Intertwined with your words

Harry had went to the Burrow for Christmas. Molly had been very kind to invite him to her house, she even said he was part of the Weasley family. He was excited to go there, everything was better than the Dursleys.

Hermione had written to him that she was going to the Burrow a few days after Christmas, so they could spend some time together before going back to Hogwarts.

It was almost midnight when he had sent his letter with Hedwig. He waited — not so patiently — to Draco’s response. He had this bad feeling about Draco in the Manor. Lucius was a vile person, being around him was putting yourself in danger. And he did not want Draco to be in danger.

Everyone was sleeping when Hedwig came back with Draco’s letter. Harry’s eyes light up with excitement, at least Draco could write back.

“Hello Hedwig!” He took the letter from her and began reading.

‘Dear Harry,

I’m glad you wrote. Knowing from you always cheers me up. I don’t know if you have psychic powers or something but you were actually right. I was, indeed, crying in my room. Nothing terrible happened, before you ask. I just had an argument with my father and … well, things got a bit tense and he slapped me. It hurt a bit so I wanted to cry. That’s all. Nothing to worry about.

Besides that, everything is fine. Mother has been wonderful to me, it’s very nice having her around. I don’t know what I would do without her. My father would probably tear this house apart if it’s not for her. I would’ve been mad by now. So thank her for keeping me sane.

It’s awesome to hear that you’re safe. I was worried about you too. And talking about the boring part… I wish I could be bored. A lot has happened, mostly fight with my father or sometime I hear him and mother arguing. To be honest, today’s fight was because of you. He was saying something very cruel about you and your parent’s death and I just couldn’t handle it anymore.

Before I even realised I was yelling at him and telling him that he had no right to talk about you in that way. Nevermind, enough talking about me. Hopefully something interesting will happen to you, I just wish it’s not dangerous. Because I don’t know how, but you somehow always manage to put your life in danger.

I miss you too. I’ve been thinking a lot about you as well, every day, every second. About how much I want to hug you, and kiss you and cuddle with you… but if you tell anyone I said that I’ll murder you.

Take care, be safe. I’m counting the days to see you again. I’m so excited! Can’t wait! Enjoy your Holiday, my dear scarhead.

- Love, Draco.’

Nothing to worry about?!

Draco was mad. Nothing to worry about? His father slapped him. That was something to worry about! 

Harry felt his own blood boiling with anger, he was going to murder Lucius once he sees him. Everything felt so wrong, he was here with the Weasleys, laughing and enjoying, while Draco was there, practically alone, suffering, in pain, crying. 

He wished he could just go to the Manor and take Draco to the Burrow, but that was totally mad. He knew about the relationship the Weasleys had with Draco, and everyone who was a Malfoy. 

Draco wasn’t welcome here, but he was so worried. He wanted to do something and he couldn’t. It was terrible, he felt so useless. He knew Draco was having a bad time and he couldn’t do anything to help his lover.

Then guilt spread in his body. Draco had said that he stood up against his father because of him, he earned that slap because of him. It was his fault. He remembered the conversations with the other Gryffindors, all of them saying bullshit about Draco, and what had he done? Absolutely nothing. 

Draco fought for him and he did nothing. He allowed people to talk about Draco, to hate him, and he never defended him. Draco was more of a Gryffindor than he was. He didn’t have the courage to prove his friends that they were wrong. That Draco was an amazing person once you know him. 

His stomach sank at the thought of Draco crying in his room, all alone. He grabbed his quill and began writing. 

‘Dear Draco, 

What do you mean by nothing to worry about?! Your father has been punishing you? That’s something to worry about. 

Can’t you understand that I am worried about you? You can’t just say that you have been slapped and crying and then say there’s nothing to worry about. I care about you more than you could imagine. 

I am so sorry you have to be dealing with this, you should be able to say whatever you want, to have your own opinions. Your father has no right to take that away from you, you should be free. 

