Unmasked

The next few days passed without incident, and the group found themselves feeling stuck in limbo. They had to go on with their schoolwork as per usual, while having these other classes, another country, and many things unknown whirled in the back of their minds. Minds wandered during classes, pondering whether today would be the day that they’d have to pick up and leave on the turn of a dime.

Harry and Hermione sat across from Ron at the Gryffindor table, debating over their charms homework due date. Hermione insisted it was tomorrow, but Harry and Ron were adamant it wasn’t until Monday. She huffed, digging her fork into her eggs. Harry turned his attention to the footsteps coming down the other side of the table and chuckled at the sight of Pansy bouncing towards them. She took a seat next to Ron, who greeted her with a mouth full of toast.

Draco followed at a walk, shaking his head with a smile at her antics. He slid onto the bench beside Harry and took a swig of his pumpkin juice. “Hey!”

He chuckled at him, then thanked Hermione who reached across Harry to drop a piece of toast onto his plate. He turned to Ron. “Saw Ginny hexing some kid this morning. Know why that might be?”

Ron shrugged. “Some guy probably hit on her and she didn’t like it.”

“Yeah, go Ginny” Pansy cheered.

Draco smiled. “It was pretty amusing to watch bats come out his nose, to say the least.” Harry spluttered his juice as the rest of the group laughed. Draco handed him a napkin and he wiped his mouth and the table sheepishly. “What were you guys talking about when we came in?”

“The charms homework due date,” said Hermione, stirring her tea.

“Oh that’s simple,” said Draco, looking at Pansy. He said tomorrow at the same time she said Monday. They glared at each other suspiciously.

Ron laughed. “See, ‘Mione. I told you!”

“Draco agreed with me!”

“Yeah, well Draco’s a prat,” Harry joked. Draco shoved him and Harry swatted at his arm.

“Besides,” Ron added, nodding at Neville as he slid in on his other side. “It’s 3 v 2. We obviously win.” He high-fived Pansy.

“Doesn’t mean you’re right though,” Draco sang under his breath, earning him another swat from Harry. “I’m just saying.”

“Yeah, well, I’m ‘just saying’ you should shut up.”

Draco rolled his eyes. “I guess we will see in class what Professor Flitwick says.”

“I guess we will,” Harry mocked, pulling a face. Draco only laughed at him.

“Ow.” All eyes turned to Hermione, who was rubbing her head from where the Daily Prophet had just smacked it on its way down. They were all turning back to their plates as she gasped. “Oh no…”

“What?” Neville asked, trying to gauge how bad it was by her expression.

“Merlin… it’s… Draco, look at this…”

He took the paper from her and immediately felt his heart sink. The front of the Daily Prophet featured a photograph of himself and Lucius. He was looking straight at the camera, and although he’d attempted to mask his discomfort, it was still evident in his features. Lucius stood behind him, the head of his walking stick resting on Draco’s shoulder as he sneered at the camera. Above it read the headline, ‘Malfoy Family Name Redeemable?’ And underneath ‘Draco Malfoy, 16, reveals the abusive nature of his father, when confronted with questions about suspicious markings and a suicide attempt while at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry…’

“Oh God… oh my…”

“That’s not even the worst part,” mumbled Neville, pointing to Draco’s plate. On it sat a howler, which was steaming at the corners.

“You have to open it,” Ron urged. “Go on.”

“No… no, I—”

“Draco, it’ll only make it worse,” Harry pleaded.

He shoved it away from himself. “No. No.”

Pansy lurched forward as it was about to burst, tearing the seal open and letting the livid voice of Lucius Malfoy ring out for the whole hall to hear. “DRACO LUCIUS MALFOY! I thought I had made myself quite clear! I warned you not to go any further with your accusations! I warned you not to defile my name and that is exactly what you have done. I heard about your pathetic escape attempts. Slicing your wrists and trying to jump off of that blasted tower. Truly, it’s a shame that blood-traitor, Weasley, got to you in time. You can’t even die right. Did you not understand me before? Or do you simply not believe that I will get to you, especially now. You have ruined me. And now I will do the same in return. I know who was been helping you. I know who your friends are. I have evaded the ministry, as I’m sure you have assumed, and still have the help of a master escape artist. Believe me when I say that what is coming next is worse. Much worse.”

