Chapter Ten
Harry looked deeply shaken, a mixture of anger and sadness radiating from him. His jaw was tense, and his clenched fists revealed that he was struggling to keep calm. Draco, sensing the disturbing energy surrounding him, approached cautiously, his voice soft and concerned.
— Is everything okay? — Draco asked, as if any stronger word could break Harry’s fragile balance.
— Yes. — Harry answered dryly, his voice sharp, but the watery eyes contradicted his attempt to disguise what he felt.
— But you’re crying. — Draco insisted, his voice soft, almost a whisper, full of understanding.
Harry rubbed his face with his sleeve, quickly drying the tears that still refused to stop and turned his face away.
— It’s nothing... I’m fine. — his voice shook as he answered.
Draco remained silent, watching Harry carefully. The suppressed sobs that shook his shoulders slightly made it clear that something much bigger was happening. Harry was hurting, inside, and Draco knew it wasn't just sadness; there was something more, a deep pain and a contained anger that he couldn't express.
Draco knew, deep down, that a handsome boy like that, with those emerald eyes and that hair the color of a raven's feathers, a kind and gentle heart, shouldn't have to carry so much suffering. And, even without knowing what to say, Draco wanted to be there for him. Without hesitation, he took the other's hand, intertwining their fingers gently, offering the silent comfort that words could never achieve.
The boy looked down, surprised by the touch, but didn't pull his hand away. Little by little, he began to calm down, the sobs diminishing until only the sound of his breathing remained. When he finally raised his head, his eyes, swollen and red, but filled with a certain gratitude, met Draco's.
— Better? — Draco asked, his voice full of a tenderness he didn't even know he was capable of offering, smiling with equal tenderness and affection.
The boy nodded, squeezing Draco's hand more firmly, as if that gesture was the anchor he needed.
— What's your name? — Draco asked curiously, caressing the other boy's hand with his thumb.
— Harry. — the boy replied, now with a slight smile.
Harry suddenly leaned closer, and before Draco could react, he felt Harry's soft lips touch his cheek in a gentle kiss. Draco remained still, feeling the warmth of that simple and pleasant gesture. Harry pulled away a little, his eyes shining again, now no longer with tears, but with something Draco couldn't name, a kind of silent understanding between the two.