Please take care, I wouldn’t survive if something bad happens to you, you know I am weak without you. Try to be safe.

I know you feel like you have to defend me against your father, but I beg you, don’t do or say anything stupid, you stubborn git. You will only make it worse. By the way, thank you for doing it. I really appreciate it, no one has ever done something like that for me.

I love the idea of you protecting me, thank you so much. You’re very brave, but if that’ll mean putting yourself in danger, then I don’t want you to do it.

You don’t deserve to be punished, it’ll only tear my heart if you are hurt. So please, take care and let it happen. We both know your father won’t change. It’s fighting a lost battle, it’s not worth it. 

I miss you so much, please take care.

- Love, scarhead.’ 

He sent the letter with Hedwig, poor girl, she must’ve been very tired by now, but he couldn’t help it. He wanted to know everything that was happening to Draco.

He felt sick, all these nerves were messing him up. He needed to calm down. Maybe some water would help, he thought.

He opened the door slowly, trying to not wake anyone. He carefully went down the cracking stairs, hoping to not make too much noise. 

When he finally made it to the kitchen he poured himself a bit of water and drank it fast. He stared at the moon through the window, it was full moon, beautiful. 

He imagined Draco’s hair shining against the moon’s light, the reflection would be gorgeous. Draco was a very handsome man. 

Harry was about to pour more water when he heard steps behind him. He dropped the glass to the floor, it broke in tiny little pieces. He jumped away form the broken glass and cursed, everyone must’ve heard that. 

He turned around to see Ginny giggling. 

He fought the urge to roll his eyes. This was not funny. 

“Bloody hell Ginny! You scared me.” He said. “I just broke a glass! Now I have to clean this up and hope they don’t notice.”

The girl chuckled. “I am very sorry, Harry. I didn’t expect my presence would cause this.” She took out her wand. “Here, let me help you cleaning this up.” With a few movements of her wand the broken pieces of glass were together again. 

Harry had forgotten they were wizards. Of course she found it funny, she could only cast a simple spell and the glass would be brand new again. 

“See? Nothing to worry about.” She said smiling.

“Yeah… thanks.” He said awkwardly. 

None of them moved for a while. Ginny kept grinning at him. Why? She stepped a bit closer. 

“Harry.” 

What was she doing? “Ginny?”

“I wanted to thank you.” She said softly. “For last year, back then in the Chamber of Secrets, what you did … it was really brave.” 

Why was she bringing this up now? “Er- sure, Ginny. You’re welcome, but … that was a long time ago, you don’t have to keep thanking me … you already said it.” 

She chuckled and grabbed Harry’s hand. “But I wanted to say it again, you silly. You saved my life … there aren’t enough words to say how grateful I am.” 

What is she doing? Harry wanted to let go of her hand, the only person who could hold his hand was Draco. No one else. “Really, Gin … there’s no need…”

“But I insist.” She closed her eyes and leaned in. 

Oh no. Harry froze, this was not happening. Does Ginny have crush in him? What? She was like a little sister to him. No. No, no, no, no, no.

He stepped back and yawned. “Well, it’s getting late… I- I should probably go to sleep now.”

Ginny opened her eyes to glare at him.

“Umm, see you … tomorrow. G-Goodnight.” He flushed and walked to his room.

He cursed himself. How could he be so stupid? Of course Ginny liked him, now it all makes sense. All the stares in the Great Hall, the giggles… shit.

Come on! She’s Ron’s little sister. That would never happen. Not even in another universe! It was foolish to even think of it in the first place. There was just no way. 

Completely insane. And great, now this was just going to be awkward between them. 

*

Draco was ready to sleep when he saw Hedwig again. 

“You again?” He shook his head and let out a little laugh. “Harry is making you work too much. Sorry.”

He grabbed the letter and opened it carefully.

He felt bad after reading it. Of course he knew Harry cared about him, but… there was just something telling him that it didn’t matter. That he didn’t matter.

