harry and he straightened his legs out, alongside Harry's. Draco's lips found the spot on his neck under his ear and his hands scooted under Harry's shoulders.

"I'm okay... I just forgot about it, is all," Harry whispered as he clenched Draco tightly. "I'm sorry I scared you." He wouldn't let go, though. He didn't want Draco to see his eyes.

"You're sorry? I was asking you to recount some of your most painful memories. You should yell at me for being stupid."

"I won't do that... stupid git," Harry said, playfully.

Draco still tried to pull away, but Harry maintained his grip. His heart was racing.

"I'm fine. It's light enough that I don't notice it. I got it... in the forest...."

Draco tried not to react to the information. "I'm so-"

"The Avada Kedarva... I thought I was going to die. I accepted it. Felt it and died," Harry whispered, quietly. "Everything had changed then. I didn't know what to do... how to react... after Voldemort died.

Draco breathed with difficulty. He only somewhat understood. Standing at his first trial, ready to die, believing they would just kill him. He wanted death. None of that compared to what Harry did. He had wanted to live, but everyone else's lives were more important than him. The greater good. None of that crazy stuff Skeeter wrote. Harry sacrificed his body and soul for the world and not all of it had come back. Draco finally saw the main source for Harry's downward spiral toward rock bottom. How could anyone come back from that edge? Regardless of his intentions, he still committed sacrificial suicide. It still damaged him. No one had helped him heal from that pain and confusion.

"Cry, Harry... let it out. It's okay. You don't have to be strong for me. I can hold you. Support you. You're not alone anymore," Draco breathed into against Harry's skin and his grip on him loosened.

Draco picked his head to look into Harry's tear-filled eyes. Harry's hands took Draco's and pulled him to hug him as he cried for several minutes, Draco whispering soft words in his ear.

"Thank you," Harry said, finally, squeezed him tightly. "I know it seems like I'm always saving you, Draco... but I'd probably be dead or in St. Mungo's without you. I didn't sleep all summer, didn't eat, only drinking could stop the pain. I wasn't going to last much longer. I couldn't be a burden to my friends, I couldn't tell them how bad it was getting. You saved me. You did. I wouldn't be here without you, Draco. You brought me back from this." Harry let go to touch the white spot.

Draco gave him a smile. "I guess you're in my debt, then Potter."

Harry laughed, "Git, leave it to you to joke when...."

"I love you, too, prat. I would have been dead so many more times over if it wasn't for you."

"None of that matters, Draco. I think we are bound together, now. There's no tally or scoresheet. No debt. We are together... one whole being."

"Cause we are only half-people?" Draco muttered, teasingly, but Harry ignored him.

"We both were missing something important... something the other person helps us fill, to be better, healed."

"You do love your speeches," Draco chuckled.

"I have my moments. Thank you... for comforting me. I like to pretend that I'm the Savior of the World every now and again, and I can't ask for help."

"Prat," Draco snorted, but nestled into his neck. "Even the Savior needs a hug and a few kisses."

"Even the Slytherin Prince needs his ego stroked," Harry growled.

Draco blushed but smiled. "Indeed."

"Unfortunately, it's time for class," Harry said, disappointedly.

"Shit-fuck-damn," Draco swore.

"Yeah... come on, I want to go early to make sure no one jumps us in the hallway," Harry said.

"Like it matters," Draco sighed, finally getting off Harry. He grabbed his bag, more out of habit than anything else. He didn't know why he bothered. The fear of punishment for skipping a class had faded after he missed Herbology on Tuesday to comfort and support Blaise, not that he had noticed.

They made their way down to Draco's classroom and Harry stayed until Harper arrived, who gave a discreet nod and claimed a seat on the far side of the room.

"I'll see you soon," Harry said and left a little early for Draco's sake.

All at once, his tormenters arrived, happy about something, no doubt planning something awful for him before Harry could rescue him. Dean came in at the last minute complaining about a detention.

"Sucks... you should have been there," Smith said.

"I know," Dean muttered.

"What are you guys talking about?" Ron asked as the professor started her lecture.

"Oh, nothing. Oi, Harper... why aren't your snakes attacking Draco?" Corner asked, talking over the professor's words.

"I don't know, lover boy. Were you too busy kissing Filch to notice?"

Corner went red and Draco smirked.

"Whose side are you on?" Smith growled.

"Fuck you guys. I told you that there are consequences for touching Draco. Did you not see this?" Harper brandished his right hand, now in a brace and Draco frowned. "And I'm sure you wankers don't know that I'm right-handed. The headmistress gave me a week's worth of detentions and promised to demote me if I step out of line. So again, fuck you and your proof. My arm is permanently damaged, I can't even write legibly and my house is scared out of their wits. No, we aren't going up against Blaise anymore. You guys man up and do it."

"You worry too much, Slytherin. We handled Blaise, just fine. You're a coward."

"Maybe, but I'm smart."

"We are going to beat the crap out of Malfoy after class. Are you sure you don't want to come?" Smith declared.

"You're just an asshole. Please refrain from speaking to me," Harper said, looking down at his notes. He flicked his eyes up briefly to wink of support at Draco.

"Oh, wait until you hear..." Wayne started.

The door opened and the professor finally noticed that something. "Yes, Fleamont?"

Harry paused and frowned for a second. "I'm here to collect Draco Malfoy. He's transferring to Magical Law and Politics, effective immediately."

The room was in shock. Smith growled, "That's not allowed!"

"Headmistress and the visiting professor says it is fine. Come on, Malfoy. I think you will enjoy Magical Law."

