“But we still love you.”

Draco had noticed something odd about his husband for these past few years.

Ever since they’d adopted Scorpius and albus, Harry has been so much more careful with everything. He turned completely soft spoken, every little thing he moved or picked up was placed down silently and carefully, his touch even more gentle then it was beforehand.

It was as if he turned more… hesitant.

Draco was conflicted with himself, not knowing whether to be concerned or not. Of course, he was worried regardless, but Harry’s behaviour truly made him question a lot of things.

Being a kind and patient partner, he didn’t say anything about it. He did not want to pressure Harry into talking about possibly painful things, even if his worries would not evaporate anytime soon.

But now, it got to the point Draco was very, very concerned.

Since albus turned 5, he started being more of a troublemaker and playing with things he shouldn’t touch, such as magical items or spell books. It seemed to be very interesting to him, and of course it was a wonderful thing, but he was still just a child and shouldn’t play with such powerful and potentially dangerous artefacts.

And, as of currently, Draco caught the little brunette waving around his father’s wand.

“Albus Severus potter, how many times do I need to say, you do not touch magical artefacts of any kind until you are of age! That sort of powerful material should not get in the hands of a toddler!” Draco scolded, hand on his hip as the other was busy pointing an accusing finger at his own wand, now laying on the floor near albus.

The young boy pouted, head hung down as he nodded a little. “Yes, papa..” he sighed out, seeming a bit annoyed but not wanting to show that. Harry heard the yelling (yet again, normal Harry wouldn’t consider Dracos tone of voice yelling) and approached the scene, putting a hand on Dracos shoulder from behind. “You don’t need to yell at him, dear..” he spoke up quietly, his tone despite being gentle and soft, sent shivers down Dracos spine.

Draco sighed, giving his husband a small nod. He looked back at the mini version of Harry, who has still been staring at the floor. “I think I got my point across, albus. No playing with magical artefacts.” Draco stated his final point, albus giving a small nod. Harry piped up, “but we still love you, dear.” He said in a gentle voice, kneeling and kissing albus’ forehead. He ruffled the boys hair with a small smile, “how about you go play with scorp now? And please don’t go into our work rooms.” Albus gave Harry a small smile and nodded, skipping off to his and his brothers room.

Dracos eyebrows knit together, and as soon as Harry stood back up, he took his hand and looked right into his lovers dull green eyes. “love, we seriously need to discuss the change in your behaviour. I’ve been meaning to bring It up lately, but I hadn’t wanted to pressure you.”

Harry’s heart suddenly became heavy, his stomach pitting. Had he done something wrong again? Did he make Draco mad? Did he-

“Harry, look at me.”

Said brunette flinched at the feeling of the cold skin of Dracos hand in contact with his own, and the sound of the pale haired man’s firm yet tender and soft voice.

Dracos gaze was gentle and concerned, as his hand securely held Harry’s.

“I- I’m sorry. Whatever I did, I’m-“
Harry started, but was quickly interrupted by Dracos voice, equally as soft as it was before.
“Darling, you have nothing of the matter to apologise for. I simply want to know what has changed, ever since albus and Scorpius came into our lives, it’s like you’ve been putting everything in foam. I’m worried, my love.”

Draco sounded desperate. His pale eyes flowed with raw emotions. Concern, sadness, desperation, love, care. Harry’s heart hurt at the sight of his lover being so… caring, so worried for him.

As if it was a foreign feeling, for someone to love him.

His moss green eyes unknowingly brimmed with tears at the sight of such raw love, all dedicated to him. Unconsciously, he gave Dracos hand a squeeze. “I-… I don’t know.. it’s just- the Dursleys, they left a mark on me… and I don’t want Scorpius or albus to- to experience what I did, and-“ harrys voice got chocked up with a sob.

Draco felt a harsh pang at his heart. The sob that escaped his innocent, precious lover was so raw and painful it hurt to hear. Without a single hesitation, his pale scarred arms wrapped around Harry’s now trembling body.

He felt desperate, trembling hands grip the fabric on Dracos back. In their five years of marriage, never has he seen his lover so… fragile. Desperate for safety. Scared.

His voice nearly betrayed him when he tried to speak. “Harry, you’re not like them. Not at all. You’re a great parent, and an amazing person, and if I have to find them and curse their little miserable lives to be ten times worse I will not bloody hesitate-“ Draco took a second to breathe. Aggression isn’t what Harry needs here. “You’re nothing like them, my love.” He settled on that, letting the silence of the corridor be filled by Harry’s soft sobs.

After a few minutes of a simple embrace and gentle back rubs, it quieted down. Draco could hear their kids giggling, playing with toys in their room.

For some reason that made Harry tear up again. Nonetheless, he pulled out of his husbands arms and smiled, sniffling a little. “You’re right, thank you. I was being stupid.” He moved his glasses, wiping at his eyes. Draco pouted. “Your emotions aren’t stupid, Potter. I will contact my therapist.” Draco announced, turning on his heel towards the phone.

Before even a word was uttered from the taller, Draco put up a finger, not even turning back. “No buts, Harry.” He said, disappearing behind a wall. Despite Harry thinking it was unnecessary, he couldn’t help but huff a smile. He knew him so good.

The Dursleys left a gaping scar, but Draco was one of the only things that managed to hold him together. He was safe now, his kids were safe.

They were gonna be okay.