tick-tock | a drarry tale

epilogue.

The cool, morning wind whipped at Draco's face as he stood in front of the graves of his parents. The flowers that he held in his hand were shriveling up by the minute.

"Draco."

He looked to his left and watched as Harry walked toward him. He had grown into his body over the years, now taller and hair evident along his jawline.

"That was quick," he said, knitting his fingers in between Harry's when he got closer. He took a few extra seconds to fawn over the ring that was wrapped around his husband's ring finger.

Harry shrugged and looked down at the Malfoy's tombstones. A few moments of silence passed.

"It gets easier, talking to them like this. Trust me," said Harry, leaning his head on Draco's shoulder.

"I trust you." Draco paused. "I just can't believe it's been ten years. Sure, they weren't the best parents, but they're my parents, you know?"

"Yeah." Harry nodded. "I get it."

"What do you say to your parents?" Draco asked. "When you visit them."

Harry stepped away from Draco and closed his eyes. Draco took the chance to look him over again. It had been numerous years since his parents' passing, the Battle of Hogwarts, and the death of Voldemort. Harry's face was etched with pain that he'd never quite recover from, firm lines at the corner of his eyes and on his forehead.

Draco never saw someone more beautiful.

"I talk about what's happened since the last time I came to say hi. And how I miss them and wish they could see me now," Harry said, redirecting Draco's focus. They joined hands again. "And how I hope that they're proud of me."

"Of course they are," Draco scoffed, tightening his grip on Harry's hand. "Who wouldn't be? You saved everyone."

"I couldn't have done it without you," Harry laughed, and then paused. "Your parents would be proud of you too, honey."

Draco scoffed again, but appreciated the assurance.

"My father wouldn't be. I helped Potter take down the Dark Lord. I'm pretty sure he'd want me to burn in Hell."

"Stop that," Harry snapped, looking up at him.

"Sorry," Draco sighed. He unhooked his hand from Harry's and walked closer to the tombstones, placing the bouquet of flowers right on top of his mother. "Thank you," he said, his fingertips gliding across the grass. Silently, he stood back up and returned to his husband's side.

"Ready to go?" Harry asked knowingly, noticing the look in Draco's eyes.

"Please."

And hand in hand, they made their way out of the cemetery.