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Title: Hey There Draco Chapter 20
Chapter Title: TBD
Warnings: Adult Language, Sexual Content, Violence
Disclaimer: I own nothing and am owned by no one.
Author's Notes: Thanks to everyone who reads my stories! Thanks to M! And I'd like to give a special shout out to thrnbrooke who inspired a great chunk of this chapter! ^_^

WARNING: This is a Harry/Draco fanfiction, that means boy/boy. If you don't like, don't read and don't complain to me about it. That it all.

Harry awoke surprisingly without any aches or pains even though he and Draco had been sleeping on the ground. Harry smiled and rubbed Draco, who was huddled against his chest, on the back. Draco didn’t stir and Harry thought it would be for the best if he didn’t wake him. Harry held Draco tightly against his chest. He was again struck by how utterly silent the forest around them was. There were no sounds of animals or birds, or even the sound of wind through the trees. Harry didn’t think that he would like living in this state of silence for very long. It was already giving him the creeps.

Draco’s eyes fluttered open. He yawned and stretched. His movements reminded Harry of a cat. Harry grinned. Perhaps he ought to start calling Draco catboy instead of ferretboy.

“Good morning, love,” Harry said, brushing the hair out of Draco’s eyes.

Draco smiled in turn, and laid the back of his hand on Harry’s cheek. “Good morning,” he said shyly.

Their eyes locked and neither of them looked away. They were unable to. Something had changed. Harry couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but something was definitely different. It was as if all the distance and space between them had disappeared. As if their hearts beat as one. Draco felt it as well. Harry could tell so by the look on his face.

“I see that you have awoken,” said a soft voice from behind them.

Harry looked over his shoulder and saw that Morgana was there, accompanied by her ladies of the forest. The ladies stood a few steps behind Morgana, their hands folded in front of them.

“They have consummated their love,” one of them murmured.

“A holy union,” another one added.

“Indeed,” Morgana agreed. “For those who do so in the confines of this forest are blessed.”

“Blessed?” Draco said. “How so?”

“Your lives will now be forever intertwined,” Morgana said. “And your fate, one.”

“What?” Draco shrieked, jumping up and pulling his robe on. “What do you mean, ‘one’?”

“Whatever happens to one. . . ” said one lady.

“. . . will happen to the other,” finished another.

“And if one of us were to die?” Draco asked.

“The other would shortly follow,” Morgana said.

“NO!” Draco shouted. “No, no, no, no, no, no! I will die! I will die! You must reverse it! I will die!”

Harry was on his feet at this point as well, fastening his robe around himself.

“We cannot reverse it,” Morgana said.

“It is irreversible,” one of the ladies said.

“No, no, you have to!” Draco insisted. “You must! I am going to die! But not Harry! I don’t want Harry to die! He can’t!”

Harry suddenly understood. At first he had thought that Draco didn’t want to be bound to him because Draco thought that he, Harry, was going to die. But really it was Draco that thought that he, himself, was going to die and didn’t want Harry to have the same fate.

Harry couldn’t help but smile a little as he walked over to where Draco was trembling and enveloped him in his arms.

“It’s all right, Dray,” he said softly. “We’re not going to die.” Draco sniffed loudly and buried his head in Harry’s shoulder. “You don’t regret what we did, do you?”

“Only the consequences,” Draco mumbled.

“There won’t be any consequences,” Harry assured him. “I won’t let either one of us die.” He lifted Draco’s face to look at him. “Do you trust me?”

“I trust you!” Draco cried.

“We’ll leave you now,” Morgana said. “But it is almost time for you to leave my forest.”

Harry nodded and watched as Morgana and her ladies disappeared into the forest. He was well aware that it was almost time to leave. Morgana had given them as much information as she could and now the rest was up to them.

“How is it that you are so brave?” Draco whispered. “Why are you not crying, too?”

“It’s because I can’t cry,” Harry said.

“What do you mean, you can’t cry?” Draco asked. He stepped away and looked Harry up and down as if he were some foreign object.

“Just what I said,” Harry told him, beginning to feel a little agitated. “I. Can’t. Cry.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Draco asked. “Why can’t you cry?”