His problems were nothing compared to Harry’s. Harry, the boy who lived, the chosen one, the saviour of the wizarding world, all these things he had to live with and he wasn’t complaining. At least he had his parents, he thought. And he still complained more than Harry. It was just unfair. 

He nearly jumped out of bed when his father stormed into the bedroom. He seemed furious, Draco had never seen him this way before. 

“HOW DARE YOU! YOU UNGRATEFUL BASTARD! I AM YOUR FATHER! YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE DONE THAT!” His father yelled with all the air inside his lungs.

He stared terrified. His whole body started to shake helplessly. “I-”

“DON’T SAY ANYTHING ELSE!” Lucius walked towards him. Draco flinched. “Who are you writing to?” He took the letter out of Draco’s hand violently.

Oh no.

Oh no.

Oh no. 

His father was going to murder him. Shit. Shit, shit, shit, shit. This is not happening. He tried to reach the letter from his father’s hands, but he only pushed Draco.

He saw how Lucius eyes went wide with every second that passed, with every word he read.

“You were writing with Harry Potter?” 

Draco couldn’t open his mouth. He stared at the floor.

“ANSWER ME!” his father snapped.

Tears streamed down his face. “Y-yes.” His voice cracked.

His father remained silent for a few seconds. Draco thought he might be thinking what to say to him, how to hurt him, but whatever he was thinking of wasn’t even closer to the pain he suddenly felt.

“CRUCIO!” His father yelled.

Draco fell to the floor. He felt like his body was burning, he screamed in pain. Pain, pain and pain. That’s all he could think of. His body was twisting, burning, this kind of pain was nothing like what he had felt before, it was ten times worse. 

Even screaming hurt. He wanted to it to stop, the pain was consuming him, he couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t think. He was going to pass out soon, but just like that the pain stopped. Leaving just a sore feeling all over his body.

“That’s what you deserve for speaking to me like that. Think about the consequences of your actions next time.” His father said dryly before he left Draco alone. 

Draco didn’t even care anymore, he just heard how he slammed the door and after that he just remained there on the floor.

His whole body was sore, moving his fingers hurt, blinking hurt, everything hurt. 

“Hedwig.” He called, wondering where did she hide. He heard nothing.

“Did you left?” His voice cracked. Even talking hurt. He tried to stand, but it was worthless, his body collapsed to the floor again. He just lifted his head to look around the room.

Hedwig was nowhere to be seen, no sight of her. She was probably too scared when she heard the screaming so she just left. 

He thought about Harry, how worried he might be once he sees Hedwig returning with his own letter. 

I’m sorry, Harry.

He must be scared, but Draco had no strength left to pick up his quill and write back. He just stayed on the floor.

He closed his eyes and let all the tears fall. The wind from the window on his bare feet, he felt cold. It was freezing. 

*

“Hedwig?” Harry said concerned. 

Hedwig was moving her wings quickly, like she was desperate or she saw something that scared her.

“Hey, it’s okay. Calm down.” He stroked her fur gently until she stopped moving. “Everything is fine. What happened?” 

He saw his own letter. His heart skipped a beat, why was it closed? Why didn’t Draco read it? 

He started to panic. Something bad must’ve happened for Draco not to answer his letter. His stomach sank at the idea of Draco being hurt.

He placed his head against his trembling hands, trining to calm down, but he couldn’t breathe properly, his heart was beating faster and his mind overwhelmed with fear.

“Mate, are you okay?” Ron asked sleepily.

“Yeah. Just… couldn’t sleep.”

“Oh, okay. Try to sleep though, big day coming tomorrow.” Ron murmured as he went back to his bed.

“Yeah… Christmas is tomorrow.” He stood up and walked towards his bed.

He stared at the moon, picturing how Draco’s white-blonde hair might shine under moonlight. He was a very handsome man. He turned around to stare at the wooden ceiling. He was getting tired, but his concern was keeping him awake.

