1000 Days of Harry Potter

Day 991

"It's okay, Draco."

Paul is the kindest, most understanding person Draco has ever been with, and it just makes him feel worse.

"It's not. I'm so sorry, Paul. I didn't mean to use you, or take advantage—"

"Draco, I'm an adult." Paul places a hand on his shoulder. "I didn't do anything I didn't want to do. But it was clear within about ten seconds of being around the two of you that you're in love with Harry Potter. This isn't the shock you think it is. I suspected before, actually, just from the way you talked about him, but seeing you together confirmed it."

Draco swipes at the tears on his cheeks. "You knew? And you continued to date me anyway? Why?"

"I don't know. I was lonely, Draco." Paul gives him a small, sad smile. "And I liked you. I hoped, in vain I know now, that maybe things would change. But it's okay that they didn't. I'll be alright."

"You didn't deserve this. I never should have...I'm sorry." Draco squeezes his eyes shut.

"Draco, this isn't...I mean, my ex-husband leaving me for my best friend from Hogwarts after being married for ten years, now that was devastating. This doesn't feel great, I'll admit, but by comparison...well, I'll be fine."

Draco cringes, then lets out a shaky, tearful laugh. "You're too good, Paul."

Paul shrugs and shakes his head. "I'm not. I just think we both deserve to be happy. And for you, that's with Harry. Watching the two of you, the way you are with each other...Draco, you need to tell him how you feel."

Draco lets out a shuddering breath. "I can't. If it went badly, it would ruin everything."

Paul sighs heavily. "Teddy is going to Hogwarts in a few months. You've protected him long enough. Think about how great it could be for the three of you if it goes well. I think it will."

He drops the hand on Draco's shoulder and picks up his bag, pausing halfway through the open doorway.

"It should be obvious, but in case you don't already know, he's in love with you, too."

And then he's gone, the door closing softly behind him, leaving Draco to sag against the wall. 

* * *

"Hello?" Draco calls into the Floo.

Ginny Weasley-Thomas kneels at the hearth a few seconds later. Her hair is pulled up in a messy ponytail, and she's in her Holyhead Harpies Quidditch gear. "Draco? Is that you?"

"Yes," he awkwardly avoids her eyes. "I was wondering if we could...I wanted to, erm, talk...about Harry."

"Of course! Do you want to come through? I just got home from practice." She steps back to leave room for him. "I'll make tea."

"Thank you."

And so, cup of tea in hand, Draco finally tells her everything. About the kiss after Teddy's ninth birthday party, about being afraid of things going badly and hurting Teddy, about every confusing, tense moment between them since. At some point, Dean comes home from work and joins them, listening too.

"I just don't know what to do anymore," Draco sighs.

Ginny reaches out to set a hand over his. "I think Paul is right," she says gently, "it's time to tell Harry how you feel. Knowing your history, I'm even more convinced that it will go well. You and Harry belong together, everyone can see that. I'm pretty sure Mum would throw the party of the century if you finally got together." 

"It can't hurt, anyway," Dean agrees from where he's making dinner in the kitchen. "You're both already miserable. And why would Harry be miserable if he didn't want to be with you, too? It doesn't make sense. Do you guys want carrots in the salad, or no?"

"No!" Ginny responds over her shoulder with a grin.

"You're probably right." Draco gives her a grateful smile. "Thanks for listening, Ginny."

"I'm a fountain of wisdom," she deadpans. "You should have come to me sooner."

He laughs for the first time all evening, rolling his eyes a bit, but agreeing anyway. "I should have." 

"So you'll talk to Harry? Soon?" 

"I...um, maybe? If the right moment, er, presents itself." 

They both stare incredulously at him. 

"I will, alright? Just don't rush me." Draco puts his hands up defensively. "This is still nerve-wracking! He still might not—"

Ginny groans and puts her face in her hands. "I give up."