TW: Language
Dracos POV
Demian and Draco hurried towards the Quidditch field. They stood on the sidelines watching the practice finish up, just as the players feet started to hit the ground Draco stepped forward, eager to get this over with. Before they even got close, they were cut off,
"What do you want Malfoy." Harry said with little remorse in his voice.
"I just want to talk."
Harry scoffed, "Okay, so talk."
"Preferably somewhere quieter." He said, motioning around at all the prying eyes.
"You're joking, go somewhere alone, with you?" Harry laughed quietly under his breath.
"Not just me, Demian is coming too." Demian stepped forward but stayed silent, he gave a somewhat shy wave
Harry studied him curiously for a moment, "Okay, fine. I'll meet you in the Slytherin commons in an hour."
"No I-" Draco worried for a moment who might see them speaking, especially amongst the other Slytherins. "We need to meet somewhere else." He insisted.
"What's gotten into you Malfoy?" Harry questioned.
Demian intervened, "Can't we come to your dormitories instead? It would be wiser."
"You're both acting so strange. But fine, come to the Gryffindor commons in an hour."
Draco just shook his head and the two of them walked off the field together.
For a while, Draco paced the hallways anxiously. "Fucker, making us wait an entire hour just to talk."
Demian sighed, "He doesn't understand the urgency like we do, don't let that get to you."
Draco rolled his eyes, "I hate when you're right."
Demian tried to soothe him, leaning into his chest and squeezing him tightly. He reluctantly put an arm around him, though his fingers never stopped fidgeting. "Relax, it will be fine."
Just then Peter was walking up the stairs on his way to retrieve Penny from the common rooms, he waved at them. "Funny seeing the two of you here. What could you want with any of the Gryffindors?" He asked, curiously.
"None of your business." Draco spat at him, Demian shot him a look of daggers.
"Hey, pure blood prick, don't forget I've known Demian a lot longer than you. Eventually he gets tired of assholes who treat his friends like shit." Peter pushed past them and entered the common room.
Demian sighed again, "You really should be nicer to other people." He insisted.
"I know I just...Fuck I'm anxious. I didn't even mean for it to come off that way."
They both stood there in silence for a while, eventually the painting opened, and Harry stood on the other side, motioning for them to come inside. They both obliged and hurried in, Draco looked around cautiously.
Harry led them to his dorm, it was empty of life but Demian could feel a sense of his personality from how neat and tidy his personal chambers were. Although he shared the room, they could tell which bunk was his immediately. "So, are you going to tell me what all of this is about finally?" Harry said.
"It's about this." Draco lifted the sleeve of his shirt and revealed the scar ridden mark. Harry reached for his wand immediately and pointed it at him without hesitation. Draco didn't reach for his own, he just stood there holding his bare forearm out in desperation.
Demian stepped in front of Draco, "Put the wand down we just want to ask you about the mark."
Harry wavered for a moment but let his wand drop, he kept it held firmly in his hand. "If either of you tries anything you'll regret it." He threatened.
Draco rolled his eyes again and pulled his sleeve down. "If I wanted to do anything to you I wouldn't be here right now, standing in your room with my fucking lover."
"Right, your lover." Harry said, his hand still clutched tightly around his wand. "So then why are you here?"
"Because we need to know how to get rid of it." Demian interjected before he stepped aside.
Harry scoffed, "Get rid of it? There's no getting rid of it. Once you want it, once you accept him, that's it."
"But I didn't fucking want it." Draco snapped, "I was forced to get it, by my father as punishment."
"Punishment for what?" Harry questioned, his grip on his wand loosening.
"For me." Demian said suddenly, avoiding his gaze.
Draco just remained silent.
"I see..." Harry said, slipping his wand back in his pocket. "So all of it is true then, about you Malfoy."
"I don't see why it's such a big fucking deal." He said, folding his arms.
"I just didn't expect it." He admitted.
"Well, it's true. All of it is true. And I want the mark gone." Draco said.
"Fine, I'll help you under one condition." Harry said.
"Anything." Demian pleaded, but Draco shot him a worried look.
"You tell me everything Voldemorts been planning. Right now."
Draco scoffed and started to head for the door but Demian gripped onto his robe, preventing him from leaving. He stopped in his tracks but kept his back turned to them both, "If I tell you, I could be killed."
"And if you don't, you could also be killed." Harry reminded him. "What's more important?"
He thought for a moment, the room felt tense as the silence enveloped all three of them. Finally, words pierced through the moment,
"Fine." Draco said, defeated.
"Then start talking." Harry said, sitting on his bed.
Draco recanted what happened from the moment he received the dark mark, up until the plan to kill Harry during the summer, he left out small details where he could, especially anything that could have implicated his mother whom he wanted so desperately to protect from harm.
"He expected you, to kill me?" Harry tried to stifle a laugh and Draco shot him a look of daggers.
"Laugh all you want, but there's a reason I was asked to do this."