“I don’t want to get into this with you, Draco. Just stop it!” Harry said warningly.

“No!” Draco exclaimed. “I think I have the right to know! So tell me!”

“I can’t cry!” Harry shouted. “I just can’t! I wish I could, but I’m numb. I don’t feel enough to cry. I hardly feel anything at all anymore.”

Draco went over to him and wrapped his arms around his middle. “Maybe it’s better that way,” he whispered. “Feeling is too painful.”

Harry pulled away from Draco and slumped to the ground, dragging his knees in close to his chest and burying his head in them. “I don’t know,” he said. “I don’t know much anymore.”

Draco crouched down next to him, wrapping his arms around him again and resting his head on Harry’s shoulder. This time Harry didn’t push him away. Tears were streaming silently down Draco’s face, spattering Harry’s robe.

“It’s all right, Harry,” Draco said. “I’ll cry for both of us.”

They stayed like that for a very long time. The silent forest seemed to close around them and wrap them up in its shadows like a shroud.

Finally Draco spoke. His voice was hoarse from crying. “So we’re bound to each other.”

“I guess so,” Harry answered. “Does that upset you? Being bound to me?”

“No,” Draco said. “In a way, I’m relieved.”

“Why is that?”

“I won’t ever have to let you go,” Draco said.

“I wouldn’t have gone anywhere,” Harry told him.

Draco just shook his head. “But now you have to stay with me. For the rest of our life.”

“I don’t really understand the difference,” Harry admitted. He wasn’t quite sure where Draco was heading with this.

“That’s because you’ve never been alone,” Draco whispered. “Not in the way I have. You don’t know what it’s like to be so hurt and scared and confused, but no one’s there. No one’s there.”

“You’re wrong,” Harry told him gently. “I do know how that feels. I understand that feeling so much that it aches.”

Draco looked up at him. It was like he could see into Draco’s soul. It was a rather strange feeling, but comforting at the same time. It was like being wrapped just a little too tightly in a soft blanket.

“It’s a rather odd thing, really,” Draco said.

“What’s that?”

“Being able to pinpoint the exact moment when one loses one’s own heart,” Draco stated matter-of-factly. Harry said nothing. “I am able to recall it all. Right down to the last second. In that last second, I felt so much pain and anguish and it seemed to last a thousand lifetimes and then…”

“And then…?” Harry whispered.

“I felt nothing,” Draco said. He had a far off look in his eyes. As if he were remembering long-forgotten memories. He placed his hand over his heart; he clutched at the material of his robe. “Absolutely nothing. No pain. No sorrow. Not even anger. Happiness, joy, it all left me. And I felt nothing.”

“It’s all right,” Harry said. “You’re not alone anymore. Neither of us are. We’ll never have to be alone again.”

“I hope that’s true,” Draco said. He tightened his grasp on Harry.

Harry held him tightly in his arms, determined to make it true.

                                                         ~~~

“Have you decided where it is that you would like me to take you?” Morgana asked as Harry and Draco emerged in the clearing that she was standing in.

“Yes, but if you don’t mind would you answer a couple of questions first?” Harry asked.

“Of course,” Morgana said. “What is it that you would like to know?”

“The first query that we have is as follows,” Draco said, stepping forward. “Now that we are bound, does that mean that we are bound forever? And how strong is the bond?”

“Yes,” Morgana said simply. “You are now bound forever. Only time will tell how strong the bond becomes. And it all depends on what you decide to do.”

Draco coughed and cleared his throat. “Quite,” he said.

“And the other question we have,” Harry said. “Well, the other question I have is where can I find Sirius?”

Morgana lowered her head. “Find the Dark Lord and you will find what you are looking for.” She said nothing more. It was on the tip of Harry’s tongue to ask what to do once he did find Voldemort, but he didn’t. He merely nodded and said nothing else as well.

“Thank you,” Draco said. “You have our sincerest gratitude.”

Morgana bowed her head. “Where would you like me to take you?” she asked.

Harry answered in one word: “Hogwarts.”

