Sick

"Hey Pottah! Ready to get your ass beaten up tonight?" Draco Malfoy whooped, as he swaggered towards the said person.

"No, Malfoy, it's YOUR ass that's gonna get beaten tonight," smirked Harry Potter as a response.

Ron Weasley groaned behind his best friend. "Can you guys possibly sound any more sexual while talking about a bloody Quidditch match?"

Hermione Granger chuckled to her boyfriend, shaking her head lightly.

It was late October, after the war. Harry Potter and friends have come to finish their schooling at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.The rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor has eased a lot. The war changed people. It made them realize that the other house is not that bad after all. Walking on the hallways nowadays, it wasn't unusual to see a Gryffindor and a Slytherin chatting and spending time together.

But some things didn't change completely. Harry and Draco's bickering went on. But it was much more friendly. No mention of Harry's dead parents, or Draco's Death Eater background. Both of the boys were actually secretly glad. It seemed like old days, throwing light insults at each other. Like nothing had happened.But a lot had happened. The war was rough to everyone. So many people lost a loved one. Draco's father was in Azkaban, and his mother in house arrest. Draco was required to finish his last year at Hogwarts once more, but then he would be free.

Ron and Harry weren't going at first. But Hermione was going, and they decided to go too at the last minute. Besides, it was too depressing to be at home now, when all the smile, laugh, Molly's yelling, waking up to a huge spider on your lap, was gone. Was gone with a brother.

Ginny and Harry broke up. It was pretty much a mutual agreement. Ginny said that she has changed too much, it wouldn't work with them. They stayed as friends, but it was hard for Harry. He was still quite heartbroken.

Back to this moment.

"Are you done yet?" Ron whined at the loud couple insulting each others Quidditch team. "I want food!"

"Yes, Harry, you ate almost nothing at lunch. You're going to eat more now if you want me to let you play today." Hermione agreed, grabbing Harry's wrist and pulling him to leave.

Draco smirked, though it was softer now. "Yeah, I want some challenge from you! It's no fun if you just faint in the middle of the game due to lack of food!"

Harry grinned back at the blonde. "Don't worry, ferret. I won't let you win this mat-"

Harry started coughing.

"Mate, are you alright?" Ron asked worriedly, patting Harry's back gently.

"Y-yeah..." Harry answered after his coughing had calmed down. His voice was a bit hoarse.

"Oh I hope you're not getting sick. Let's go inside and to dinner now." Hermione stated firmly, and started walking with Harry's wrist still in her hand. Ron came along them, one hand resting on Harry's back. Harry looked back once, and sent a challenging grin at Draco. The blonde chuckled, shaking his head slightly, and decided to follow them to dinner as well.

/༄

Harry was slowly munching his food. He didn't have appetite. Hadn't had since the morning. Not like he usually eats a lot, but today he felt even less urge to eat. He put his fork down, not wanting to eat any more.

"Mate, you gotta eat more..." Ron said softly.

Harry shook his head a bit. "I'm not hungry at all."

His two friends gave him worried looks.

"Maybe you should get a Pepperup Potion from madam Pomfrey." Hermione suggested. "Just to be sure."

Harry shook his head. "No, I'm just fine. I think I'll be going to my dorm until the match... See you there," he said quietly, starting to get up from the table.

"Mate, seriously, what's wrong? Do you feel like you're getting sick?" Ron asked, reaching for Harry's wrist.

Harry smiled a little. "Thanks for caring but no, I'm alright. Just a bit tired, that's all."

Ron seemed to be satisfied with that. "Oh I get it. You did have a nightmare last night... Go to rest now, alright?"

"Yeah, I'll go. Bye," Harry agreed, gently taking his hand off from Ron's grip, and leaving the Great Hall.

/༄

Harry didn't realize he had fallen asleep, until he felt someone shaking him awake.

"Harry, mate, wake up. We've got a match to win," Ron called, trying to get his friend to come to his senses.

Harry groaned. His head ached and his throat felt sore.

"Coming..." he mumbled. Pushing his glasses back on his face and getting himself on his feet.

"I'll go to get some water," he told Ron, slowly strolling to the bathroom and drinking a glass of the liquid.

"Harry, are you really okay..? You don't look like..." Ron said quietly, as he and Harry started walking towards the field.

"Yeah yeah, I'm fine," Harry grunted, not focusing his gaze on anything.

"Alright then..." Ron mumbled, and dropped the subject. He continued stealing worried looks at Harry, though.

Halfway to the game field, Harry felt something wet drop on his nose. It's raining. Great. Just, great.

