With A Dragon's Heart

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: The Relapse


The last meal of the day was winding down in the Great Hall and only a few remained to partake of second helpings of dessert. As usual, the teachers were still seated, as it was their duty to do so. Headmaster Dumbledore was the first to rise and was stopped by two very concerned students. Professor Snape watched as the two plagued Dumbledore with questions. Snape didn’t hear the children, but did manage to catch a few of the vague answers.

“…no he’s not expelled…”

“…yes, he’s just fine…”

“… he won’t be returning to the dorms tonight…”

“…no, Mr. Malfoy is not dead…”

Snape had to smirk at that last one. *Harry Potter* would’ve been the first one to die. Not by Draco\'s hands but by Professor Severus Snape’s if Harry even so much as tried. His pleasant thoughts were suddenly interrupted however, when a motion from the Headmaster beckoned him over. He sighed briefly then joined Dumbledore out of the main hall. He walked along side of the older man, both quiet until they were far enough away to talk in private.

“How is it going, Severus?”

“Better than anticipated, Albus. Both are making progress.”

“Good, good. I am truly happy to hear that. Although, I am still concerned by the approach you and Mr. Malfoy…”

“I assure you, Headmaster, if there was another way I would have done it. You know my feelings towards the boy…”

Albus sighed. “Yes Severus, you’ve mentioned that several times.”

Snape did not look at Dumbledore but his eyes narrowed and scowled, “I meant Draco Malfoy, sir.”

“Oh yes. Yes of course,” he quickly responded, as if he knew that all along. “Will you be returning to them tonight? Have you told them of tonight’s plan?”

“I will later. I sent a few house elves with food to them for now. However,” Snape paused. “They are still in *my* room.”

“Yes, well that is quite generous of you, Severus. I trust they will be most comfortable there.”

Before the Potion Master had time to interpret his meaning, Albus added, “I would like an update first thing tomorrow. Good night Severus,” Albus said wistfully as he was turning to leave him.

He did not see Snape’s distorted face or the piercing glare aimed at his back. But he did feel it and he ignored it.


~*~*~*~*~


Two elves emerged just as Draco undid Harry’s top button. They both smiled at each other, then motioned to them to come forward. Both Draco and Harry were starving. So much in fact, they finished everything on their plates within five minutes. Harry sat the tray on the floor and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

Draco shook his head. “You know, there are napkins down there,” he said pointing down at the tray.

Harry sheepishly glanced at it and mumbled, “Oh. Sorry.”

Draco gave an amusing smirk and unconsciously shook his head again. He looked around the room as if noticing for the first time where they were.

“I saw your room,” Harry said, changing the subject.

Raising an eyebrow and looking at Harry’s choice of clothes, he replied, “I noticed.”

“Uh, Professor Snape let me wear these. You don’t mind do you?”

“A little too late for that, but no, I don’t mind.”

A small smile crept on Harry’s face as he looked down to his folded legs.

“Perhaps we should go to your room,” Harry offered.

“That might be best. I suppose Snape would like to sleep in his own bed.”

“Think we should change the sheets?”

“I’m not touching them. He can bloody well change his own sheets.”

Harry snorted in the back of his throat.

“What?”

“Still a Malfoy to the end,” Harry said jokingly.

Draco whipped Harry a scornful look and stood up.

“Draco, I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking. Really.”

The pale boy ignored him and stormed out of the room, in all his naked glory. The Gryffindor lowered his head into his hands and cursed himself for being so stupid.

“Mr. Potter, I believe this is *my* room.”

Harry jumped off the bed at the sound of Snape’s low bitter voice.

“Yes sir.” Harry walked to the door, past Snape, then turned around. “Professor? Should I go back to my dorm?”

“No Mr. Potter. You will retire in Mr. Malfoy’s room,” he answered nonchalantly.

Toeing the floor, Harry muttered, “Malfoy is mad at me. I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

Snape sighed. “I am aware of that, Potter. However, I’m sure he will make allowances for your inappropriate comment.”

“Yes sir.”

Keeping his eyes focused on the floor, the raven-haired boy slowly entered Draco\'s room. Draco was already in bed, covered and was facing the wall. Harry scoped the room, trying to decide which piece of furniture looked the most comfortable.

“Come on Potter. I won’t kill you,” Draco sneered.

Harry padded over to the bed. There was enough room to put a good distance between them if Draco preferred. Harry lifted the blanket and as gingerly as he could, slid into the bed. He could instantly feel the body warmth of the other boy. He rested on his side facing opposite of Draco. Harry lied there as still as possible, making sure he didn\'t further aggravate the blond. But yet this was the time Harry would normally toss and turn because his mind was restless and prevented himself to drift off to sleep. He didn’t want to do that in front of Draco. Maybe if he just closed his eyes and try to relax.

*Brilliant, * Harry thought. *Why didn\'t I think of that?” Harry mocked himself.

He closed his eyes, but only saw Draco\'s hurt expression. No, he couldn’t possibly sleep with Draco being so mad at him.

“I’m sorry, Malfoy,” Harry whispered.

