Life From the Start

IT’S HERE! THE MOMENT YOU’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! HARRY IS BACK! :O

Italics – flashbacks
’blah’ – Harry’s conscience/thoughts/inner voice

Chapter 15: Do You Remember?

The first thing Draco found upon waking up early Monday morning was a folded letter sitting innocently on the dining room table. His name was written in skinny, cursive letters and Draco immediately knew the letter was from Snape.

It was the first day of school after the winter holidays and just like every year after holidays, his internal clock let him wake up nice and early, even before Harry. Draco sighed and picked up the letter, not really wanting to read what his Potions professor wrote. But Malfoy knew he couldn’t ignore it; something told him that there was something important in the letter or else Snape wouldn’t have written to him. The blond unfolded the parchment and read…

Mr. Malfoy,

It is my intention to tell you that the last batch of aging potion for Mr. Potter is ready. As you already know, when Mr. Potter drinks this vial, he will turn back to his original age of seventeen. I know over the past two months you have gotten extremely close to the de-aged Potter, so I tell you this, Draco, be ready for Mr. Potter to not remember anything that had happened over the course of two months. I’ve told you before and I am reminding you again.

You must be wondering why I wrote this letter and not visiting you at the quarters as I normally do. This is because I want you to bring Mr. Potter to the infirmary after your Ancient Runes class. I’m sure you don’t want the seventeen year old Potter to wake up in the quarters and finds you with him. He might be confused for the next couple of days because of all the messed up memories. In this last vial, I will put a stronger dose of the Sleeping Draught, making Potter sleep for at least twenty four hours.

I don’t know what you see in Potter, but I can tell you truly care about the boy. But I don’t think it would be a good idea for you to be at the hospital wing when Potter wakes up.

I know you’re thinking how to get him to go to the hospital wing with you; tell him Madam Pomfrey is giving him a check-up, no excuses. I gave the vial to Madam Pomfrey already; she will know what to do.

S. Snape

Draco reread the letter once, twice, three times before he finally crumpled it up into a ball. With a yell, he threw it against the kitchen wall and watched it bounce off and landing on the ground. He stood there for a moment, possibly a minute or so before walking to the ball of paper and picked it up. With a heavy heart, Draco trudged to the living room, where the fireplace was. One last glance at the balled up letter, Draco threw it into the fire and watched it burn.

The paper burned black, its edges glowing red. It crackled and withered, before finally turning into ashes. With a blink of an eye, the letter was no more.

Just like his time with Harry.

HPDMHPDM

“Mornin’ Draco,” Harry said with a yawn; he was dressed properly, looking almost as if he was attending school as well. “Are we having breakfast at the Great Hall today?”

Draco hummed absently; he was sitting on the couch, his book bag at his side. He almost didn’t notice Harry sitting down beside him. Until the brunet poked him on his arm.

“Draco, are you alright? Did you hear what I said?”

Draco snapped out of his stupor and turned his head to face the green eyed teen. He put on a small smile, trying to act as if nothing happened.

“I heard you. Yes, we’re eating in the Great Hall today. I don’t want to be late to Professor Snape’s class.” Draco murmured and stood up, hoisting his bag onto his shoulder. “Are you ready to go?” Draco asked, looking at Harry.

Potter nodded and stood up; he tilted his head and frowned at the blond. “You look like you have something else to tell me. What is it?”

Draco gripped his bag strap a wee bit tighter; he awkwardly patted Harry’s head. The younger teen continued to frown, only this time an eyebrow was arched in confusion.

Draco sighed, “Madam Pomfrey asked me to take you to the hospital wing after my Ancient Runes class. She told me this morning when you were still sleeping.” Draco lied.

Harry’s lips curved up slightly, “Oh. Is that all? What does Madam Pomfrey want?”

“She wants to give you a check-up. Don’t ask why, she asked me to bring you.” Draco said firmly.

Harry shrugged and walked ahead of Draco. For a moment, Malfoy thought Harry had seen through his lie. But when the brunet reached the portrait and turned around, there was a grin on Harry’s face, showing no indications that he knew Draco lied. Malfoy immediately relaxed and returned the smile; he walked over to the younger teen.

“We should hurry to the Great Hall or we won’t have enough time to eat,” Draco reminded Harry.

That was all he needed to say before Harry dashed out, with Draco following leisurely behind.

HPDMHPDM

“Harry, can you help me out a bit?”

Harry turned on his arse on the stool and faced Draco. He smiled and nodded.

“Sure, what do you want me to do?” Harry asked; Draco handed him a paper with the list of ingredients needed for him to brew the potion that was on the board. Harry scanned the list and looked up at the blond again. “You want me to get these for you?”