The rain got stronger in minutes, and before the game even started, everyone was wet. Harry's head and throat were still hurting, and now he was cold too. Amazing.Hermione did the spell on Harry's glasses to make them waterproof, so he could at least see something. But he still felt like shit. Not that he was gonna tell anyone.

The match begun.

Harry was just flying around lazily, trying to keep the headache down.

"Hey Scarface, are you asleep?" Malfoy shouted through the rain. He was completely wet, and his white hair was slicked on his face.

He looked hot.

Harry squeezed his eyes shut, cursing himself for thinking about something like that when he had more important things to do at the moment.

Like finding the bloody Snitch.

Almost like by magic, Harry saw something golden few feet under Malfoy. He gathered himself, and dived after it. Malfoy then saw it too, and dived after Harry.

The wind hurt Harry's ears, and he felt like passing out. He felt feverish. Maybe he really should've gone to get that Pepperup Potion before the match. Not any point thinking about that now, done what's done.

Before he noticed, the Snitch was in his fist.

"Potter watch out!" Malfoy shouted.

Wha-

Everything blacked out.

/༄

Harry blinked his eyes slowly. His vision was blurry, but it was starting to get better. He heard noises. He couldn't make out what they were saying, but it was talking. Slowly, the noises became clearer.

"He has a high fever, he should NOT have played at all!"

"Oh I should have made him come here! Why did I let him go..?"

"Mione, it's my fault as much as it's yours... Don't blame yourself, Harry never tells things like that..."

"Hey! His eyes are open!"

The voices stopped. Blurry faces turned to Harry.

"Harry, mate, are you okay?!" a very distressed voice, belonging to Ron, gasped, and Harry felt him taking his hand in his. Harry closed his eyes.

Ron was always protective, but now, after Fred's death, he was REALLY protective. Specially over Harry. He had threatened Malfoy few times when he thought he had gone too far, even though Harry didn't think so. He made sure Harry ate enough every day. And every time Harry had a nightmare, Ron was there to comfort him, get him some water, whisper comforts to him, and if necessary, hold him on his lap. Even if Harry told him that he was okay now, that Ron could go back to sleep, he always stayed until Harry was REALLY okay. And Harry was grateful.

"Harry?"

Harry brushed his hand over his face lightly. His face was wet. He wasn't sure was it sweat or water.

"W-what happened..?" he croaked. His throat hurt.

He heard Ron sigh in relief, and Hermione answer: "You crashed to the ground, Harry..."

"Ah. What about the match?" Harry asked, his head starting to throb.

Ron chuckled a bit. "We won, thanks to you. You caught the Snitch."

Harry's lips rose into a small smile, and he opened his eyes. He saw Ron and Hermione, and also Neville, Dean, Seamus, and some people from his Quidditch team. He also saw a very angry looking madam Pomfrey approaching him with a potion.

"You shouldn't have played with that fever! You surely felt that! Why didn't you come here?" she stated angrily, but then sighed. "At least you didn't hurt yourself badly... Now, drink up."

She handled a vial of Pepperup Potion to Harry. Harry felt Ron's arms lifting him up to more like a sitting position, and he drank the potion. Steam came out from his ears, which didn't feel great. Ron gently lowered him back down on the hospital bed, and the second Harry closed his eyes, he was back asleep.

/༄

When Harry woke up, he didn't feel any better. If something, he felt worse. He groaned, blinking his eyes open. He was still in the same hospital bed in the hospital wing, but it was much lighter in there now. It was probably morning. Harry looked around. He saw madam Pomfrey approaching.

"The Pepperup Potion didn't work for your fever."

Tell me something I don't know.

"Sit up, I've got another potions for you to take."

Harry obeyed, and took the potions. The first one tasted horrible. The next one made him feel dizzy. The last thing he knew before drifting back to unconsciousness, was madam Pomfrey gently pushing him back on his bed and putting the blanket better on him.

/༄

Meanwhile Ron and Hermione were in potions class.

"Oi! Ginger and Granger! Where's the third wheel of your Golden trio?" Draco whisper-shouted.

Ron rolled his eyes, but answered: "In the hospital wing, even if it's none of your concern."

Draco's face fell. "Is he okay??"

Hermione rose an eyebrow at Draco, and Ron gave him a suspicious glare.

"Why do you care?" he asked.

Draco blushed slightly. Luckily for him, it was dark enough in the dungeons that no one saw.

"Just tell me what's wrong with him..." he mumbled, looking at his table.

Ron sighed. Hermione was the one who spoke. "He has fever. The Pepperup Potion didn't help."