He tried to sleep in different positions, some very odd, others comfortable, but none of it help. He closed his eyes and waited… and waited… and waited a little more. He forced himself to sleep, and after a while he feel asleep.

*

The day finally came. Harry, Hermione and the Weasleys had finally arrived to King’s Cross.

It was getting late and Draco was nowhere to be seen. Harry was afraid he wasn’t returning to Hogwarts, his heart broke at the thought of it. Hogwarts made no sense without Draco.

And he was very worried about him, he hadn’t heard anything from Draco since Hedwig came back with his own letter. Every day was agonising, not knowing if Draco was happy, safe or if he had eaten was turning him mad.

And now, with Draco out of sight… he wanted to puke, his stomach twisted, he wanted to cry, to go look for him. He didn’t even know if Draco was alive.

“What’s wrong, Harry?” Hermione whispered to his ear. She had noticed something was going on with Harry since the day she arrived to the Burrow.

“Yes, just tired.” He answered.

“You sure? You seem more than tired, like … sad or worried.”

He sighed. “I’m fine. Really.”

“Okay.” She said softly before continuing her conversation with Ron and the twins.

Harry stopped almost immediately when he caught a white-blonde head a few feet away from him. Draco. He looked so good, had he been this handsome when he left? He looked unreal. A pice of art.

His heart skipped a beat and he suddenly forgot how to breathe. Draco’s eyes met Harry’s and Harry giggled like he was some eleven year old in love. He flushed at the sight of Draco chuckling.

“Harry, hurry up! The train’s leaving.” Hermione called.

He didn’t care. He was too busy staring at Draco while he picked up his luggage. Damn it. Draco’s veins were —

He finally reacted when Hermione pulled him inside the train. He almost tripped with his own luggage. Draco snorted loudly and Harry’s flush deepened.

Hermione guided him to where Ron was sitting.

“Here. Put your luggage there and wait for me, I’ll go change into my robes.” She said as she closed the door.

He talked with Ron about classes, Snape, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans and Quidditch.

Until they were interrupted by some Gryffindor chatting in front of them. From the crowd emerged William, with his stupid smirk.

Ron and him hugged each other as if they were bothers, Harry watched with disgust.

“Hello to you too, Harry.” William teased.

“What do you want, William?” He said sharply, not moving from his seat. Ron glared at him, but he ignored him.

“Why so tense?” William shook his head. “I just wanted to greet my friends. We are friends, right?”

Harry fought the urge to roll his eyes.

No.

“Yes.” He said between gritted teeth.

“Awesome then-” William stopped talking.

They all turned their heads when they heard some yelling coming from the crowd of Gryffindors. Harry and Ron made their way into the crowd to see someone hexing a white-blonde hair guy.

Draco, Harry realised immediately.

“Hey! What do you think you’re doing?!” He yelled at the boys and stood up in front of them.

“We were just playing.” One of the murmured.

“Yeah. Weren’t we, Malfoy?” Another boy asked.

Harry stared at Draco, who had his legs glued together and nodded sadly.

“See? Just playing.” The boy smiled weirdly.

“Playing?” Harry scoffed.

Another voice talked this time. “Yes, just playing. Didn’t you hear, Harry?” That was definitely William, who emerged from the crowd again. “Stop overreacting. They’re just messing around.”

Harry scoffed again. “You call this ‘messing around’?”

“Absolutely.” He smirked.

Harry was a second away to punch William right into the face when Hermione intercepted.

“Everyone go away!” She stood up in front Harry and placed her hands on her hips. Looking like a mother arguing with her son. “Or do I have to tell McGonagall you were hexing another student? Bet you’ll love having detention with her.” She said coldly.

Everyone stared at her with wide eyes before they walked away. Cowards.

Everyone left except William, who still had his smirk on his face.

“She said go away.” Harry said.

“I don’t care about what she says.” He rolled his eyes. “She’s just an annoying mudblood.”

Hermione scoffed. “You ignorant git! I hope this is the last time you call me that or I’ll make Dumbledore expel you!” She warned furiously.