“Yes, if it’s not too much trouble.” Draco said, hoping that Harry will go without any more questions. He wanted to speak with Hermione; she was also alone (Ron was sitting in the other aisle of desks).

“No, I’ll go get it.” Harry said cheerily; he looked down at the list again and made a face. “Bat eyes pulp? Crushed beetles? Merlin, I hope you don’t have to drink this potion, Draco.” Harry stuck out his tongue before hopping off and walked to the ingredient cabinets.

“Really Draco, couldn’t you go up and get the ingredients yourself? I didn’t know you were so lazy.” Hermione’s voice drifted to Draco.

The blond shrugged and didn’t say a word to the girl behind him. He sighed dejectedly and planted his elbows on the table, propping his head up.

Granger stopped stirring her boiling potion base, “Draco, I’m talking to you!”

“He’s going to be seventeen again. You should be happy, Granger.”

Hermione almost had to strain her ears to hear what Draco said. She doused the fire and let her potion sit undisturbed. She leaned forward and reached out to tap Draco on the shoulder.

“Is Professor Snape giving Harry the last vial?”

Draco nodded, “I’m going to have to take him to the hospital wing later in the day. Snape gave the potion to Pomfrey so that she can give it to Harry.”

“I see... How long is he going to be sleeping?” Hermione asked, concerned.

“Snape said about twenty-four hours. He asked me not to be there when Harry wakes up…” Draco whispered, “Today’s my last with Harry.”

“Don’t say that, Draco.” Hermione said sadly, “You’ll see Harry around. Maybe he’ll remember all you’ve done for him.”

“No… No, he won’t” Draco shook his head, his blond hair falling into his face.

“Draco--”

“Draco! I got them! I got everything you needed!” Harry called out as he made his way back to Draco’s table. Hermione clamped her mouth shut and Draco sat up straight, putting an end to their conversation.

Harry waved at Hermione with his free hand as he passed by the girl. “I think I got the last jar of bat eyes… I almost had to fight that guy for it.” Harry jerked his head in the direction of the right side of the room. He set down the jars and bottles in front of Draco before sitting back down on his stool. “Well, you can begin now. I’ll just watch you.”

“Oh. Er… thanks Harry.” Draco smiled briefly; he started a fire and dumped the base of the potion into the cauldron. “You can help me if you want. I know how much you like to help.” Draco pushed the instructions towards Harry, “You can tell me what to add and what to do, alright?”

Hermione shook her head sadly and went back to her own potion. It was saddening to see Draco act this way. It was as if Harry will be gone the next day and he’ll never see him again. She prayed to every god and deity that might exist, praying that Harry will remember.

It was the least she can do.

HPDMHPDM

Twenty more minutes.

Fifteen.

Ten.

Five…

“Alright, class dismissed! Tomorrow, I want you all to turn in two feet of parchment of a summary from chapters thirty to thirty-five. Have a great day!”

Students groaned and started putting their things away. Draco was slowly putting his quills, ink bottle, and notes away in a very slow motion. He was trying to prolong the time; he didn’t want to bring Harry to the hospital wing.

Draco had been dreading it. Ever since they had lunch, he had been watching the time. Time gradually trickled away and before he knew it, Ancient Runes ended. It was four-thirty. Draco gave up being slow and angrily shoved his text book inside his bag and closed it.

“Come on, Harry, let’s go. Madam Pomfrey is waiting.” Draco muttered. He walked off without even checking if Harry was following him.

Harry had watched the way his Draco was packing his things. Draco never shoved things into his book bag. The blond was always so careful of his things… Harry knew something was wrong. He ran after the blond, who was already halfway down the hall. By the time he caught up, Harry was out of breath.

“Slow down… I’m sure Madam Pomfrey wouldn’t mind if we’re late.” Harry panted.

Draco had been walking so fast, his thigh muscles were starting to hurt. He slowed down when he heard Harry panting next to him. Looking to the side, he found Harry staring at him with wide eyes.

“You’ve been acting all weird the whole day, Draco.” Harry said, “Was it something I said? Or--”

“No, it’s not you, Harry.” Draco cut him off, “I’m just being an arse. Sorry.” Draco put on a tight smile, “I guess I’m just… worried what Pomfrey will do.”

“It’s just a check-up!” Harry laughed, “Nothing wrong can happen.”

Draco’s expression turned stony and he again started walking ahead of the smaller teen. This time, Harry followed without questioning.

‘Many things could go wrong. You just don’t know it.’

HPDMHPDM

“Well Mr. Malfoy, I see you have brought Mr. Potter with you,” the medi-witch said, smiling.

