Draco POV idk
In pain
Floundering
I need help
Why would someone like him help me
Does he feel the same
Is my stupid childhood crush going to transform into something real
Im a terrible person
Dont deserve happiness
I hate myself
Draco woke up confused. There was something he needed to do. But what was it? Something important, he knew that much. Deciding to ask Blaise, he stepped out of bed and yawned, ready for once to start an enjoyable day. He went down to the common room.
The empty common room was a surprise, due to that it was usually filled with very loud eighth years, usually Hufflepuffs or Gryffindors. Glancing at the time Draco hissed, drawing a deep breath between his teeth. It was late. Really late. He must have missed breakfast. He looked at the schedule. ‘I could go to Charms.’
Walking through the corridor to the Charms classroom he felt a group of people watching him. Draco instinctively quickened his pace. The people followed. Through his peripheral Draco saw they were fifth year Ravenclaws, ones who werent friendly to any Slytherin to say the least. ‘Shit.’ he thought.
‘Oi!’
Tightening his fists, Draco turned around prepared for any insult theyd dredged up for him. He wouldnt take any of their shit anymore. He’d-
‘Alarte Ascendare!’ the biggest of the group screamed. Draco ducked as a picture frame was thrown high in the air above his head, missing him by mere centimeters.
‘Faggot Death Eater get the fuck out of Hogwarts.’ another of the Ravenclaws hissed, drawing his wand. ‘Sectu-‘ his voice faded out out as Draco slumped down to the floor, his memories accosting him.
The faded memories of that day two years ago coming back to visit him. His surprise as Potter burst into the bathroom while he was shaking, trying to calm himself. He never wanted to hurt anyone. Then he got that word hexing him and blood there was blood there was blood everywhere blood blood and his eyes faded to black but now there was someone shaking him out of his memories and the floor around him was clean and someone was carrying him up to the astronomy tower.
‘No no not him I dont want to kill him. Dont bring me here.’ he mumbled under his breath.
‘Draco?’ someone was shaking his arm. He opened his eyes. Potter hesitantly held his hand. ‘Are you okay?’
Draco looked up into his arch-nemisis’ eyes and all of the thoughts, all of the shame and pain that he’d been carrying for the last year and a half came rushing in all at once. He knew he shouldn’t be weak- especially in front of him- but he couldn’t help it. Tears pricked the corners of his eyes and trickled out. He curled up and let out a soundless scream, crying out for help from anyone. Potter watched, just as he had watched two years ago in the bathroom. But this time instead of hexing each other Potter held Draco close.
After a few minutes which felt like hours Draco calmed down, his tears slowing down to small drops. He sat up and moved away from Potter, trying to act nonchalant. Turning his head he noticed Potter biting his lip, as if he was trying to hold back a question. Draco let out a resigned sigh.
‘You can ask it.’
‘Why were they calling you that?’ Potter’s nose wrinkled with disgust, from the word or the idea Draco didn’t know. He hoped it was from the word.
‘I suppose everyone in school knows now regardless so it doesn’t matter if I tell you.’ he laughed bitterly. ‘I’m gay.’
Potter’s eyes widened with surprise at the blunt directness of the answer but he nodded. ‘Is that.. frowned upon in the wizarding community?’
Draco frowned, wondering if he was being spoken to with sarcasm. ‘God, Potter. You really were raised in a barn, werent you? Wizards are supposed to grow up, get married, and have children. Even if you aren’t pureblood there’s a limit to how open people are.’
‘I thought..’ Potter’s voice trailed off, ignoring the veiled insult. ‘Nevermind. So how did they find out? I’m assuming you didn’t tell them.’ he quipped.
Draco explained the saga, ending with the part where Theo’s girlfriend blackmailed him. ‘I don’t know how she told everyone at Hogwarts.’ he said bitterly. ‘The last thing I remember is when the fifth year Ravenclaws decided to have a go at me.’
‘That’s fucked.’ Potter shook his head, obviously upset. ‘I’m sorry, mate.’