Draco stared at the red envelope as it tore itself to shreds and fell onto his plate. Neville, Pansy, and Ron stared at him from across the table, Hermione from around Harry. The hall was so silent it was almost palpable, and the stares from students and staff alike bored into Draco. He began to shake and Harry pulled him tightly against his side. The silence held until Draco lent forward and rested his head on the table. “Fuck,” he cried. “F-fuck…”

Tears streamed down his face as Harry rubbed his back, leaning towards him to whisper in his ear. “You’re safe…We have the plan, remember?” Draco only shook his head, shaking against Harry. “Shh… it’s okay, Draco… you’ll be okay…”

He turned his head on his arms to look at Harry. “Will I though?”

“Yes,” said Harry softly, wiping away some of his tears with the pad of his thumb. “This plan will work. I promise. You’ll be okay.” Draco searched his eyes, such a powerful emotion there that Harry felt an overwhelming surge of affection for him. To protect him. An absurd wish to hold him tight until the pain slipped away. Was it hope he saw there? Trust? He wasn’t quite sure. “I’ll be with you the whole time,” he whispered. “I promise you, I’m not going anywhere.”

Draco took a shaky breath. “Thank you…”

Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape swept down the centre aisle towards them. Draco hastily swiped at his eyes as they approached. Dumbledore stopped in front of the group. “You five,” he said, gesturing to everyone but Neville. “Pack your bags and collect your work. You’ll be leaving first thing in the morning.”

Then McGonagall leaned towards Draco, one hand placed gently on his back. “We are protecting you, Draco. This is not a punishment. Do you understand?” He nodded. “I’m glad. I hope you start to feel okay soon. He will not get to you.”

“Thank you, Professor.”

Finally, Snape repeated McGonagall’s actions. “I am genuinely, sorry, Draco, that this has happened to you. I cannot help but feel that I am partially responsible. I will do everything in my power to help you, and find Lucius. For now, stay safe.” He looked at the other four students going with him. “I trust you are in good hands.” He patted him on the back, then stood straight.

“Thank you, Severus.” Snape nodded, then strode away, out of the Great Hall. Draco turned back to the group. “It’s really happening… isn’t it…?”

Harry nodded. “It is. But we’ll be okay.” He laid a hand on Draco’s forearm at his skeptical glance. “We will. An adventure, remember?”

Draco sighed, staring at his plate. Then he stood abruptly, shoved the rest of his piece of toast into his mouth and grabbed his bag. They stared at him, wide-eyed, both shocked and slightly scared by his reaction. At their faces, he tilted his head in annoyance. “I’m only going to get a textbook I forgot. And… I just need a few minutes by myself. I’m okay. Really.”

“You’re sure?” Ron asked, warily.

He nodded. “Promise. I will see you all in class.”

Pansy rose. “Wait, I’ll go with you. I forgot my robes in my dorm.” Sure enough, she was only in his dress-shirt, sweater, and skirt. Robeless.

He nodded. “Alright. Harry… would you mind swinging by Slytherin to help me pack? I don’t know what I’ll need or what clothes would be deemed ‘appropriate.’”  All he could do was nod. This was really happening. “Perfect. Thanks.” Harry nodded again.

“Hemione, would you mind lending me a hand, too?” Pansy asked.

“Sure, I can do that.”

Pansy smiled, as she turned to leave with Draco. “Perfect. See you guys later.”

They waved and watched them leave the hall, turning the corner to head to the dungeons. The rest of the group turned to each other, leaving a very confused Neville staring around at them all, feeling like he was intruding. They sat in shocked silence, hardly able to believe that this was really happening.