Draco wished he could wipe that smile off her face. He didn’t think this was a happy moment. Harry, of course, was his happy self and went up to the medi-witch, giving her a brief hug. Why Harry gave her a hug was anybody’s guess.

Madam Pomfrey chuckled as Harry released her from his hug. “What a nice greeting. Now, Harry, can you go over to that bed over there and wait for me? Undress and I’ll be with you shortly.” She gestured to a bed at the far left side of the hospital wing.

“Erm, alright…” Harry said; he looked over to the blond. “Draco, you’ll wait for me right?”

“Yeah, of course I’ll wait for you. It shouldn’t take too long.” Draco replied. Grey eyes followed Harry’s retreating back. With one last grin, Harry pulled the screen around the bed, obscuring anybody’s view of Harry being nude.

“I’m sure Severus sent you a letter this morning?” Madam Pomfrey asked Malfoy after she was sure that Harry wouldn’t be able to hear them.

“Yes, he did.” Draco murmured; he sat down on a bed that was near him, looking extremely tired. “Can I stay here until Harry falls asleep?”

“Of course, Severus warned me about this. He told me you might ask to stay for awhile.” The medi-witch smiled warmly at the teen. “Actually, I’m giving you special permission to stay while Mr. Potter is sleeping. Don’t tell anybody else that I’m doing this alright?”

Grey eyes lit up, “I can stay?” Draco felt a little bit better at hearing the nurse’s words; he was trying so hard not to laugh out loud in joy. He smiled at Madam Pomfrey, “Thank you for letting me stay… I guess Professor Snape told you about how I…”

“Yes, he told me.” Poppy said softly, “I was quite shocked, seeing how you and Mr. Potter did nothing but fight each other for the past five years. I treated both of you quite a number of times if I recall.”

Draco chuckled, “I remember those days…”

“Madam Pomfrey! Where are you? I’m ready for the check-up!” Harry called from behind the screen. “It’s getting kind of cold lying on the bed without clothes!” The brunet parted the curtain and stuck his head out, his eyes landing on Draco. “Is this going to take long?”

Pomfrey took out her wand, “No, it shouldn’t take more than five minutes.” She walked over to Harry’s bed and left Draco. She paused, however, and turned back. “Mr. Malfoy, if you want, you can sit next to Mr. Potter’s bed.”

“That would be fine,” Draco said graciously.

Malfoy padded over to Potter’s bedside and pulled out the wooden chair. He sat down and waited as Madam Pomfrey went through the curtains and started the ‘check-up’. Every once in awhile, he heard Madam Pomfrey chiding Harry, telling the brunet to eat more or that he was way too small for a twelve year old boy. Draco smiled and was silently agreeing to every word the witch said. A few minutes later, possibly more than five, she came back out, pushing the curtains aside. Harry was sitting on the edge of the bed, buttoning his dress shirt. He looked up and grinned at Draco.

“It’s all done! Now I just have to wait while Madam Pomfrey gets a nutrient potion. She said I’m underweight and too skinny for my age.” Harry frowned while Draco smirked.

‘So that’s how she’ll give him the potion…’

“Well, that’s good then. You won’t be so small anymore.” Draco said as Harry straightened his shirt.

Before Harry had the chance to reply, Madam Pomfrey came over to the bed, holding a small vial of green liquid in her right hand. Draco knew that potion well… and after today, he wouldn’t have to see it ever again. Pomfrey came to a stop right in front of Harry; she handed over the vial to the brunet. A glass of water magically appeared on the bedside table. Harry took the potion without hesitation; he pulled the stopper out and downed it by tilting his head back.

“Merlin, this is awful!” Harry gagged and quickly grabbed the glass of water, taking three gulps.

“You very well know potions aren’t very tasty.” Madam Pomfrey said, taking the now empty vial from Harry.

Draco did not contribute to their conversation. All he was doing was sitting there, watching Harry intently. He knew, any moment now, Harry will fall into a deep slumber and the aging will take place.

Harry was about to stand up when Poppy placed a hand on his shoulders; he looked up, surprised.

“I thought you said I can… go…” Harry shook his head, “I don’t… Oh my god…” He blinked, trying to get the sleepiness out. “Why do I--” Harry’s body swayed and went lax.

Before he fell back, his eyes found Draco. Malfoy was already standing; his face was one of concern and worry. Harry tried reaching out to his Draco but he was just so tired… so tired…

“… Dray”

Draco’s breath hitched as Harry’s eyes fluttered close. Madam Pomfrey held Draco back when the blond wanted to touch Harry. He let the nurse move Harry into a more comfortable position while he stood at the side, watching.