"I think so, too, Potter. Thank you for the kind invite."

"It was the least I could do after certain asshats hurt you. Sorry, Professor."

"No problem, Fleamont. Be a good boy."

They left without another word to that and Draco nudged Harry and growled, "You tosser. You could have given me a head's up!"

"I didn't want to get your hopes up if the professor didn't agree to it. Come on." Harry dragged him straight into the classroom.

"Ah, Mr. Potter, we waited for you, and you must be Mr. Malfoy," the professor said. He was an older man, seventies to eighties. Retired librarian from the looks of him.

"Th-Thank y-you, Sir," Draco stuttered out.

"Mr. Potter says that you can catch up easy enough. Mrs. Granger offered her notes to assist as well. The more the merrier," he said, loftily. "It appears that we aren't going to have any more latecomers. Have a seat and we will jump into internships at the Ministry."

Draco gave Hermione a thankful nod and sat down next to Harry. Draco felt so happy to be free of that weekly terror. He gave a smile to Harry, who returned it.

Susan Bones leaned in. "Didja see Terry? He went to grab a quick bite before class."

"No, I didn't, maybe something came up?" Harry said and she grimaced. Draco wondered if they were dating.

The instructor introduced himself as Professor Tofty of the WEA and long-time employee of various branches of the Ministry. He started in about applying for internships and the jobs normally available. Draco never thought he'd be interested in learning about Ministry jobs, but anything was better than where he had been. He took a lot of notes to properly thank the professor for allowing him to transfer.

***

Harry was near-abouts shaking with happiness. Draco was next to him, studiously taking notes, as though to prove he deserved to be in the class. He was stronger, more sure of himself. He wasn't hunched over or cringing and not looking for Blaise and Theo to protect him. Harry loved this side of him. He was so happy that Draco, at least in his presence, wasn't slipping back into his memories and nightmares. The small insecurity Draco had over leaving his shirt on, was nothing, in Harry's mind. Draco needed to feel comfortable, safe. Harry didn't care about not being able to touch him, or ask the kind of dangerous questions that Draco had asked him.

Harry hadn't been expecting that question, he had tried to forget about the faint mark on his chest. That pain, that choice. Death. He had chosen death. He had chosen to not fight, but to let Voldemort kill him. That slow, arduous walk to the executioner's block had lasting consequences that even he hadn't prepared for, for obvious reasons. His family talking to him at the end, saying goodbye. It was the only real memory he had his parents, at least, besides the echoes at the graveyard. Both times were when he was going to die... one foot already in the grave. Sirius and Remus... he had at least gotten to know them, speak to them.

He could only imagine what they would say now. He believed they would support him. Sirius might have needed time to accept Draco, but he didn't think his mother would mind at all.

He had started to feel a stronger connection to her after the forest. Maybe at one time, he thought if she had just fled, then she would have survived, but Harry understood her choice, now. There was no running, not from fate, not from the people you love. He couldn't balk, couldn't let them down. He had a duty to protect them. Of course, the prophecy was over, now. Voldemort was dead, and Harry had a new mission, new advisories and new challenges. He didn't know how much to tell Draco, or if he should. It was too much to risk.

Bill had willingly accepted the role of messenger and a member of the rebellion. Percy had already given the names of three Wizengamot members, who had made substantial money during the war. Penelope had voiced doubts of the Aurors on Robards Werewolf Tracking Team, the WTT. Five of them had been around since the first wizard war. They had stayed employed during both wars without any issues or questions in the change of leadership. Penelope gathered some evidence that two of them, along with Robards, were in charge of the interrogations and, therefore, the recommendations to prosecute individuals and what crimes to charge them with.

She also swiped and duplicated Draco's arrest record, but several parts were missing. The interrogator was Robards, but there were enough documents to show that there had been several interrogations, but there was no information on what was gathered. Bill didn't like any of it. Harry didn't either, but didn't know how to ask Draco about it.

Penelope also circled the names of the people who testified against him. Half were serving sentences, less than life. The rest gave their confessions under interrogation and didn't make statements in open court. They had all been executed, via the Dementor's Kiss.

The one exception was Lucius Malfoy, who seemingly lost his mind in the courtroom and denounced his son for unknown reasons. Harry had almost hexed him silent at his trial. He openly explained everything that Draco did, the torturing, the order to kill Dumbledore and the acceptance of the Dark Mark. All of it was damning, as Lucius wasn't even under Versitaserum. He seemingly just told the court everything, just to help seal his fate. Luckily for Draco, the only thing that saved him was the fact that he was underage when he took the mark and helped the others kill Dumbledore. Draco had received the life sentence for that and using the Cruciatus Curse.

It had baffled Harry then and it irked him more, now. Why Lucius was so willing to send Draco down the river, when he seemed so desperate to find him during the battle? It wasn't even a month that had passed since that time. Doing out of spite, just because Lucius was already doomed, seemed... unreasonable. He must have had a reason to turn on Draco. Harry couldn't imagine what deal any collaborator could give a condemned man. Lucius could have saved Draco, but confessed what he had done, not what the others had done to him. He may never know Lucius's reasons.

Harry focused back onto Professor Tofty, his OWL examiner from his fifth year. Harry didn't even need to beg or bribe the man to allow him to let Draco come to his class. He seemed thrilled to assist Harry in any way and thought it'd be good for Draco to learn criminal law and the politics of the Ministry, considering his legal situation. Harry didn't think he meant it in a negative way either. He seemed to click his teeth in an irritating way, every time he mentioned the Wizengamot.