William’s eyes went wide. He turned to Harry. “She isn’t serious, right?”

Now it was Harry’s turn to smirk. “You’ll never know what she’s capable of.”

He glared at him. Harry smirked even more. “Fine. Enjoy your time with that stupid Malfoy.” And he walked away.

Harry’s attention immediately returned to Draco, who was still on the floor, his eyes rimmed red.

“Draco, are you okay?” He kneeled to Draco’s level. “Draco? Why don’t you answer?”

Draco was only staring at him, and Hermione, who was standing behind Harry furrowing her eyebrows.

Harry turned to Hermione. “Hermione?” He said concerned.

“It’s probably just a spell. Silencing charm of some sort, even though we haven’t seen that in class.” She said.

“What about his legs?”

“Also another spell. It’s fine though, just a first year spell, nothing serious or complicated.”

Damn it. Harry didn’t know the counter curse, nor the spell that was usen. He really should’ve paid attention to class.

Hermione chuckled. “It’s fine, Harry. I know the counter curse. I can help you.”

Harry flushed and grinned at her. “Thanks, ‘Mione.”

“But I think it’ll be better if we get him to sit, not in the middle of the floor.”

“Oh, okay.” He turned to look at Draco. “Can you walk?” He asked.

Draco glared at him and pointed his legs.

“Oh, right. Er— jump?” He asked shyly.

Draco nodded.

“Okay, great. Let me help you.” He took Draco’s hand in his to help him stand up. He placed his arm around Draco’s shoulder.

They jumped until they found an empty compartment to sit. Hermione followed them.

“There you go.” Harry said as Draco sat.

“Okay. Are you ready, Draco?” Hermione asked and took out her wand.

“Wait. What? Does it hurt?” Harry asked raising his eyebrows.

Hermione chuckled. “No, it doesn’t. Just wanted to make sure.”

“Oh, alright.” He said.

With a movement of her wand Draco’s legs were finally separated. She casted another spell, for the silencing charm, Harry thought.

“That’s it.” She said, staring at Draco.

“Did it work?” Harry asked concerned.

“It should’ve worked.”

“It worked.” Draco said.

Harry’s eyes lightened up with excitement. Hermione looked proud, of course her spell didn’t fail.

“Draco!” He launched towards Draco, pulling him into a tight embrace and almost making both of them fall — not that Harry cared.

“Nice to see you too.” Draco chuckled and hugged Harry. “Even though I can’t breathe properly.”

Harry loosened his grip but never let go of him.

Hermione cleared her throat. “Well, I think my job here is done.” She laughed.

Both of them separated immediately, they had forgotten that Hermione was still in the room with them.

“Thank you, Granger.” Draco said.

“You can call me Hermione.” She smiled.

The look on Draco’s face turned sad and ashamed. Harry wondered what happened. “I- I also wanted to apologise. For everything I’ve done and said, you didn’t deserve any of that… I know I was terribly wrong and I’m very sorry. You really are the brightest witch of our age.” He said softly.

Harry melted. Seeing Draco apologise to Hermione was something new, almost odd; but it was nice. Draco had changed, and Harry loved this new version of him.

The look on Hermione’s face softened. “It’s fine, Draco. The past is the past. I forgive you.” She grinned at the nervous boy.

“Thank you.” Draco said with reliefs “Hermione.” He added. A crooked smile appeared in his face.

Hermione let out a soft laugh before turning to Harry. “See you later, I’ll give you some space.”

“See you, Hermione.” He hugged her. “And thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” She said as she walked towards the door, but before closing it she mouthed to Harry a ‘KISS HIM’ and giggled.

Harry flushed and mouthed back a ‘SHUT UP’.

Hermione laughed and left.

Harry turned to Draco, whose cheeks and nose were pink, his eyes reflecting embarrassment. So… he understood what Hermione mouthed.