“It’s done, Mr. Malfoy.” Poppy said softly, “He’ll age at night. I’ll spell on his school robes later.” She turned to face the blond, took his hand and held it within hers. “Why don’t you go back to the quarters? You can visit Harry after dinnertime. He’s not going to wake up any time soon.”

“I-I don’t want to go back. I want to stay here,” Draco said hoarsely; he looked at the medi-witch with pleading eyes. Madam Pomfrey held back a gasp. She never saw Draco this way before. “I promise I’ll leave before he wakes up.”

Poppy sighed and nodded, “I’ll have your dinner brought here then. Also, you can always come back in the early morning. I’m sure Harry will still be sleeping then.”

“Thank you.” Draco looked down. He would not cry. Malfoys did not cry.

“You’re welcome, dear.” Madam Pomfrey said softly, “If you need anything, I’ll be in my office.” She released Draco’s hand and started walking to her office, leaving the two teens alone.

Draco slunk down into the chair once he heard the door to Pomfrey’s office closed. He took Harry’s hand and brought it up to his cheeks. Malfoy rubbed his cheek tenderly against the warm hand. Harry had no reaction of course. All he did was breathing in and breathe out.

They stayed that way for a long period of time. One holding the other’s hand, the latter lying on the bed in deep sleep. It wasn’t until Madam Pomfrey came over with a tray of food did Draco moved.

“Draco, you have to eat.” She whispered, setting down the tray on the bedside table.

“I’ll eat later…” Draco murmured and he looked up at the nurse, “Thanks for bringing the food, Madam Pomfrey.”

Poppy smiled understandingly; she patted Draco’s shoulder and left, once more leaving them alone.

Draco sighed and planted his elbows on the bed. He leant forward until his face was right above Harry’s. He was close enough to hear soft snores coming from the sleeping brunet.

“… I wonder if you can hear me talking to you,” Draco said quietly, “There are so many things I can say to you right now but not when you’re awake.” He reached out and brushed Harry’s hair aside so that it wouldn’t cover his forehead. “Do you know how worry I am right at this moment?” Draco asked, looking down at Harry’s face. “Of course you don’t; you’re in your own world and not worried about anything.”

Malfoy scooted his chair closer to the bed and he smoothed his hand up and down Harry’s arm.

“Remember when you said all of this isn’t a dream? Well, you’re going to wake up from that. Everything was a dream. You don’t love me in reality. You said you can’t hate me, but you do.” Draco’s hand traveled down Harry’s arm until he was touching his hand; he linked their fingers together and brought their hands under his chin. “It was a nice dream though. I enjoyed getting to know you better during the past two months…” Draco swallowed, his throat was suddenly dry. “I’ll remember everything even if-if you don’t…”

Draco blinked; a single tear came tumbling down.

“There is something I wanted to say… I kept it in for so long.” Draco sniffed, “Maybe you can hear me now, maybe you don’t, but it doesn’t matter, I’m going to say it anyway.”

Draco didn’t know if it was the shadows playing tricks on him, but he thought he saw the corners of Harry’s mouth curved slightly upward. Malfoy let out a small laugh; he kissed Harry’s fingers before letting their hands drop onto the bed.

“I love you, Harry.”

HPDMHPDM

Morning came and went. Afternoon came and went. Harry’s subconscious had been floating in between the real world and his dream world. He struggled to open his eyes, but they felt so terribly heavy. More than once, he tried and gave up, letting sleep take over again.

“You’re a good baby today,” Draco cooed, his arms wrapped around Harry’s small body.

Harry gurgled and placed his hands on Draco’s face; the Slytherin leaned forward and rubbed the tip of his nose on Harry’s. Harry giggled and let Draco have his way.

-flash-

“Dway tis!”

Draco shook his head in amusement and planted a small kiss on Harry’s cheek.

-flash-

“Kay. I’m gunna dwall pwetty picters. I’m gunna dwall me and you!” Harry said happily.

“Are you going to draw me nicely?” Draco asked.

‘Draco…’

“Yups, I dwalls you pwetty cus Dway is always pwetty.”

“Well, I’m flattered. That was the first time anybody called me pretty.”

‘Draco you’re always beautiful…’

-flash-

“Look love, do you like the teddy?”

‘Teddy bear… Draco gave me one… Eddy.’

“I wuv da bwere! Dank you Dway!”

-flash-

"Draco! You're up! I called you a couple of times but you never answered so I came to your room! I kinda remember you telling me I can… So I did!" Harry grinned and bounced again, "But then you were still sleeping and I watched you for a few minutes… Then I tried waking you up by poking you… and now I'm here!" Harry laughed.