Draco looked up from the table, and for a moment, you could've thought his face was worried. But it turned blank in seconds.

"Oh..." He looked back down at the table, and then back at the couple. "Well, I hope he gets better soon-" Ron and Hermione snapped their heads at him in confusion. "-so I can get back into taunting him," Draco finished, a gentle smirk on his face.

Ron sighed, shaking his head slightly, a small smile on his face. Hermione just rolled her eyes, getting back to work with her potion.

/༄

After the day's lessons, Hermione and Ron went to see Harry in the hospital wing.

"Please let me go back to my dorm..!" they heard Harry whine.

"But you're still feverish, and I don't know what illness do you have," madam Pomfrey answered.

"Pleaseeeee? I hate it here!"

Ron chuckled, and Hermione let out a giggle. Madam Pomfrey turned her head to them, and sighed.

"Fine. If your friends will take you."

Harry too turned his head at his best friends, and smiled happily.

"Yess!" he cheered, but madam Pomfrey cut him off.

"BUT, you must stay in bed. No classes. Your friends can get you notes and homework. If the fever rises, or won't get away in few days, someone must take you back here. Understood?" she asked firmly, looking at Harry, and then Hermione and Ron. Everyone nodded.

"Alright then. You may go."

Harry changed into his everyday clothes, and Ron and Hermione made sure he got to the common room safely.

"Hi Harry!" Seamus Finnigan shrieked. "Are you okay?"

Harry smiled. "I'm good, thanks."

"Oh great!" Seamus stated happily. "We're hosting a party tonight for our Quidditch victory, and-"

"No, Harry can't go." Hermione cut in, making Seamus' face fell. "He is still sick, and needs rest. No partying."

Harry felt Ron put a hand on his shoulder. "Mate, she's right, I don't think it would be good for you."

Harry opened his mouth to say something, but Ron was faster: "Hey don't worry, I won't go either. I'll be with you, I promise. I'll keep you company."

Harry smiled at his best friend. "Thank you Ron, but it's okay. I don't really feel like partying anyway. You don't have to stay behind because of me..."

Ron shook his head. "No, I am staying with you, and that's it. Seamus, I'm sorry, but-"

Ron's sentence was cut off, when he saw the horror on Seamus' face. He was staring at the doorway. The others turned their heads to there as well.

Dean, and Ginny.Walking in, hand in hand.

Ron frowned. "What!? You broke up with Harry just to be with HIM??"

Harry felt Ron wrapping an arm around him.

Ginny and Dean snapped their heads at them.

"I... I just..." Ginny started, but was cut off by a sob coming from Seamus, as the boy stood up and ran straight to their dorm.

"S-Seamus!" Dean called, letting go of Ginny's hand and running after his best friend. But the door was locked.

"Seamus! Seamus, please let me in! Shea, what's wrong??" Dean shouted distressedly.

"Dean, stop." Hermione told, her face sad. "Give him some space..."

Dean shot a terrified look at the others. "What did I do?!"

Hermione sighed. She seemed to be the only one who knew. "Dean, he will tell you if he wants to. Let him be alone now, please."

Dean slowly turned his face back to the door. He put his forehead on it, and let out a shaky sigh. "Shea, I'm sorry..." he whispered.

Harry, Ron and Hermione stayed in the common room. Ginny dragged the very resisting Dean out from the room. Half an hour went by, until Neville was finally able to get Seamus to open the door. He and Seamus had become closer last year, when Dean and others weren't at school. Neville knew his secret.

Ron and Harry climbed to the dorm quietly. Seamus' curtains were closed. Neville was sitting on his own bed, and he gave a sad smile at the boys.

"He'll be okay. He wanted to be alone," Neville whispered.

Harry and Ron nodded, and Ron led Harry to his bed.

"Ron, I can walk by myself," Harry chuckled quietly.

Ron smiled a bit. "I know." He put his hand on Harry's forehead. "How are you feeling? Do you need anything?"

Harry shook his head, smiling weakly. "I'm just fine."

"Alright, mate," Ron whispered. "Wake me up if you need something."

"Will do," Harry whispered back. Ron gave a small smile, and walked to his own bed. "Good night."

"Night."

/༄

After three days, Draco had had enough. Three fricking days, without a single conflict with Potter! The boredom was maddening. And maybe Draco was just a little bit worried too... Just a bit... Don't tell anyone.

One potions class, he was again going to demand answers from Potter's friends, and Ron seemed to had had enough as well, because before Draco even opened his mouth, he snapped: "YES, Harry is still sick!! If you're so fucking worried about him, why don't you go and see him yourself?!"

Remember, Draco was NOT worried about Potter. Just bored...