                                                         ~~~

Harry looked up at the grand silhouette that was Hogwarts. He shielded his eyes with the back of his hand from the glare of the midday sun.

“How is this possible?” he asked Morgana. “No one is supposed to be able to Apparate in or out of Hogwarts.”

Morgana merely laughed at this. “The normal rules do not apply to one such as me,” she said. She then became very serious. “This is where I leave you, my brave young heroes. If ever you should need me I will be only a shadow step away.” With that she bowed her head and evaporated into the air.

Harry looked at Draco, at which Draco nodded and took his hand. Hand in hand they made their way to the front gate of Hogwarts. Waiting at the door with his hands clasped behind his back and a soft smile on his face was Dumbledore. Harry felt his stomach do a little flip and his heart skip a beat. The last time he had seen the Headmaster he had destroyed most of said Headmaster’s room. Harry felt a blush spread across his face.

“Mr. Potter, Mr. Malfoy,” Dumbledore greeted cheerfully as if he were welcoming them back to a new term. “How good it is to see you. I became concerned when you fell out of my sight; the others will be relieved to hear of your safe return.”

At mention of ‘the others’, Harry was certain he had stopped breathing. They were going to be in deep trouble. He knew it.

“Professor, I’m sorry we left,” Harry said in a rush. “We had things we needed to do and. . .”

Dumbledore held up his hand, causing Harry to fall quiet. “I understand, my boy,” Dumbledore said. “You are only searching for something that we cannot provide. However, please understand us. We only wish for your safety.”

“I’m sorry, sir,” Harry said.

“Please come inside. The others will be arriving shortly. And there is someone who is already here who will be very pleased to see you.”

Harry and Draco stepped in through the open door. Harry breathed a sigh of relief. He was home. Everything in the castle felt warm and friendly. It was like remembering a thousand forgotten memories. Voldemort couldn’t touch this place. Harry would make sure of that.

Draco suddenly began coughing. It had been awhile since he’d had his last coughing fit and Harry had almost forgotten about the curse Draco carried inside of him. Draco let go of Harry’s hand, covering his mouth and clutching at his chest. Harry rubbed Draco’s back, at a loss of what to do.

“Sir,” Harry said, turning to Dumbledore. “If you don’t mind, Draco needs to rest.”

“I’m fine, Harry,” Draco gasped as Harry draped Draco’s arm around his shoulder.

“No you are not fine,” Harry told him. “We are going to rest.”

Draco didn’t fight anymore after that and allowed Harry to lead him to the Gryffindor house. The Fat Lady didn’t even ask them for the password when she saw them coming. She right away swung open allowing them entry. It was like she had been expecting them. Harry muttered a grateful ‘thanks’ on their way past.

“So this is the Gryffindor common room, is it?” Draco asked. “Quite colorful, is it not? That doesn’t surprise me.”

“Not everyone is able to live in the depths of darkness like the Slytherins do,” Harry answered lightly.

“The darkness is cozy. This place is nauseatingly colorful. It’s like the design got sick all over the place.”

Harry decided to ignore these remarks as he helped Draco up the stairs into the dorm room he shared with the rest of the Gryffindor boys in his year. He was careful to lay Draco down in his own bed in the room. He doubted if any of the other boys would appreciate Draco Malfoy sleeping in their bed.

Draco’s breathing was rough and ragged. Sweat dripped down his forehead. Harry wiped Draco’s forehead with the towel that had been set out at the end of his bed.

Draco’s eyes opened, but they seemed to look past Harry. “Harry,” Draco croaked. He reached out his hand for him.

“I’m here, Draco,” Harry said, taking his hand.

“Don’t leave me.”

Harry settled down beside Draco in the bed. He pulled the blankets close around them, taking extra time to tuck Draco in. He gave Draco a soft kiss on his mouth. Leaving Draco had been the last thing on Harry’s mind.

                                                           ~~~

Harry awoke to familiar voices speaking around him. Harry cracked one eye open and saw that Ron and the twins were gathered around his bed. The twins were shaking their heads and Ron looked a little horrified but not too surprised.

“They’re in trouble now,” said George.