"Yeah, right. You're a capable killer who murdered a girl who was weak beyond measure." Harry said sarcastically.
Draco stood up, that familiar rage bubbling inside him, "You motherfucker don't mock me. You have no idea how hard that night was for me."
Harry remained silent for a second, he sighed, "Okay, you're right. And I'm sorry." He said. "You didn't have to tell me that part and you chose too anyways. I'll hold up my end of the bargain, I'll find out how to remove the dark mark, if it's at all possible. I promise."
"Oh thank you, thank you so much." Demian said, shoving an elbow into Dracos side.
"Yeah, yeah. Thanks, Potter." He said, trying to quench the venom that he so badly wanted to spew at him for his earlier remarks.
They both turned to leave but Draco stopped in his tracks. "Tell no one what I've just told you or I could be killed." He reminded him.
"I know you could." Harry responded. "And Draco-" He paused for a moment, "You really do seem like you've changed."
Draco didn't respond, he simply turned and walked out, Demian behind him.
The two of them made their way back to the Slytherin commons, a smile plastered on Demians face the entire way. When they finally entered back to their familiar shared space he exclaimed loudly, "I'm so fucking happy he agreed to help, I just know that he'll figure out what to do." Demian said confidently.
"Yeah whatever, he's fucking great." Malfoy said sarcastically. "I just wish I didn't have to go to him, of all people. More glory for him to soak up. I should have done this by myself."
Demian sighed, "Draco, sometimes you have to ask for help, you need to stop trying to shoulder everything alone."
"It's not asking for help, it's asking HIM for help." He enunciated. "We've always had it out for one another, ever since we started here. I feel...weak." He admitted.
Demian sighed, he went back to the comforting spot that was Dracos chest and buried his face. "Stop this." He said, "You're not weak. If anything, you've become stronger just by being able to ask for help to begin with."
Draco sighed and weakly slipped his arm around Demians waist. "Yeah well, let's just hope he doesn't come back and repeat Professor Valors diagnosis." He said, somewhat scared.
"If there was any other way, he'll find it." Demian said, confidently. "Now please, cheer up. Be happy we've found another ally."
Draco scoffed, "If he doesn't turn me in to the headmaster first. I could spend the rest of my days at Alcatraz for all I know. Starting tomorrow. Maybe even tonight." He swallowed somewhat nervously and locked his door.
"Draco...please. That's not going to happen." He tried to do his best to reassure him but he was coming up short on words.
They went to bed for the night, eager for some sort of news to come.
*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*
Demians POV
A few days went by and they hadn't heard a word from anyone, Draco was losing his patience and Demian could see that. He had been irritable the past couple days and wasn't sleeping well after his meeting with Harry. Demian knew he was likely afraid, and the sooner they got rid of this mark the sooner things could go back to normal. He missed the normalcy.
His charms class had been exceptionally awkward these days. They hadn't been in a normal class since the O.W.L.s ended and all the "rumors" circulated. Demian kept a low profile and was careful to avoid Christians eye contact. He could tell he was saddened by it, but Demian was more worried about his job than his feelings these days. He exited the classroom quickly after the lecture, even ahead of Draco, which surprised him.
"Somewhere to be?" He said.
"Not particularly, I just feel like everyone is staring at me. Even more than usual." He admitted.
Draco yawned, "Who fucking cares. You should try not giving a fuck it feels great." He said.
"We can't all be a nonchalant as you." Demian said, crossing his arms.
"Well, it will pass. Summer is coming-" He paused briefly, "And...." He trailed off sadly.
Demian reached for his hand, interlacing their fingers for a moment. "Hey...it'll be okay." He said in a reassuring tone. Just then Hermione Granger motioned for them at the end of the hallway. She pointed towards the library and walked steadily as they trailed behind. When they went inside it was mostly desolate. A few stragglers littered the bookshelves, she sat at a back table hidden in the corner. They joined her and she spoke in a whisper,
"I've looked into your little problem for you." She said quietly.
"Oh, gee now he's just telling all the fucking Gryffindors" Draco said, matching her tone.
She rolled her eyes, "Anyways, the information we need might be in the restricted area. Harry has agreed to look into it for you, at a price of course."
"Of course, there's always a price."
"He wants you to act as the distraction. Tonight."
"How?" Draco said, looking around. "These hallways in particular are monitored almost always. The library is almost never empty. How does he even intend of getting any of this done with Madam Pince stalking the halls constantly."
"Don't bother yourself with the logistics it isn't like you're smart enough to even fathom Harry's plan." She snapped.
"Hey, mudblood. Go fuck yourself."
"Right" She said, rolling her eyes again. "So are you doing it, or not?"
"Fine, I'll do it." Draco said, and Demian looked at him curiously.
"Tonight at 10. You create the distraction. We'll do the rest."
"Sure, whatever. And what will I have to pay to actually get the information?" Draco inquired sarcastically.