*

The rest of the day dragged by. Everywhere they went, classes, the Great Hall, the corridors, whispers followed them. Fleeting glances from curious students and raised brows from their classmates as the entirety of the student body knew that something was about to happen, but not exactly what.

Draco stayed silent all day, bouncing his leg and keeping his eyes fixed on his parchment and nothing else. The whole group was quiet, even Hermione, who didn’t answer a sngle question in any of her lessons. Though there was excitement at the journey before them, there was fear also. Harry would never admit it to Draco, but he was worried about Lucius finding them. What if he made it to the school tonight? What if he somehow tacked them tomorrow? They all still had the trace, didn’t they? What if he followed them to the airport? No… Harry reasoned with himself. He wouldn’t. It would be too risky.

But how were they to get there? How were they to leave the school safely and get to the airport? He knew they’d be taking a car… but who would be driving? And from where?

The answer came at dinner, when Professor McGonagall stopped at the Gryffindor table with a bundle of brown envelopes. She handed one to each of them in turn, and they each tore into them immediately as she watched.

“Plane tickets, insurance, VISAs, passports… they’re all there.” At Draco, Ron, and Pansy’s blank looks, she added, “Harry and Hermione can explain it to you. Be careful you don’t lose them, now.”

“But, Professor,” Hermione said. “How’d you get all of these? It takes months and it’s expensive!”

The old witch smiled. “That, my dear, I cannot tell you.”

Hermione’s brow creased as she stared down at the envelope quizzically. Harry chuckled at her, then looked up at his Professor. “Who will be driving us? And from where?”

Her smile broadened. “Harry, I’m sure you will be pleased to hear that it will be Professor Lupin taking you five to the airport in the morning. He will be picking you up from Hogsmeade.”

Harry beamed. “Brilliant! What time will we have to leave?”

“Remus will be in the entrance hall waiting for you at 7:30. He will walk with you to the car and take you to the airport. Your flight leaves at 10, so I believe he is aiming to have you there by 8:30. I’m not sure why, but I don’t truly understand how airplanes and airports work, so I trust he is doing what is normal.”

Harry nodded. “Perfect. Thank you, Professor.”

She smiled at the group sadly. “It is a shame to see you all go. I am rather fond of this friendship that has been growing amongst the group of you. But it is, of course, for the best. You will be notified when it is safe to return here. The Ministry has notified us that they are on the hunt for Lucius, but have no leads. Even your Mother, Draco, has no idea where he went. Apparently he said nothing to her, and for the time being she has fled to France with your cousins.”

Draco nodded. “But she’s safe… that’s all that matters. They will find him though, right?”

“Of course, they will. The Aurors will find him. It may take a few months, mind you. Which is why we have made such accommodations and preparations for this trip. I wish you all the best of luck, and I hope you enjoy this experience. Try to think of it in a positive light… I will see you at your return.”

The group waved as she smiled at them, turning on her heel and leaving. A chorus of goodbyes fell from their mouths before they turned back to their plates.

*

Later that evening Hermione pushed open the door to the boy’s dormitories. They all looked up at her, and Harry turned from his half-filled suitcase on his bed. She smiled, hugging a bundle of clothing to her chest. “How’re you feeling, Harry?”

He looked at his suitcase again, contemplating. “I’m alright. I’m nervous, of course. But excited, too. It will be nice, going back to muggle school for a while. Where no one knows who I am. I can be, just Harry.”

Hermione grinned. “You can be a nobody. Kind of nice for once, yeah?”

Harry nodded, looking up at Dean, Seamus, and Neville, who were watching them. “Oh. I told the lads about what was going on.”

“I told the girls, too. And Ginny and Luna. Are you almost done packing?”

“Yeah,” he said, adding a sweatshirt to his suitcase. “Should I bring another one? It’s cold there, isn’t it?”

Hermione laughed. “Yes, Harry.”

He added another, then glanced around at his bed and open trunk. “I think I’m done.”

“Er… have you got an outfit for Draco? He doesn’t have any muggle clothes, really.”

Harry cringed. “Ron, can you spare a pair of jeans?”