Today, he went over internships from the Department of the Control of Magical Creatures, to the Muggle Excuse Committee, all the way to the Auror Division. Internships all required good marks in NEWT exams and, generally, applicants were required to have one before being offered a full-position in the various departments. In the case of Aurors, you also had to be accepted into the Auror Training School at the close of the internship. However, there were other positions available within the Department of Magical Law Enforcement that did not require the school and that individual can stay in those lesser offices until acceptance into the Auror program was granted.

"And that class, is why it is also a good idea to build contacts and gather letters of recommendations when you seek out an internship. Getting ones from your professors, family members and close friends will help you secure a position, so start building your network of support. I will also grant letters of recommendation if I feel you have earned it. Bear in mind that it is slightly more significant for a witch or wizard to write and sign one. It can be tested for authenticity and truthfulness, and generally is signed in blood."

Harry grimaced slightly as he glanced to Hermione. Neither Hermione nor Harry had magical relations and grew up as muggles. It seemed like a definite disadvantage, but as they were Wizengamot members and heroes, that wasn't an issue, now. He glanced sideways to Draco and wondered if he had anyone to vouch for him, now. Draco wasn't concerned though, he was smiling at having a delightful, educational class.

"Thanks, Potter," Draco said, packing up his bag. "That was a great class."

"Mr. Malfoy," Professor Tofty called to him and Draco tensed but approached the older gentleman. The rest of the class went out the door, but Harry stayed behind. "I'm glad you are enjoying the class. Have you considered a career in the Ministry?"

"I haven't considered much of anything, since I'm on probation, Sir."

"Yes, like having Damocles's sword over your head. But before?"

"I was too concerned with dying... Sir," he added, as it was rather direct.

Professor Tofty frowned, though. "And before that?"

"I don't know. I just assumed I would do whatever my father had me do... or not do. I didn't have a lot of options, then either."

"Nothing you have shown any interest in?" he trudged on.

"I like potions... flying... and more recently, curse-breaking," Draco said, quietly.

"Really? Well, there are careers in the Ministry...."

"I'm sorry, Sir, but you do know I have a criminal record... right? Surely the Ministry won't accept me."

"You'd be surprised, Mr. Malfoy. They tend to overlook quite a few things over the years."

"I doubt they'll overlook a convicted Death Eater," Draco said, lowering his head. Harry frowned at his words.

"Maybe, maybe not. But if you are skilled enough, it may not matter. And you needn't be employed at the Ministry directly. I was glad to see you paying attention. How is your studying going?"

Draco grimaced. "Slowly, but I am catching up."

"Good. I didn't want you to think you had no options. It'll be harder for you, but there are places for you."

"Thank you, Sir," Draco said, nodding his head, respectfully.

"Do you play Quidditch?"

"Not anymore," Draco said and Harry looked at him.

Bill had asked Harry about playing and if he could handle playing against Draco. Harry didn't think it would be an issue, he could play fair. Draco, however, was too scared to play, it seemed. He'd have to work on that.

"Why not? The tryouts should have happened already. Did you not make the team?"

"Tryouts are next Friday, this year, but I wasn't planning on trying out."

"Why not?"

"Popularity issues," Draco muttered.

"Hmm... that is another viable career path for you. No one will care what your hi온라인카지노게임 is, if you can play. It is a skill-based job."

"That's reassuring," Draco said, dully.

"It's the truth. People like stars with bad reps as well. Consider trying it out, if you wouldn't mind. It goes by talent."

"I will consider it. Thank you," Draco said and turned to see Harry was behind him and grimaced. That'll be a conversation for another time.

Harry walked with him out into the hall and found Hermione, Ernie, Susan, Hannah and Terry were waiting.

"Terry, you missed class, is everything alright?"

Terry lowered his eyes and shook his head. "No, it's not alright. I came to get Draco and take him to the hospital wing."

Draco started shaking. "Who?"

"It's Blaise," Terry said and Draco stopped all movement, even breathing.

"Is... he... okay?" he asked, fearing the worst.

"He's pretty hurt, but alive. I found him just outside the Great Hall at the bottom of the stairs. Someone... people beat him up and broke a lot of his bones. He's got a lot of swelling in his head and Madam Pomfrey had to make him sleep. They really messed him up."

Draco lowered his head and Harry hugged him. Tears were forming in both their eyes.

"He'll be alright... calm down," Harry urged, supportively. Draco could only nod. "Come on, let's go see him. Can someone go get Theo and Daphne?"

"Harry, they had detention, too," Draco whispered, barely audible.

"I'll go. I'll take Terry. I'll say the headmistress needs them," Ernie declared.

"Thank you," Harry said, taking Draco's shaking hand. He guided him toward the hospital wing.

Hermione had asked Susan and Hannah to go with Terry and followed behind Harry and Draco. Harry squeezed Draco's hand, trying to remind him that he was there. Draco couldn't respond. Harry felt helpless to reassure him. Blaise was a big part of his recovery. He was the one their group leaned on to survive. Harry glanced back at Hermione and imagined that if something had happened to her, he'd be in the same situation. Distraught and stunned silent.

"Dawlish," Draco murmured. "Blaise really set him off today."

"A professor wouldn't do that," Hermione said, but didn't sound so sure.

"He made it happen though," Harry growled.

They walked into the hospital wing, where they saw Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall, and someone who looked utterly unconcerned, Professor Slughorn, standing around a bed. Harry couldn't see Blaise.

"No visitors! He needs time to recover!" Madam Pomfrey near-shouted, looking at them.

