Time Heals All Wounds?

Chapter 7

Draco wrapped his pale arm around Harry's middle and not long after, heard his breathing become more rhythmic as he fell asleep. Unfortunately, sleep did not come to the Slytherin. He was very worried about the raven-haired boy next to him. While he was trying to soothe Harry, Draco had heard the boy whimpering and begging someone to stop. Draco assumed that the boy hadn't even realised he was doing it and that worried him. Now, Draco was certain that there was more, much more, to the story of Harry's life than what he had told Hermione and he was determined to find out what it was. If that meant coaxing it out of Harry and then doing some 'research' of his own, then so be it. He would not stand by and let the Gryffindor get abused. Determined to speak to Pansy about it tomorrow, Draco snuggled closer and enjoyed the feeling of Harry's warm body beside him.

At first, Draco wasn't sure what had caused him to wake up. The room was still in complete darkness, so he knew it was before dawn. However, after a few moments he was more awake and noticed that the body beside him was writhing in agony. Harry was still asleep and looked to be having a very bad nightmare. Instantly he tried to shake the brunette awake, but as soon as his hand contacted the smaller boy, be shrieked, and pulled away. Unfortunately, that caused Harry to fall off the bed and onto the floor. Draco winced as he heard the thud followed by a pain filled groan. Quickly, he scurried off the bed and over to the other boy who was now awake and sprawled out on the floor.

"Harry? Are you all right? You were having a nightmare." The blonde asked with his voice filled with concern and worry. After what had happened at Hogsmeade, he felt the need to protect Harry. Admittedly, Draco didn't know much about the smaller boy he knelt beside and most that he did know was based from Prophet reports and whispers heard from others. The blonde was determined to get to know Harry, however. Not the Chosen One, The-Boy-Who-Lived or an of the other titles the boy had been given. The real Harry, just Harry.

Turning his attention back to the Gryffindor boy in front of him, he was shocked to see the terror on Harry's face. Draco tried to get closer, but Harry let out a whimper and swiftly shuffled away from the blonde. This continued until Harry had reached the wall. Draco saw him flinch as soon as his back hit the wall and then his breath came in short gasps.

"Harry, it's me. It's Draco. You are okay, it was just a nightmare. Come here and let me see if you are hurt. You fell out of the bed and onto the floor." Draco spoke slowly and calmly while he continued his approached. Ensuring that he moved very slowly to avoid scaring Harry any further. Once directly in front of the frightened boy, Draco realised that he was muttering to himself.

"I'm sorry. Please stop. Please! I will be good, I promise. I will be a good boy, just stop. Please stop! It hurts!" Draco gasped. Harry had tears falling silently down his cheeks and had a blank look in his eyes, as if he couldn't see the blonde at all.

Draco slowly moved his hand and rested it on Harry's knee. Harry jerked away violently and looked up as he cowered against the wall. The emerald green eyes bright with fear and unshed tears.

"Harry, it's Draco. You are safe here. You are in my room. Do you remember? You came to see me last night and you are upset. You are okay now, no one will hurt you. It is just you and me." Draco spoke slowly and calmly as he made his way over to sit in front of the dark-haired boy again. He kept the soothing tone to his voice as Harry looked up at him again.

"You are safe here. I promise nothing bad is going to happen to you here. It is just you and me." He was worried about what had caused such a reaction from Harry. He knew that the boy did not have the best home life, but it was usually so well hidden. Draco was wondering if his situation at home was much worse that he and Granger had been led to believe. He cast that thought aside for later. Now, he needed to focus on Harry. The boy had curled himself into a ball and was rocking gently. Without a second thought, the blonde leaned forward and pulled the smaller boy onto his lap.