So, there he now was, in front of the Fat Lady, with a bowl of hot soup. No, he wasn't worried! Just bored! He had listened the password from some first years secretly, and so he knew to say: "Kibosh."The Lady looked him weird, but let him in anyway. All the eight year Gryffindors had classes now, so Draco was able to sneak to the dorm without anyone noticing.

"M-Malfoy..?"

Draco turned towards the small voice. Harry was lying in his bed, breathing difficultly, and looking at him with his emerald eyes.

"Merlin, Potter," Draco breathed, and rushed to the smaller boy. He put the soup on the nightstand, and felt Harry's forehead. It was boiling.

"W-what are you..." Harry took a breath. "...doing here..?"

"Checking on you," Draco mumbled, grabbing a soft towel and wiping the sweat from Harry's face carefully. "-and I'm very glad I came."

Harry was just staring up at him, blinking slowly.

"Why aren't you in the hospital wing? You can barely breathe!" Draco snapped.

Harry took a moment to answer. "Don't want to..."

Draco sighed. Of course that bloody idiot doesn't want to the hospital.

"Have you drunk enough?" Draco asked, to his own surprise. Since when did he care so much about Potter?

Harry didn't answer. Draco sighed again. He walked to the bathroom, taking a small cloth with him. He watered the cloth with cold water, and squeezed the water out. He also took a glass and filled it with cool water. Not too cold, but fresh. He strolled back to Harry, who was watching him in confusion. Draco put the cloth and the glass on the nightstand, and carefully wrapped an arm around Harry. He slowly lifted the thin boy up to a sitting position, sitting himself next to him. Draco took the water from the nightstand, still one arm holding Harry up. He moved the glass close to Harry's face. Harry looked at the glass, and slowly moved his gaze at Draco.

"Drink it," Draco told Harry, who obeyed, and lifted his hand to take the glass. Draco helped him drink, and then put the glass back on the nightstand.

"Do you want to eat? I brought you soup..." Draco asked, nodding his head towards the lightly steaming bowl.

Harry took a deep, shaky breath, leaning to Draco. "I-I don't think I can..." he rasped with his weak voice.

Draco brought his hand to Harry's face, and softly brushed some hair behind his ear. "I'll help you. You really need energy..."

Harry just stared at Draco for a moment, breathing unevenly.

"Fine..."

Draco gave a sad smile, and took his wand. He said a spell, and a small, wooden table appeared on the bed. He put his wand away, and carefully placed the soup on the table. He took the spoon in his hand, and filled it with soup. He moved it close to Harry's mouth.

"Open your mouth."

Slowly, Harry obeyed, and Draco carefully fed him the soup.

After few spoonfuls, Harry put his face on Draco's shoulder. He was shaking.

"I-I... I want down..." he whispered. His voice sounded almost tearful.

"Of course," Draco said quickly, and put the soup and the table away. He then gently lowered Harry down on the bed, and tucked him in. Harry closed his eyes, and moved his head close to Draco's leg. Draco took the cold cloth from the nightstand, and carefully placed it on Harry's boiling forehead.

"Thank you..." he heard Harry whisper, before he drifted into sleep. Draco gave a sad smile. He waited for a moment that Harry was surely asleep, and then carefully stood up from the bed. He made sure the blanket covered Harry well, and then placed a quick kiss on the boy's cheek. Blushing slightly, he leaved the room.

After two hours, Ron came to the dormitory, and saw Harry awake in his bed. He instantly rushed to his best friend, sitting next to him on the bed.

"Are you okay? How are you feeling? Do you want me to get anything for you?" the ginger asked worriedly, taking the already dry cloth from Harry's forehead and feeling the fever with his hand. Then he frowned, and looked at the cloth in his hand. "Who put this on you?"

Harry smiled weakly. He had just woken up, and was feeling a little better now. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you..."

"Why is that?" Ron asked. "Was it Malfoy or something?"

Harry chuckled wearily. "Actually, yes."

Ron's eyes widened. "Wait, really??"

"Yeah," Harry answered, and nodded towards the bowl on the nightstand. "He also gave me soup and water."

Ron blinked at the bowl, and back at Harry. "Wow... Who knew Malfoy had a heart too?" he chuckled. But then he turned serious. "He only took care of you, right? He didn't insult you or take advantage of your weak condition?"

Harry shook his head. "No, he didn't do anything, don't worry."

"Alright," Ron stated, looking at Harry. "You seem like you're feeling better."

"Yeah, I am," Harry answered, and gave a small smile.