"Poppy... they need to see him," Professor McGonagall said, firmly and she relented.

"Well, you seem to have everything in hand..." Professor Slughorn said, but the headmistress silenced him with a glare. He slowly left, Slughorn seemed to be doing all he could to distance himself with Draco and his friends, even Slytherin House. The fall of Voldemort had broken the reputation of his house and his fanclub had diminished.

"Is he...?" Draco started, looking at Blaise.

"He's severely injured. We don't know the extent of his condition. The head injury is the most serious, but he also has spinal damage," Professor McGonagall explained.

"It'll take abit to get accurate test results. I've immobilized him for the night and he needs to recover from the repairs I've already done," the matron said, extremely stressed and flustered. "If his head wasn't the issue, I would have sent him to St. Mungo's, but he's not fit to travel by any means."

Draco wasn't even trying to hide his shaking. "Are you saying... that there's a chance... he might not survive?"

Madam Pomfrey grimaced. "There's a chance that he may have difficulties in waking up... and a significant chance that he might not walk...."

"What!?" Draco shouted.

"Mr. Malfoy!"

"He... might be...."

"Might be and sometimes it's a question of healing it correctly. We have found no evidence of severe spell damage, so his back should be relatively easy to heal, but..." McGonagall trailed off.

"But what?" Draco said, looking at her desperately.

Madam Pomfrey continued, "But... his body is under a lot of stress. I can only heal so much at once. And as I was saying before you interrupted me, there's a significant chance that he might not walk for a few days, maybe a week. I had to heal his critical injuries first. He was bleeding too much on the inside. He will have to stay here for a long while, until he gets his strength back and I feel alright releasing the charm."

Draco slowly released the death grip he had taken on Harry's hand.

"He's going to be okay, Draco," Harry whispered in his ear. "He's going to be fine."

"Well..." Madam Pomfrey started, but stopped when McGonagall gave her a look.

"We have to wait and see. What do you know, Mr. Malfoy?" the headmistress asked.

"He was in detention... since Defense Against the Dark Arts... with Daw-Professor Dawlish," Draco said, quickly, trying to look at Blaise. Madam Pomfrey was still blocking his face and there were blankets over his body.

"I see," the headmistress said, and her lips formed a thin line.

The conversation was stopped when Theo and Daphne entered. Terry and the others were outside in the hallway. Daphne already had tears in her eyes. Theo was holding her hand. Harry didn't like the empty look in his eyes. He wasn't trying to look at Blaise or anything. If Harry hadn't seen Draco so spaced out and broken like that, this might have alarmed him. Theo didn't look at anyone's eyes. The headmistress tried to get more information out of them, but Daphne only said that the professor took him and didn't return with him. Theo had Blaise's wand in his hand.

"Professor Dawlish told us to give it to him when we left," Daphne explained and sniffled slightly.

"Mr. Nott?" Professor McGonagall asked him, as he had not said anything.

Theo's black eyes looked at her and he didn't answer.

"That's all we know, Professor," Daphne said, answering for him.

Everyone looked at her and McGonagall gave one last glance at Theo before nodding. McGonagall turned back to Blaise. Madam Pomfrey seemed to be wrapping his arm in something.

"Everyone should leave," she huffed.

"They need to see their friend. Stand aside, Poppy," the headmistress instructed.

Madam Pomfrey seemed resigned and picked up her wand, threatening them with it. "Not one of you remove the freezing charm on him or move him. You will damage his back."

"Yes, ma'am," they chanted.

She finally stepped out of the way. Blaise's face was nearly unrecognizable. Distorted and covered in ugly, purple and red bruises. One eye was swollen shut, his lips and nose were bloody and only partially healed. His head was lobbed to the side. He wasn't awake, but his face was frozen in a grimace of pain. On the top of his forehead, there was a large black bump, nearly ready to burst. Both his arms had braces on them and several of his fingers had splints on them. Harry wanted to kill someone, more than when he wanted to kill Voldemort.

"He's unconscious. I did give him a pain potion, too. He shouldn't be feeling anything. I can only heal so much at once. The bones are easy, but when there is internal injuries and nerve damage... the body only accepts so much. It's better to slowly heal such extensive injuries, especially the head wound. That is the most critical injury. The brain is very fickle when it comes to magic," Madam Pomfrey explained.

Draco and Theo walked over to his bed. Daphne was slightly behind Theo. Harry stayed back, letting Draco make sense and accept what happened. He glanced to Hermione, now next to him, tears were in her eyes, too. She took his hand to get and give support. He squeezed it tightly. She really had bonded with Slytherins, too. Daphne was one of the few girls that Hermione got along with. She also knew how dangerous it was without Blaise at the helm of the group.

Theo reached forward and brushed his fingertips against the back of Blaise's hand. Madam Pomfrey grimaced, but allowed it.

"He's going to be okay, Theo," Draco whispered softly in his ear. Theo nodded and Daphne took his hand, again.

Harry turned around when he heard voices. Neville and Luna were outside the hospital doors speaking to Terry and the others. Neville came inside, looking worried by whatever Terry and the Hufflepuffs had told him.

"Pansy said I should go to the hospital wing... is he...?" Neville started and saw Blaise's bruised and bloody face.

"He's hurt, but he should pull through," Professor McGonagall said and walked over to him. "You said that Ms. Parkinson told you?"

"Her and Luna came from Auramancy. She saw me in the common room and said I should come here."

"She didn't say anything else?"

"No, just... can I see him?" Neville asked anxiously.

"Of course," she said.

