Unmasked

Shared Clothes and Whirling Thoughts

Hermione returned only a moment after McGonagall and Snape left the common room. Neville and Ginny had said their goodbyes and headed up to bed. Hermione passed them as she jogged back down the stairs, already changed into her pyjamas, carrying a few blankets and pillows in her arms. She stopped in front of them as they gazed up at her with curious faces. "I thought we could all sleep down here tonight," she said. "Together. I think it would be better for Draco."

Pansy nodded, reaching out for a pillow and blanket. "I agree. Can I take this couch?"

She nodded, handing a set to Ron as well. "Of course. Ron, you take that one. I'll sleep on the floor."

"Are you sure?"

She rolled her eyes. "Just sleep on the damn couch before I change my mind."

He rolled his eyes and Pansy laughed, then turned to look at Harry. He was still holding Draco close to his body and was looking down at him in a daze. She snapped her fingers in front of his face. "Harry? You okay?"

"Huh? Oh! Yeah, I'm fine. What should I do with Draco? He's fallen asleep."

Pansy smiled. "Why not just leave him where he is? He obviously felt safe."

Harry nodded, pushing them back so Harry could lean against Pansy's couch, shifting Draco slightly so that he was leaning against Harry's chest. When he looked back up, Pansy and Hermione were staring at him. "What?"

Hermione only smiled. "You guys are cute."

"He could have died," he whisper shouted. "I was so scared. I didn't know what to do..."

"We aren't saying that's what's cute, Harry," Hermione clarified. "That was terrifying, and I'm sure Ron could agree to that. None of us wanted that to happen, but it did... "

"We only meant that you two look cute together, like that," Pansy added. "And he seems more content with you than he does with any of us, especially when we try to be there for him. He accepts it, usually, but not as much or as easily as he does with you. I'm really glad that you've been here for him, Harry."

"Of course." As he said that, Draco flinched in Harry's arms, mumbling. Harry simply played with his hair again until he calmed down, whispering to him. "I'm right here... it's not real..." The others watch as Harry rests his cheek on Draco's head, letting out a slow breath. "I wish this wasn't happening to him. It's awful, and half the time I don't know what I'm doing... I'm just guessing."

Ron let out a low chuckle. "Well whatever you're doing, it seems to be working. He trusts you. But uh... I've got a question for you, mate."

"Yeah?"

"Why'd you kiss him on the head?"

"Huh?" Harry looked at him, bewildered, while Hermione and Pansy looked at Harry with wide smiles. "I did?"

Ron raised his eyebrows. "Yeah. When I first came in and told you what happened... as soon as he was in your arms you kissed his head."

Harry thought about that for a moment. "I... I dunno... it just happened..."

"Is there something more there, Harry?"

Harry chanced a glance up at Ron. He didn't seem upset, or uncomfortable, more interested. The girls were giving him the same look. He huffed. "I... don't know. I don't think there is on his end anyways... He just needs support, and our support is helping."

Pansy spoke up, giving him a serious look. "That doesn't mean he doesn't have feelings just because he's struggling with something else. Feelings that may have been around longer than we thought..."