Ron smiled too. "Oh that's so good to hear. I was ready to force you to the hospital if you got any worse." His smile fell. "I was worried, Harry... You were really ill."

Harry took Ron's hand in his. "I'm sorry, Ron... I didn't mean to worry you."

Ron held Harry's hand. "Don't you dare to apologize for being sick, you jerk." He smiled, and then sighed. "I'm just glad you're okay..."

Harry smiled a bit. "Me too..."

/༄

The next day, Draco entered the Gryffindor common room once again. And what he saw, surprised him.

Ginny Weasley, face red, shouting to Dean Thomas, who was shouting back, holding Seamus Finnigan's hand. Finnigan had red and puffy eyes.

"You do NOT, call MY best friend, a CRYBABY!!" Thomas shouted.

"Well, if YOU spent more time with your GIRLFRIEND, than your bloody BEST FRIEND, I wouldn't have needed to!!" Weaslette screamed back.

"Seamus was CRYING!! Of course I had to help him, you MORON!!"

"WE, were supposed to go on a DATE!!"

"If you would've let me take care of Seamus first, we would be on our damn date right now!! But instead, I'M BREAKING UP WITH YOU!!"

That left Weaslette speechless. Thomas turned around, and marched out from the common room, dragging Finnigan behind him. They didn't even notice Draco.

The whole room was quiet. After a moment, Weaslette burst into tears, and ran to what Draco assumed to be her dormitory. Draco quickly went to Harry's dormitory, before someone would start questioning him being in the Gryffindor common room.

Harry was sitting on his bed. "What was happening there??" he asked right when Draco opened the door. When he noticed who it was, his eyes widened. "Malfoy?"

Draco closed the door, and walked to Harry. "For short, Finnigan was crying, Thomas wanted to help, Weaslette wanted Thomas and insulted Finnigan, and Thomas broke up with Weaslette," he stated, and sat on the bed next to Harry. "How are you feeling?"

It took a moment for Harry to process all the information, but then he blinked quickly and answered: "O-oh I'm fine... At least better than yesterday."

Draco felt Harry's forehead. It was still very warm, but not as hot that it was before. But he felt Harry shaking slightly.

"You should lay down," Draco said, and gently pushed Harry down on the bed and put the blanket over his shoulders. "Do you want me to get you anything?"

Harry shook his head, and crawled closer to Draco. "I just ate a bit. I'm fine. Just-" Harry yawned, and Draco couldn't help but think it was cute. "-tired..."

"Alright," Draco sighed. "Do you want me to leave you alone so you can rest..?" he asked, a bit sadly. He didn't even realize before how much he enjoyed taking care of sick Harry.

"No, please stay..." Harry whispered sleepily, wrapping an arm around Draco's leg.

Draco smiled a bit. He moved his hand to Harry's hair, and started to stroke it softly. Damn, this little git was making him soft.

"Okay, I'll stay. Now shh..." Draco cooed. After a moment, Harry was soundly asleep.

/༄

The next day was Saturday, so Draco wasn't sure should he go to see Harry or not. Weasley probably was with him all the time.

But Draco missed Harry. Yes, Draco Malfoy, missed the fricking Chosen One. He had just visited him twice, but it was enough to get him hooked up. So he went. But at lunchtime, so he could be alone with him.

Gladly, he was right. The common room was empty. Draco rushed up to Harry's dormitory, eager to see was the raven-haired boy feeling better.

But when he opened the door and stepped inside, he realized he wasn't alone there.

Weasley was sitting on a chair next to Harry, talking quietly. When he heard someone coming, he turned his head towards the door, and his eyes widened.

"Malfoy..?" he spoke quietly.

"Erm... Yeah, I..." Draco stuttered, but was cut of by Harry's coughing. Weasley immediately turned back to his friend, and continued the quiet talking. Draco watched as he moved his hand on Harry's head, and started petting his hair, perhaps trying to calm him down. Draco slowly wandered closer, and saw that Harry was pale, sweating, shaking, struggling to breathe and on the verge of tears. Draco gasped in horror. Weasley seemed very distressed as well.

"Malfoy, now that you're here, could you please call madam Pomfrey? Harry really needs help," Weasley spoke quickly, and throw a pleading look at Draco.

"O-of course!" Draco stammered, backed down from Harry and Weasley, and ran. He ran all the way to the hospital wing, pushing some terrified second years and kicking mrs. Norris out of the way. Filch was gonna kill him later.

You may think he was overacting, but Harry couldn't almost breathe. He was clearly hurting, and Draco couldn't stand the thought that he was the one keeping Harry waiting.

"Madam Pomfrey!!"

