Work Text:
TW abuse - ages 17?
I couldn't have been happier to be back at Hogwarts. My true home, with my true family. A family that doesn't hurt you or makes you feel broken. I sighed contentedly, walking down the corridor to the Great Hall. I'm sure 'Mione and Ron were already there since I slept in. I slept great, a sleep where I felt safe.
I was almost to the hall when I was suddenly brushed up against rather harshly. My ribs ached from the pressure, and I let out a gasp that I couldn't hold in. The boy, who had evidently not seemed to care about his speed, whipped around. "Potter." None other than Malfoy spoke. "Malfoy." I tried to spit back, but found it hard to hide the pain laced in my voice. He looked at me quizzically, trying to place what had happened, before continuing on in the same haste he had been in. I let go as soon as the blonde made it far enough away. "Fuck." I muttered under my breath, gently holding my ribs.
I tried to shake it off and move on, joining my friends for breakfast. "Morning, Harry, how did you sleep?" Hermoine said, ruffling my hair. "Hey!" I laughed, pulling away from her incessant fawning and desire to fix my mane of hair. "Hard. Really hard." I answered, grabbing a croissant. "That's great mate," Ron said, gently knocking me on the shoulder. I internally cringed. I can't show pain; they'll find out. I managed to say a soft, "Thanks," and focused on trying to eat something.
After some breakfast, I decided to go take a bath. Baths have been a secret of mine, as both the location and activity were hidden from my peers. It's just very vulnerable and relaxing, and I don't like to share that time. "I think I'm going to go for a walk. I'll meet up with you guys later?" I said, getting up from the table. "Sure, be careful!" 'Mione said. I nodded. They really do care about you.
I made my way to the prefect's bathroom, which was by far the coolest and most relaxing place in all of Hogwarts. No one comes here since the prefect title was done away with. But yet, the bathroom still exists. I started the water and added some bubbles, oils, and salts.
Once the water looked warm and inviting, I slowly started to undress. I double- checked that the door was locked and discarded my top. The bruises had started to turn purple and blue, no longer the disgusting yellow it was on the night it was given to me. I slowly sank into the water, letting the relaxation consume me. I let go of all the tension in my body and closed my eyes. Then I heard the door shut. I guess I should have triple checked. Fuck.
I mentally panicked, trying to figure out what to do. I ducked my head underwater, in an attempt to hide. I heard the click of shoes on the tile. Heels? Or dress shoes? I silently cast a breathing charm to allow me to breathe while I waited for the person to leave. "Hello? Who's here?" A man's voice spoke. Even better. I stayed under, praying they would just leave. "Obviously someone is here because there is a bath drawn and clothes on the floor. You can come out. I don't bite." The man spoke. Well, I suppose if I keep the bubbles covering me, I could at least come up a bit. I bit the bullet and let my head rise up from the water.
"Malfoy," I said, disbelief filling my voice. "Potter." He smirked. "How'd you find this place?" I asked, confused and slightly pissed off that someone had found my secret spot.
"I have my ways, Potter. I'm surprised you're here though, it was for prefects, not the chosen one." Draco spoke. "Cedric showed it to me," I replied bitterly. "Ahh, yes, dear old boy Cedric. Did you take baths together often?" Draco said, stifling a laugh. "Not like that, Malfoy," I said, voice full of malice. "Awe, was there trouble in paradise? Not the perfect boyfriend?" Malfoy laughed. "You know, I don't have to listen to this," I said, casting Accio for my clothing. "Oh, alright, I'll stop teasing. Finish your bath." Draco said, placing his bag down on the floor.
But then that little git started to undress. First, his tie. Then his cloak. Then his undershirt, leaving him bare. "Malfoy. What are you doing?" I asked. "Well, you've got such a good bath going, I thought you wouldn't mind sharing. I love the scents and oils you put together." He said, starting to take off his shoes and socks. "Haha, very funny. Go away." I said, trying not to show how nervous I was. But then he took off his pants, leaving him only in his briefs. Merlin, he's beautiful. I tried so hard not to blush but could feel the heat climbing up on my face. With that goddamn smirk, he stepped into the bath.
Instinctively, I moved away. I quickly gathered some bubbles to create a barrier between us. "Why so tense, Potter? Like I said, I don't bite. Unless...you want me to?" He said, moving closer to me. "Malfoy, please, just leave me alone," I said, my voice wavering with anxiety. "Why would I? You should know by now, I can't leave you alone. It's too much fun." He said, coming even closer. Now he was right in front of me. I give up.
Letting out a sigh, I let go of the collection of bubbles that were the only thing keeping us apart. "There, now we can have fun. You don't have a rubber ducky, do you?" Draco smiled. "How do you know about rubber duckies?" I laughed. "I'm not my father, muggle things interest me." He explained. I nodded. But then his smile fell. He was staring at me, fiercely. "Potter. What is that?" Malfoy spoke, with a tone I couldn't recognize. He pointed at the bruise on my collar bone. "Oh, uh, silly me. I ran into a wall and it bruised." I tried to lie. But he wasn't buying it. I tried to back away, but his hand wrapped around my wrist. "No, that's not what happened, is it?" He asked, grabbing my other wrist so I couldn't run away. "Uh, I fell too. Down the dormitory steps, yeah, I'm really clumsy." I stumbled and struggled. "Who's hurting you?" He asked, voice quiet.
"No one. Myself, I guess. I really need a balance potion." I tried. "Is it a bully? Other Slytherins?" He asked, gently caressing my bruised skin. "No, no one here is hurting me, ok? I'm fine." I stated, trying not to cry. "Someone at home then?" He asked, his eyes on mine. I couldn't keep it in any longer. I let a few tears fall, nodding slowly. Draco took that as permission to then pull me closer and inspect my body. His hands followed the trail of bruises up and down my back, across my chest, and the cigarette burns on the back of my neck. "Oh, Harry, these are awful. They hurt much?" His voice was full of concern. But I couldn't answer. "What?" He asked. "You called me Harry." I pointed out, smirking slightly. "Well, that's your name, isn't it?" He replied, still studying my injuries.
"I can fix these up for you." He said, grabbing his wand off the ledge. He cast some nonverbal spells, massaging the skin slightly, but it didn't hurt. It felt good? Slowly, one by one, the bruises disappeared. My skin turned back to normal color, not a trace left. "How did you do that?" I asked, examining my skin. "Lots of practice." He smiled sadly. I nodded in understanding. "You know, you should be a healer. This is incredible." I said. "Maybe, who knows what I want to do. We still have time to decide." He said, stretching and leaning into the hot water. I did the same, leaning up against the edge. I stared up at the ceiling, looking at the intricate glass tiles, when I felt the presence of someone next to me. Draco was right next to me, looking at the ceiling too.
"Can I ask you a question?" Draco spoke. I hummed. "Do you actually fancy boys?" He asked. But it wasn't mean-sounding or like he was teasing. He sounded genuinely curious. "I fancy both boys and girls. It's called being bisexual." I replied. Now he hummed. "Do you fancy anyone at the moment?" He asked. "No, not really," I said, still looking at the pattern of a mermaid on the ceiling. Then Draco sat up and pulled me with him. Before I could ask what the matter was, I felt his lips on mine. It was fast and passionate, but then slowed down, and I leaned into the kiss. You know that Muggle saying about feeling fireworks? I think I understand what they mean now.
He broke away first, looking at me intently. "How about now?" He asked expectantly. I laughed. "Definitely. Come here, you dork." I smiled, pulling him close. He smiled and kissed me again, and again, and wow, I think I like baths even more now.