The Boy Who Ought To Be Dead - H.P

XIV - Where His Loyalties Lie

"Faithless
is he that says farewell when
the road darkens."
- J.R.R Tolkien

"Harry," Draco spoke softly as he walked to the boy who was sobbing in the middle of the room, "can I touch you?"

After a moment of hesitation, Harry nodded, and Draco wrapped his arms around him. Harry placed his head in Draco's shoulder.

"It'll all be okay, Harry..." Draco whispered into his ear.

"How do you know?" Harry's hoarse voice responded.

"I am no seer, but I just know. I can feel it." Draco spoke back, rubbing circles into Harry's back.

Harry sniffed, "I am so tired,"

"Should we go get some sleep?" Draco questioned.

"Mhm," Harry replied, eyes already closing on Draco's shoulder.

Draco helped Harry off of the floor, and they walked over to the glorious bed.

"I am sorry, Draco." Harry said, half asleep.

"Whatever for, love?" Draco said back.

"This. I always...break down. You have to deal with me." Harry slurred.

Draco kissed Harry's forehead, "I love you so much. Helping you through this is what I love. I don't deal with you. I am helping you, and I enjoy that."

"I love you, too." Harry spoke softly as his eyelids dropped shut in exhaustion.

Draco gave a faint smile and he placed Harry into the bed. For once, Harry looked to be relaxing.

It was unfortunate that he only achieved relaxation while asleep. Sometimes, not even then.

000

Severus Snape wore a mask of indifference. It was one he frequently wore when visiting the Headmaster.

He walked hastily to the man's office, seeing it best fit to speak with him as soon as possible.

"Acid pops," he said to the gargoyle guarding his office. The gargoyle granted Severus entrance.

"Good morning, Albus." Severus greeted; his voice cold, however.

"Ah, Severus. Morning it is, indeed, a good one it is not." Albus spoke, an annoyed tone lacing his usually calm voice.

"Oh, do tell, Albus. What has you in a foul mood this fairly exceptional morning?" Severus teased.

"Why ask a question you already know the answer to, Severus? You are simply wasting your breath." Albus commented.

"I am merely taking an interest in your day. Shall I refrain from doing so in the future?" Severus was amusing himself very much with this conversation.

"It is quite alright. If it were any other day, I would be delighted that you would take such interest in me." Albus replied.

"Ah, I see," Severus said with a slight smirk, "enough with the chitchat, we have important matters to discuss."

"If I do recall, Severus, you began talking such nonsense to me to begin with." Albus said.

"Nonsense? Albus, you know as well as anyone I do not speak nonsense. Anything I say has been planned thoroughly, and can be used for further times." Severus informed.

"You are quite right, Severus." Albus spoke, irritated, "it seems I am wrong."

"Ah, I agree. Now, shall we continue?" Severus moved on.