“Yep.” Harry caught the blue jeans Ron tossed at him, folded them and then added a simple long-sleeved tee. He zipped up his suitcase, then turned to Ron, who was holding up a pair of marron socks in one hand and an obnoxiously bright sweater in the other. He turned to Harry and Hermione. “Help?”

They both chuckled and went to him. “Move,” said Harry, and Ron sat on Seamus’ bed to watch. Harry and Hermione picked through Ron’s clothes for what was acceptable to wear in the muggle world. Hermione folded it as Harry rummaged in Ron’s trunk for anything Hogwarts-class-related that he would need while away. Returning with his textbooks and parchment, among miscellaneous other things, he stuffed them into Ron’s schoolbag that Hermione was holding out for him. After a few more minutes they stepped away from Ron’s bed, Harry zipping up the suitcase and resting it on the floor with the schoolbag.  

Ron rubbed the back of his neck. “Thanks.”

Harry turned to Hermione. “Can I borrow your phone to make a call?”

She narrowed her eyes. “Yes… who do you need to call?”

Harry faltered. “My aunt. She needs to at least know where I am. She is my legal guardian.”

Hermione handed her phone over to him, and he stepped out the door for privacy. He dialed his aunt’s cell phone number, took a deep breath, then pressed call. He put it to his ear and closed his eyes as it rang, both hoping she did and didn’t pick up.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Aunt Petunia.”

“Harry?” The shock in her voice was evident. “How… you can’t use a phone there…”

“Er… my headmaster changed it to let this phone work. It’s my friend Hermione’s.”

Her voice was less cold than usual. Tight, but not cold. “Why are you calling me?”

He sighed. “This isn’t going to make any sense.”

“Are you in trouble?” Was that worry in her voice?

“No! Well, yes… but it’s not specifically me that’s in trouble. You see, one of my very good friends, Draco, recently told me that he’s being severely abused at home. But it’s gotten a lot worse and his dad, who is a really influential man here, is after him and anyone who’s been trying to help him. And, well, the man who… who killed my parents… he’s with him.”

The other line was silent for a moment, only the sound of the TV in the living room could be heard. “Why are you telling me this, Harry.”

“I’m in danger. My friends and I… we have to leave. You know how I can’t use…magic… until I’m 17 at home? That’s because of the trace. That means the group of us can be tracked anywhere in the UK… and we have to leave. We have to go somewhere where we are off the grid, living with muggles, until his dad is sent to Azkaban…”

“Where are they sending you?”

“Canada.”

“Canada?” She almost shouted it, but quickly lowered her voice to a whisper. Harry had a feeling she was holding the phone very close to her, her hand muffling the sound so that Uncle Vernon wouldn’t hear. “But that’s… that’s all the way across the ocean!”

“Hermione has muggle relatives there. He won’t be able to find us.”

“How many of you are being sent there?”

“Five. Myself, Hermione, Draco, my friend Ron that you met, and Draco’s best friend Pansy.”

“Will you be going to another… school… there?”

“No. Not one like this anyways. I will be taking classes at a muggle high school.”

She was silent again. “Are you calling to ask me for something?”

“No. I just… thought I should tell you before I left.”

She paused, and he heard her let out a long breath. “Okay.”

“Well, I’ll see you when I get back then, I guess. I don’t know when that will be.”

“Keep us in the loop.”

“I will. Bye.”

“Oh, Harry!”

“Yes?”

“Stay safe.”

He almost smiled at that. “I will. Bye Aunt Petunia.”

“Goodbye, Harry.”

He blinked a few times after the call ended, wondering if that really just happened. Then he shook his head and pushed open his dorm-room door.

Hermione held her hand out for the phone and pocketed it. “How was that?”

He shrugged. “Better than I thought. Let’s go help Draco and Pansy.”

The three of them left their stuff there, Harry and Hermione holding bundles of clothing in one arm. As they jogged down the stairs a head of red hair was heading up towards them. Harry held his arm out and grasped Ginny’s forearm. “Gin.”