Harry pulled him into another embrace. “I missed you.” He whispered, inhaling the scent of Draco’s neck and stroking his white-blonde hair with his own fingers.

“I missed you too. So much.” Draco closed his eyes and let out a sigh.

“I was so worried. Thought you weren’t coming.”

Draco chuckled. “And leave you here all alone? Never.” He said.

Harry closed his eyes. “You promise you’ll never leave me alone?”

“Promise. I’ll never leave you, Harry.” He said without hesitation.

Harry’s heart skipped a beat. “I really thought I would never hug you again. Or see you, or touch you, or talk to you.”

He backed away a little so their noses brushed together. “Or do this…” Harry whispered and leaned in.

The moment their lips met everything around them disappeared, they could only think about themselves, about melting into the kiss. Harry tightened his grip on Draco’s hair, pulling him closer.

“Easy with the hair, Harry-” Draco teased, but he was cut off when Harry pressed his lips against his again.

“Shut up.” Harry murmured between kisses. Then, his hands went up and down in Draco’s back, loving the feeling of him. Draco reached Harry’s cheek gently, stoking it with his thumb.

They kissed until they needed to back away to breathe. Draco chuckled. “Harry.” He said panting. “You… really… needed that.” He laughed.

Harry took a deep breath to steady himself. “You… were gone… I missed you. Can’t blame me.” He teased.

“Okay, fine. I also have to admit that I wanted to kiss you since I saw you at King’s Cross.” Draco flushed.

Harry giggled. “To be honest, I wanted the same thing, but I couldn’t risk it.” He groaned. “You have no idea, I’ve been dying to kiss you. And when I saw you… Merlin, you are so handsome.”

Draco flushed once more. “You… you think so?”

Harry smirked and placed his hand on Draco’s waist, pulling him so close their foreheads touched. “Oh I know so.” And he kissed Draco again.

This time, they broke away because the train stopped abruptly. They looked through the window and saw that they had arrived.

“Did we just spent the whole ride kissing?” Draco asked surprised.

Harry shrugged. “I dunno. Maybe. I could do it again though…”

Draco shook his head. “Keep your mouth shut, Harry. We can’t be seen.”

Harry groaned and hugged Draco. “Fine. But I won’t go without one more.”

Draco laughed. “You are the most annoying person.”

“But you adore me.”

Draco rolled his eyes. “Yes, I do.”

Harry gave him a quick kiss before hugging him again.

“Now go. Your friends are probably waiting for you, Harry.”

“Give me my kiss first.”

“You already gave me a kiss!” Draco said.

“But- no. That didn’t count.”

“Harry.”

“Draco.” Harry teased.

“Remind me why I like you? Damn it, you idiot.” Draco rolled his eyes. “Fine.”

He kissed Harry for a few seconds, pulling him closer, stroking his hair and broke apart.

“See you around, Harry.”

“Bye!” Harry smiled. “Don’t miss me too much!”

Draco laughed and waved at him.

*
They were in Defence against the Dark Arts class.

“Okay everyone!” Remus said. “Make a straight line, please.”

Dumbledore stepped inside. He and Remus whispered something for a while before turning to the students.

“What do you think we’re doing?” Ron asked.

“I dunno.” Harry shrugged.

“Today, my dear students, we’ll learn about boggarts.” Remus said while he stepped closer to an old wooden wardrobe. “The Headmaster is just going to watch. He’ll be our guest, nothing to worry about.”

“What is that?” Harry whispered.

“No idea.” Ron frowned.

Hermione rolled her eyes. “Don’t you two read? A boggart is a magic representation of your biggest fear. The boggart changes with the person because we don’t have the same fears, if Ron’s afraid of books his boggart will be books, if my biggest fear is snakes, then it’ll be a snake.”

“Oh.” Harry said. He didn’t want the class to know his biggest fear. What was it in the first place? Death? Snape? Hopefully not, Draco was watching, he didn’t want to look like a coward.

“My biggest fear isn’t a book, Hermione!” Ron said offended.

