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Chapter Text

Halloween, at the house of James Potter and Regulus Black.

It was already late.

"Damn!" James jumped up from where he was with his husband.

"What's wrong, dear?" Regulus asked, looking at him with concern.

"We're late," James explained, running a hand through his hair.

"Oh, Merlin!" he exclaimed suddenly, as if just remembering something. "Harry."

"I remember promising Lily I'd pick up Harry earlier today, since it's Halloween," Potter said, grabbing his coat from the chair.

Regulus linked his arm with James', holding tight as they apparated.

They soon arrived in town.

Godric's Hollow was unusually quiet for Halloween night; no children on the streets, no lights on, just eerie silence. The breeze was cold, and a chilly wind brushed against their skin, sending a shiver down their spines.

They exchanged a glance, as if sharing a thought, and began to walk slowly towards the house, wands at the ready. They halted in front of the house, sudden fear gripping them at the sight of the open door. Worry surged stronger in their hearts.

They hurriedly ascended, stumbling up the stairs.

The door to their son's room was wide open, a body sprawled across it. Blood stained the light-colored walls, casting a reddish hue over the scene.

Regulus looked horrified at the bodies strewn on the floor, and at a baby with eyes fixed on the woman with red hair before him.

James knelt in front of his friend, the one he had been in love with for much of his life. When he checked her pulse, he felt nothing but a cold, lifeless body.

Black stared at the baby, eyes red and tearless for a long time, in shock. His gaze shifted from the mother to the floor, then to the devastated father, and finally to himself, frozen with guilt and disbelief.

At the sound of the baby's cry, the couple sprang into action, the biological father scooping up his son and the stepfather ensuring that the one responsible for their friend's death would never wake again.

As James cradled his son, he noticed blood on the baby's head. A lightning bolt-shaped scar had formed on his forehead, marking that night for all time.

"Shall we take him home?" Regulus asked, breaking the silence.

"Yes," James said tearfully. "Yes, little one, we're going home." He looked at the baby in his arms with melancholy, apparating once more.

All that could be heard was the baby's cries as they left Godric's Hollow.

xxx

Sirius Black and Remus Lupin's home.

She was already late.

"Draco!" Remus exclaimed, approaching the boy. "Stop putting those toys in your mouth, you'll end up swallowing them," he pleaded, taking the toys from the baby's hands.

"What's wrong with those toys? I thought he could play with them," Sirius asked, puzzled, furrowing his brow.

"Sirius," Lupin sighed. "He's one year old, he can't play with Lego!" he exclaimed exasperatedly, rubbing his temples.

"How was I supposed to know?!" Black threw up his hands in misunderstanding.

"You're an adult, you're supposed to know these things," Remus said, running a hand over his forehead.

"We agreed you're the responsible one in this relationship," Sirius said, sitting down next to his cousin. "Right, little cousin? Uncle Moony is so boring, but I'll give you lots of Legos later and we can play together." Sirius grinned, seeing the blonde boy chuckle softly.

"Padfoot," Lupin called. "I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm here!" he exclaimed, gesturing to himself.

"He's such a bore, isn't he?" Sirius continued jokingly, pretending not to have heard what his husband had just said.

Remus simply rolled his eyes in response, chuckling softly as he headed to the kitchen.

"Love," Lupin called out, after a few minutes of reflection in the room. "Isn't Narcissa a bit late?" he asked, leaning against the doorway.

"Yes," Sirius confirmed. "Do you think something might have happened?" he inquired, setting the toys on the floor.

"Where's mommy?" Draco asked, looking at them with eyes overflowing with concern.

"No, sweetheart," Remus said, sending him a comforting smile, though he was deeply worried inside. "She's fine, she must have just lost track of time, right, Padfoot?" Lupin looked at Black, waiting for a response.

"Of course, let's just go find her so mommy doesn't have to come all the way here," Sirius replied, smiling as Draco nodded eagerly, looking towards the stairs leading to her room.

"Last one downstairs is a rotten egg!" Sirius laughed, holding Draco securely in his arms, rushing up the stairs, leaving a bemused Remus behind.

The atmosphere upstairs felt different, the air a bit cooler and the lights flickering, almost no illumination at all.

The baby sniffled softly, burying his face in the curve of Sirius' neck, scared. Black ran a hand over his back, trying to comfort him as he waited for Lupin to finish climbing the stairs.

Remus arrived shortly after and sensed something amiss. He intertwined his fingers with his husband's free hand and pushed open Narcissa's door, hearing it creak due to rust.

Something was blocking the door from opening fully, and try as Lupin might, it wouldn't yield easily. Since Draco was still under two years old, he managed to look through the gap, letting out a muffled cry at what he saw there.

Sirius was startled by the noise, pulling Malfoy away from the door's view. He stepped back and kicked the door, making it swing open, revealing Narcissa Black lying on the floor, surrounded by a pool of blood, her eyes wide with terror.

Black quickly covered the little one's eyes, preventing him from continuing to see such a grim sight.

His husband looked out the window, seeing a silhouette of a Death Eater still there, having just disapparated. He ran towards the Death Eater, trying to catch any trace of him, but found nothing.

"M-Moony," Sirius stammered, still in shock at the sight of his dead cousin on the floor. "What do we do now?" he asked hoarsely, his voice trailing off.

"Let's go home."

Chapter Text

Draco loved him.

He had realized it some time ago, actually. At the beginning of fifth year, when he saw Harry reading his favorite book, despite not liking to read, simply because he wanted something more in common with Draco.

He had never told anyone. He was afraid that this feeling of more-than-friends-love might not be reciprocated. But he was smiling.

Harry was openly smiling across the Great Hall, at the Gryffindor table. His smile was so wide, it infected those around him. And it infected Draco too, who missed his friend because he hadn't seen him on the train.

Not that the train ride was enough for one person to miss another, especially if they had spent the holidays together, which they had. Their parents met at James' house, and the two boys spent the summer together, as always. Their traditions were swimming in the lake near the house, eating ice cream, playing Quidditch, and making snowmen; but this time another one was added.

As it was very hot, they decided to create snow with a spell, make a snowman with it, and give it a Gucci belt as a finishing touch: Olavo.

There was also a celebration at the end of the break because Draco became Slytherin's prefect, and Harry the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. James was proud of his son, seeing him follow in his footsteps as captain. Remus was also proud of Draco, congratulating him on becoming a prefect like him.

For this reason, the boys did not spend the train ride together, as Draco had to attend the prefects' meeting, having to stay in a separate compartment, away from Harry. However, Potter was not completely alone because he joined the slug club, sharing the compartment with Luna Lovegood and his girlfriend, Ginny Weasley, and Neville Longbottom, who brought his plants to show the Ravenclaw, as they loved to talk about it.

Dumbledore was saying something that Draco couldn't hear, not that he wanted to hear anything coming out of his mouth. Instead, he stared fixedly at his oldest friend, who seemed to be attentively listening to what the headmaster was saying.

After Umbridge took over Hogwarts, the students were more than happy to start a new year, finally away from her.

Even though Dumbledore was innocent, the Minister thought it prudent to put someone in a position of power to watch over the headmaster, who in the past had become involved with the famous Gellert Grindelwald.

Malfoy didn't trust the man, especially since he turned a blind eye to what Dolores did to the students, specifically to Harry. He didn't understand how Potter seemed to listen to Albus' words so interestedly; that old man had nothing to add to their lives.

Draco continued to use the Malfoy surname even after the death of his father, Lucius Malfoy. He adopted the Black surname, but his parents decided to keep Malfoy.

As for Harry, his parents decided, in honor of Lily, to keep the boy's surname of Evans Potter — which was no problem for Regulus.

Even though the Slytherin and Gryffindor tables were the farthest from the Great Hall, Draco could see Potter's face completely. Seeing the smile on his face all this time caused a unique feeling in his chest. He felt so good seeing Harry happy.

Malfoy had never had such intense feelings for anyone.

He had dated once before, but it was short-lived and ended early last year when he realized he wouldn't take it forward and didn't have genuine feelings for the boy. When he realized it, he preferred to be honest and tell his ex-boyfriend what he felt, not wanting to deceive him, forming a false image of the "perfect relationship".

The feelings he had in his chest about Harry were different from what he had ever felt for anyone else. Everything was more intense, deeper.

Unknowingly, the blonde already had a smile on his face.

That was the effect the brunet had on him. Just by thinking about the boy, the caterpillars living in his stomach evolved and turned into beautiful butterflies, dancing in his belly as if life were just that.

Draco just wished Harry's emerald green eyes would meet his.

The blonde was lost in thought, wishing with all his might and entrails that he would look back at him, smiling at him, and send all the good things he was feeling, to him.

When the sorting hat's song was almost over, the Gryffindor turned around.

His smile widened when their eyes met on opposite sides of the Great Hall.

At one moment, they exchanged smiles and in another, Harry turned to look at Ron, who had thrown a chicken wing at his head.

The boys started laughing, and so did Malfoy.

Draco really loved him.

Chapter Text

Draco was eager to talk to Harry.

After the welcome feast ended, the students were sent to their respective houses, so Malfoy couldn't see him.

He was walking hurriedly through the corridors, leaving the dungeons, climbing the stairs to the Gryffindor Tower. Draco gave a satisfied smile, sighing happily to notice he was getting closer.

Unfortunately, his peace was ruined by two first-year children, who were crying. They were sitting against the wall, hugging each other — probably homesick.

"Hi, Dray!" Malfoy thought he was dreaming, but Harry's voice echoed in the narrow corridor and Draco turned to see where he was.

"Potty! I missed you so much!" the blonde exclaimed excitedly, but frowned, seeing that Harry was staring at the crying children, with a look of pity.

"Are you okay with..."

Draco didn't let Harry finish talking to the children, and firmly, but gently, pulled his arm, bringing him to himself.

"Let's go, let these kids keep crying." Malfoy walked with Potter by his side to the Gryffindor Tower, waiting for the brunet to say the password to the Fat Lady.

"Poor kids, Dray!" Harry exclaimed, but the blonde just rolled his eyes, sticking his tongue out at them.

They passed through the portrait and entered. Since Draco always went there, all the students knew him and didn't mind his presence in the house.

"Hi, Draco! How were the holidays?" a fifth year asked.

"They were good, thank you. And yours?" he replied politely, heading to the sofas around the fireplace.

