Inevitable

14 | Three Little Words

Three months passed.

While Harry and Draco's relationship only grew stronger, it was beginning to feel as if the world was going up in flames around them.

The Neo-Death Eaters were growing bolder. The news broke, and the Wizarding World was once again thrown into panic and chaos.

Harry begged until Ron and Hermione agreed to the Fidelius Charm, with Ginny as secret keeper. They were safe, but Harry knew Hermione hated being trapped at home, unable to work at her Ministry job, and his guilt was compounded.

The stress was wearing on him, and Draco hated seeing it. Hated the anguish in his eyes as news came out about more and more murders. Hated watching as Harry came home more and more frequently with that haunted look in his eyes, covered in ash and sometimes blood, unable to talk about what he'd seen. Draco would simply heal his minor injuries without comment, clean him up, and hold him close.

He was overwhelmed with his own work, which was growing more frustrating as well. After months of positive improvements with the Longbottoms, their progress had abruptly stalled.

He hated feeling so helpless.

•••••

After a particularly grueling week, Harry knocked on Draco's door, dinner in hand.

It was finally Friday night, and between their two busy jobs, they hadn't been able to find a single spare moment together, and it had been pure torture.

Draco yanked the door open, grabbing Harry by the collar and pulling him into a passionate kiss.

"What was that for?" Harry pulled back and pressed his forehead against Draco's. He gently pushed him into the apartment and closed the door behind them. Harry seemed more relaxed than he had been lately, more himself. Draco felt a wash of relief course through him. He needed Harry, this Harry, tonight.

"It's been a long day, Ree. Long week, actually." Draco cupped Harry's face and kissed him again, slowly and tenderly, this time.

Draco still blushed a bit using his nickname for Harry. Nicknames definitely weren't his strong suit. The first time he'd used it, Harry had cocked his head to one side and repeated, "Ree?" Draco had blushed crimson and apologized while Harry grinned and kissed him and insisted that he liked it.

The bag of takeaway hit the floor. Harry waved a hand, casting a stasis charm to keep the food hot.

"You don't know what it does to me when you do wandless," Draco muttered under his breath.

"'Course I do," Harry teased, wrapping his arms around Draco's waist and pulling him tightly against him, "it's why I do it."

Draco's snarky response was lost in another kiss that left them both breathless.

They moved to the couch and sank onto it, trying to separate as little as possible. Draco ended up on Harry's lap, straddling him comfortably.

"Mm. I like you," Harry murmured, trailing kisses along Draco's jaw.

Draco rolled his eyes.

"Sentimental prat."

"Insufferable git," Harry responded, chuckling softly against Draco's neck.

"Fine. I like you, too." Love you, actually.

Harry grinned, pulling back again to look into Draco's eyes. "Tell me about your week. What happened?"

"Ugh. Really?" Draco pulled a face.

"Really," Harry ran a hand through Draco's hair, then down his cheek, "I want to know everything that's going on with you. You look exhausted."