“Well, I just thought of it as an example, but now that you mention it… it could be, the only time I’ve seen you picking up a book is to kill an insect with it.”

Ron rolled his eyes and focused on Professor Lupin.

“The spell that you’ll need is called, ‘Riddikulus’. Say it and you’ll boggart will turn into something not so scary.”

Everyone stared with wide eyes as he walked towards the first student. Neville Longbottom.

“Remember, Neville. Riddikulus.” Remus said.

Neville stepped closer and they heard a sound coming from the wardrobe. Once it opened its doors Snape came out of it.

“Neville’s biggest fear is Snape!” Someone shouted.

“Shh!” Remus said. “Come on, Neville. You got this.”

Neville raised his wand and casted. “Riddikulus!” The spell gave Snape Neville’s grandma clothes. He looked ridiculous. It was very funny.

“Well done! Next!” Remus said.

Ron’s biggest fear was a spider. Helena’s, the Hufflepuff girl, was a snake. Draco’s was his father.

Harry’s heart broke. ‘His father?’ ‘How can he be afraid of his father?’ He heard other students whispering. He wanted to tell them to shut up, none of them knew what Draco was going through. Draco must’ve been really embarrassed.

Harry had been so focused on Draco’s boggart that he didn’t even realise it was his turn. “Go on, Harry.” Remus said. “You got this!”

Harry stepped closer, afraid of what his boggart would look like. Even William had done it, if that coward could handle being in front of his biggest fear, then he could do it too.

The boggart started changing its shape. Harry waited nervously as it all happened. When it finally revealed his biggest fear he froze.

His boggart was Draco. Just that it wasn’t him, it was another version of Draco. This version was so thin and covered in blood. His white shirt had been stained with blood, so much blood. He was laying on the floor, his grey eyes were staring at the ceiling, his gaze was lifeless. His chest wasn’t moving, that’s were reality hit him.

Harry’s boggart was Draco’s death. He knew everyone was staring at him, even Draco. He knew he should move and just cast the spell to make it stop, but he couldn’t do it. His head was whispering things to him. ‘It’s your fault.’ ‘Everything’s your fault’ ‘He’s dead because of you!’

Harry’s eyes started watering and he closed them immediately. He just heard Professor Lupin casting ‘Riddikulus’ and his boggart was gone.

When he opened his eyes everyone was staring at him, all of them in shock.

“Everyone out of here! Class is over.” Remus said.

Draco’s eyes met Harry’s and Harry flushed and looked away. He couldn’t look at Draco, he was really ashamed.

Instead, he looked at Hermione, who patted his shoulder and looked at him softly before she left, trying to give him some comfort.

When everyone was out of the room Harry looked nervously at Professor Lupin and Dumbledore.

“I- I’m really sorry, Professor. Dumbledore.” He said.

Remus look softened. “There’s nothing to apologise for, Harry. It was our first lesson, I understand. Sometimes facing a boggart is way to much, even for the strongest ones.”

Harry smiled weakly. “Thank you, Professor.”

“It’s fine, Harry.” He turned to look at Dumbledore. “I’ll leave you two alone.” He nodded and walked out of the room.

“I’m really sorry, sir.” Harry said.

Dumbledore patted Harry’s shoulder. “There’s nothing to worry about, Harry. But… tell me, Draco Malfoy isn’t just a friend, is he?”

Harry flushed. “How-”

“How do I know?” Dumbledore sighed. “I know many thing, Harry. Don’t be so surprised.”

Harry nodded.

“You really love him, don’t you?” Dumbledore asked.

“Yes.” He said without hesitation.

“Oh to be young and fall in love…” The man chuckled. “Just… take care, Harry.”

“I will, sir.”

“I know you feel like he is the only thing that matters, but please, don’t forget to love yourself for loving him.”

Why was Dumbledore telling him this?

“Of course.”

“Well, that’s all then. Off you go, Harry.” He smiled.

“Goodbye, sir.”