"You came early this year, Malfoy! Want to play Exploding Snap later?" Dean Thomas asked. He was sitting at a table with his boyfriend, Simas. They had been dating since fourth year, just before the second task of the Triwizard Tournament.

Cedric Diggory had won the championship. The victory had earned him fame, and he always liked to make it clear in every interview he did, that Harry had helped him with defense spells in the last task.

Harry and Draco, during the tournament, liked to imagine what it would be like if they had participated in the tasks.

They joked that if they hadn't been chosen as each other's most precious treasure in the lake competition, they would have been mad at each other for at least a month.

"Maybe later, but I appreciate the invite, Dean!" Draco thanked, sitting on the sofa shortly after. He tried to be as kind as possible to all the Gryffindors, so that they would accept him well in the Common Room.

"Otherwise, I'll think you're replacing me," Harry joked, throwing his legs over Draco's lap, as he always did. Years of friendship allowed them to have such intimacy.

"I would never replace you, Potty, you know that", Draco affirmed, resting his head against the sofa back.

"You better", the brunet put a pillow under his head, closing his eyes.

The two allowed themselves to rest and enjoy each other's presence at this moment — where only the noise of the fire crackling in the fireplace and the murmurs of conversation were captured by their ears.

Draco placed his hands on the brunet's feet and removed his converses, dropping them on the floor. He glanced at the wine-red socks and rolled his eyes. Puffs, Gryffindors.

Harry wiggled his toes, silently asking for a massage.

Malfoy smiled, finding it cute how his little toes looked tiny inside that thick sock. Draco started by massaging his heel, gradually moving up. Potter let out grateful murmurs, bringing his arms above his head, stretching.

"Dray", Harry called, leaning on his elbows.

"Speak, my muse", he uttered, sarcastically.

"Have you ever imagined what would have happened if Voldemort hadn't died when he left me this scar?" Potter pointed to his light-bolting scar on his forehead, lightly touching it.

"I think about it all the time," Draco replied with a muffled laugh. "But he's already dead, there's no point in thinking about it all the time."

"The only thing I think is that his name would be much better if it were Valdemiro," Harry said laughing, looking into those vast blues.

"I agree. It's a name with much more class." Draco's heart skipped a beat simply because the brunet was talking to him while looking into his eyes. He thanked Merlin that the lighting in the room wasn't the best, so Harry wouldn't notice the crimson on his cheeks.

They spent the early evening talking about superficial matters and didn't notice time passing.

Draco had started reading a new book and was telling Harry about its story, even though the other didn't like to read much.

"I think I heard Hermione talk about this book a while ago. But I don't mind listening to you talk about it to me; I like to hear your voice."

“How kind of you, Harold.” Draco thanked sarcastically. He often used a playful tone when he wanted to say something serious but couldn't.

They got up and lazily made their way to the Common Room door.

“I think we'd better go to sleep before we end up talking too much and staying up too late. We have early classes tomorrow.” Harry informed, yawning shortly after.

“Of course. Have a good night, my sweet ball.”

Harry chuckled at the nickname and playfully pushed him out the door.

Chapter Text

Harry was upset about not spending as much time with his best friend anymore.

They had been very busy lately, caught up with new duties and their roles as Quidditch team captain and Slytherin prefect, which demanded a lot from them.

Potter had gotten used to the leisurely days during the holiday break, where he could wake up and sleep whenever he wanted. If Harry could choose, they would have a year of vacation and a year of school. That would be much better.

One good thing about Hogwarts that reminded him of holidays was the Quidditch matches, and as captain, he ended up playing more, which made him happy.

As the games approached, the houses trained more and rarely liked having someone watch. But Draco always convinced—or rather, forced—the players to let Harry watch.

They usually didn't like it because he could notice their game strategy, but when it came to keeping Potter away from Malfoy, things got complicated.

"These bunch of Slytherins don't even know how to play properly," Ron grumbled irritably.

They were watching the Slytherin Quidditch practice. After two weeks of classes, the snake house had finally found time to train, and Harry wasn't going to miss watching.

"Yes, they do, Ron," Potter defended them, especially Draco.

The two were the Seekers, and Harry could usually catch the Snitch almost every time? Yes. But he couldn't deny that the blond was a very good player. Especially after the holidays. They played almost every day. Two addicts.

"Both teams are very good, end of discussion," Hermione intervened, closing the book she was reading and putting it on her lap.

"But we always win, Mione, you know that", Ron continued, but Granger stared at him with a sharp look.

Weasley gave up saying what he wanted, but gave a breathless response that Harry couldn't decipher. He was too busy watching the practice, really interested.

"Ron, something I agree with you about is, you are much better than that keeper. Having him in goal, and you on our team, we will win easily." It wasn't entirely true, since Slytherin had a history of choosing very good players. Harry said this to help Ron's confidence in the games, as he was very insecure and this made it difficult for him in the match.

"Maybe. Maybe I can agree with you on that," Ron gave a sideways smile, happy with his friend's encouragement.

"Harry is right, Ron. You are a great keeper and I'm sure you will be recruited for the team," Hermione smiled at the redhead. Weasley now had a smile from ear to ear on his face and his cheeks were practically the color of his hair.

Hermione opened her book again, returning to reading.

"Is this thing never going to end? I want to go have breakfast soon," Ron grumbled, annoyed by boredom.

"It's not my fault you didn't bring anything to do while Harry watches their training, Ronald," Granger replied, flipping through a page.

"But I don't read for fun, you... you nerd!" Weasley stared at her.

"It's not my problem that you're uncultured, you glutton!" Hermione retorted, trying not to get annoyed.

"You guys sound like an old married couple," Harry said, making them shut up.

Ron and Hermione glanced at each other, cheeks flushed, and then turned their gaze to the opposite side.

"No. Never," Mione turned her head from side to side, denying.

"Yeah, Harry. Where did you get that? Are you sick?" Ron put his hand on the brunet's forehead, pretending to measure his temperature.

"Take your hand off, I don't know where it's been!" Harry slapped the redhead's fingers.

"Ouch! That hurt," Weasley took his hand between his fingers, analyzing it.

"Let me see that." Mione touched Ron's hand delicately, caressing it. "See? It was nothing."

Some celebratory shouts came from the field and the three of them looked up, curious to see what it was.

Potter smiled excitedly, waving cheerfully to the field, seeing that Draco was watching him. The blonde had just caught another Snitch and was proudly showing it to Harry.

Apparently, the practice was over—since the players were not making any movements indicating an active game.

Potter grabbed his broom, which was leaning against the bleachers, and climbed on it, heading towards Draco.

Malfoy, already seeing the brunet flying towards him, waved even more frantically and flew to him as well.

"Potty! You... " A strange noise was getting closer and closer to them. "What the hell?" Draco turned towards the noise, trying to figure out where it was coming from.

A bludger, which hadn't been put away, was flying out of control across the field and hit the brunet in the head.

Pain reached his temples, and then, the boy was falling, with nothing to cushion the fall.

Potter fell to the ground and more pain reached him. He noticed Draco's silhouette coming towards him, worry evident on his face.

Then his vision blurred and all Harry could see was darkness swallowing him.

Chapter Text

Draco was looking forward to this afternoon. The first weekend trip to the quaint village had arrived, and the students couldn't be more excited. He would spend the whole day with Harry. He couldn't ask for anything better.

He and Harry, as always, did the same ritual every year for the first visit.

They spent the afternoon alone, visiting all the shops, using an order created many years ago: Three Broomsticks to drink butterbeer, Honeydukes to replenish their stock of exotic sweets, Zonko's Jokes and Tricks to buy all sorts of useful prank toys, Special Quills for Draco to buy the fanciest and most expensive quills he could find, and a quick stop at the Hog's Head—even though it always looked empty, dirty, and moldy.

But this time, they wanted to visit Madame Puddifoot's Tea Shop. Usually, only couples frequented the place, but they had never been there, not even Draco when he was in a relationship with Nott.

Since it was far from Valentine's Day, the place would be practically empty, so they didn't see any problem in going there.

Ron and Hermione left with Ginny and Luna a little later than them, as they didn't share the same excitement as Harry and Draco.

"Come on, Draco! If you take one more minute arranging that damn hair of yours, you'll be without your expensive feathers," Harry threatened. He was waiting for the blonde in the prefects' bathroom, expecting him to fix his blonde hair.

After being named Slytherin prefect, he refused to use any other bathroom than the prefects. Harry, as captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, had the same privileges, but he didn't enjoy them as much as the Slytherin.

"Don't you like me, Harry? Have pity on me, my sweet ball. If you like my hair, as I know you like to mess with it all the time, you need to have patience to see it as beautiful as it is every day."

"Are you never going to give up that horrible nickname, Dray? Be more creative and come up with something better, for Merlin's sake."

"Don't speak shit of the nickname I created! It's amazing, my sweet ball."

"Stop saying that! You're embarrassing me."

"My sweet ball. My sweet ball. My sweet ball. My sweet ball..." Draco kept repeating it several times, staring at Harry through the large mirror in the bathroom.

"I'm going to Hogsmeade without you, bye."

"No! Not that. I'm already going." Malfoy, clearly desperate, finished fixing his hair in seconds, hooking his arm with Harry's, walking with him through the long corridors of the school to the third floor.

James, Sirius, and Remus had created the Marauder's Map when they were teenagers. It was a map that showed all of Hogwarts and where each student was. This was a gift given to Harry and Draco in their first school year, along with the tip to use it wisely.

The two already knew the map like the back of their hands and knew all the secret passages of the castle shown on the parchment.

To save time, they liked to go to Hogsmeade using the secret passage of the Witch with One Eye. It was a secret tunnel that led from Hogwarts to Honeydukes' cellar.

"Dissendium," Draco uttered the password as soon as they arrived. As soon as the password was given, the protrusion on the witch statue opened to reveal a small slide into a tunnel.

They walked, approximately, for an hour until they reached the candy shop's basement. Since it was crowded, it was easy for them to blend in with the others, without revealing where they came from.

They left the store without buying anything for now, heading to the first place on the list, the Three Broomsticks.

Draco felt the chilly wind brushing against the exposed skin of his neck. It was summer, but in Hogsmeade it was always colder, the sun never bringing the real warmth effect.

Still arm in arm, they calmly walked to the bar, taking a table in the back. It was a warm, smoky, and noisy place, as it was always crowded. Soon the manager, Madam Rosmerta, came to them.

"So, what would you like, dears?"

