The Changing Lights by lazywonderland

chapter twenty one

Looking grim, Slughorn confirmed that Draco's mother was indeed at the school because she had heard about the hex, although he claimed, with apologies, not to know how she had found out (not that he needed to hear it from anyone else - suddenly he knew perfectly well how she'd found out). He left only after Draco assured him he would get dressed and come to his office immediately, and even squeezed Draco's shoulder in a gesture that was apparently supposed to be fatherly but ended up being nothing more than severely awkward.

When the door was closed again, Draco turned and saw Harry throwing off the Cloak, an expression of wide-eyed concern on his face that only managed to make Draco feel even worse.

"Draco," Harry said, his voice hardly above a whisper. He put a hand on Draco's cheek and Draco saw his eyes flitting restlessly across his face, like he was trying to read his thoughts. "I'll come with you. Do you want me to come with?"

"No." Draco shook his head, and after a moment's hesitation he leaned forward to press their lips together, allowing himself the comfort it afforded him. Harry seemed to understand this, because he opened his mouth and deepened the kiss, letting his hands fall to Draco's waist and gripping tightly.

"I'll stay here and wait for you, then," he breathed. One calloused thumb stroked the skin beneath Draco's pyjama top. "Whatever you need. Tell me what'll help."

"How about Obliviating my mother? That would help."

Harry did not smile. "Draco, you don't have to do this. You're of age, you don't have to see her if you don't want. I'll talk to McGonagall, I'll -" But he broke off when Draco shook his head. He looked frustrated, and had the circumstances not been so terrible, Draco might have found that frustration completely endearing.

"I need to talk to her," Draco said softly. He lifted a hand and dragged his thumb across Harry's stubbled cheek, still trying to find some semblance of comfort in the physical intimacy Harry was giving him. "I've put this off too long."

"I don't understand how she found out ..."

"Pansy," Draco said, knowing in his gut it was true. "She's been avoiding me since term started. I'll bet she let it slip to her mother over the holidays."

"Stupid bint," Harry muttered, and Draco let out a weak little laugh. "I've never met anyone with such a loud fucking mouth."

"Yes, well ... I should probably get dressed."

He pulled reluctantly out of Harry's embrace and went to his dresser, where he started pulling out clothes and a clean pair of robes. He could feel Harry's gaze on him as they both dressed, and found, to his surprise, that changing in front of him was comfortingly domestic.

As he was doing up the last fastening on his robes, Harry's arms slipped around him from behind, and not a moment later there were lips at his neck, raising goosebumps wherever they touched.

"Do you want me to stay and wait for you here?" he asked again.

"I ... I don't know how long it'll take ... you can't miss a lesson just because -"

"Draco," Harry cut him off. Draco pressed his lips together, ashamed of the tears building in his eyes. "Do you want me to wait for you here?"

Draco was silent for a moment, and then, with a small sigh, said, "No. I might be with her a while." He turned his head, catching Harry's eyes. It was absurd and strange and wonderful to realise how much comfort they now held for Draco. "Will you sleep here tonight again, though?"

"Course." Harry's arms tightened around him, some of his thick, wild hair brushing gently across Draco's cheek. "You want me to walk you to Slughorn's office under the Cloak?"