She started. “Yeah, Harry?”

He swallowed. “While I’m gone, you’re Quidditch captain, okay?”

She beamed. “Okay. I won’t let you down.”

“I didn’t think you would.”

“Stay safe, you three. You’re always getting into trouble,” she teased, hugging Ron.

Ron rolled his eyes at her statement after he let her go, Hermione smiled, and Harry laughed, waving. “Bye, Ginny.”

“Bye!”

As they made it to the dungeons they were greeted with a familiar sight. Professor Snape was headed towards them, and, when he spotted them, he stopped. They stopped in front of him, where he was about to enter the Slytherin common room.

Hermione raised an eyebrow. “Hello, Professor. What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same question, Miss Granger.”

“Uh… Draco and Pansy needed some help packing, sir.”

Snape nodded. “Come in. I need to talk to them both as well. I was going to come find you three after, but it seems as though now I won’t need to.”

He swept through the doorway, down the hallway and into the Slytherin common room. A few students sat on the couches, glancing up at Snape as he entered the room. Their eyes travelled to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, brows raised.

“Hello, Professor,” said a Sandy haired girl. “Is there something we can help you with?”

“Yes…” Snape drawled. “I need to speak with Pansy Parkinson and Draco Malfoy immediately.”

“Of course, sir,” she said, pulling a dark haired boy up with her. They headed up the stairs and Harry shot the other two a questioning look.

“Slytherin’s seventh-year Prefects,” said Ron. “I’ve done rounds with both of them.”

“Ah.”

Not a moment later they returned, Pansy and Draco behind them. As they walked over Harry caught the gleam of Draco’s prefect badge against the black of his robes. The two looked up at Snape and he nodded at them. “I am sure you’re wondering why I wanted to speak with you.”

“Is it about our trip, sir?” Pansy asked.

“Yes… I am going to Gringotts for you all to exchange your money for muggle money. Then I will have to exchange it for Canadian money.”

“But sir,” said Draco, fiddling with the hem of his sleeve. “I can’t take any money from my vault… my Father will notice. That is if he hasn’t barred me from it already.”

Snape nodded. “Precisely why I owled your mother last week and asked her to make a withdrawal just in case. But I will also be needing any money you have on you here at school. All of you.”

“Er… can I give you muggle money, Professor?”

“Yes, Miss Granger. That will be fine.” Pansy and Draco forked over the money they had on them, and Pansy accioed the key to her vault so he could grab more. Harry did as well, and gave him what money he had on him. They needed whatever they could get, not knowing how long they would be gone.”

Ron handed him a few galleons and sickles, not making eye-contact. Harry nudged him. “I’ll give you some money, mate. Don’t worry about it.”

“There will be no need,” Snape said. “Your parents have sent me a withdrawal as well, Mr. Weasley.”

He blinked up at Snape in disbelief. “Brilliant.”

“I shall be back in an hour.” They nodded and he swept from the room, pocketing the envelope in which he put their change.  

Draco turned to Harry and grabbed his arm. “Come on, this way.” He and Ron followed Draco up the stairs and Draco pushed the door open, sweeping them inside with his arm. He closed the door behind them and Harry took in the dorm.

There were five four-poster beds, each with emerald green curtains and bedding. The room was rectangular, two beds on the right wall (Blaise’s and Draco’s, who was closest to the door) and three on the other (presumably Crabbe, Goyle, and Theodore Nott). At the end was a large fireplace, the flames dancing merrily. The floor was made of stone blocks and the walls were the same green as the bedding. For being in the dungeons and under the lake, it was surprisingly well lit.

“So…” said Draco, scratching his neck. “I got out all of my school things and everything, but as for my clothes I’m not too sure.”