"You little monster! Is this how you wake people up? By jumping on them?" Draco growled playfully and went on to tickle Harry, who squealed and tried rolling off Draco's stomach but was trapped when the blond held on tight. "That's what you get for bouncing on me early in the morning."

-flash-

"Draco… this-this is a Firebolt,” Harry murmured in awe, “You-you really got me one like you promised!”

‘My Christmas present… My first present from you.’

“So I take you like it then?” Draco asked cheekily; Harry nodded furiously and carefully put the toy broom on the floor before throwing himself at Draco.

“Thank you, Draco… this is the best present I’ve ever gotten.” Harry whispered into Draco’s shoulder.

“I’m glad you like it,” Draco said and kissed the top of Harry’s head.

-flash-

“Harry?”

“What is it?”

“What if… What if one day, you wake up and you realize… everything in the past was just a dream? Like, it was an alternate reality. What would you do?” Draco asked.

“That’s crazy!” Harry laughed, “How can everything that happened be a dream?”

“You’re… not kidding.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Well, I can tell you that… if this was a dream, then I would think of it as a really nice dream.” Harry smiled softly, “My time with you was filled with happiness. You were always there for me and loved me unconditionally, Draco. I will never forget that.”

‘I didn’t forget… Draco… ’

-flash-

“There is something I wanted to say… I kept it in for so long.”

‘Then say it already…’

“Maybe you can hear me now, maybe you don’t, but it doesn’t matter, I’m going to say it anyway.”

“I love you, Harry.”

‘Draco… I lo--’

HPDMHPDM

Harry opened his eyes, hoping and wishing that the first person he’ll see would be a certain blond that had been appearing in his dreams.

Except Harry knew they weren’t dreams.

He remembered the time the potion went wrong and he drank it. He remembered the days he spent with him. They were filled with happiness and Harry was glad he was the one to take care of him when he was turned into a toddler. He even heard the words the blond whispered next to his ear. Harry didn't know how it happened, but it did.

Harry groaned and he tried to sit up, only to have a hand placed on his chest, pushing him back down onto the bed.

“Don’t move, Harry, I’ll go get Madam Pomfrey.”

Harry blinked and looked at the brownish blob above him. Brown… only one person had brown hair and a feminine voice.

“… Mione?” Harry croaked; he groped around the bedside table until he found what he was looking for. Harry placed his glasses on and his vision was clear.

“Yes, Harry. Do want some water?” Hermione asked; she moved the headboard of the bed and helped Harry to a sitting position.

Harry nodded his thanks and took the glass of water Hermione offered to him. He took two sips and sighed when his throat felt not so scratchy anymore.

“How do you feel?” Hermione asked as she sat down in the chair next to the bed. “I’ve been watching you for at least two hours. You’ve been waking and falling back asleep. It seemed like you were struggling…”

“Where is he?” Harry asked, cutting off Hermione. “Where is he, Hermione?”

The brown haired girl moved back a bit and stared at her friend. “Where is who, Harry?”

“Draco… Where is he? He’s not here…”

Hermione gasped and gripped Harry’s arm; the brunet winced and Hermione relaxed her hold.

“Draco? You’re asking for Draco?” The girl asked, shocked.

Harry growled; he was more awake now. Actually, he felt fine. Just a bit stiff from sleeping so long. He swung his legs over the bed, shoving his feet into his shoes.

“I’m going to look for him. I need to talk to Draco.” Harry said briskly and threw the curtains around his bed aside.

Hermione grabbed his arm and stopped Harry from walking any further.

“Wait!” Hermione jerked Harry back; he glared at her but said nothing. “Harry… Do you mean you remember--”

Harry yanked his hand back, “I know what he did. The past months it was Draco that was with me. He was the one that took care of me. It wasn’t a dream like he said. It was all real and I remember, Hermione.”

Hermione lowered her hand and a small smile began to form on her face. “Go on then, I’ll tell Madam Pomfrey that you’re fine.”

Harry’s expression softened and grinned at his friend, “Thanks!”

He ran out of the hospital wing and was on his quest to find his special blond.

Wherever Draco was Harry will find him.

HPDMHPDM

“There is something I wanted to say… I kept it in for so long.”

“Maybe you can hear me now, maybe you don’t, but it doesn’t matter, I’m going to say it anyway.”

“I love you, Harry.”

‘I love you, too, Draco.’

HPDMHPDM

A/N: You see? I went with your wishes and I updated :D I hope this is the way you want things… because it would definitely get hotter later on. I rated this story with a M for a reason ;P Now you might have to wait awhile for the next update.

Thanks for reading :)