Hermione just stuck her nose up, refusing to say anymore. She left. They followed in suit not wanting to draw too much attention to themselves and the retired to Dracos dorm, a feeling of anxiety washed over them. When they entered the room Demian immediately questioned him, "So, what are you even going to do to create a distraction?" He asked curiously, "Because I don't think you can afford to get into any more trouble this year..."
"Exactly why I'm not going to be caught." He said. "It'll be quick, in and out. And maybe...you should stay here. Just in case."
"I don't like the sound of that Draco." Demian admitted.
"Just trust me on this one. Okay."
"Fine...but please be careful." Demian pleaded, "We're so close to finding an answer I don't need you being reckless."
"Valentino, I'm always reckless." He smirked at him, "I thought you knew me better than that."
Demian blushed a bit, "I wish you weren't sometimes..."
"If I wasn't reckless, we wouldn't be together." He reminded him, "Let's not forget everything it took to get here."
Demian smiled a bit, he was right of course. It had been almost the entire school year, a whirlwind of ups and downs. He instinctively cradled his serpent necklace in his fingers for a moment, Draco noticed this.
"How does it feel, to go from having only a piece of me, to all of me?" He said, smirking. Demian just blushed as Draco rolled the necklace in his own strong hands.
"There was a time I wasn't sure I would have any of you, let alone all..." Demian admitted.
"There was a time I wasn't sure I could give you all of me." Draco responded, "But we've come a long way since then, and it's almost over."
"What happens, when it's over?" Demian said, a hint of sadness in his voice. "Where will we go, if he hunts you down relentlessly?"
Draco remained silent for a moment, he hadn't thought that far ahead and a sense of fear he was unfamiliar with overcame him, "I uh...well." He contemplated his options; he would likely never be allowed back home once his father finds out he's abandoned his duties as a Malfoy. Hogwarts would of course no longer be safe. His own aunt Bellatrix was so deeply connected to the Dark Lord along with so many of his other family members he didn't have a lot more places to turn. "I have no fucking idea." He said, finally. His words didn't help Demians anxieties.
"We will find a way." Demian said, trying to reassure not only Draco, but himself.
Draco just shook his head, for a while they both said nothing. Finally, Draco motioned to the bed, they both slipped under the blankets and Demian found his familiar comforting spot on Dracos chest. He listened to the clock tick by, accompanied by the rhythmic thumping of Dracos heartbeat. It never stopped racing, they waited patiently for time to pass until it was finally close to 10 pm. Draco didn't say much when he got up, he took off his robes and dressed in some casual clothing, all black. He slipped on his shoes, Demian watched in anticipation, his anxiety growing.
"I wish you would at least tell me what you were going to do." Demian said, pleading.
"Just don't you worry about it. I'll be back soon." He promised, kissing him quickly once.
"I hope so...." Demian said, his words tainted with worry. "I love you." He reminded him as he hovered near the door.
"I love you too, you sap." Draco said, "Wait up for me, okay?"
"I wouldn't dream of sleeping." Demian said. And he slipped out the door, quietly.
For a while Demian sat there, anxiously listening to the tick of the clock. Only a few minutes had gone by and Demian was jolted out of bed to a sound of a knock at the door. He got up, his hands trembled somewhat as he pictured which one of his current enemies could be on the other side. He cracked it open and saw Terrence standing there.
"W-what are you doing here?" Demian said.
"I saw Draco leave. And I figured this could be the only moment we get alone for a while."
Demian stepped into the hallway, worried what might happen if he invited them in to their personal space.
"You shouldn't be here." Demian said, almost whispering.
"You're the one who said you wanted closure, and you know, I need it to after what the two of you both put me through."
Demian folded his arms, that bad habit of shuffling his feet emerged once more. "Terrence I'm sorry for what you've been put through, I thought that was established." He said.
"But what about what Draco put me through?" He said. "No ones paid for that mistake."
"What mistake? Being with me, showing it publicly?" Demian said.
"Fuck you still don't know, do you?" Terrence said, studying him.
"Can you please stop with the mysterious bullshit?"
"He never told you. Of course, why would he."
"Alright, I'm about to leave. This is anything but closure." Demian went to turn around and Terrence stopped him, his gentle touch made Demian swallow nervously.
"He's the one who gave me the Euphoria potion, Demian. He insisted it was the only way I'd ever get over the two of you."
Demians stomach dropped, he turned to face him with tears in his eyes. "You're...You're lying." He insisted.
Higgs scoffed, "Why would I lie, what more could I possibly lose?" He said.
Demian couldn't fathom why Draco would do such a thing. He let the tears fall freely and shook his head in disbelief. They both stood there in silence for several moments, Terrence broke the silence with a calculated sigh. "Someone needs to pay for that mistake, until then, there can't be closure for anyone." He said, turning and walking away. Demian wiped his cheeks clean and turned back into Dracos dorm, he sat on the edge of the bed, fearful for their next encounter.