“Two butterbeers, please. “Harry asked smiling, seeing that she had taken their order.

Draco had his gaze locked on the brunet, his chin resting in the palm of his hand, smiling at him. He was always so polite to everyone and made a point of smiling all the time. Malfoy thought it was adorable and always found himself with a silly smile directed at the boy.

“Draco? Are you alright? You've been daydreaming for a while“, Harry was wiping his hand across his face, snapping his fingers.

“Oh, yes. I was wondering, when do you think Ron and Hermione are going to stop being sweet arses and realize they like each other?” He disagreed, twirling the rings on his fingers.

“I think it'll take a while yet. Ron never realizes that she likes him back. He's too slow.

“Yes, he reminds me of someone.” Draco had his eyes locked on the brunet's, trying to convey his answer.

“Who?” Harry asked confusedly.

“My Merlin... Well, I can't say.”

“Asked you.”

“Fuck you, Harry Evans Potter! I hate you.”

“Really?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Fuck off.”

“Sit on my dick and get comfortable.” Draco retorted.

“I sat down and got comfortable, only the dick I couldn't find.”

“That way I'm leaving, you child.”

“I'm not your mum.”

Malfoy rolled his eyes, got up from his chair and wagged his middle finger at Harry, threatening to leave the table.

“Draco! Don't do this to me, you're the child here. Half-baked gossip should be considered a criminal offence," Potter grumbled, crossing his arms irritably.

“Don't be like that, my sweet ball. You'll soon find out who it is.” He sat back down at the table.

“It´s good that you tell me, huh? Or the things could get really dirty on your side.”

Their drinks arrived and they savored the sweet taste of the beer and the thick, creamy foam.

Harry left his glasses on the table when he had finished drinking and Draco burst out laughing, staring at the brunet.

“What are you laughing at, Ferret?”

“You've got a moustache," Draco warned and Potter tried to wipe it off, but couldn't find the right place, even though the blond had shown him several times where it was.

“I give up.”

“Calm down, love, it's right here”, Malfoy ran his thumb over Harry's face, lingering a good few second longer than necessary, removing the foam. He brought his finger to his lips, smiling as he licked the sweet.

Harry smiled in appreciation, waiting for the blond to finish his drink. They were always like that, Potter finishing his meal in minutes, while Draco took a long time, but the brunet always waited for him to finish eating, even if it took hours.

“Sorry to bother you, but are you two a couple?” a lady at the next table asked them.

“Ahn... No, we're not “, but we could be, Draco thought.

“Oh, I'm sorry to bother you, it's just that it seemed like a lot, and I just wanted to clear that doubt up, dears.” The lady apologized, turning her attention back to her drink.

“Shall we go to Honeydukes now?” Draco asked, getting up from his chair and trying to dispel the uncomfortable atmosphere that had settled in.

“Let’s go.” Harry agreed, without touching on the previous subject.

They followed the "to-do list" in order, practically ending the day full of shopping and pockets full of sweets. Draco felt like a child with his fancy, expensive new feathers, but there was still one place left to go, the one he had been most looking forward to all day.

They arrived in front of Madame Puddifoot's Tea House, which was on the side of the village's Main Street and entered. A melodious tinkling bell announced their entrance and the gaze of everyone in the restaurant fell on the two of them.

The place was full of round tables decorated with laced napkins and Chinese sugar bowls. Draco, trying to get them both out of sight, looked for the table furthest away from everyone and sat down with Harry.

The brunet hadn't spoken a word since they'd set foot in the place, looking distressed at being there.

“Look at the newest couple at Hogwarts!” A third year shouted as soon as he saw the two of them in the corner of the shop, hiding from everyone.

“Dray, can we leave? This place is making me uncomfortable, it looks too much like Umbridge’s office and you of all people know how much I hate remembering her.” Harry asked, looking only at the blond, as if there were only the two of them in the place.

“Of course, Harry. I'm sorry I had the stupid idea of coming here.”

“No problem, Dray”, Potter tried hard to smile and convince him that there really was no problem. He knew how long it took the blond to believe that someone wasn't angry about something ‘wrong’ he'd done.

Madame Puddifoot was about to attend to them, but Draco quickly dismissed her, claiming that they were already on their way out.

“God, everyone mistook us for a couple today. Strange, isn't it? That's never happened before", Harry commented, lost in thought.

“Yes... very strange.” Draco didn't quite understand why hearing that from Potter hurt like a punch in the stomach.

It was Harry, his best friend. Obviously, they would never be anything more. Obviously.

Chapter Text

The Quidditch games were drawing nearer, so almost every night there was practice.

When the pitch wasn't reserved by Slytherin, Gryffindor took over. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw always snagged the afternoon slots, as that was their strategy that worked.

Tonight, Harry – as team captain – was leading the training. As usual, Draco would come to watch him practice, and vice versa. When tasks piled up, they brought their books and quills to get them done while still being able to watch the other´s play.

They always supported each other, even in the smallest things.

Since the blonde had finished everything he needed to do by the end of the week, he brought only his broom so he could fly a bit with the brunet after practice.

Draco was in the stands, seated comfortably, watching Harry give instructions to the other players. He would often get angrier or irritated easily, as not everyone always did as he commanded.

Malfoy knew the boy liked to be in charge, and even though he wouldn't admit it, he always did what Harry asked.

"Quiet! Please," Harry asked for the fifteenth time, but no one listened.

"For Merlin's sake, shut the fuck up!" Ginny shouted, and everyone fell silent at once.

Luna, Ginny's girlfriend, smiled happily, clapping softly for her. Draco was sitting beside her, as he always did when they watched Quidditch.

They became friends in their third year at Hogwarts. Luna had been bullied; some older students called her Loony Lovegood and claimed that pansexuality didn't exist, which made her sad.

Draco fiercely defended her, threatening anyone who dared utter a hateful word toward her.

After that incident, they became friends, and Draco always stood up for her.

"You really love him, don't you?" Luna asked thoughtfully, noticing that he hadn't stopped smiling since they began watching Harry.

"I do..." he affirmed, resting his head on his palm.

Luna smiled. She could see how much the boy was in love with Harry. Draco never hid his feelings; he always made them as clear as crystal, but she thought Evans didn't notice. Harry could be a bit blind sometimes.

At that moment, Potter managed to get the team under control, and they were practicing Quaffle passes. Since this wasn't his area, he focused on scanning the stands, looking for Malfoy's shallow lakes.

Spotting them, he waved happily, grinning from ear to ear when he noticed Draco there, watching him.

Lost in emerald irises, Malfoy didn't notice Harry was greeting him. Luna nudged him in the ribs to show that Harry was talking to him.

"Oh, hi!" He waved back, smiling.

The rest of the practice went well, but the team was too chatty, which annoyed Harry. He couldn´t concentrate with this much noise and it makes him stress a lot.

He had to keep calling someone's attention every minute, keeping an eye on everyone. But he knows that he couldn't complain; after all, that was the task of a captain, no matter how difficult it was.

His patience was nearly at its end, but to avoid exploding, Harry covered his face with one hand, massaging his temple, focusing on his breathing. When he felt calmer and ready for another round of multiple curses thrown in the air, something hit his stomach.

The sharp pain made him groan and wrap both arms around his belly, trying to ease the pain somehow. His mind was clouded, and he couldn't balance on his broom.

Draco, who had been watching everything, noticed something was wrong and quickly grabbed his broom, heading towards the fallen boy. He arrived too late and found him on the ground, his expression full of pain.

"Who the hell did this to you, love? Just give me names, and I'll kill them all." Worried, Malfoy crouched down, lightly placing a hand on the brunet's shoulder, checking any for injuries. "Are you okay?"

"I think someone hit me with a Bludger..." he murmured with a small whimper, looking up, focusing his gaze on Bradley, a player from Ravenclaw. That day, the two houses had to share the field due to rain during Ravenclaw's practice.

Malfoy followed Harry's gaze and glared at the boy angrily, swiftly grabbing his broom and heading towards him.

"Calm down, Dray! I don't know who it was," Potter tried to shout, but his voice felt dry due to the pain and Black was already out of his sight.

"You bloody asshole! Who do you think you are to throw a Bludger at Harry?" Draco, face to face with the boy, shouted angrily.

"But I didn't do anything!"

"Bullshit. Minus 20 points for Ravenclaw, you idiot."

"But prefects can only deduct 5!" the boy exclaimed, indignant.

"I don´t fucking care, dickhead. One more peep, and I'll take double. Get lost. Now."

Draco, pleased that the Ravenclaw had left, went back to Harry, his worried expression returning.

He was trying to get up, but the pain wouldn't let him.

"My love, try not to move. I'll take you to the infirmary," Malfoy reassured him, carefully wrapping an arm around the brunet's legs and torso, easily carrying him bridal style.

"What did you do to the poor boy?" Harry asked, holding onto the taller boy's neck.

"I took care of him. That's all."

"But, Dray, I don't think it was him. The Bludger came from far away to be Bradley, who was close."

"Well, at least I deducted points from Ravenclaw, and our houses have a better chance of winning the House Cup, even though Gryffindor always wins. Is ridiculous."

"You're hopeless," Harry laughed quietly, trying not to make much effort, resting his head on the blonde's chest looking for comfort; it was warm and cozy. He always made excuses to stay there.

"But you love me anyway."

"Yes, I do."

Draco's heart swelled with happiness and tenderness, even though he knew his words didn't have the meaning he sought.

Chapter Text

Harry loved sunny days.

They were perfect for spending time in the backyard, enjoying the sun and the blue sky. He enjoyed when he and Draco spent afternoons in Hogwarts' garden, talking while Hedwig flew around. Due to their closeness, the owl had grown to like Draco with the same intensity as her owner.

Malfoy didn't have an owl but rather a snake, as he said, to honor Slytherin. When he needed to send a letter or something similar, he used Hedwig.

Hagrid, the Hogwarts gamekeeper, had gifted the brunet with the owl in his first school year, due to their close friendship.

"Her fur has grown," Draco commented.

They were in the castle grounds with Harry's owl, enjoying the fading sunlight. Hedwig had already had her daily flight and was tired.

"She must be eating better quality worms," Potter replied, stroking her fur alongside the blonde.

"Or small rodents. She seems stronger too."

"I'll talk to Hagrid to find out more, so I can get more of that kind of food."

Draco nodded, placing his hand over Harry's to stroke her too. Potter blushed sightly at the small touch of their hands, despite being used to Draco´s physical affection.

