𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐍

Chapter 3

Three

Harry could hardly concentrate in duty that day. His eyes kept wandering to the nearest clock, counting down the hours till he got to see Draco again. He couldn'tbelieve he had him back in his life and the threat of losing him again made his heart clench painfully. By the time Harry rolled in front of Malfoy Manor, it was past sunset. Hoping Draco wouldn't mind his tardiness, he walked up the marble steps and wrapped the knocker nervously.

An old woman opened it. "Yes?" she asked, wiping her hands on an apron.

"Is Draco home? I-I was supposed to see him."

"Who is it, Marie?" Harry looked over the woman's shoulder to see Mrs. Malfoy walk into the foyer, as regal as ever.

"Harry," she said, unable to hide her surprise.

"Mrs. Malfoy, how-how are you?" Harry stuttered, completely out of his element.

Seeing his nervousness, Mrs. Malfoy smiled gently. "I am holding, Harry. Why don't you come inside? Marie, a pot of tea please."

Harry followed the old woman inside and then Mrs. Malfoy led him to the living room which he had visited often when Draco's father had been alive. He sat down in the armchair while Mrs. Malfoy sat on the sofa opposite him.

"Did Draco mention I was coming?" Harry asked, still too nervous to be comfortable. He glanced around the room, hoping for some sign of white-blonde hair.

"He did," Mrs. Malfoy replied, "and he was very happy, Harry."

Marie came in with the tea then and Harry accepted a cup out of politeness. "Um, where is he?"

"Upstairs, in bed. He gets tired after a hospital visit."

Harry couldn't hide his concern. "He's alright though?"

"He'll be fine. He has a fever, but that's nothing new now." She sighed and set her cup down, looking at him gravely. "Harry, I need you to be honest about your intentions. Draco's already been hurt in the past and now I-"

"Mrs. Malfoy," Harry softly cut in, "I swear I'm not going to hurt Draco-I never meant to in the first place...He never told me. I only just found out."

"And you still plan to pursue a relationship?"

Harry nodded. "I never stopped loving your son. His absence only strengthened my realization and now that I've been given another chance, I want to be there for him."

Mrs. Malfoy's eyes were moist when she looked away. "He only has a couple months," she whispered.

"I know. He told me."

She closed her eyes. "Harry, he won't be able to give you what you want. My-my son is dying-"

Harry leaned over and clasped her trembling hand. "Mrs. Malfoy," she opened her eyes, meeting his own moist orbs, "I love him more than anything. I know its not going to be the same as before, but I don't care as long as I have Draco."

She smiled through her tears, reaching out to touch his cheek. "Thank you, Harry, for understanding."

Marie came in at that moment. "Ma'm, the young master is awake."

"Oh," and Narcissa hastily wiped her eyes. " Oh, I'm sure my eyes are red. Harry? Why don't you go to him. Draco wouldn't like it if I came up teary-eyed again. He hates it so when I cry."

Harry consented, eager to see Draco. He went up the stairs, knowing his room was on the far right down the corridor. He could hear coughing from the ajar door.

"Mum?" came the weak voice when Harry walked in. The room was dark save for a blue night-light glowing at the foot of the handsome four-poster bed.

"It's me," Harry replied, walking towards the bed. He leaned over Draco, who looked at him a bit bleary-eyed, his cheeks flushed from fever.