Harry nodded, hoisting Draco’s suitcase onto his bed while Ron took a seat on the edge on Blaise’s, who scowled from the other end where he was doing his homework. Harry bit his lip as he passed in front of Draco, searching through the few piles of clothes he’d laid out on his bed. Harry handed Draco the clothes he’d brought for him. “For tomorrow.” He only nodded and Harry plucked a green crewneck from a pile and set it in his suitcase. He did the same with a pair of khakis, a blue polo, a pair of cotton sleeping pants and a white cotton t-shirt. Most of Draco’s wardrobe consisted of collared dress-shirts, his school uniform, a black suit, and robes. Harry packed the black suit and found a simple grey tank top to pack as well. Harry tapped his lips with a finger as he scanned the items of clothing, keenly aware of Draco’s discomfort at Harry going through his clothing. He chuckled, picking up a very worn out quidditch tee. “Draco, how old is this thing?”

“Er… I dunno.”

“It looks like al; the clothes I used to get for my cousin. Way too big for me and full of holes.”

“My Mum bought it for me when I was younger,” he said in a rush, ears reddening. “I only wear it to bed.”

“Relax,” said Harry, smiling at him over his shoulder. “I’m only teasing you, Dray.”

He didn’t see the other boy’s reaction to the nickname, but he didn’t protest. Harry set one last black polo into the suitcase and stepped back. “Alright. You can handle your underwear and socks and whatever.”

“That’s it? That’s all that’s suitable?”

Harry snorted. “Well, yeah. You’ve seen how I dress, Draco. And Hermione, too. You, Pansy, and Ron will have to get some new clothes when we get to Canada.”

Draco paled. “How do we do that?”

“We go to a mall…?”

“A what?”

Harry gave Ron an incredulous look before turning back to Draco. “You two have never heard of a mall?” They both shook their heads. “Oh, for God’s sake. It’s like a collection of stores and you can walk inside or outside to get to all of them to do all of your shopping in one place.”

“Won’t that be busy?” Draco asked.

“Well, yeah, but it’s not that bad.”

“Harry… you do realize I have no experience around muggles. I have absolutely zero idea what I’m doing.”

“You’ll be fine,” Harry reassured him. “Hermione and I will be with you. Take our lead. You’ll get the hang of it.”

“Are you sure?” Ron asked from behind him.

Harry turned so that he could see them both at once. “I’m positive. It’s not that different once yo get used to the way muggles do things.”

Draco nodded, stuffing the last few things in his suitcase. “Okay. Okay. I can do that.’

“I know.”

Draco smiled at him, then zipped up the suitcase. “How do I fit all of my school things into this bag?”

Harry chuckled, lifting Draco’s schoolbag. “Hermione taught me her undetectable extension charm. The muggles that check our bags won’t be able to tell its there, so our stuff will be safe. Here.” He took the bag, muter the incantation, then handed it back to Draco. “Now put your stuff in. The charm’s on all of our bags so we shouldn’t have any problems.”

“Thanks.” He stuffed his school materials into the bag, then turned back to Harry. “Is there anything else I need?”

“Put the envelope McGonagall gave you in the front pocket so it doesn’t get lost in the jumble of school stuff. And… do you have a book to read on the plane?”

“I do, actually! A muggle book that my Mum gave me for Christmas!”

Harry raised his brows. “What book?” Draco hummed, pulled the book out from under his pillow, then handed it to Harry. “The Great Gatsby. I read this in the summer for school.”

“Did you like it?”

“It was okay. I’m not really into reading like you are though. Ask Hermione—she probably does.”

“Okay.”

“That should be it then… should we go back downstairs and wait for Snape?”

Draco nodded. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

Pansy and Hermione are already down there, sitting on couches across from each other, a deck of cards spread between them on the table.

“What are you playing?” Ron asked.

Pansy beamed. “Hermione’s teaching me how to play Golf.”

“That’s a fun game,” said Harry. “Can I join?”

“Sure. Come sit.”

Harry sat beside her and they slid over to make room for Draco beside him. Ron sat beside Hermione. Harry showed Draco how to play—it was fairly straightforward. They played a few rounds, all of which Hermione won. Grinning, she spoke up. “How about I teach you how to play Gin instead? I’m rubbish at it, but I know how to play.”