After a while, the owl returned to the owlery, leaving them alone again.

"I missed this. Our days of doing absolutely nothing, just hanging out here in the sun."

"Me too. The holidays were so good..." Malfoy reminisced, lying back on the grass.

"I already miss home."

"Pads must be driving Moony completely insane without me there."

"I can easily visualize that scene."

"I bet he wakes up in the middle of the night and goes to my room, crying dramatically, saying it's absurd what the school does.”

"And Remus wakes up in the morning, already knowing where to find him. He'd contain his laughter and comfort him."

"Prongs is another drama queen. He makes a scene every year."

"Reggie is the only sensible one."

Harry nodded. Talking about their parents with Draco was always comforting and gratifying. They were very close and understood each other in that regard.

"A Slytherin in the middle of three Gryffindors, of course he would be the only sensible one," Draco pointed out.

"You and your obsession with Slytherin and the color green."

“But green isn't my favorite color just because of my house."

"It's because of my eyes," Harry joked, chuckling softly.

"It is." Draco confessed, truly.

Potter looked astonished, and his cheeks turned crimson. As if he couldn't believe his words could be correct.

Their thoughts were interrupted by a drop of water that fell on his forehead, moving to his nose.

Harry looked up confused, noticing dark clouds heavy with water had filled the sky, completely covering the view of the sun.

Draco, lost in his thoughts, hadn't noticed when the rain intensified and was notified by the brunet.

Potter pulled him by the arm, making him stand up suddenly.

"We need to get out of here," Harry said.

"The greenhouse is the nearest covered place we can go now."

"I hope Professor Sprout isn't there."

Draco nodded, swiftly grabbing Harry's wet hand, looking for the nearest exit.

The rain was dense, and the waters fell heavily, with large, repetitive drops, leaving no room for truce.

The grass was wet and slippery, and Harry almost stumbled a few times, but Malfoy's firm hand alongside his prevented him from falling.

With each step they took, it seemed like another collection of waters came from the sky, hitting their heads. They ran as fast as they could to the greenhouse.

Draco was worried about Potter; his immunity was very low, and he couldn't afford to catch a cold.

"We're here," Malfoy said, quickly opening the door, making sure Harry entered first.

"This rain came out of nowhere," Harry commented, putting both hands on his knees, breathing heavily. He sneezed once and then again, rubbing his nose with his hand.

"Come here," Draco called him. He took off his Hogwarts cloak and wrung it out, removing as much water as he could. Once it was minimally dry and well crumpled, he put it over the brunet's shoulders, covering him.

Harry was wearing only a thin shirt, as he hadn't brought his uniform cloak; it was too hot early and only a mad person would bring a cloak. Well, a mad person or Draco Malfoy, which can be seen as the same thing.

"Thanks," Potter shows his gratitude, shrinking into the giant cloak that Black had made available to him. Whenever he wore clothes borrowed from Draco, they were huge on him, and he loved it.

Draco smiled in response.

Evans was looking at him, noticing that the rain had completely messed up his hair and his white shirt. It was now with a few buttons undone and completely stuck to Malfoy's body, gripping his torso and showing a lot of skin. He had been blessed by Quidditch training and had some – read many – defined muscles. The abdomen was completely buffed.

Harry's mouth was minimally open, and he felt panicked. Merlin.

He didn't know where to look but he had this vision of the gods in front of him and with Draco´s scent around him, enveloping him like a warm blanket. Even though the cloak was wet, the smell of the blonde's green apple perfume was present. Harry couldn´t be more blessed.

"Harry? Are you okay? I've been calling you for a while," Draco waved his hand in front of the boy, trying to get him out of his small trance.

"Oh? Hi, yes, yes. I´m okay. Are you okay? Everything's fine! But it got hot out of nowhere, didn't it?"

"It's normal for me. Are you sure you're not sick? You are completely soaked..." Malfoy put the back of his hand against Harry´s forehead, getting closer.

"No!" he shouted quickly, making Draco step back, startled by his scream. "I'm fine, it's nothing, really.” Who could blame him for having kind of a gay panic?

"Hm... You don't seem well. You're sweating and seem nervous. Do you want to go to the Hospital Wing? Madam Pomfrey might know something that could help you."

"No. No need. Let's stay here until the rain stops, okay, Dray?"

"Alright, but you need to stay warm." Draco said worried.

They sat side by side on the floor under a helpless plant, but the space was almost non-existent. They had to stay practically glued to each other. Draco put his arm over Harry's shoulder, pulling him protectively closer when he noticed his lower lip was trembling slightly from the cold.

The rain showed no signs of stopping anytime soon; they would have to stay there for a while.

But it wasn't a problem, since suddenly, rainy days had become the best ones.

Chapter Text

Everything was dark.

The only sight Harry had was darkness. He could hear some noises in the background, but that was all. The noises were like a cow mooing, but a hundred times louder and deafening.

Potter looked around, searching for where the animal could be. Sounds of ducks aggressively hitting the ground came from behind the boy, who turned abruptly.

The face of a pink cow appeared, and Harry stared at it in confusion. It had strange features, reminiscent of the horrible teacher he had the previous year, Dolores Umbridge.

She seemed happy. Now a strong light hit the animal, making it possible to notice all its features. The cow continued mooing, but the sound began to sound painful.

Harry, even though afraid, approached it, trying to help in some way. His skin started to acquire a blood-red hue. Small cuts covered his arms and body, forming the same sentence that Potter had a scar on his hand.

"I must not tell lies."

Its mooing became more and more desperate and agonizing. She was whimpering while begging for someone to hear it. It was visible in her expression that she was asking for help.

The cow no longer had Umbridge's features, but those of a common cow, suffering. The teacher appeared behind the animal with a maniac expression. Harry sighed loudly in fright, trying to run and get out of there, but his legs didn't move, they didn't let him leave the place. He was suck, so he just stood there, helpless, watching the poor animal suffer.

"Harry!"

"Harry, wake up!”

"He won't calm down so easily like this," Hermione said.

"Harry, it was just a nightmare, wake up," Ron put a hand on his shoulder, trying to calm him down, but it was useless. Potter flinched with the slight touch of his friend´s hand, like it was burning his skin.

The boy didn't open his eyes and was curled up, looking so small in the middle of the dormitory bed.

"I'll call Draco, only he can calm Harry down at a time like this," Ginny exclaimed exasperated.

"But he's in the Slytherin Common Room sleeping, how are you going to get in there?" her brother questioned.

"Fuck it, I'll figure it out. I'll invade that damn place if I have to."

xxx

"Malfoy! Open this fucking door now," Ginny shouted, banging forcefully on the wall, where the entrance to the snake house was.

A first-year Slytherin, probably afraid of the terrifying tone of the redhead, opened the door. She stormed into the common room, ignoring the confused looks directed at her.

"Where's Malfoy's damn private room? I need to talk to that ferret right now," the Gryffindor asked Pansy, who was passing by.

"What has he done this time? Got into a fight again because of Potter?"

"No, surprisingly not. But it's about Harry."

"Well, I won't question anything, but it's upstairs." She pointed to a room with a fancy-looking door at the top of the stairs.

Ginny hurried up there, kicking the door so hard that it could break. However, it wasn't necessary, as the blond opened it.

"Open... this... fucking... door!" Weasley exclaimed, not noticing it was already open, ending up hitting Draco's heel.

"Ouch! What was that, Ginny? Did you come here to beat me up? I have rights!"

"Fuck your rights, Malfoy. Harry needs you."

Harry needs you.

Worry filled the blond's body the moment those words reached his ears.

"Is he okay? Did something happen?" Draco asked, his voice trembling, anxiety evident in his tone.

"I don't know," she began to explain as they ran to the Gryffindor Common Room. "He was dreaming about something and started sweating and trembling, not opening his eyes at all. Harry can only feel calm with you."

Draco tried to contain the smile that wanted to appear on his face because she said his boy only felt calm with him. This wasn't the time; now he was more concerned with the brunet.

"I think I know what might have happened. He had an improvement of these nightmares when we were on vacation, but I think coming back to Hogwarts brought back bad memories."

Ginny agreed, unsure of what to say. She wasn't as close to Harry, but she knew he had gone through some problems last year.

Draco was wearing his pajamas and slippers, but he didn't care to go out like this.

They entered the lion's house abruptly; Draco ran swiftly to the communal dormitory where Harry stayed.

Malfoy, already knowing that place like the back of his hand, went to the brunet's bed. He found him turned to the other side, totally curled up in a fetal position, with the pillow pressed tightly against his head, crying softly against the bed sheets.

Hermione was crouched beside him, trying to get his attention somehow, but it was futile. The boy didn't respond, just whimpering incomprehensible words.

"Harry..." Draco murmured, approaching.

"Dray?" He asked softly, his voice sounding choked up

"Hello, sweetheart. Can you explain to me what happened?"

Draco, in a gesture with his hands, indicated that everyone should leave the room, giving them privacy. The room soon emptied out, and they were alone.

Harry slowly passed his hands around the other's strong arms, approaching the tiny hug.

They were silent for a few moments. Draco was letting the brunet calm down completely before saying anything. He was still tense with the nightmare and couldn´t recognize his surroundings completely.

"Harry."

"Hm?"

"Do you remember when we turned Umbridge into a pink cow by putting Polyjuice Potion in her drink?"

"Yes! That was your idea, along with Fred and George's, and it was the best of all. I don't think she'll ever forget that," Harry chuckled softly, turning to bury his head in the taller man's chest.

"Think of that when a bad memory invades your mind."

Harry was silent for a few moments but started laughing seconds later.

"Are you laughing at my cheesy phrase, Harry? What nonsense is this?" Draco asked teasingly.

"No! I'm laughing at remembering how angry Umbridge got when she realized she had become a pink cow."

"That was one of the best days of my life. But now, you'll have the worst of yours. You'll get a punishment for making me think you were laughing at me. Tickle attack!"

Draco ran his agile fingers over Harry's belly, where it was most sensitive, laughing as he watched him writhing from the tickling. The brunet laughed loudly, trying to remove the blond's hands from there, but he was persistent.

At times like these, Draco wanted to stop time to hear Harry's laughter forever.

Chapter Text

Draco always made sure to know how to dance. Not just any ordinary dance, but the waltz.

Growing up with Sirius and Remus didn't bring him the typical wizarding family culture. Even though Sirius had all his relatives as pure-bloods, he didn't adopt their norms.

