Into Darkness - Moment by Moment Book #1 (Harry Potter, Drarry)

Assistance

Harry wasn't really sure where they were, but Draco seemed to know where they were going, so he was just relying on him. So far he'd thrown several very successful disabling curses, surprising himself with his presence of mind, if not body, and enjoying the sensations of the magic being really right. He'd missed his wand, it was part of him, they had chosen each other, and with the piece back, he was able to push aside the vulnerability of the castle dog which had been ingrained into his soul. However, the spells were taking their toll on Harry, and his weakening weight was taking its toll on Draco. They were more or less progressing down a corridor, both gasping for breath at the effort it was taking to move, and the world was swimming in front of Harry's eyes.

"Got to stop," he gave in reluctantly to the warning signs that he was about to pass out.

It was only then that he realised they were in a cloistered part of the castle on the ground floor, because Draco aimed them at one of the archways and they crashed onto the small seat that was there. Harry sank against the stonework, breathing hard and looked up at his companion who was leaning protectively over him.

"Sorry," he sighed, letting out some of his guilt, but a hand came to rest on his shoulder and Draco squeezed supportively.

"We've come a long way," Draco assured through his own wheezes. "Only just down here and we're out."

That information bolstered Harry's failing will power, and he closed his eyes to gather it all up again. He opened them again as Draco sat down next to him, and he glanced across at the determined features which scanned the gloom of the hallway. He'd seen this man below the surface, holding the many facets that were Draco Malfoy together, but the strength of purpose in his lover, so blatant as it was now, was almost frightening to Harry, definitely exciting. Draco Malfoy had chosen a path, and now, with the catalyst Harry had given him, he was treading it; Harry decided that he was glad to be beside his friend and not in his way.

The blond man realised he was being watched, and surprised his companion as he met his gaze. Harry knew he didn't need to word his admiration, but he opened his mouth anyway. However, he stopped the sound in his throat as footsteps running on stone came tripping down the corridor. The wizard gripped his wand more firmly and leant forward for a better view of the immediate area. He saw the black robe and female boots lit by dim moonlight and he gave the owner no chance to fight back as he cast a stunner. Only as the woman fell did Harry get a flash of red hair in the same moonlight, and he recognised Ginny. The young man's concern almost got him to his feet, but Draco's arm very sensibly held him in place as his companion also recognised the researcher.

"Stay there," Draco ordered firmly as he stood and went to check on the still form.

Harry watched anxiously, his knowledge of the Imperius curse wiping away any disquiet he had had about his last midnight encounter with his old friend. Draco quickly assessed their latest victim and then crossed back to Harry with, "She'll be fine."

Then he reached for his partner's arm. However, Harry resisted and announced, "She's coming with us."

His lover's face clouded and he warned, "I can't carry you both, and we can't wake her up, she'll scream the place down."

"I lost her brother," Harry stared right into Draco's argument, his emotions rising, "I will not leave her in this place!"

Malfoy stepped back and glanced from Harry to Ginny and back again. His face showed that he was torn between his own pragmatism and his partner's loyalties, but Harry knew that whatever happened now, there were three escapees. The quandary was interrupted by the sound of movement from further down the corridor, and as he caught the swirling of shadows out of the corner of his eye, Harry raised his wand. A cool, familiar tone stopped him mid-cast with, "Disabling your rescuers would be very foolhardy, Mr Potter."