"There are way too many visitors in here!" Madam Pomfrey shrieked.

"We can go into the hallway," Hermione said and pulled Harry away.

Harry wanted to be there to support Draco. He locked eyes with Draco, who nodded and Professor McGonagall went out with them into the hallway. Harry and Hermione both thanked Terry for helping him, but McGonagall interrupted them.

"We need to ascertain who did this, do any of you know anything?"

"I could guess," Harry muttered as the others shook their heads.

"As could I, however, I need proof beyond insinuation."

"Proof?"

"Witnesses, confessions or... a complaint."

Harry brought his head up. "Blaise won't...."

"I'm sure he won't... my hope is that you, his friends, might convince the Slytherins to... complain."

"I can't make any promises. I can't get Draco to tell me who hurts him."

"Still, do try. My resources are limited if no one will talk. I will, of course, question each of them."

"We'll try," Hermione said.

Terry growled, "Weren't there any paintings in that hallway?"

"Paintings and photos cannot bear witness, it is an absolute law. Even ghosts are not allowed to testify, even to tell how they died. There's no way to test them for truthfulness, threaten them or punish them for false testimony. They have their own games and amusements," McGonagall explained.

Inheriting an office full of famous and powerful witches and wizards must have made her ready to handle that kind of query. Hermione nodded like she knew it, too. It only somewhat made sense to Harry, but still was a drawback.

"Is there anything we can do?" Ernie asked.

"Other than convincing the aggressors to stop or confess. There is isn't much you can do."

"And Dawlish?" Harry growled, looking up at her.

"I'll be having words about removing wands from students. It is not allowed unless they are actively monitoring them. He knew that and I'm sure purposely..." but she trailed off, her nostrils flaring. "I will handle him. He did not actually hurt him and I'm very aware of what he is doing."

"Are you!?! Draco is usually crying and shaking in class! It's verbal and emotional abuse. Making him confess to what he did and show his mark off in class. He's a complete as-jerk!" Ernie growled and Hannah and Susan were nodding in support.

McGonagall pursed her lips and grimaced. "No... physical abuse, though?"

"No, but...."

"I would gladly dismiss him... if Draco would make a complaint and be willing talk to the Board of Governors. He would have to make a statement. I can reprimand him for abandoning a student without a wand, if he does it again, then I have grounds to dismiss him. The rest isn't against the rules, exactly. Draco is eighteen and his criminal record is open to be discussed, unless he's making statements of crimes he did not do or lying about what he did.

"I will attempt to sway him from his conduct, but understand, I must have cause to dismiss a professor and... while it isn't as bad as when that... Umbridge was here, Professor Dawlish is from the Ministry. A weak and dangerous Ministry, willing to make a point. They were not happy about how Harry went about getting him free," Professor McGonagall explained, tiredness and futileness filtered through her words. She was battling for them, hopelessly.

"But Draco was innocent!" Terry said, surprising both Harry and Hermione.

"Yes... as we see it. It's a gray area, open to interpretation for others. He's got a mark and didn't defend himself. He's an easy target for bullies," Professor McGonagall said, quietly. "Most people don't know what Draco went through and we can't make everyone think the way we do."

"We can bloody well try," Harry growled.

"Mr. Potter...."

The door opened and Draco, Theo and Daphne were scooted out by Madam Pomfrey. "He needs time to recover!" she hissed and then attempted to tell Neville the same thing.

"I'm a professor," he said calmly and took a chair. "He shouldn't be alone if he wakes up."

Madam Pomfrey shook her head, but looked to McGonagall, who nodded. "Fine... who cares what I say? I'm the healer." She shut the door, leaving them all in the hallway.

Draco's grey eyes found his. He was shaken to the core, but was burying his emotions for Theo's sake. Harry couldn't get any reading off Theo though, other than he didn't appear to be talking. Harry assumed that there was something wrong with him. He looked to Draco of how to handle Theo.

"Draco..." the headmistress started. "...I will ask again, are there are any incidents you would like to report?"

"No," he said.

"Draco," Harry said, quietly, but Draco lowered his head.

"Mr. Malfoy, it is most likely the same individuals, who hurt your friend, also hurt you... you need to report what they did to you," she tried.

"I'm not reporting anything..." he whispered.

"You shouldn't let them get away with it, Draco," Hermione insisted and the Hufflepuffs were nodding in agreement.

"I can't. I won't."

"Draco, please," Harry urged.

"No," he said, again.

"Mr. Malfoy, do think it over. We don't want to pressure you, but you should reconsider," McGonagall said, almost resigned. Harry could see that she was exhausted. But clearly she was on his side, supporting him. "Back to your dorm rooms. It will not do Mr. Zabini any good for you to be stressing over his bedside. He needs to heal and Professor Longbottom will watch over him."

Draco and Theo both nodded. Daphne had her hand on Theo's arm. No one seemed to want to move.

Hermione finally said, "We should go. We can come back in the morning. Blaise will understand."

Draco swallowed and looked back at the door, but Professor McGonagall said, "She is right. I will fire call his mother tonight to let her know."

Theo lifted his head up, his eyes had some life in them. "I'll write her," Theo announced, in a strangely firm voice.

"I really think, as headmistress, that it should be...."

"I'll write her," Theo repeated. "You can do what you want, ma'am."

"As you wish... I do hope you restrain from encouraging her to... take matters into her own hands."

Theo did not answer, but looked at Draco. "Let's go," he ordered.