/༄

After half an hour, and lots of running and rushing for Draco, Harry was safely sleeping in the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey gave him some potions, so he could breathe easier and the fever would fall down a bit.

Draco was standing next to Harry's bed, watching the boy's chest rise and fall slowly. It was comforting, seeing that he was breathing and okay.

Weasley was sitting on a chair next to Harry, holding his sweaty hand and stroking it with his thumb. Draco felt a sting of jealousy. Why? Who knew.But then the red-head turned to Draco.

"Thank you.." he whispered, his voice and eyes showing pure sincerity.

"For what?" Draco asked, even though he was pretty sure he knew the answer.

"For helping Harry... Today, and earlier..." Weasley told, turning his head back to Harry. Apparently Harry had told Weasley that Draco took care of him.

"Uhm... No problem..." Draco answered quietly. He wasn't really sure how to talk to the ginger. This was probably the longest civilized conversation they had ever had.

Weasley took a deep sigh. "I'm such an idiot..." he whispered. "Why didn't I bring him here much earlier?! What if he went worse when I wasn't there?! W-what if..." His sentence was cut off with a small sob.

Draco didn't know what to do. Weasley seemed close to tears, and Draco did not want to deal with a crying man.

"It's not your fault..." he stated, staring at a wall.

Weasley wiped his face to his arm, and slowly turned to Draco, a small smile on his lips.

Draco didn't know should he return the smile or not, but luckily for him, madam Pomfrey came just in time to kick him and Ron out of the hospital wing, so Harry could rest.

"Well, see you, Malfoy," Weasley waved a goodbye, and walked off. Draco said a quick goodbye back, and went to his own way.

/༄

The next day was a Hogsmeade day. Draco wasn't going to go, but yesterday had changed his mind. So there he was, in the Honeydukes, thinking what sweets would Harry like. He heard a familiar giggle, and turned his head.

There was Finnigan, with Thomas, apparently choosing candies as well. Draco noticed how Finnigan's hand brushed Thomas' slightly, and how he pouted when Thomas didn't seem to notice.

Draco rolled his eyes, took some Chocolate Frogs (because who doesn't like chocolate?) with his already almost full basket of candies, and went to pay. At least Harry had something to choose from.

/༄

Draco opened the door to the hospital wing slowly, hoping that Harry wasn't asleep. It was pretty late already. Draco had took a long time getting the sweets from Hogsmeade.

He quietly wandered to Harry's bed. The curtains were closed, and Draco had second thoughts should he open them at all. Was it weird that he cared about his so called enemy so much he had come to see him in the hospital wing with a basketful of candy?

Draco's situation was solved for him, when Harry tore the curtains open himself.

Draco looked at his features. He was lying in his bed, the blanket up to his armpits. He was wearing the blue striped hospital night gown. His face was sullen, but his eyes were bright. His forehead was a bit sweaty and his cheeks red, but he seemed a lot better than yesterday.

"Malfoy..?"

Oh damn, was he staring?

"Sorry..." Draco mumbled, opened the curtains completely, and sat on a chair next to the bed. "How are you feeling?"

Harry smiled a bit. "I'm alright," he answered with his weak voice.

Draco gave a small smile as well. "That's good to hear." He lifted the candy basket up a bit. "I... I brought you this..."

Harry's smile widened, and he tilted his head, looking just adorable. Draco looked down in attempt to hide the fact he was blushing.

"Thank you," Harry said softly.

/༄

Harry and Draco chatted, ate candy, laughed, and had pretty fun time together. Madam Pomfrey came out from her office at one point in attempt to make Draco leave because it was so late, but when she saw the two boys enjoying each others company, she just smiled and went back to her office, one thing in her mind: Minerva and Horace owe me 5 galleons...

After a while the candy basket was much more lighter, and the room was much more darker. Draco was now sitting on Harry's bed, stroking the sick boy's back softly, as he laid on his side, an arm loosely around Draco's leg.

Draco noticed Harry was shaking a bit."Harry..? Are you okay? What's wrong?" he asked softly.

Harry cuddled up even closer to Draco. "M'cold..." he mumbled quietly, without opening his closed eyes.

Draco just stroked Harry's back for a moment, then sighed, and lifted his grey hoodie over his head, and put it on the confused-looking Harry very gently and carefully. The hoodie was way too big for Harry. His small hands didn't even come out from the sleeves. Draco chuckled softly at the adorable sight in front of him.

"Does it feel okay?" he asked, and continued stroking Harry's back, while Harry's big emerald eyes stared up at him, his mouth slightly open.

"Harry?"