Draco shook his head, ignoring Potter’s words. ‘Nevermind that, how did you save me from the sectumsempra? Even Dumbledore and Madame Pomfrey couldn’t save me exactly from when you did it to me in sixth year. I’ve still got scars.’
‘I deflected the curse onto a painting.’ Potter explained simply. ‘It’s got a rip but you’re fine, so.. wait.’ his eyes narrowed. ‘I gave you scars?’
‘Well, yeah. I mean I thought you knew that!’ Draco furrowed his brow, confused.
‘I didn’t know that! I didn’t mean to- I didn’t even know what the hex would do! How did those kids learn that spell?’
‘The Carrows.’ Draco bit his lip. ‘I mean, in that case I shouldn’t have tried to crucio you. I started it so technically-‘
Potter glared at him. ‘Still. That was a real dick move of me to make. I hurt you too, along with me hurting everyone else.’ He reached out an arm and subconsciously touched Draco’s chest where his scars would be over his robes. Draco flushed at the contact, his heart beating so quickly he felt it would fly right out of his body. He shifted his position on the floor, hoping Harry wouldn’t notice how red his cheeks were.
‘You didn’t hurt anyone, at least purposely. You did your best.’ Draco didn’t know where those words came from but he knew they were true and he hoped the other would know that as well.
‘Huh?’ Harry shook his head as though coming out of a daze and realised his hand was still on Draco. He blushed and took it off like he had been burnt. ‘Oh. Thank you. Draco, can i ask you something?’
Draco nodded, slightly wary and confused.
‘Last night- do you remember- you had a cut. What happened, are you okay?’ he noticed Draco tensing up and added quickly ‘I’m not accusing you. I’m curious.’
Shifting in his seat, Draco decided to answer. ‘In Herbology. A Hufflepuff decided that former Death Eaters don’t belong in Hogwarts so..’ he gestured to the cut on his hand. Noticing Harry was getting angry he continued ‘it’s okay. I’m used to it. Everyone here pretty much says it, to my face or behind my back.’
‘Professor Sprout did anything?’ Harry questioned, tight lipped.
‘She thinks I don’t belong here too.’ Draco said quietly. ‘And before you say anything- you and your friends do it too. But its okay. I don’t think I deserve to come back either.’
Harry looked down, obviously abashed. ‘Draco- I’m sorry. I’ll get my friends to lay off you and i will, too.’ he bit his nail before continuing. ‘And you do belong here. You saved my life, remember?’
‘Thanks.’ Draco mumbled, not meeting Harry’s eyes.
They heard footsteps and turned around quickly, wands at the ready.
‘Draco?’ a voice hesitantly called. Pansy Parkinson came from around the corner of the steps, Blaise Zabini following her. ‘Are you-‘ her eyes narrowed as she saw Harry.
‘Its okay.’ Draco said wearily. ‘He helped me. How did you find me?’
‘I heard some Ravenclaws boasting about hexing you near the Astronomy Tower so we looked for you.’ Blaise finally spoke. ‘Are you alright?’
Draco nodded. ‘Potter helped me.’ he said begrudgingly, for once the malice in which he usually said the name gone.
Blaise raised an eyebrow, although he stayed silent. Harry shifted where he stood.
‘If you’re all good now I should probably head to lunch.’ Harry said hesitantly.
‘I’m good.’ Draco said quickly.
Harry nodded, quickly leaving the balcony. The second he left Pansy and Blaise pounced on Draco.
‘What happened? Are you really okay, we heard about how Nott’s girlfriend spread your ‘news’ around.’
Draco shook his head, looking away. ‘I’m worried what my mother will think. You know, my father is in Azkaban-‘ his lip curled up in disgust. ‘-so it doesn’t matter what he thinks. But my mother..’ his voice trailed off, obviously worried.
Pansy put a comforting arm around him. Blaise, obviously heading Draco off before he could start freaking out, quickly intercepted. ‘Tell me, what happened with Potter? You seemed pretty close with him just then.’ he smirked.
Draco flushed, light pink covering his pale features. ‘It wasnt like that.’ he muttered. After pressure, he finally told Pansy and Blaise the gist of what happened.