He was firm, in charge. Draco immediately nodded, but Hermione frowned looking at Daphne. She was tense as Harry had ever seen her. She looked back and forth between her two close friends. However, when Theo walked past the group, Daphne joined at his side, and Draco gave Harry a look before following him. Harry wasn't sure what just happened. He gave a glance to the others and trailed behind the Slytherins. He wanted to take Draco's hand after such an emotional hit, but he dare not. The others were watching. They needed to keep up appearances, for Draco's peace of mind.

Hermione wiped a few tears from her eyes and took Harry's hand, again. Harry gripped it hard. Maybe he needed reassurance, too. He'd grown fond of the snarky Slytherin. His teasing, his vicious curses, his unwavering loyalty to his friends. Harry considered himself one of them. Blaise didn't deserve that much pain and his friends didn't deserve to see him like that.

Theo led them all the way back to the common room portrait. He stood outside the entryway, Joan patiently waiting for a password. Theo didn't say anything. He waited until everyone had stopped moving, before he looked at the others. Slytherins, Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws... all in one spot... in peaceful coexistence, if not friendship, supporting each other. But every one of them was defeated and miserable, now. Even Hannah and Susan, who hadn't been exactly on the bandwagon since the beginning, had watery eyes. Terry and Ernie were more pissed than sad, but were respectably maintaining their cool.

Theo looked at Terry, and nodded, "Thank you."

"It's not a problem. I'm sorry I couldn't have stopped it," Terry whispered.

"Still... and for lying to Dawlish."

"That fucking wanker. Makes my skin crawl, just like Umbridge," Ernie shivered.

Draco winced and lowered his eyes. He must not have liked Umbridge, either, Harry thought. Strange as Draco had been part of her Inquisitorial Squad. Guess that's not a sign that anyone liked her.

"He is."

"We have to get him sacked," Hermione said.

"Yeah, right," Theo said, dryly.

"Draco... if you...." Hermione tried.

"No. I'm not going in front of the governors just to hear them laugh at me. They hated my father and I'm sure would love to hear a former Death Eater beg," Draco said, turning away from the group.

Harry had to stop himself from comforting him or correcting him. He had never been a Death Eater. The others didn't know how to react to this assertion.

"Surely, if all of us go to the Board..." Hannah Abbott tried.

"That collection of old wizards and witches are as uptight as the Wizengamot. Draco knows what he is talking about," Theo said, and spit on the floor, angrily cursing them.

Harry was surprised by the fervor in his voice. It sounded like knowledge.

"We could try at least," Hermione said, suggested.

"No, Hermione. It won't work. We are Slytherins. No one believes us," Daphne said, without a pause. She looked at Theo. "Fay and Hopkins have family members on the Board."

"Thanks... really, but there's nothing you can do," Theo said, in a resigned voice as he looked at Joan of Arc. "Remember."

The portrait opened and a silence came over the group. Theo seemed reluctant to enter, but pulled his head up and climbed through the hole. Daphne and Draco followed. Harry could only climb in behind them. The others came in, too, and they all nearly ran into the Slytherins, as stopped. Harry looked around them and saw that Smith, Corner, Red Rivers, Fay, and the Parvati sisters were sitting in the corner by the window. They heckled like hyenas at the sight of them.

"What's wrong, Malfoy? Lost something?" Smith mocked.

Theo twitched, but Hermione got in front of him. "Stop. Not here." She turned on the Smith and growled, "You shut your mouth. Say one more thing and I'll hex you myself!"

Corner rolled his eyes. "Go then, Zach. The Head Girl won't..."

"You'd better not finish that sentence, Corner!" Ron growled, from the stairwell. "Or I'll knock your bloody teeth in."

Ron looked resolutely at Hermione. He wanted no part of the Slytherins, but was determined to support his girlfriend. Michael and Zacharias looked at him, frowning, but didn't push it. They were outnumbered.

Theo slinked by Ron, followed by Draco and Daphne. Harry wasn't going to be left behind, so he went up after them. Ron didn't meet his eyes as he passed by. Harry heard Terry and Ernie yelling, but neither was what he would call hex-happy. They had the situation well in hand. Harry slipped in the door as Daphne shut and lock it. She gave him a nod and looked to Theo, now in the middle of the room, facing the window. Draco was watching him, waiting. His head tilted down. Harry just remained by the door, still unsure about what was happening. The power dynamic was off, tense. Harry didn't know how to handle them and it didn't look like Theo and Draco did either.

Theo let out a deep breath and turned to face Draco. "I'm sorry, I didn't know what else to do. We had to leave."

"It's fine, Madam Pomfrey wasn't going to let us stay there anyway," Draco said, quietly.

"You did great," Daphne praised, and Theo seemed to relax more.

"I'll make sure nothing happens, Draco. You don't have to worry."

"I am not worried about me, at all, right now," Draco said, looking into Theo's coal eyes.

Theo gave a little shudder and seemingly stopped it in a half-second. "Blaise would want me to take care of you."

"Blaise would want me to look out for you," Draco countered.

Daphne came up between them. "Guys, he loves both of you! It doesn't matter who is priority. We have to be careful and support each other."

"You're right," Draco said, tears in his eyes.

"We... can do this. Stay together," Theo said.

"We can go see Blaise in the morning... and before lunch," Draco suggested, looking at Theo. He nodded.

"We got Charms tomorrow... then we split up for second period," Daphne said. Blaise had taught them how to plan.

"Hermione and Terry have Arithmancy... I'll be fine."

"Ernie is in Care of Magical Creatures... but you don't have class...." Theo said, looking at her.