“Trouble they are in,” said Fred.

“I just said that!”

“I know you did.”

The twins grinned at each other.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Ron mumbled. “But now I have to. Harry and Malfoy are. . . are. . .”

“Yes, there’s the proof right in front of you.”

“So what are you going to do now?”

Ron swallowed before saying, “Harry’s my mate and if this is what he wants then I’ll support him.”

“Don’t fret, little brother,” Fred told him, clapping him on the back. “Draco Malfoy isn’t such a bad bloke once you get to know him.”

“In time, he’ll be just like any of us to you,” George added.

Ron opened his mouth and then closed it. He then turned to the twins and was actually smiling. “I think I’d like that,” he said. “I better go tell ‘Mione that they’re all right. She’s been driving herself mad, you know.” With that, Ron left the room.

Harry sat up. He couldn’t believe what Ron had just said. He really was a true friend.

“Ah, the hero is awake!” George exclaimed.

“And still alive, I see,” Fred added in a faux disappointed tone.

“It’s good to see you, too,” Harry said lightly. “I take it everyone else is here as well.”

“You take it right. The whole sorry lot of us are here.”

“That’s just great,” Harry muttered, slumping back down. “I suppose they’re ready to hang us, are they?”

“Right again.”

Harry moaned. He wasn’t looking forward to dealing with both Mrs. Weasley and Professor Lupin. Not to mention Hermione and Ginny. He had to prepare himself for a scolding from them as well.

Draco stirred beside him and every other thought and concern in Harry’s head flew out the window. He didn’t even care that the twins were still there and watching them. All of his attention was on Draco.

“Hey there,” Harry said, brushing Draco’s cheek with his fingers. “How are you feeling?”

“Better,” Draco said, sitting up. “I’m starving, though.”

“Then you are in luck,” said George. “We were all just about to adjourn in the Great Hall for dinner. Care to join us?”

Draco stiffened and turned his head to see the twins. “They are here,” he said.

“Yes they are,” Harry agreed, getting up and helping Draco out of bed. “Are you sure you feel well enough to go to the Great Hall?”

“I feel fine, Potter, don’t fuss,” Draco grumbled.

“Let us lead the way, then,” Fred said.

Harry and Draco followed the twins out of the Gryffindor tower and down the many staircases. However the person who was waiting for them at the bottom was not who any of them, least of all Draco, expected.

“Mother?” Draco said, as if he was unable to believe it was really her.

“Draco,” Narcissa Malfoy whispered. She was holding a handkerchief up to her mouth as tears silently poured down her cheeks.

“Mother!” Draco cried, letting go of Harry and bounding down the stairs so fast that he almost lost his balance and fell. He did, in fact, trip over the last step and landed right in his mother’s arms.

“Oh, Draco, be careful,” Narcissa chastised through her tears. “You’ve always been such a clumsy boy.”

“I’ve missed you, Mother,” Draco sobbed. “I’ve missed you so much!”

Harry had always believed Draco to be a carbon copy of his father. But now he could see he was a lot like his mother, too. At least when they smiled.

Harry couldn’t help but be a tiny bit jealous as he watched Draco hug his mother. Harry’d had people hug him like that before, but somehow, it was different. Narcissa was Draco’s mother. It was the same with Mrs. Weasley and her children. No matter how much she claimed Harry was part of the family, he wasn’t. He just wasn’t. Mrs. Weasley only belonged to her children just as Narcissa Malfoy only belonged to her son. Sirius had once been his in this special way. He had been his godfather and no one else’s. Harry could remember Sirius hugging him and it saddened him to think that it would never happen again. He couldn’t even remember what it had felt like.

Harry awkwardly descended the last of the stairs and hovered, not knowing what to do nearby. The twins gave him a wink and entered the Great Hall.

Draco wiped his eyes and pulled Harry over to him. “Mother,” he said. “I would like to formally introduce you to Harry Potter.”

“Hello, Harry Potter,” Narcissa said, taking his hand. “Thank you for looking after my son.”

Harry couldn’t help but genuinely smile back as he said, “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Malfoy. It’s nice to meet you.”