“I’m not,” cheered Harry. “Bring it on!”

Hermione shuffled and dealt the cards. “Alright, let’s play a trial round.” The group listened intently as she explained the rules. When it was Draco’s turn, he gazed skeptically down at the card he pulled from the deck. Harry leant over and pointed at one in his hand, whispering to him. “Switch it for this card, then you’ll have a run of four.”

Draco’s eyes widened with clarity. “Oh! Yeah, I see what you mean.”

Harry smiled at him as they continued to play. Harry won the trial round, as he knew he would, and they began another round. When he won again he cheered and Draco stuck his tongue out at him.

Just then the door to the room swung open. They all spun to face Snape, who strode towards them with a stack of brown envelopes. They all stood, meeting him halfway. He hands them all their money silently, ending with Draco. As he takes the envelope he pulled the blond into a hug, mumbling to him something which the others could not hear. Draco nodded against him, then thanked him as they pulled away.

“Stay safe,” said Snape, taking in the group. “And do your homework. I will heck when you return.”

They all cringed, but nodded. “Goodnight, Professor,” said Hermione. “And thank you again.” He held up a hand as he walked away from them, then he turned the corner out of sight.

Pansy turned to Draco. “How’re you feeling?”

He gulped. “Turthfully… I’m scared shitless and I have no idea what to expect. What if I have a panic attack in class? I mean, I’m alredy scared of having another one but having one in class or something would be even worse! Or, or what if I slip up, or my Father finds me, or, or, or—”

Hermione rested a hand on his shoulder, and he looked at the ground. “You won’t slip up. And he won’t find you. We will be completely safe, Draco.”

He shuddered, but smiled when he looked up at her with a nod. “Thanks, Hermione.”

She nodded. “We all better get to bed. Have to be up at seven.”

“I’ll go to bed soon,” Draco said, following Harry, Ron and Hermione as they took a step towards the door. “I have to do my last rounds first.”

“Right,” she said. “Night, Pansy. Sleep well.”

Pansy called from where she was heading up the stairs. “G’night, guys You too!”

The four of them headed out the door and into the corridor. Harry motioned for Ron and Hermione to walk a bit ahead when he saw Draco fiddling with his sleeve hem again. He stobbed and looked to lond in the eye. Draco tore his gaze away. Harry let out a breath and pulled Draco into his arms. Draco wrapped his arms around Harry, too, resting his head in his neck and breathing in his scent. It was calming, being in Harry’s embrace. He let out a long breath and Harry continued to hold him close.

“You’ll be okay,” Harry whispered. “You’re gunna get better ad the ministry will find you dad.”

“And us?” Draco almost whimpered. Harry froze, heart beating a mile a minute. “Are you gunna find new muggle friends to hangout with that actually understand everything.”

Harry shook his head, squeezing him tighter. “I might make new friends, Draco, but I’m not just going to abandon you. Things will still be hard for a while. But I’ll be with you the entire time—I’m not going anywhere, okay? I really care about you, Dray. Don’t you ever doubt that.”

Draco relaxed in Harry’s arms, nodding against him. “Okay. Okay. I’m sorry. I’m scared. And sometimes it’s really hard for me to admit that but I really am, Harry. I have no idea what’s going to happen, and I’m terrified even though I know I shouldn’t be.”

“I know. And that’s okay.” He nodded again and Harry pulled back to look at him. “You really will be okay. I promise.”

“I believe you.”

Harry brushed a piece of hair out of the other boy’s face. “Now go do your rounds. And try your best to sleep, okay? It’s gunna be a long day tomorrow.”

Draco nodded. “Goodnight, Harry.”

“Goodnight, Draco.” Harry watched as he waved, then turned his back and headed in the opposite direction, candlelight gleaming off of his hair.  He couldn’t help the fuzzy feeling he got in his stomach around Draco. Couldn’t help the way he made him feel. He smiled all the way up the corridor to Ron and Hermione, who only had to take one look at him before they send him identical knowing smiles.