Draco had a desire to learn these customs. It was a way to keep his biological parents close. He didn't miss what he had never had contact with; after all, he was very young when they were murdered and was quite content living with Moony and Padfoot.

However, he had never needed to actually use his skills in classic wizarding dance, but now, with the winter ball approaching, he would put them into practice. It was a ceremony that occurred every two years, but only students from the fifth year onward were allowed to attend.

In their second year, Draco and Harry sneaked into the ball to grab some of the delicious food being served. They were mesmerized by the beautiful decorations and the atmosphere of the place. It was simply perfect.

Malfoy was looking forward to the ball. He couldn't stop thinking about it all day and how he would like to have Harry as his partner. Whenever he imagined himself dancing in that crowd of people, he couldn't visualize a single face except Harry's. Whenever he thought about the ball, Harry was always there with him. It was as if it were automatic, natural.

Draco eagerly wanted to ask him to dance with him in the proper way, but he feared rejection. He feared that Harry would find it strange and wouldn't accept his invitation. Draco knew that this option was almost nil; after all, they were so close that it would be strange if they didn't go together.

Black was always someone who claimed not to be easily swayed, covering up the view everyone had of him with his usual narcissism and ego. But with Potter, he didn't feel that need. He showed his true and raw face, without caring about judgments, because he knew they wouldn't come.

"Harry, could I talk to you for a second?" Draco asked nervously as they were leaving the Great Hall, heading towards the Potions classroom.

"Sure, Draco. Tell me, what happened?"

"Meet me tonight at 8 p.m. in the Astronomy Tower, please."

"Okay, any special reason? Do I need to worry?"

"Maybe. You'll see."

xxx

The blonde was eagerly waiting for Harry in the tower. He had placed several soft cushions scattered on the floor so they would have the comfort they deserved.

Draco wanted everything to be perfect.

"One day these stairs will kill me," Malfoy was brought out of his thoughts by hearing Potter's panting voice from the top of the staircase.

"Come, I have pumpkin juice. It will help you catch your breath," Draco called gently, extending his hand to the boy.

"You always think of everything, don't you? Thanks."

The two sat side by side amidst the soft fillings, with Harry resting his head on the taller boy's shoulder. They liked to be in this position at times like this, just remaining silent, admiring the vast world outside.

As it was winter, it was dark by mid-afternoon, and the sky was completely starry. Draco gently stroked Harry's hair, a subtle caress.

"Are you looking forward to the winter ball?" Draco asked after a while. The cold wind brushed against their bodies.

"I am, I hope it's fun. But I'm scared, I can't dance, I might embarrass myself," Harry spoke softly.

"Don't worry about that. You'll do great," Draco assured him, taking off his cloak and placing it over the boy, noticing how his shoulders trembled slightly from the cold.

"I don't know how you can be so sure of that..., but okay."

"Harry, would you like to go to the ball with me?" Draco asked nervously, fiddling with his fingers in an attempt to alleviate his anxiety.

"Of course I want to, Dray! You're my best friend," Harry affirmed happily, smiling at the blonde.

Draco's heart warmed as much as it was crushed. He was happy with Harry's positive response, but his last words echoed in his mind like a curse.

You're my best friend. You're my best friend. You're my best friend.

Why just friends?

xxx

The day of the ball had arrived and Draco couldn't be happier. He daydreamed about this moment all the time, especially since Harry was his date. Personally, this was the best part of the night.

Malfoy wore a white vest with a matching bow tie and blazer, along with black tailored pants. Harry was more ordinary. He wore a simple suit, but it fit perfectly on his body.

Both were worried about being the only ones not accompanied by a traditional date—man and woman. They didn't care about the possible accusing looks from ignorant people, but they didn't want to be alone in moments like these.

"I'm nervous, Dray," Harry admitted, holding tightly onto the blonde's left arm.

"It will be fine, sweet ball. I'm here with you, don´t worry," and with those words, it was as if the tension left the boy's body and he calmed down in seconds. "Ready?"

"Ready."

The large wooden doors opened, and they entered the ball. It was completely dressed, with three large pines at the end of the hall. The decoration was splendid, with several lights coming from the ceiling as if there were several shooting stars crossing the sky.

"Now I understand why you were so excited, Dray. It's all so beautiful."

Draco wasn't paying attention to the decoration of the place. He felt happier just looking, with a silly smile on his face, at the boy in front of him.

The two walked side by side through the hall, never unlinking their arms. They spotted Ginny and Luna together near a table with delicious snacks.

"Ginny! Luna! You both look beautiful," Harry said happily as they approached.

"Thank you, Harry. Hello, Draco! I see you got what you wanted," Luna said with a little smile for Malfoy, as if she knew something that others didn't.

"Oh... Yes, yes! I'm very happy. I-I'll go get us some drinks, okay, Harry?" Malfoy, visibly nervous, left the scene, aiming to change the subject.

"What's gotten into him?" Ginny asked, gently placing a hand on Luna's waist.

"I don't know. At least he's coming back with food," Harry joked.

Black was soon back, bringing with him several glasses with all possible drinks from the place. He was using the floating charm, so it was easy to carry such a quantity of objects.

"I didn't know which one you wanted, so I brought one of each," Draco said proudly, leaving the glasses on a small table near them.

"Only you, Dray," Harry left a smacking kiss on his cheek as a thank you.

The rest of the ball proceeded in a way that would be stored in Malfoy's memory forever. He guided his dance with Potter, keeping his strong hand on the boy's waist all the time, who looked at him with his green eyes pleading for help in every waltz step.

Draco looked at Harry's face the whole time. His eyes were like two magnets that attracted each other no matter how much force was needed to separate them.

When the ball ended and Malfoy tenderly kissed the boy's hand, he knew he would do anything for that boy to become his.

Chapter Text

Harry was apprehensive.

Everything around him indicated that nothing was happening and everything was fine, but his body and mind told him otherwise.

His chest tightened with every moment Draco left the Hogwarts castle walls, even if it was for the simplest of reasons.

He had been feeling this way for a few days now and didn't know what to do to ease the pressure in his chest. He hadn't talked to Malfoy about it, because he didn't want to worry him, but it was reaching a point where it would suffocate him.

Harry planned to talk to his best friend after dinner, which was almost over. He looked for his favorite gray-blue eyes around the Slytherin table and found them, already looking at him. Draco was already looking at him.

Potter moved his mouth without making a sound, indicating he wanted to talk to the blond after dinner, who nodded, understanding what the boy wanted to communicate. Harry let out a relieved sigh.

A good feeling always grew in his chest when Malfoy showed he understood him completely. Their relationship was one of the things Harry admired most in his life. He believed Draco was a gift sent by Merlin just for him. Only him. He couldn't understand how someone so good for him, like Black, could have appeared in his life.

Harry was finishing his baked potato when all the plates were cleared and the table emptied, signaling the end of the meal.

"I'm sorry to interrupt everyone's dinner, but I have an important announcement to make. I ask for everyone's attention," Dumbledore went to his small table in front of the teachers' table, where he spoke.

Potter's stomach churned the moment the headmaster began to speak. The same feeling of apprehension that invaded his body penetrated him, and he felt his hand trembling.

"A new wave of attacks is happening in the wizarding world. Kingsley Shacklebolt has been kidnapped. We have no information about who did it, but we deduce it is a sign of a new war starting in the magical world."

Harry felt like he was going to faint. A new war. The last war took his mother from him. It took Draco's biological parents.

"Don't despair. Desperation will get us nowhere. Hogwarts is the safest place for all of us right now. I recommend that no one leave the school and go to meet their parents, as the danger in the wizarding world is more present there. Muggle-borns and half-bloods, the decision to go or not is up to you. Remember that Hogwarts will always help those who seek it."

Dumbledore finished his speech, and this was a sign for the students to start shouting and running around in despair, some calling for their parents and others cursing the headmaster.

Harry couldn't move. It was as if all his muscles were paralyzed, preventing him from leaving that place.

The boy felt a gentle touch of a large hand on his shoulder, as if it were a silent request for him to meet the gaze of the person behind him. Potter already knew who it was before his brain even reasoned the next action. His body recognized the touch and presence of Draco even kilometers away.

"Harry," Malfoy called him.

The brunet couldn't respond. All the shouting and panic around him left him motionless. Draco seemed to notice, because Harry felt a firm hand on his waist, leading him out of the Great Hall.

They knew a secluded and little-known place by the students, where they always visited.

It was near the Herbology greenhouse. There was a large tree near the place, where various animals like birds and butterflies surrounded the area.

"Harry, are you feeling any better?" Draco asked tenderly, looking into his eyes, brushing a stray hair from his face.

"D-Draco. A war. A war is happening," his words were so low they were almost unintelligible.

Malfoy hugged him around the waist, trying to convey all the remaining security in his body to Harry.

He sat with his back against the large tree, bringing Potter to sit between his legs, lying on his chest.

Evans' gaze was lost on the horizon, unable to focus on anything. Draco began gently stroking his hair, starting a subtle caress.

"I'm scared, Dray. I don't want to have the same fate as my mother. Your parents…" Harry admitted, seeking comfort in the blond's hand, letting tears fall freely.

"It's normal to be scared, sweet ball. You just can't let it take over you," Draco advised.

"I don't want to lose you. I can't," Harry whispered.

"Nothing will happen to you. If necessary, we'll run away and nothing will touch us. Nothing will happen to me, to you, or to my parents and yours. Nothing," Malfoy kissed his forehead gently, as an assuring gesture.

Harry nodded, too tired to say anything. He settled more comfortably against Draco, smiling as he felt his fingers entwined in his scalp and his other hand firm on the small of Potter´s back, steading him against Malfoy´s body.

"At this moment, there is no war. No death. No destruction. There is only you and me. Draco and Harry."

"And the butterflies."

"And the butterflies."

Feeling the gentle and subtle touch of Malfoy's hand stroking his hair, he realized something he should have noticed a long time ago.

Harry loved him.

Chapter Text

After Dumbledore announced that there was a war going on in the wizarding world, the peaceful atmosphere of Hogwarts dissipated in seconds. All the calm and subtle aura of the school had vanished. All everyone could talk about was the war. That fucking war.

Draco and Harry, on the other hand, tried their best not to talk about it. They were very apprehensive about everything that was happening.

They spent most of their time together, savoring the possible last moments side by side.