"They aren't going to attack me. Tracey and Alexus might, but if you are really worried I can come to class with you. I doubt Hagrid would mind...."

"I guess," Theo said, quietly. Harry could tell he was afraid.

"But we have detention after lunch, too," Daphne muttered, her voice full of sadness.

Theo winced, but stopped his emotions immediately. Draco looked at him, as did Daphne. Theo ignored them. "You can stay with Harry, Draco," Theo said, and glanced up at Harry, finally acknowledging his presence.

Draco looked, too, like he hadn't realized Harry had come in. He gave him a weak smile, before turning back to his roommate. "Theo...."

"Don't. There is nothing we can do. There's no way out. We are trapped. Blaise might be in there for a week or longer. We'll have to plan everything."

"I don't know if that will work. They know how to separate us," Draco said.

"They have Dawlish on their side... it's going to be difficult," Daphne spat.

"I'll help... we all will," Harry insisted, his voice wavering. The emotion of it all hitting him, finally. Had it only been this morning that they were talking about lipstick and rockstars? How could everything go to shit so fucking quick? "And get some on those assholes."

"Speaking of which... our main suspects?"

"Zach, Wayne, Mike, Red Rivers and Dean for sure," Harry said.

"The Parvati sisters were down there at their table," Theo said.

"No, they won't lift a finger. They're both abstaining for the most part," Daphne said. "Fay would do it, though."

"Agreed. We can ask Blaise, tomorrow."

Theo shook his head. "There's no way Blaise would ever snitch them out. He'd want to handle it himself... it the most... creative way he can."

"We can still hypothetically...."

"Well, you will have to hypothetically talk about it while I'm not around. I can't lie."

Harry stared at Draco and nodded.

"Do you think... Pansy was there?" Daphne asked, looking at Draco.

"I don't know."

"Why did she tell Neville, if she did?" Theo asked her, and she frowned.

Harry nodded impressively. Theo was decently smart. He wasn't sure what the deal was with the lanky Slytherin. Blaise was overbearing enough to direct all attention to him and Draco was protective, too. Theo's personality was usually better hidden, but he had nowhere to hide, now.

Draco frowned. "I don't think she would. She's trying to stay out of it. She's not stupid enough to attack Blaise.

"Wait, you know who isn't?" Daphne growled. "Tracey and Alexus... they would do it and would have told her."

"That's probably I good guess," Draco said. Harry wondered what his relationship with Pansy had been.

"I've never really gotten along with Pansy, but I know she's not starting any battles she can't win," Daphne said.

"She started one with you," Draco said, with a smirk.

"She expected to win."

"And why you're the queen, now?" Theo added, with a small smile. He was looking right at her. She gave him a grin back as she nodded.

Draco looked back at Harry and took his hand. He dragged him over to the door, away from Theo and Daphne. He whispered, "You can't stay over... I'm sorry, I don't think...." He seemed afraid of voicing the idea, lowering his head.

"Don't worry. It's fine. He's all over the place, I'm not that blind... usually. We need to be careful, anyway. But you can come and get me if you need anything... okay?"

"Thanks, Harry," Draco said and brought his head up to look at him. He dropped it though, looking dejected.

Harry could see the guilt and pain in his eyes, coming through. Harry did not want to leave him alone. He was blaming himself for Blaise getting hurt. Protecting his friends was extremely important to him. He even saved Goyle who was a complete asshole to him last year.

"It's not your fault," Harry said, loud enough to make Theo and Daphne look at them.

"Blaise stuck his neck out to protect me. This is why I told him to let them have me last year. Everyone is against me. They wouldn't have even looked at Blaise if he wasn't defending me."

"Stop it. You did not make them be assholes."

"I did enough to alienate everyone," Draco muttered.

"Draco... Terry and the Hufflepuffs down there today... weren't there for my benefit. I didn't ask them to be there and they weren't looking to me. They were supporting you... and Blaise. They are your friends, too. It's not just you guys against the world anymore. You have people who care about you and will help you," Harry said, determination in his voice. "They know that you aren't, and never were, a Death Eater. You aren't alone, Draco. They are willing to fight for you, too. Just like they fought for me."

Draco suddenly grabbed his shirt and kissed him in front of his friends. Generally speaking, it was a little chaste compared to their other kisses, but Harry felt happier all the same. Draco wasn't hiding anymore. It might be just Theo and Daphne, but it was something.

"Oh, Blaise is going to be so mad I saw it first," Harry heard Theo whisper and Daphne had tears of happiness in her eyes.

"We are going to keep you safe. Ernie, Hannah, Susan, Terry, Hermione, Neville, and Luna... have all got your back."

Draco's eyes were wet, too, but and he nodded. "I don't know why... I've never even talked to most of them, except to be an asshole."

"The war changed a lot of people, Draco. It's just some still are stupid fucking idiots and need to get their ass beat," Harry growled.

"Don't, Harry. It just keeps going and going. It's going to get worse. Blaise isn't awake, yet. He might not be able to walk. That's pretty bad. What if they go on to worse stuff? What if they hurt you, or Theo, or Daphne? They got Blaise. They can get anyone!" Draco said, panic seeping into his voice.

Theo and Daphne were holding hands, their heads down. They couldn't form words.

"And our choice is what... to let them hurt you?"

Draco swallowed and nodded.

"Not a chance. We have to keep them from growing up to be worse. What happens when they leave school? It's not just about you. They need to learn that what they are doing is wrong. One way or another. You want it to stop? Report them," Harry suggested.

Draco shook his head.

"Then... this is the second option. We don't have a viable third option."

