If Only He Knew...

Be Slow

It was now March and Draco was walking into their second period which was Psychology as they sat down at their assigned desk as one of the teachers came over, "Year 12s, I'm going to get Draco to bring round some worksheets but when he gives them to you, start them immediately." The teacher told the blonde and they winced, feeling sick from the misuse of pronouns. 

Harry walked into class, scanning for Draco who had already taken a seat. As Harry approached their desk, he noticed the blonde getting up from their chair and walking out of the classroom. Harry followed them outside and found Draco leaning against the wall, hands rubbing over their face in a desperate attempt to stop the tears.

"Hey, are you okay?" Harry asked, standing next to his partner. "I'm fine," Draco said with a choked voice, not meeting Harry's gaze. "No, you're not. Come here," Harry said, pulling Draco into a hug.

Draco started sobbing into Harry's chest, holding onto him tightly as though their life depended on it. Harry rubbed their back in slow, circular motions, keeping his embrace tight and safe. "Tell me what happened," Harry said softly. "It's nothing," Draco whispered, sniffling. "Draco, I know it's not nothing. Talk to me," Harry said, pulling back slightly to look into Draco's eyes.

"The teacher misgendered me again. I could hardly concentrate on the class, and I just needed a break," Draco said, looking away as they spoke. "I am so sorry, love. That sounds really tough. How can I support you?" Harry asked. "Just hold me," Draco said, snuggling back into Harry. They stood there, holding each other in silence until the tears finally stopped flowing.

Draco looked back up at Harry, their eyes red from crying. "Do you mind if you drop me off at the safeguarding office? I just need someone to talk to," they asked. "Of course, love. Let me grab both our bags, and we'll head over there together," Harry said as he walked back inside to retrieve their belongings.

Draco waited outside, still emotional, feeling like they were carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders.

When Harry returned, he held out his hand for Draco to hold, and he accompanied the blonde on their journey towards the safeguarding office. Once they made it there, they were greeted by a safeguarding officer. They began to talk, and Draco opened up to them about how they felt, and how their parents didn't accept them as non-binary. 

The safeguarding officer listened intently, offering tissues to Draco as they cried. Harry was there the whole time, offering support and a shoulder to lean on. After talking for a while, Draco began to feel better, but they still had a long way to go. "Hey, do you want to go out for a bit and clear your head?" Harry asked. Draco nodded, smiling slightly. "That sounds like a good idea." "Great, let's go," Harry said, taking Draco's hand once again.

The two walked out of the building, enjoying the fresh air outside, and for a moment, Draco didn't feel so alone.

Later that night, Harry walked upstairs to find Draco sitting on his bed. He had brought a warm mug of tea for the blonde, who was still wearing Harry's Arctic Monkeys jumper, which he had let them borrow.

Draco smiled as Harry sat down next to them and pressed a soft kiss to their temple. They leaned back into Harry's chest, pulling the hood of his hoodie over their blonde curls. "Do you want some ice cream?" Harry asked. Draco nodded, "Chocolate, if your parents have any in the freezer."

Harry walked back upstairs minutes later with two bowls of ice cream and two spoons. Draco got back in between Harry's legs, and they started watching the movie 'Red, White and Royal Blue'.

As they watched the movie, Draco slipped their cold hands under Harry's top, which made him shuffle to the other side of his bed, putting his bowl of ice cream on the bedside table. Harry then tackled Draco in tickles, but they didn't move until the tickling got to them, and they wriggled on top of Harry, hugging him tight and stopping the tickles.