Cicatrices- Marks That Remain

The Sandbox

Hi y'all. That's right, I have actually published two entire chapters consistently... If all goes well, I might even get y'all a third chapter in 2 weeks time!!! (here's hoping).

I DO feel the need to let y'all know that the OCD and the religious conflicts are really ramping up in this story. Not too much in this chapter, but still. I mean, it's what y'all signed up for, but still. Friendly warning. Also, the internalized homophobia is very present. I updated the tags.

ALSOOO Recently I acquired another alpha reader! Yay!!!! Thank you Alpha readers for being awesome.

Alright! Please, let me know what y'all think! And, as always...

Enjoy!

Destination, Determination, Deliberation.

Draco is bloody good at hiding his emotions, but he isn't that good, Harry thinks. From the distance he'd seen how oddly still Draco had gone, how his expressions and reactions were simply... off. However, rather expectedly, he would not share why, and Harry wasn't going to waste time prying it out of him in public. However, he knew that something must have happened. Sundays were usually good. Now, though, the least he could do was attempt to cheer him up. And this, he figured, just might. Or distract him, at the very least.

Within seconds, they landed behind some bushes. Draco made a confused sound.

"Where are we?"

"A park. I just didn't want to be spotted when we landed." Harry guided them out from the shrubbery. Draco brushed off his clothing. Harry scanned his surroundings, and soon he spotted a bright blue head of hair. His smile hit him instantly, without his permission. Off to the side he could see Hermione, Ron, and Ginny, sitting at a park bench, watching Teddy and talking amongst themselves.

"Oh, no." Draco began to tug himself away from Harry. "Why are Granger and two Weasley's here? Why are we here with them?"

"They're taking care of Teddy, today," Harry pointed at his Godson who was sat in a sandbox, one arm hooked around his penguin and anchored by a thumb in his mouth, the other swiping at the sand. Harry felt his heart fill to just about bursting as he watched him.

"Harry..."

"You'll see," Harry insisted. "Teddy just, has a way. He's the sweetest boy you'll know. I thought maybe this could cheer you up."

Harry chanced a look straight into Draco's eyes, then. He was openly acknowledging that he notices Draco. And something about that felt like it needed eye contact. He watched Draco's expression shift minutely at least a few times. Harry wondered what, precisely, was in his brain. He offered a smile, and Draco gave him a small, half-smile in return. He did not protest Harry as he took his hand and led him to the group.

The park was mostly empty, which surprised Harry, given that it was a Sunday. Ginny noticed them, first. She waved to Harry, shouting for him to join them, then did a double take at Draco, furrowed her brows, and turned to speak to Ron and Hermione, who turned in unison to see them. Harry dropped his hand from Draco's, suddenly remembering that Hermione might have his head for it. After all, he is an Auror assigned to Draco's protection, not-

"Mate, Malfoy, Taking a walk?" Ron stood, giving Harry a clap on the shoulder.

"Hey, Ron. Yeah, getting out for a moment," Harry responded. He took a good look at Ron, probably, he realised, for the first time in a bit. He looked a bit paler than Harry remembered. Harry chastised himself for not following up with his best mate more often. Ron nodded to them both in awcknoledgement.