𝐀 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐒𝐎 𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐒

Chapter 13

Chapter Number/Total: 13/44
Chapter Title: The Way You Do

Harry unlocked and opened the door, stepped inside the house, and then closed it once Draco was in as well. He felt like a heavy weight had been lifted off him that he hadn't even realised was there. He'd known that he missed the Weasleys, but he hadn't known that he'd missed them so much. It had been like seeing his family again. He had expected things to be unbearably awkward, and they had been at first, because all of them were thinking of the one person that wasn't there, and exactly what Harry had done to that one person, and it was obvious that they didn't know if it was breaking loyalty to be friendly with Harry, but it seemed none of them could help it. Harry knew he didn't deserve it, but he was very, very glad.

Bill had been stern with him, but after a short while, returned to himself, while Fleur commented that Harry needed to learn to better comb his hair. Charlie didn't seem to mind him very much at all while Percy acted slightly annoyed with him; but then, Percy was always annoyed with something. George was a bit quiet, but Harry could feel the silent agreement between them, and Ron was as stiff around Draco as he always was. And Merlin, Harry hadn't known it would feel quite so good. He noticed that Draco hung back with his mother, and he thought that was probably better – for the time being, anyway. Mrs. Weasley made Harry promise to never be away from her that long again, and Mr. Weasley agreed with her with his fatherly smiles. It really did feel so very good. He was glad he had taken the trip to the gallery. Teddy had been able to see his parents, Narcissa and Andromeda had actually spoken, and overall, the good outweighed the bad very much.

He smiled as he hung his cloak up, and then reached a hand out of the closet for Draco's.

Draco had been standing just inside the door, practically unaware of anything around him. He startled when Harry reached a hand toward him, and it took him moment to hand over his cloak. He had a hard time getting it off, his hands were trembling so badly.

Harry was still smiling when he closed the closet door, but it dropped from his face the moment he looked at Draco. His eyebrows came together, and he took a step toward him.

Draco closed his eyes, unable to look into Harry's. His hands clenched beside him, pulling at the fabric of his clothes.

Harry's heart began to beat a little faster and he took another step forward. "Draco," he said, reaching for him.

Harry's visit with the Weasleys seemed to have put him in such a good mood that Draco hated to ruin it. He tried to breathe deeply and get control of himself. He opened his eyes but still didn't meet his lover's. "I just need to lie down," he whispered.

Harry continued to frown. "I'll come with you," he whispered back.

Draco shrugged and began to make his way up the stairs, having to use the banister to keep himself from stumbling.

Harry watched Draco. He hadn't even noticed anything was wrong, and he felt bad for feeling good. He walked close behind him on the steps, noticing how hard Draco gripped the rail.

It seemed to take forever before he reached their room. Draco sat heavily on the edge of the bed, reaching to take off his shoes.

Harry stood in the doorway, staring at Draco. He wanted to ask if Draco was okay, but it was obvious that he wasn't, so he didn't ask. He crossed the room and toed his shoes off, kicking them under the bed before he sat down on it.

Draco managed the shoes and socks without too much shaking and then reached for his tie, pulling it out of the collar slowly.

Harry watched the tie slide from Draco's shirt, and didn't reach to remove his own. He waited, either for Draco to begin trembling violently, or for him to lay down so that he could give him the comfort of holding him, because he knew that most of the time it worked better than words.