"Ignore them... not retaliate."

"Yeah, right... even if we didn't... Blaise won't agree to that. They aren't going to let up, either."

"But..." he started.

"Draco," Theo said, his voice firm and forceful.

Draco stopped speaking immediately and lowered his head. Theo came over and whispered words in his ear. Draco nodded. He grabbed his pajamas and went into the bathroom to change.

Theo turned to Harry. "I'm sorry, but he wasn't going to stop until he was upset. Then it takes even longer to calm him down."

"You can just tell him what to do and he will?" Harry asked, looking at Theo. Harry had figured that out on his own, but wanted to see what the Slytherin would tell him.

Theo frowned and looked at the door to the loo. "When he is scared and weak, yes. Blaise is better at playing the game than I am. But I have to protect him... even from himself. Blaise told me I had too... in case something... happened."

Harry nodded and Draco came out, changed. He walked over to Harry. "Sorry... I just...."

"You want the pain and harassment to stop, right? I know you do, but they aren't going to. They are going to get away with it unless someone does something and I'm sorry, but we have to defend you."

Draco sulked for a few minutes, but then wrapped his arms around Harry. "Just... don't let anything happen to you. Blaise getting hurt is bad enough."

"I'll be careful. I promise," Harry said and kissed him, again. "But I'll be fine, either way."

Harry then turned to the other two. He needed to get to know Theo and Daphne better. "Wake me up for anything. I'll come with you to see Blaise and go to breakfast."

Theo didn't meet his eyes. Harry could tell his mind and soul was burning. He was keeping it all bottled in. Harry knew this was the moment where Blaise would have stepped in to turn the conversation back to him. But Theo only had Daphne and Draco, and neither was forceful enough to take command of the conversation. Theo was in charge by default.

"Okay," Theo said, the word almost painful to get out.

"Hey, Neville's with him. He's going to be alright and he'll be back soon," Harry said, trying to be comforting.

"I'll write his mum," Theo said, turning away from him and walking to his desk. "I'll use Blaise's owl."

"Why you, Theo?" Draco asked, confused.

"I know that Blaise wants to be closer to her. She should be here when he's hurt. Plus, I wouldn't mind if she scalps them all," Theo growled, finding hate a good emotion to embrace.

"You're not going to the Owlery tonight, are you?" Harry asked.

"I'll just call her to the window. You don't do that?" Theo replied looking at him.

"I didn't when I had Hedwig, but my new owl isn't here. I left her with... Draco's mum."

Draco straightened up a bit and glanced to Harry, with a smile. Both Theo and Daphne looked at him.

Daphne walked up to Harry after a minute. "Will you tell Hermione that I'm just going to sleep in Blaise's bed?"

"No problem," Harry said, not that he believed her. She had been watching Theo all night.

Draco took his hand. "Sorry... we just...."

"Don't be sorry. I'll be here in the morning," Harry said, bringing his hand to Draco's cheek. "I'm here with you... even when I'm not in the room."

"Thanks, Harry."

"Anytime." Harry turned, bid them goodnight and went out the door, successfully lifting the wards this time.

He stomped down the steps and saw that the fight had ended. The 'bad guys' had dispersed and only his friends were there... and Ron. Hermione was next to him, explaining what had happened. Harry didn't care if he was with them or not, anymore.

"They'll alright... shaken, but... would you guys be willing to help watch out for them? Smith and the others no doubt wanted to strip them of their greatest protector."

"I will," Terry said, immediately. His anger hadn't abated at all.

"Me, too," Ernie said and Hannah and Susan both nodded in support.

Hermione said, "We will, too."

Everyone looked at her, or more like, at Ron, who glowered. "I'll hex them if they get mouthy, but I'm not talking to, or walking with, any Slytherin."

Harry rolled his eyes, but Luna stood up. "I'll take care of Draco tomorrow after lunch, Harry. Don't worry."

"Luna... I don't think...."

"We shall see. Goodnight, Harry!" Luna said, giving him a hug and wandering up her staircase.

Harry tilted his head and watching her go. She was baffling sometimes. "Thanks... everyone... it means a lot to me, to them."

Everyone murmured but Terry jumped to his feet. "I thought this shit was fucking done!" Terry growled. "I had to watch the Carrows do this. Hell, I had to pick up Mike off the bloody ground when they tortured him. How can he do this?"

"He's hurt and is lashing out," Hermione said.

"Yeh? Now, I'm lashing out. This is fucking bullshit. I'm going to beat the shit out of that wanker," Terry spat, getting up.

"You can't...."

"No, you can't. I can do whatever the hell I want!" Terry said and got up.

Harry put his hand up onto his chest. "Save it until the morning... when we are out of the tower."

"I sleep in the same room as that fucking bitch!" he hissed.

"Terry... come stay with me. I got a whole room to myself," Ernie offered. "Permanently. I'll come with you to get your stuff."

"I'll come, too," Ron said and the three of them went up the steps.

Harry wasn't sure if it was progress with Ron or not, but he was beyond caring. He couldn't even look Ron in the eyes anymore. How callous did one have to be to see what they were doing to Draco and not care? Harry was starting to accept that their friendship was over. If it wouldn't cause an uproar, he would just move into Draco's room. As it stood now, he was in for a rough, dream-ridden night. But he glanced at the stairs, Draco and Theo would have it worse. His heart sank.

I'm so sorry it took so long to long. Lots of work and no days off. Got another rough patch coming up, but I should have an update before May.

But I've been watching the fire in Paris...sad face, but about to watch GOT season premiere... so that's a plus!