They liked to do things like they were doing now; lying together, simply enjoying each other's company.

They were at this moment, resting on Harry's bed in the Gryffindor dormitory. Draco always went there; all the Gryffindors were already used to his presence and greeted him all the time, as if he were one of them.

Malfoy had a book in hand and read it aloud for both of them, while Potter had his head lying near the blond's lap, who gently caressed his hair.

They enjoyed moments like these. Where they could be together, just the two of them, with no one to reprimand them, no war happening, and no obstacles.

"’And it was pretty much the best underwater kiss of all time.'" Draco finished reading Percy Jackson, The Last Olympian.

"They are so cute together," Harry sighed softly in appreciation of the affection he received.

"Yes. The way they both dealt with the war happening around them is inspiring. I wish I had that ability; as difficult as it was, they managed."

"We'll manage too, Dray. We have to."

"I hope so."

Black stopped caressing for a moment, due to a moment he paused to wonder.

"Hey! Keep petting, I like it," Harry requested.

"Alright, alright," Draco agreed with a laugh.

A comfortable silence reigned in the room. The blond continued to play with the brunet's hair, while Evans picked up the loose strand from the pillowcase his face was resting on.

"I'm scared," Potter revealed, his voice muffled because his face was buried in the pillow.

"Scared?"

"Scared of this war. I don't want to lose you, Draco. If I lost you, it would be like a part of me went away with you. One of my favorite parts."

"If I lost you, my best part would be gone. You make me a better person, my sweet ball. I don't know what we can do."

"Should we send a letter to Sirius, Remus, James, and Regulus?" Harry asked thoughtfully.

"I think it would be good to make us feel calmer, but I fear the letters will be stolen or sent somewhere else. It would be dangerous for all of us."

"We can just write them without sending them. Maybe it'll help."

"Good idea, love" Draco noted, saying the pet name without noticing. He put his book aside, placing it on the nightstand, while gently taking the brunet's glasses off his face and cleaning them with the inside of his shirt.

Harry loved it when Draco showed simple gestures like these. When he did something simple and kind for him, showing he cared, wanting to help, even if it was something insignificant. For Draco, it became important, and he did everything so that the brunet received the best of everything.

"Harry..." Malfoy called him.

"Hi."

"I have something to tell you. With this war going on, I would never forgive myself if I didn't tell you. Because if I don´t say it, I won´t give us a chance."

Potter raised his head in confusion, joining his gaze with Draco's.

Malfoy could feel all the words tangled in his throat. Fighting to be freed. Fighting to be heard by Harry.

On a surge of courage, the blond opened his mouth and poured out everything that had been trapped in his heart for too long.

"Harry, I like you. Not as a friend. I like you completely. I don't know when I found out, but when I did, I was already completely captivated by you."

"Draco... I like you too. Completely."

The smile that appeared on Malfoy's face, to Harry, was like the cure for cancer for someone in the fourth stage of the disease.

He was shining.

The brunet leaned in to get closer to the blond, letting their faces practically touch.

"Can I..." Draco asked, feeling his hands tremble.

"Can I..?"

"Kiss you?"

Harry smiled. He nodded, feeling warmth in his chest. Draco put his hand on the brunet's neck, bringing his mouth to meet his.

It was a quick, subtle kiss. But it was enough to convey all their feelings through a simple brushing of lips.

The four walls of the Gryffindor dormitory held their deepest secrets. Declarations whispered only between them. No one else.

Chapter Text

Harry and Draco's relationship couldn't be better.

After declaring their mutual feelings for each other, they started spending much more time together. They went to Hogsmeade holding hands, enjoying the afternoon while visiting their favorite shops.

They spent hours under the butterfly tree – a nickname they gave it.

They lost count of how many nights they spent in the Astronomy Tower, even though the professors insisted they stay in their dormitories from late afternoon onwards.

Even before becoming more than friends, they had never had a big argument to the point of not speaking for days.

Both shared the same feeling of missing their parents. They were rarely apart for long, as they were quite attached to each other.

Fortunately, despite the war happening, students were allowed to spend Christmas at home. Harry and Draco were excited to see their families.

"I hope this trip won't last too long," Draco commented vaguely, looking at Harry, who had his gaze lost out the train window.

"Me too. Sirius must be going crazy missing us."

"For sure. But he'll probably be more at ease about everything. After all, it's Christmas. Christmas is always a happy time, and it will be a great opportunity for us to tell our parents about us, don't you think? I'm excited."

"Uh... yeah, sure," Harry spoke uncertainly, preferring to remain quiet.

Draco noticed and stared at him confusedly. He could read Potter like no one else.

"What's wrong, Harry? Don't you think it's a good time?"

"I don't know, Draco. I'm not sure if I'm ready to tell our parents."

The brunet spoke defensively, subtly moving his body away from Draco's.

"Why? Do you think they won't accept us?"

"It's not that."

"Then what is it? Share your thoughts with me because I can't understand you."

Malfoy turned his body sideways, facing Harry directly.

"We're together, we're two men who can't have children. It's as if I'm ending my mother's lineage. Her bloodline would end with me. My parents were very close to her. All our parents were."

"Harry, they would never think like that. They love us. They care about our happiness, damn it."

"I'm afraid they'll be sad or upset, Draco. I'm not ready to tell them."

"It sounds like you're ashamed to be with me. Do you feel like you're ending your mother's lineage by being with me?"

"It's not that, Draco... It's just that..."

"No. I've got it. Fine, if that's what you want, we don't need to be together anymore, then. That way, you won't have to tell anyone about something that doesn't exist."

Tears filled Harry's eyes, and he couldn't hold them back. Abruptly, Potter stood up from his seat on the train, quickly grabbing his suitcase from the overhead compartment. He hurt his fingers with the force he put into the action, but he didn't care. He left the compartment, heading to find Ron and Hermione, arriving with his face swollen and puffy red eyes from recent tears.

Draco continued alone.

He rested his head in his hands, letting his tears flow freely.

xxx

Harry and Draco didn't exchange another word during the journey back to London. They remained in separate places on the train, hurt enough not to discuss what had happened. Both were too proud for that.

Harry spotted James and Remus waiting for them at the station. They had wide smiles on their faces, waving cheerfully at them.

The Gryffindor got out of the locomotive first, not wanting to encounter the blonde during the way.

"Dad!" Potter shouted in excitement, throwing himself into Prongs' arms, who hugged his son back.

"Hello, my boy. I missed you so much. How's school been going?" He asked after kissing the boy's forehead.

"It's been good. The pressure of having done the N.E.W.T.s last year is very relieving."

"I remember when I took that test. It was easy, even more so than the question about listing three characteristics of a werewolf. Not that difficult to remember, you know what I mean." James lightly nudged Remus, who was waiting next to them for Draco.

"And Peter still managed to mess it up," Moony recalled.

"That sewer rat has always been useless," James exclaimed. He'd never forgive him for his betrayal.

"Draco!" Lupin exclaimed upon seeing the blonde exiting the train with his suitcase in hand.

Harry turned his head and continued talking to James about school matters, while Malfoy spoke with his adoptive father.

"Why didn't Sirius and Regulus come?" The Slytherin asked, as they were on their way out.

"They're swamped with work. They really wanted to come, but it was better for them to stay and work, so they'll have more time to spend with us at Christmas."

The ride back home was silent.

Harry and Draco didn't exchange any words or even glances with each other - even though they were together in the back seat of the car - while Lupin drove and James sat in the front. They noticed the strange atmosphere; their children never behaved like this, especially together.

In an attempt to ease the tension in the air, Prongs started a conversation:

"But tell us, what have you been up to at school? You two are very quiet back there; is something wrong?"

"It's nothing, Dad. I'm just tired from the trip; I didn't sleep well last night," Harry deflected, looking out the car window, trying to distract his mind with something else.

"And you, Draco? Is everything okay?" Moony asked, concerned.

"Yeah, sure, I'm just wondering."

Two lies that none of the four in the room believed.

xxx

The next few days were strange, even painful, if Harry were honest.

He spent them away from Draco, too proud to call him to talk about the argument they had.

The point was, Harry didn't believe he was wrong. He expected Malfoy to come to him and admit that he had pushed him too hard to tell something that was too important to decide on so quickly.

James tried to talk to his son about it, wanting to know why he wasn't going to Draco's house. During the holidays, he spent more time there than in his own home.

Harry simply avoided the subject, again and again.

His father didn't want to bother him with it, so he didn't insist on knowing what had happened, but he knew something was wrong.

He had talked to Remus about it, as he also noticed a glaring difference in their relationship, but neither of the boys was willing to open up to anyone.

This only became more difficult with the absence of Sirius and Regulus. Their jobs at the Ministry of Magic were in complete chaos, taking up their time 24/7. With all the confusion about a possible second war, the kidnapping of Kingsley Shacklebolt, and other important wizards to the wizarding world.

Everyone was terrified, but they believed that, together, they could get through this.

xxx

Christmas Eve arrived, and everyone was at the table, waiting for the Black brothers, who had to stay late at work. On this particular day, they were completely unreachable; more and more work came to their desks, preventing them from going home and having dinner with their family.

They were fed up with it all. This day was supposed to be special, a family day, but even that was forcefully taken from them.

James stood up from his chair to say something, but it never left his mouth, as Alastor Moody appeared in the dining room of Remus, Sirius, and Draco's house, using a portkey.

His appearance looked worn-out. His clothes were torn, as if he had been hit by multiple spells, his hair completely disheveled, and his irregular breathing made his chest rise and fall rapidly, in a clear state of panic.

"I-I'm sorry," he declared, leaning on his cane to avoid falling to the ground at the moment.

"Calm down, Mad-Eye, tell us what happened," James asked, putting his hand on his friend's shoulder to support him, trying to stay calm.

Alastor looked at everyone in the room with a look as if asking for forgiveness and declared at once:

"Sirius and Regulus are dead."

Chapter Text

Draco had always had a vivid and funny life. When he was at home, his mornings were cheerful, and — strangely enough — he was content at seven in the morning on a Monday. His afternoons never became boring, and his evenings were always filled with family games and movies. Sirius Black was the reason for all of this.

He woke up happy, planting a thousand kisses on his husband, who always complained about his morning breath. Nothing could affect his mood. He made pancakes for breakfast, always burning them and needing Remus's help to cook something edible. Draco loved living in that house, filled with that incredible energy. Sirius always cheered him up when he was sad or disheartened about something, even if it was the smallest thing in the world.

