Unmasked

Broken

Draco stirred very early the next morning, eyes blinking groggily as his surroundings came into focus. He grimaced as he became aware of the stiffness in his back—the cold unforgiving floor supporting him. With a groan he turned his head to take in his surroundings, but instead his face got stuffed into a soft fabric. He gasped, jerking back.

The Gryffindor on the floor beside him groaned, scrunched his face up and then opened his eyes. The striking green bore into Draco as his mind whirled, trying to remember how he had gotten there and what had happened.

Harry pushed himself up into a sitting position. "Morning, Draco. Feeling better?"

Draco furrowed his brows, staring at Harry. Then his eyes widened, and he sucked a breath in in horror. "I am so sorry, Harry. I mean... I didn't..."

Harry frowned. "It's okay, you don't have to apologise."

"You shouldn't of had to see me like that."

"Well I did. And I'm glad I found you when I did." Draco stared at the ground, not making eye contact with him. He frowned and reached out to tilt the blond's chin up. "You know you can trust me."

Draco nodded and Harry dropped his hand. "I just..." he started, hesitating before raising his eyes. "It's embarrassing when I just... break down like that. But I can't help it. And I hate it. I hate myself  for it."

"You shouldn't. It's not your fault, Draco."

"I know! I know... it's just so... frustrating. I feel helpless, sometimes. Like it will never stop. Sometimes its panic attacks, other times I get sick... it's awful."

Harry nodded slightly, not dropping the other boy's gaze. "I'm always here for you, if you need it."

"Thank you, Harry." The boy paused, then laughed breathily. "Who would've thought, back in first year, or any time up until just after Christmas, that we'd be friends."

Harry chuckled. "I guess we just never realized how much we have in common."

Draco sighed. "I guess not. It's sad, in a way. That we both have bad stuff to deal with. Abuse... Voldemort... it sucks. And we're supposed to be on opposite sides of that, too. But I don't think I can bring myself to be... Even though I'm being threatened and so are my parents. It's not right. As much as I've been an arsehole in the past, what he wants is just sick. I can't do it."

"You don't have to."

"Easier said than done," Draco chuckled. "I wish I could just say "no.""

"Why can't you?"

"Because me and my family will be tortured and murdered?"

"Oh."

Draco snorted. "That's all you've got to say? Oh. Really Harry?"

"I'm sorry?"

Draco shook his head, smiling. "Forget it. That's a discussion for another day."

The two boys were silent for a moment, contemplating their situation. Finally, Harry looked up at Draco and spoke. "I'm really glad that you're opening up to me."

"I never thought I would, but well... here we are."

"Yeah," Harry smiled. "Are you, Pansy, and Blaise heading to Hogsmeade today?"

"Is that even a question?"

"Yes?"

"You're not as bright as everyone says, Potter."

"Hey!"

Draco laughed. "Of course we are. Are you, Ron, and Hermione going?"

"Yeah, but I'm not sure what the plan is exactly. I think Hermione might need a new quill and some ink. Ron always wants to go to Honeydukes and Zonko's. I need some treats for Hedwig. We'll probably be all over the village."