The boy snuggled up in the big hoodie and hid his face in it, mumbling: "Y-yes, it does feel good..."

Draco smiled, and pulled Harry close. "Okay, just sleep now, alright? I'll be there with you. Just close your eyes."

Harry obeyed, and closed his eyes. He was now warm, comfortable and safe, and he wouldn't have minded staying there forever. The last thing he knew before falling asleep, was Draco giving a soft kiss on his forehead.

But when he woke up, and sleepily reached for Draco, he realized he was alone. Was it just a dream? No, it couldn't have been. Draco was there, Draco held him next to himself, and Draco kissed his forehead. And Harry was still in Draco's soft, big, comfortable hoodie. Harry inhaled Draco's scent, and sighed. The smell was so comforting. Harry felt himself blush, and it was not because of the fever.

Harry heard the door open, and turned his head to see who it was. He was met with a pair of beautiful, silver eyes.

"Oh Harry, you're up!" Draco whooped happily, and came running to Harry. "Are you feeling all right? I brought you some treacle tart from the Great Hall."

Harry smiled, and took the plate from Draco gratefully. "Yeah, I'm fine," he answered Draco's question, and then looked up at the boy with wonder. "How did you know treacle tart is my favourite?"

Draco blushed lightly, a shy smile on his face. "Being arch enemies for seven years makes you notice a lot..."

Harry chuckled. Yes, it did. Like how Draco's eyes had this sparkle in those always when he was speaking to Harry, and how Draco always ate at least one green apple a day, and how Draco's white and gold hair glimmered in the sun looking absolutely glorious, and how he looked so adorable when he was thinking something very hard, and how he-

"Harry?"

Harry winced back to reality. "Oh, s-sorry... I spaced out..." he muttered awkwardly, looking away from Draco.

"Are you sure you're okay..?" Draco asked worriedly, feeling Harry's forehead with his hand. "Are you cold? Don't you want the tart? It's okay, I can take it back-"

"No!" Harry screeched, and then slowly moved his hand to rub his neck. "I... I mean..."

Draco laughed, and put his hands up in defence. "Alright, alright, I'm not stealing your tart!"

Harry blushed, and shoved Draco's shoulder weakly. Draco smiled, and wrapped an arm around Harry's thin frame.

"I'm glad you're feeling okay. I really am," he said quietly, leaning his head on Harry's.

Harry smiled, resting his own head on Draco's shoulder. He turned a bit, so he was facing the taller boy. Draco turned too, so they were now looking each other in the eyes. But neither of them moved. Until Draco started moving forward, slowly, so Harry could pull away if he wanted to. But he didn't. Their noses were almost touching now. Harry's glasses were lying uselessly on the nightstand, so Draco could see every detail in his eyes. How they were darker, forest green in the middle, and lightened towards the edge, to an unbelievable beautiful emerald tone. And Harry's nose, how it was so small and cute! Draco resisted the urge to kiss it, hoping to kiss some other part of Harry's face.

"Merlin's beard, Poppy! You were right!"

Slughorn's voice made the boys jump in surprise, and their heads collided.

"I-I'm sorry! Did I hurt you?" Draco stuttered, supporting the back of Harry's head with his hand.

"Wha- Oh, no, not at all..." Harry stated awkwardly, and looked at the two adults who just came in. McGonagall looked like he was scolding Slughorn for something. Madam Pomfrey came from her office, looking annoyed, and Harry thought he heard her say: "Oh thank you Horace. You ruined it!"

Draco sighed. "I... Should probably go now... Get well soon." He stood up from the bed. Harry shot him a panicked look. Did he make Draco upset?! The blonde gasped. "Oh Harry, it's okay! I'll come back, I promise! After today's classes, I'll come right back!"

Harry smiled a little bit, and looked down. "Thank you..."Then he started coughing.

Draco pushed him gently down on his bed. "Rest now, alright?"

Harry gave a tired smile, and slowly closed his eyes. Draco brushed his hand over Harry's cheek softly, and placed a kiss on the top of his head.

"Love you," he whispered, before leaving the hospital wing.

/༄

Hours later, Draco came back to the hospital wing.

"Draco!"

That happy voice made Draco smile widely. Wasn't it just the most beautiful sound in the whole world... Draco ran to the boy behind the voice, and was surprised, when he was embraced in a tight hug.

"Missed you..." Harry whispered to Draco's chest, rubbing his head at it.

Draco smiled, wrapping his arms around the shorter boy. "I was here just this morning."

"Still missed you," the soft voice repeated.

Draco brought his hand up to the back of Harry's head, and began petting it slowly.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Right now?" Harry snuggled even closer to Draco, if possible. "Brilliant."

