Marauders age regression one shots

Argument

Harry paced around their shared room, running a hand through his messy hair, the echoes of their argument still fresh in his mind. It hadn't been a huge blowout, but the hurt on Draco's face when Harry raised his voice was enough to make him feel like the worst caregiver in the world.

He'd just been so frustrated. He couldn't even remember what had started it—something small, something trivial—but it had escalated quickly. Harry sighed, slumping onto the edge of their bed, guilt settling heavily in his chest. He'd never meant to raise his voice, especially not at Draco when he was feeling vulnerable.

You've really messed up this time, Potter, he thought, staring down at his hands. He loved being Draco's caregiver, cherished every moment of taking care of him and making him feel safe. 

But now he wasn't sure if he'd even be allowed to step into that role again.

A soft, tentative knock at the door broke Harry from his thoughts. He looked up to see Draco peeking in, looking hesitant, as if he was testing the waters. His eyes were rimmed with a hint of red, and he clutched a familiar, well-loved stuffed animal—a small dragon Harry had given him when they'd first started this caregiver-little arrangement.

"Dray," Harry said quietly, his voice filled with apology. "I'm so sorry."

Draco shuffled into the room, looking down at his feet. "You didn't mean to, I know that," he murmured, his voice small. But Harry could tell he was still hurt, his usual bravado gone, replaced with a quiet, vulnerable version of himself.

Harry's heart twisted. He wanted to wrap Draco up and make everything better, but he didn't know if Draco would even want that after what happened. Still, he tried, reaching out a hand. "Can I... can I hold you, Dray?"

Draco hesitated, his gaze flicking up to meet Harry's before he nodded. In one fluid motion, 

Harry pulled him onto his lap, holding him close, letting Draco rest his head on his shoulder.

"Draco, I'm so, so sorry," he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to Draco's hair. "I didn't mean to make you feel like that. I never want to be the reason you feel small or scared."

Draco relaxed against him, clutching his stuffed dragon tightly, a sigh escaping him. "I know. It's just... sometimes, I can't help but feel like... like I'm too much. Like you'd be better off without having to look after me."

Harry shook his head firmly, wrapping his arms around Draco even tighter. "Dray, you're never too much. I love taking care of you. I'm here because I want to be, because I love you, every part of you. I just... I hate that I made you feel this way."

They sat in silence for a few moments, Harry gently rubbing Draco's back, feeling the tension slowly melt away. Finally, Draco pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a shy, almost childlike gaze.

"Can we... start over?" Draco asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Harry smiled, his heart swelling with relief and love. "Of course we can. I'll do everything I can to make it up to you."

Draco leaned back against Harry's chest, his small dragon tucked under his chin, as Harry held him close, whispering gentle reassurances and soft apologies until Draco drifted off, safe and comforted in his arms.