A deep sigh came from the Slytherin. “I know, Potter. Just go to sleep.”

“All right,” came a quiet voice.

At least that put some comfort into the Gryffindor. After trying several minutes, Harry Potter finally drifted into a deep sleep.


~*~*~*~*~

Draco Malfoy listened to Harry’s breathing for quite some time. At first it was unsteady and even a little labored, but minutes later it became deep and rhythmic. As the Slytherin’s tension relaxed, he began to feel remorse of his anger to the Gryffindor boy. He knew that it would be impossible to break old habits of taunting in just one day. He thought about waking Harry to let him know it was Draco\'s fault and he shouldn’t have been upset with him, but he didn\'t want to disturb the sleeping boy now that he was in a deep slumber. So instead, Draco laid awake dwelling on his own mistake.


~*~*~*~*~


“So, Harry. Learn anything new last year?” the chubby boy smirked.

“Go away, Dudley. I’m trying to study,” Harry spat.

“Listen to him guys. He’s trying to study,” the boy said in a mocking voice.

Harry whipped around and glared bravely at the five boys. “I said go away,” Harry said evenly.

The torturers moved closer to the raven-hair boy. “Oh come on, Harry. We know you missed us. Or did you find someone new?”

Harry jumped off his bed and stood stoic against them. “Don’t make me repeat myself. You don’t want to mess with me this year,” he said confidently. “I could hex you all into oblivion.”

Dudley tsked. “You forget yourself, Harry. I know as well as you that you cannot do magic out of school,” the boy laughed. “You’d be expelled, then you’d have to live here full-time. *We* would enjoy it, but I doubt if you would.”

Harry pursed his lips tightly. “No you wouldn\'t. Because I’d have the pleasure of casting spells against you.”

Ignoring Harry’s threat, he continued. “And I remember hearing they break your wand as well.”

Harry’s face turned pale. His voice left him and he secretly knew that Dudley was right. His chubby cousin nodded then glanced at the other boys. The other boys nodded back and then circled Harry. The Gryffindor’s heart began to race and panic hit him.

“Stay away from me! I mean it this time!” Harry yelled.

The tall boy chuckled, “You say that every year, Potter.”

Harry closed his eyes and his entire body froze. This time Harry thought, he would give them the fight of his life.


~*~*~*~*~


Draco woke up with a start as he felt the bed shake. He turned to face Harry and perched himself on one elbow. His eyes watered as he gazed at the sweat-soaked boy who was tossing and turning. Draco knew that Potter had nightmares, but until now, he never imagined the intensity. He was compelled to wake him but didn\'t know how Harry would react. Should he ask Snape for help or just wait it out until the Gryffindor woke up on his own? But Draco didn\'t want to just sit back and watch Harry go through this continuing torture. The blond felt so helpless and he didn\'t like that feeling as well. As his mind raced back and forth, Harry changed his body movements by thrusting his hips.

“NO!” Draco yelled in panic. “Please stop, Harry!”

It didn\'t appear that Harry heard him as he rolled over and began fisting his cock more violently. Help from Snape entered Draco\'s thoughts, but his instincts took over. Having the strength brought on by fear, the blond forced Harry onto his back and screamed at him.

“Potter! Stop! Don’t do this!”

Harry woke up with a jolt and blinked several times before realizing what was happening. He released his grip and tears formed in his eyes. He quickly covered his emerald eyes and Draco gasped as he looked in terror at Harry’s reddened hand.

“I-I cant,” Harry whispered. “I can’t stop it.”

Draco\'s arms enveloped the Gryffindor and quietly said, “I felt so helpless,” the Slytherin admitted. “I didn\'t know what else to do.”

Harry turned to face Draco and returned the hug. “I don’t know either.”

Draco gently caressed Harry’s back and nuzzled into his neck. He softly kissed the raven-hair boy’s jaw and continued kissing him till he reached Harry’s lips. The crying boy froze up until he finally escaped his uncertainty. He cupped Draco\'s face and softly kissed the blonds lips.

“Can you help me?” Harry whispered.

“I can try, Harry. I can try,” Draco assured him. “We both know it will take time.”

Harry nodded into Draco\'s mouth and pulled Draco in closer. Draco sighed of relief and carefully led Harry over on top of him.

“No Draco. Don’t,” Harry pleaded.

“Shh, Harry. I want this. Please make love to me. Show me that you do have passion inside you.”

The young boy shook his head. “I don’t think I do.”

“Yes you do, Harry. Please,” he said with a kiss.

“I don’t think I can.”

“I’ll help you, Harry. Just please try. It’s all right.”

The Gryffindor searched Draco\'s eyes for any kind of resistance, but there was none. The blond sensed his hesitation and guided Harry’s hand to his cheek. Draco leaned into the embrace and softly kissed his palm.

“Please, Harry,” he begged.

Harry lowered his head and feathered his lips against the velvety smooth one. He barely nodded and captured Draco in a deep kiss. Harry pulled back and spoke with a low voice.

“All right, Draco. I-I’ll try.”


~*~*~*~*~