Draco smiled, resting his head on top of Harry's. "That's good."

After a while, Harry looked up from Draco's chest, to Draco's eyes. He just looked at them, and Draco looked back. This time Harry had his glasses on, so he could see every detail of Draco's face. His long, dark eyelashes. His beautiful white hair, now natural, without gel. Harry thought it looked so much better that way. And Draco's eyes. Just look at them! They were light grey, but so, so warm. Like Draco's hoodie, which Harry was still wearing. Harry shuddered a bit, when Draco brought his hand up to Harry's face, and cupped his cheek. But he soon relaxed on Draco's soft touch, and leaned his forehead on Draco's. He saw Draco's eyes go down to his lips quickly, and then back to Harry's eyes. Harry could feel Draco's warm breath against his face. He felt the same wave of happiness, excitement, love, that he had felt with Cho and Ginny. But it was different. So much stronger. And he felt safe. Really safe. He couldn't have imagined of a safer place to be right now than in Draco's arms.

Before he realized, his lips were on Draco's, and they were kissing. Draco's hand was still cupping his cheek. Harry moved his own hand to Draco's hair. The kiss lasted for minutes. Or maybe just seconds. But when Harry pulled off, he was smiling so widely he was afraid he would rip his cheeks. Or he would've been, if he wasn't fully focusing on Draco.

Until a small cough interrupted them.

Both of the boys spun around in surprise. There, at the door, stood Ron.

His eyebrows were up, and he had an askew smile on his face. "So, Harry was just lovesick after all, huh?"

"R-Ron!" Harry gasped. And started to look panicked. "I-I... We..." he stuttered, and Draco held him tighter.

"Calm down, mate," Ron reassured, lifting his hands up a bit, his smile softening. "As long as you're happy, I am happy."

Harry let out a sigh of relief, and left Draco's embrace, putting his feet on the floor and standing up. He gasped as his legs betrayed him, but Ron caught him, pulling him into a hug.

"Thank you..." Harry whispered.

Ron just smiled, as he gently helped Harry back down on his bed.

"Mal... Erm... Draco, come here," Ron told, nodding towards a place few feet away.

Draco looked from Ron to Harry, who gave him a small smile. Draco returned the smile, and placed a soft kiss on the boy's forehead. Then he stood up, and walked to Ron.

Ron cleared his throat, and spoke: "I trust you, that you will be good for Harry." His tone turned deathly serious. "But if he, even just once, comes to me, crying, and tells me, that you hurt him, I will personally make sure you won't see the next day."

Draco gulped, and nodded. He took a deep breath, thinking his words carefully. "I promise you, that I will never in my life, hurt Harry by any possible way."

Ron nodded approvingly. "Good. Then, you have my blessing." Draco let out a relieved breath. Damn this was distressing.

Ron then held out his hand. Draco looked at it for a second, and then held his own hand, and they shook hands.

/༄

Since that, Harry's condition got better every day, and after few days, he could get back to sleep in his own dorm. Draco, Ron and Hermione helped him to the Gryffindor portrait. The common room was full of people.

"I... I don't think it's wise for me to come there..." Draco said quietly.

Harry stood on his toes and pecked Draco's lips. "I'll kill them if they do anything to you. Come on, let's go."

And so they went in. All the noise in the common room stopped, when they saw Draco.

Harry took a breath in. "Listen up, everyone. Draco and I have made up-"

"Made out, I'd say," Ron muttered, making Hermione chuckle.

"-and if anyone has anything against him, keep it to yourself, unless you want me to hex you into oblivion," Harry finished, and much to everyone's surprise, crashed his lips against Draco's.

Seamus quickly followed the example, suddenly pulling Dean close and kissing him. Dean was shocked for a second, but then wrapped his arms around the shorter boy, and began kissing back.

And that's when the room broke into cheering like never before. Everyone was jumping around and screaming. Except Ron, who jerked Hermione towards himself and kissed her. She happily returned the kiss. Nobody noticed the angry-looking McGonagall who came in to see what on earth caused this disorder, but when she saw it, she just smiled, and closed the portrait.

And since that, Draco was an usual sight in the Gryffindor common room. Also Luna, spending time with a certain Gryffindor boy, named Neville. You may also see Harry in the Slytherin one. And slowly, everyone started hanging out in every common room. Professors tried to stop it at first, but they gave up and thought this was for the best. As long as everyone was in their own common rooms by curfew. But nobody noticed if Draco sometimes forgot to go to his own dorm, and stayed in Harry's dorm for the night...

here's my inspiration