Cicatrices- Marks That Remain

Camden Passage

Happy Sunday, wonderful Readers!!!!!! I like this chapter A Lot. And I hope very much that you all will, too!

After this chapter, there will NOT be one next week because I will be exceedingly busy. I apologize in advance because I think y'all will definitely want that next chapter as soon as possible.

Please, let me know what you all think! And, as always...Enjoy!

Harry awoke early on Boxing Day for a floo-session with Dr. Sereno. He quietly cast a carefully placed muffliato around his fireplace as Draco dozed on the transfigured sofa-bed behind him.

To say that Christmas had been different was an understatement. For one, Charlie and Alex cornered Harry and informed him that word had spread that he was not exactly straight. Harry failed miserably to hide his surprise. He really should have expected that word would spread among the Weasley clan. Otherwise, why would Draco have been so easily welcomed in the Burrow? The guys gave Harry a clap on the back and handed him a tape. "Alex has always been into music, so he helped me make this tape. I magically enhanced it so that you won't run into technical issues. Don't tell the Ministry." Charlie had said with a mischievous wink. Then Alex continued with "It's all of the music we listened to when we stepped into gay culture. Give it a listen. It's a fun one," he said with a chuckle.

Another that set this Christmas apart; It took at least ten acts of extraordinary self-control for Harry not to do anything stupid- when Draco gave Harry his blanket present, for one, or when he agreed to visit The Burrow with Harry, for another. Then, Draco was given magical edibles. With his usual defences lowered, Draco had become particularly affectionate toward Harry. It was all he could do not to throw Draco into the snow and snog him senseless in the middle of the Weasley garden.

Then that evening, Draco asked Harry about being gay. Then they had snogged, and Harry nearly lost his resolve all over again before he remembered that Draco was high.

And it was all a rather nice distraction from the letter he was refusing to open. His heart would quicken with anxiety every time Harry even thought of it. He had kept it shrunk in his pocket over the holiday.

He told the therapist as much, who listened with a patient demeanour and a kind smile.

"It's okay if you do not want to open that letter," she said. "It is your decision to make. And however you decide, I will be here if you wish to speak more on it."

She also praised him for his conduct with Draco: "I am quite happy to hear that you respected yours and Draco's boundaries," she told him. She left him with an "Enjoy your holiday" and a reminder that he could have a conversation with Draco about where they stand if he pleases, but also a warning not to pressure Draco in any way. They scheduled their next appointment for the following Tuesday in person.

Then, Harry having procured a vial of potion for the weed hangover (that he knew Draco was bound to have) from Ginny the night before, he fetched it from his bedroom then waited patiently for Draco to wake.

Watching Draco Malfoy eat a large, disgustingly American burger became one of the most unforgettable and entertaining moments for Harry to ever witness.

Harry didn't miss the way Draco's demeanour changed towards the end of brunch, though he thought it might be inappropriate to ask in front of everybody. But then, they left for Draco's flat. There, Draco behaved as though somebody had muffled his brain. Any and all attempts by Harry to talk to him were either met with a halfhearted shrug or left entirely ignored. Eventually, Harry made the executive decision to order his usual Indian Takeout for dinner.