Draco simply couldn't believe he was dead. Dead.

"No!" Harry's scream made him snap out of his thoughts, and Draco felt his legs weaken as he leaned on the chair, which, due to the force put on it, fell to the ground.

"I want to see them!" Draco shouted the first thing that came to his mind. He felt confused. He felt the air escape from his chest. He needed to do something to make this feeling go away.

"It's too dangerous there, Draco," Moody said sternly.

"We have the right to see them one last time!" Black yelled.

Moody stared at Remus and James, who were frozen. Lupin was the first to snap out of the short trance and ask him to allow it. Tears ran freely down James's face. He had lost the love of his life, and as if that wasn't enough, the pain resurfaced doubly because he had also lost a brother. His brother who had been with him for all the years of his life.

"Alright. But we'll have to be quick. We'll apparate in pairs because it's safer that way. I don't know who's in that room right now, and if something dangerous is happening there, we'll be able to handle it."

Draco automatically reached for Harry's hand. He knew the brunet hated apparating, especially now when they were seeking solace. Malfoy felt Potter's cold hand against his own. His tendons were tense, and he couldn't properly close his hand. Draco gently stroked his thumb on the back of his hand, trying to find comfort where he knew only pain would be found.

James and Remus went first. Moody returned in minutes, and within seconds, Draco and Harry were faced with the worst sight of their lives.

Sirius and Regulus were holding hands, lying together on the ground. Both their heads were bleeding from the force they hit the ground, spreading like a red puddle on the floor.

Harry's stifled sob was heard in the silence of the room. The boy cried and cried, wrapping his free arm around his body and curling up, trying to shield himself from it. His hand remained intertwined with Draco's, and the boy liked that.

Malfoy was in shock. It was as if the image of them dead brought everything back to reality, and he had no way to deny or claim that it was just a nightmare his mind had created.

"What have we done?" The two boys spoke together as they looked at their dead parents on the ground.

"We could have made them stay home... It's Christmas. They shouldn't be working," Harry babbled amid sobs and cries emanating from his mouth.

"It's not our fault, and certainly not yours," James said firmly, trying to convey support to them.

"But..."

"No, Harry. There was nothing we could have done."

"I'm afraid you'll need to leave now," Moody said, interrupting the conversation.

"Can we still stay with the bodies?" Remus asked. He was crouched beside his husband, holding his free hand. James did the same.

"They will be teleported to Godric's Hollow cemetery. They'll be next to Lily Evans, near Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy."

That was when Draco collapsed. He covered his mouth trying to prevent sobs from coming out, but nothing could muffle the sound. Harry, unconsciously, squeezed the taller boy's hand tighter.

"I'll take them first," Alastor said, reaching for Draco's hand to take them back to Grimmauld Place, Apartment 12.

"No!" The blonde yelled, fighting the move. "I won't leave them."

Harry agreed, clinging to Draco's hand and going toward his father. He held him tightly against his still chest. Malfoy did the same with Sirius.

"We won't leave them here."

"Draco, I've already told you their bodies will be sent to the cemetery as soon as..."

"Without the fucking 'as soon as'! They go to the cemetery now or they'll come with me and Harry. We won't leave them here."

"Alright." Moody agreed, approaching the two lifeless bodies still on the ground. "Say your final goodbyes."

Harry was crying loudly as he embraced Regulus's lifeless body next to his father. Remus kept kissing Sirius's free hand, repeatedly saying that he loved him and that he was and always would be the great love of his life. Draco looked at Sirius and smiled.

He smiled as he thanked him for being the best father he could have had. For everything he had done for him.

Alastor, apologizing, asked everyone to step away from the bodies and directed them to the cemetery. All that remained of them was the pool of blood still on the ground, staining their shoes.

Moody apparated everyone at once, sending them home. He soon left the area, aiming to give everyone some privacy.

Harry ran to his room. James entered the guest room he and Regulus used to occupy in Sirius and Remus's house. Draco followed Harry stumbling, and Remus sat in the living room, sitting on a chair, alone.

xxx

"Harry... Please, open the door," Draco pleaded as he knocked on the door.

He heard the sound of a key turning and entered the room, finding it completely messy. The bed was all messed up, the chair on the floor, and thousands of clothes thrown everywhere.

"I-I can't find his c-coat..." Potter cried as he searched the closet again. Giving up, he let himself fall to the ground, leaning against the wooden furniture.

Draco sat beside him, taking his hand. The brunet laid his head against his shoulder, and Malfoy laid his against his, both letting tears of mourning fall freely down their cheeks.

There was so much pain together. Malfoy couldn't describe it. It was as if an unbearable weight was crushing his chest, preventing him from breathing.

"W-why didn't you use Alohomora?" Harry asked.

"W-What?"

"When you were at the door, to come in here, after all, it's your room."

"I wouldn't invade your privacy," he replied simply, squeezing the boy's hand tighter against his.

Several silent minutes passed, the room filled with the sound of sniffles and cries coming to an end.

"I'm sorry," Harry said.

"For what?"

"For everything. I don't know why I was so afraid to tell them about us, and now Sirius and Regulus will never know we're together and that..."

"You don't need to apologize for that, Harry. It was your will, and I couldn't go against it. I ask for your forgiveness for getting so angry on the train and not talking to you during the holidays. I think I was waiting for you to come talk to me, even though I knew you're much more stubborn than I am."

"Thank you, Draco. And I guess I just panicked about that. I wouldn't want my mom to be somehow disappointed in me."

"That could never happen. She's so proud of you, love."

"I thought about talking to you, I swear I did. I spent so much time in front of your door, searching for the courage to knock on it and call you to talk. I think I came to your room first because I always used to sleep here, you know, before our fight... I liked to kick you out of your bed and make you sleep on the mattress that was meant for me. I guess this is where I find the most comfort in your house."

Draco smiled sadly.

"I'm sorry for making this mess. I promise I'll tidy it all up. It's just that..."

"Shh, Harry. Don't think about it. It's okay. Let me take care of it later. But which coat were you looking for here?"

"Reggie's coat. He always wore the same one, and it had his smell. I guess I wanted to feel it one last time before leaving."

"Can we ask James where it is, then? Remus probably has Sirius's leather jackets now, so I think it's better if we go later."

"Are we okay?" Harry asked uncertainly as he looked into Draco's eyes, finding them shining with tears.

"No, my love. But we will be alright," he said, leaving a chaste kiss on his lips.

Chapter Text

Harry's house was never quiet.

James, being an enthusiastic and lively father, always lifted his son and Regulus up, and quietness was the last thing found there.

It was strange when Harry returned home alone with his father, both not saying a word.

James was not the same as he used to be. Without Regulus, he lacked the will and enthusiasm to make his nonsensical jokes that somehow cheered everyone in the house.

During the first night after the incident, the elder Potter said he needed to go to their house to be alone, but he couldn't stay long without breaking down.

Harry listened to his father's sobs and whimpers coming from his room as he struggled to keep his own tears from falling.

When they surrendered to exhaustion, the younger Potter spent hours staring at the white ceiling of his room while listening to his father tossing in bed, probably searching for a position to sleep.

Harry was about to close his eyes and enter the world of dreams, when he heard a soft knock on the door.

"Hey?"

"Son... I-I can't sleep. I can't rest without Regulus's body pressed against mine. You know... many years sleeping together."

"Dad..." Harry rubbed his eyes, wiping away the sleep in his eyes, and moved to the side of the bed, making room. "Come here, I'm having trouble sleeping too."

James silently thanked him, closing the door behind him, carefully climbing onto his son's bed. He pulled the blanket and covered them both, feeling Harry rest his head on his shoulder.

"I love you, son."

"I love you too, dad."

It was as if they were two broken souls seeking salvation.

xxx

Returning to Hogwarts was complicated.

Harry felt slightly better having Draco by his side again, but everything around him was confused and in complete disorder. All the students had only one topic on their lips; the war.

More than ever, Harry had never felt so uncomfortable hearing about it. It was just too much.

On the train, Potter and Malfoy were alone in one of the last compartments, where there were not many students, and it was mostly occupied by teachers.

The classes passed like a breeze. Harry couldn't concentrate as much as he would have liked in almost any class, and a bad feeling of apprehension and discomfort didn't leave his chest.

All he wanted was to return to his dormitory to lie down with Draco while receiving caresses in his hair, and during this short period of time, he wouldn't have to worry about anything else.

Professor Binns finished explaining the Witch Trials of 1692 when the great gates of Hogwarts were bombarded, and everything was lost.

xxx

Harry ran.

He didn't remember doing anything other than running. It was as if his body was programmed for it.

Everything was confusing around him. Potter heard screams coming from all directions, spells being fired, and bodies falling faint on the ground.

His mind only repeated one word: Draco. Draco. Draco.

They separated when the crowd emerged, causing their clasped hands to loosen.

Malfoy kept calling his name incessantly as if it were a mantra, his voice fading as the distance between them grew.

"Harry! Harry. Harry..." echoed in his mind as he kept running.

Most of Harry said to drop everything and go look for Draco, but he didn't know where the blond could be. They had left the History of Magic classroom, which was on the lower east floor. Harry had arrived in the dungeons, where he saw no silhouette of Malfoy.

Potter decided to head to the lower west floor, where the Great Hall was located. That was where everyone gathered when something bad happened or when they needed to stay together.

The hall was full. Students hugged in despair, teachers tried to stay calm, and Harry just wanted to know where Draco was. The gates of the hall closed abruptly, causing a tremor to run through his body in alarm.

"Calm down!" Dumbledore shouted. "Students, stay in the Great Hall. Bellatrix and her allies have arrived at Hogwarts. The war has come to our school. Protect it with your hearts."

Harry held his wand tighter to his body, ready to cast any spell when necessary.

Draco was not there. He was in danger.

Potter needed to do something. He looked around, finding a gap in the wall that led outside the hall. Due to the excessive spells fired, some structures of the castle had weakened, causing small ruptures.

The Gryffindor slipped through the small hole and, with his wand in hand, went to search for his Draco.

He headed for the castle grounds, where some trees were on fire and a small cluster of people was in Hagrid's pumpkin patch.

Harry saw a blonde head among all those people in black capes that covered their bodies and heads.

"Draco!" he called out.

The Gryffindor heard nothing but Bellatrix's malicious and hysterical laughter.

