Malfoy taught Harry more spells than he'd ever learned at Hogwarts.
Malfoy could perform every single one silently. Several without a wand—like it was a simple Lumos.
Harry lay on his back next to him, wrapping Malfoy in his arms.
He had a bad feeling in his stomach.
"Where the fuck did you learn all that?" his voice pitched higher and he winced internally.
Malfoy accio'd his cigarettes and shrugged. He pulled a green fag out with his teeth.
Harry lit it with his wand.
"Another one of your secrets, then?" he said more sharply than he meant.
Malfoy dropped his head with a sharp breath through his nose.
Harry kissed him apologetically. "Sorry."
"It's alright." Draco breathed out. Harry got smoke in his mouth.
It smelled and tasted exactly like an apple tart.
Malfoy started to gather his robes.
Harry frowned. Malfoy could never get out of there fast enough.
They never said they were exclusive. But Harry hated knowing Malfoy had places to be.
He wanted Malfoy to need this as much as Harry did.
"You know..." Harry hesitated.
"I don't want this to be one-sided."
Malfoy looked at him, pulled his belt tight, and punched a new hole.
"Trust me, Potter. It’s not."
Harry hooked Malfoy's palm with his index finger and gently pulled him back by his hand.
"I know what it’s like when the past won’t leave you alone."
Malfoy flinched, eyes darting away. "I have to go, Potter."
"If you ever need to talk—" he still thought he should say.
Malfoy laughed and groaned at the same time. He laid his head on Harry’s shoulder.
He put two fingers under Harry's jaw and kissed him.
"I’ve got to go." They locked eyes for too long, Malfoy brushed Harry's lips with his thumb.
"My mates are asking a lot of questions."
"Ron and Hermione are, too." Harry winced. "I want to meet you at lunch, but I promised them we’d do something."
"I understand." Malfoy waved it off. "We’ve been at this for a month. It’s not going to be every day forever."
Harry went quiet. He hoped Draco would be disappointed.
Malfoy looked at him guiltily. Harry thought he saw a flash of fear.
"Sorry it was late tonight, Blaise had a birthday party. If you want me to—"
Harry winced at himself. That made him feel guilty.
"No, it's fine," he lied. "I don't mean to... pressure you."
Harry rubbed his arm self-soothingly. That didn't feel like it described him right.
"I'm completely addicted to this," Harry sighed.
"Of course you are," Malfoy said fondly, pecking his lips. "Meet me after lunch Sunday. I only taught you half the spells I know."
Malfoy winked like it was cute.
It felt like Harry's body was turning to stone.
Harry couldn't argue with the feeling in his gut anymore.
"There can’t possibly be anything else."
Malfoy laughed mirthlessly.
"There are more sex spells than there are for healing."
Harry blinked. That… didn’t feel like a joke.
"Really?" It came out like he forgot how to speak.
"The wizarding world is sick." Draco sneered with more disdain than Harry ever used for "mudblood."
Harry's alert system finally overrode his boner and sounded off every alarm in his head.
Malfoy's face flicked with fear again.
He cleared his throat, and forced a half-smile that didn't stick.
"Leaves some fun stuff to play with," he said quickly, rocking Harry's knee in his hand.
Harry didn't blink. His lips were pressed tight.
"Silver linings," Malfoy muttered like he was evading a charge.
Malfoy pecked Harry's lips and pulled back smiling like nothing happened.
One look at Harry's face killed it.
He hung his head and muttered gibberish in the exact same manner Harry used to get away from Ron.
"Hmm?" He didn't look at Harry.
"Seriously." Harry’s voice sharpened. "Did you learn those in a book or something?"
"Yeah," Malfoy said flatly. He ripped the door open and left still doing up his trousers.
Silenced rushed in behind the door.
Harry watched long after Malfoy slipped through it.
If that wasn't a cry for help—Harry didn't know what one was.
No more waiting for answers. Harry had to see Hermione.
Either something terrible had happened to him… or he was fucking someone else.
Harry's chest got tighter than it should have.
He hated himself for it, but he kept hoping he wasn't seeing anyone else.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/75634451/chapters/197890766#workskin