The witch pulled the blond by the clothes, forcing him to stumble as she walked.

"Harry, darling, would you like to see me do the same thing to the last blood traitor Black? Should I kill him with a quick spell like I did with your father and Sirius, or torture him first?"

Potter felt anger bubbling inside him. She kept her dirty hands on Draco's clothes tightly, keeping him close to her.

"Well, since you took so long to answer, I think I'll go with the second option." Bellatrix pushed the Slytherin forcefully, causing him to fall to the ground. She raised her wand in his direction, staring at him with scorn.

"No!"

"Crucio!"

Draco's body writhed on the ground in pain and agony. It was too much for Harry to see. He couldn't bear to see the love of his life in this state.

"Expelliarmus!" he shouted in desperation. Bellatrix staggered backwards in surprise.

Potter ran towards the blond, crouching beside him, touching his face gently.

"Draco." No words came out of his mouth, and his eyes remained tightly closed. "Please, answer me... I-I don't know what to do."

"I... I'm okay, Harry..."

"Okay? What do you mean you're okay?!"

"Go after her... Don't worry about me," he said weakly, squeezing Harry's hand one last time before he got up.

Potter stared at her as if she were the worst person he had ever seen in his life. He focused on all the hatred he had ever felt. He thought of Umbridge, Voldemort, the Death Eaters, and Bellatrix and everything they had done to his family.

The witch turned to face him and cast a spell, but the Gryffindor was faster.

"Avada Kedavra!"

Lestrange, seeing the green light coming towards her, widened her eyes and cast a spell towards the boy.

Two bodies collided on the ground where everything turned black.

One was dead and the other had his head forming a river of blood, losing consciousness.

Chapter Text

Harry felt his body weighed down as if a red dragon had trampled over him for hours. His eyelids felt glued shut, making it impossible to open them.

He tried to focus on other sensations in his body. The discomfort in his chest slowly dissipating. The tingling in his feet from not moving them for too long. His head comfortably resting on the pillow in bed. The firm, yet affectionate, grip on his hand. The subtle caress circling his back in the same place.

That touch on his hand wasn't usual.

Harry summoned all the strength he could muster to open his eyes. The excessively bright light hit them head-on, causing him to shut his eyes again to gradually adjust to the brightness.

Looking around, he saw Draco sitting in an uncomfortable position on the armchair next to the bed in the infirmary where he lay. Draco's head was resting on his free hand, as the other hand firmly held Harry's.

Harry smiled at the sight, but soon his mind was bombarded with questions and uncertainties about everything that had happened. His breathing became shallow, and he felt bile rise in his throat.

Draco, and Harry knew that his sleep was light, woke up as he felt the squeeze in his hand being reciprocated.

"Draco... What happened? Are you okay? Bellatrix... Did I kill her? Why am I here? My head hurts..." Malfoy was consumed by Harry´s questions, clearly in a panic.

"Harry," Draco's voice was like salvation. "Breathe. With me, okay? It's all right."

Draco joined their other hands and kissed them tenderly. He placed one hand on Harry's chest and the other on his own, synchronizing their breaths.

"Feeling calmer?" Draco asked gently.

Harry nodded quietly. "But I still don't understand anything, Draco. It's all so confusing."

"Firstly, yes, I'm okay. No permanent damage. Relax."

"Okay, knowing that I'm already feeling calmer."

"Well, as you know, Bellatrix gathered the last Death Eaters to avenge their old Lord. There weren't many followers left since he died over 15 years ago, but there were enough to cause havoc. After you... well, killed her, things got chaotic. The Death Eaters panicked. Some fled, but most were caught off guard and sent to Azkaban by McGonagall."

Harry seemed to digest everything calmly, giving his brain time to process all that information.

"Any dead people?"

"Dumbledore and Snape. It seemed like they were the targets of all this."

Potter nodded.

"Draco... I-I killed someone. Does that make me a bad person? I just wanted to protect you... But this guilt won't leave me," he confessed, hands covering his tear-streaked face.

"Harry, do you want to know what I think? I think you did a great job. Bellatrix wasn't a good person. You didn't kill someone good, someone who deserved to be here."

"But..."

"Look at me. I'm very proud of you, darling. This doesn't make you a bad person. It makes you human."

Harry lifted his head, tears streaking down his cheeks, which Draco gently wiped away with his thumb, kissing every inch of his skin.

The Slytherin hugged him sideways, trying to convey all the reassurance Harry needed.

A wave of stronger pain hit his head, and Harry massaged his temples carefully.

"Is your head still hurting a lot?" Draco asked, concerned.

"Yeah, but I don't remember it being hit..."

"When you... You cast the Killing Curse on Bellatrix, from what little I saw—because my body was hurting so much—she hit you with a spell in the head. That must be why, but I can call Pomfrey.

"Not now. I'd rather stay here with you. Please, I don't want to be alone..."

"It´s okay, baby. I´m not going anywhere," Draco smiled, reassuringly.

Harry opened his arms toward him, clearly asking for a full hug, and his wish was promptly granted.

"I haven't felt a pain this strong in my head since that Bludger hit I took playing Quidditch earlier this year, remember?"

"How could I forget? I nearly killed the guy who hit the ball at you, after leaving you in the Hospital Wing."

"Feels like it was a long time ago, so many things happened in between."

Draco agreed, letting himself be hugged by Harry for as long as they deemed necessary.

"I was so afraid of losing you, Dray... You have no idea. Never disappear like that again. Please."

"I was scared too, Harry. We won't ever separate like that again."

"Never again," Potter concluded, resting his head on Draco's chest, while Malfoy gently caressed his waist, moving his hand up and down his side.

"It's finally over, my love."

Chapter Text

25 years later, King's Cross Station

"Sirius Evan Potter Malfoy! Wait for your brother, there's no point in rushing, you'll be with him on the train anyway," Harry called out, his fingers intertwined with his middle son, Regulus.

"But, dad! I want to find my friends, we need a good spot on the train, you know how the compartments fill up," Sirius protested.

"I know, but I also know what it feels like to be in your first year at Hogwarts, and the nerves are no small thing."

"Okay," Sirius agreed, slowing his pace to walk alongside his brother.

Draco followed behind them with Lily, the youngest of the family. She was very close to her father since the moment she was adopted, always showing a slight preference for him.

After the war, classes were suspended for the school's renovation and for students to prioritize their mental health. Harry and Draco graduated the following year, side by side. Malfoy became a Healer and Potter, initially, an Auror. It had been his dream since childhood, believing it would enable him to save more people, much like they could have done for his mother.

However, after a year on the job, with thousands of injuries, numerous visits to St. Mungo's, and Draco crying desperately by his bedside at the wizarding hospital, praying to Merlin he would survive, Harry decided to resign. He chose to become the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, his favorite subject at Hogwarts that Remus had also taught, which made it easier for him to understand how everything worked.

A few years later, they decided to expand their family. They visited a wizarding orphanage and found two dark-skinned brothers at the back of the orphanage, who refused to let go of each other, insisting they would only leave together. They fell in love with the boys, and that's how Sirius Evan and Regulus Lucius joined the Potter Malfoy family.

Two years later, they began to feel the absence of a girl at home and adopted six-year-old Lily Narcissa. Initially timid, she gradually opened up over time, with Draco playing a crucial role in her adaptation. They had an unbreakable bond, and the girl had blond, almost white hair, but Harry's green eyes.

Remus and James became doting grandfathers. Potter did everything his grandchildren asked, while Lupin spoiled them with chocolates and books at every opportunity. Harry and Draco didn't even try to stop them from spoiling their children. They knew how much it made them happy, bringing joy back into their lives.

"Dad, will they take a long time to come back? I'll miss them..." Lily asked softly. She addressed them by their names: Harry as "Papa" and Draco as "Dad"

"Your brothers will be back with us at Christmas, not long to wait, right?"

"But what about Halloween? Last year, I stayed with Regulus at home since Sirius was in his first year at Hogwarts. But now Reg's going too, will I be alone?"

"You won't be alone, my love! Dad and Papa will be with you all the time, and we can play as much as you want. We'll also have the best Halloween ever. Do you trust me?" Draco squatted to talk to his daughter at eye level. The blond had grown a few good centimeters, while Harry remained around five feet five.

"I trust you! Love you, Dad," she kissed his cheek, then took his hand again as they headed towards the platform.

After passing through the wall leading to Platform 9 and 3/4, they spotted Ron and Hermione with their two children, Hugo and Rose. Behind them were Ginny and Luna with their little Jasmine. They had come just to accompany them, as Jasmine was only seven, just like Lily.

Sirius ran towards the train but returned after receiving a reproachful look from Harry, which instructed him to come down the stairs and say goodbye properly.

"Were you about to leave without saying goodbye to your parents? Just because you're a big twelve-year-old now doesn't mean you're not still my baby," Potter cupped his cheeks in a gesture of affection and kissed the tip of his nose.

"Not here, Papa!"

"Can you believe it? We raise them, feed them, give them a roof to live under, give them love, and they're ashamed of us!"

Sirius laughed, shaking his head, and hugged Harry one last time before doing the same with Draco and heading for the train.

"Dad... I'm scared, it's such a long time away from home," Regulus whispered so only Draco could hear.

"My son, I won't lie, the longing will come, and it will come big. But we'll see each other on every possible holiday, and Papa and I will send at least three letters a week until you get tired of us. You're with your brother, and even if you stay in a different house, you can still be together all the time. Remember Harry and me? We were from different houses and still slept in each other's dorms."

"Yeah, I know. But I don't want to sleep with Sirius in Slytherin, it's weird."

"I understand, my love. I was just giving an example that houses aren't like a separation between sides of a war, okay? You'll be fine."

"Thank you, Dad. Love you! Don't forget the letters."

"I won't forget. And I love you too."

Regulus hugged both his fathers and his sister in a warm embrace that lasted until the train whistled, signaling it was time for everyone to board.

"I bet he's going to Slytherin," Draco said confidently, putting an arm around Harry's waist, pulling him closer to Lily.

"I'm sure he's going to Gryffindor, I know my son."

"I want to go to Hufflepuff!" Lily exclaimed excitedly, waving her little hand to her brothers who were waving from the window.

Harry smiled at the girl, stroking her hair. Draco hugged his husband tighter, leaving no space between their bodies.

"I love you, my sweetball. Thank you for the life we've built together."

"’My sweetball?’ Even after all this time, Draco?"

"Always."