Coping 101 or Not

1

Something changed when Harry saved Dudley from the Dementors the year before. No one, not even Dudley knew exactly what, but the balance had shifted. It was as if everything finally clicked into place and his eyes had been opened. And in realizing that maybe he was wrong, Dudley made a pact with himself to get to know the boy he had terrorized. Harry, like everyone else was human, just different.

Thinking back at how they all treated Harry, Dudley realized that in his world it was no different. They had gotten a letter from the Headmaster of Hogwarts before the term had ended. It explained that Harry had had another hard year and that he had witnessed his godfather's murder just days before. The man had written that they should let the boy grieve. Just a short note really. Not personal at all, detached even.

Then Dudley saw Harry at King Cross. The boy looked haggard, as if he hadn't eaten or slept in a long period of time. And maybe, Dudley thought, it was Harry's way of keeping the nightmares at bay. Nightmares that he knew kept Harry from getting the sleep he needed. Right there in the platform, Dudley made his pact known to all that gathered for the train. Everyone but Harry seemed wary. He had tucked the boy into his side as his father pushed the trolley. On the way back to Privet, he had kept Harry tucked into his side and told him to go to sleep. He told the boy that he wouldn't have to deal with this on his own. So far Dudley had kept his word.

That had been 3 days ago. Not nearly as rotund as he was before, Dudley sat on Harry's bedroom floor watching the boy drink himself into oblivion. They had letters all around them. Letters that Harry had begun reading that first night, handing them to Dudley as he finished them. The letters held a lot more insight into who Harry was then Dudley ever thought possible. And there were pictures too. Yet, very few spoken words had been exchanged.

At first he thought that the letters would be from the boy's godfather. Letters that would help him grieve. Then he started to read them. The first one was a set of rules and guidelines for a written friendship. It was a boy that was writing, that was clear, and Harry wasn't allowed to ask who he was. That just made it amusing. Why would someone write someone that they didn't know ? That was just a little stupid.

So, Dudley read. At first it was just an exchanging of letters between friends. Full of hobbies, likes and dislikes, jokes. And they went on like that for the first 380 or so letters, then the tone started to change. They started discussing the war that they felt was upon them, started watching students, discussing advanced spell work and the best shields. Then the tone changed again in the letters dated for 2003 and 2004. They took on a tone that could only be that of Lovers and the pair had never met. They were full of fears, prayers and pleas. In one of Harry's he mentioned an escape plan and knowing full and well who his pen pal was. The boy he called 'Angel' was in deeper than anyone could ever know.

Then Harry passed the last letter and tossed back the contents of his glass. Swiftly Dudley read the letter and laughed out right.

" You pinned him to a wall and kissed him ? You broke the rules. "

" Keep reading. " Harry grunted into his glass

Dudley laughed again and quickly finished the letter. Apparently Harry breaking the rules wasn't such a big deal. The boy felt honored that Harry had come to him when he needed to. Granted the way Harry had gone about it ruffled the other boy's feathers, he hadn't minded. He said that it hurt to see the amount of pain that Harry was in and that he wished he could make it stop. Then, Dudley's jaw dropped. The letter ended with 'I love you with everything that I am, Angel'.

" He knows me better than any other person on the planet, D. I've told him things that I could tell no one else. We have plans, things that need to be done. The fact that I just put his father in Azkaban doesn't really help matters at all. Lucius Malfoy, Angel's sire, is Voldemort's right hand man. Voldy will take Lucius' failure out on him and his mother. He should show up any day now, the ring can not be removed or seen. I really don't know what will be done to him. I really don't even want to think about it. "

" Why H ? "

" Because everyone I allow myself to get close to dies. I'm still trying to sort out what it is I do feel. What I feel for him and what I feel for others is totally different and I've never felt it before. It terrifies me blind. "

" You love him H, that much is very apparent. You can see it in the letters. And I actually like both of you immensely. I do not, how ever, like whom I see before me. "

" Noted and I really don't give a flying fuck. "

Dudley laughed as he stood and starred down at Harry. Almost 16, Harry was tall, had to be 6 foot. He was thin and fit, with a strong square jaw and high cheek bones. His hair was now brushing his shoulders and was wavy, not at all messy. And his eyes were dead, they held no life. Not for the first time Dudley wondered what Harry had seen and done in his life. What had happened to drain the life out of the boy.

" Give me the bottle H and your glass. It's been 3 days, time to pull yourself together. Go shower, I'm going to get you something to eat. Do I have to remove all the shape point objects or are you ok ? "

" That is a stupid question D. Alright, you win. Just don't leave me alone too long. I can't be alone. "

" Leave the door unlocked. 10 minutes H. "

Dudley collected the bottle and glass before heading down stairs. Yes, he was going to like spending time with Harry, getting to really know the boy. He already felt as if he was gaining a friend, a brother, but there was still so much to learn. Deep down Dudley hoped Harry would continue talking to him. It was Dudley's only shot.

When he walked into the kitchen, he set the bottle down infornt of his father and crossed to the sink.

" I need you to lock that in the trunk of the car. As long as I don't tell him where it's at, he can't get to it. Mum, can you please bring coffee and toast upstairs ? I got him in the shower but he asked not to be left alone. This is bigger then you know, deeper. If someone happens to show up here, ask if their Angel and if they say yes, let them in. Harry needs that person and I have no idea how to find them. Although, he may be pretty banged up. "

At that same moment the door bell rang making Dudley laugh. Without a word Dudley left the kitchen and went to answer the door. When he pulled the door open, he blinked rapidly. There stood a blond boy of about 16. He was shorter then Harry, about 5'9. He was thin and dressed in jeans and a button up shirt. His right eye was nearly swollen shut and the side of his face black and blue. His lip was slit too. On his arms and neck, Dudley could see more bruises. This was Angel, how Dudley knew that he didn't know. Sighing, Dudley waved the boy in and shut the door behind him.

"Angel ? "

The boy nodded and looked down at the floor. This was the timid boy that Dudley liked so much. The one who could tell Harry off and get away with it. The one who eased away the fear and frustration. The boy who had been beaten for his father's failure.

" He's stone drunk at present. I'm going to introduce you to my parents to let them know your here. What happened to you ? "

By this time they were standing in the kitchen and the elder Dursley's starred open mouth at the new comer. Angel flinched and looked at the floor doing his best not to hide behind Dudley. No matter how much he wanted too, he could no longer hide.

" I'm Draco Malfoy. My father fucked up and it was taken out on me and mother. They killed her two days ago, I was beaten when I refused the mark. Harrison gave me a ring that is our escape plan. I left Hogwarts against orders. It's only a matter of time before the Godfather's track me down. I felt like something was wrong. Where is he Dudley ? I shouldn't be feeling like this. This is NOT normal. "

" Up stairs. He's gunna flip when he sees you. H, isn't exactly normal. He said that you'd be showing up, like this actually. "

" No he won't be very happy. He does have a temper and he'll get the revenge he'll seek. Most of this is my Aunts doing, she killed his godfather. But, this is different even for me and I'm a pureblood wizard. No, this is something he and I have to talk about. "

Dudley's eyes went wide and he laughed. Yes, somehow Dudley just knew that Harry was not a wizard to be crossed. The people who had delt out the punishment had done nothing compared to what Harry would do. And what in the hell was this boy on about ?

" She's a real bitch and half insane. My Aunt Bellatrix. "

No one saw Harry standing in the doorway. His temper was at a slow simmer and had been for days. The sight of the bruises brought it to a boil. Someone was going to pay for this and he would be collecting.

" He knew not to play games with Bella. You know I went after her and I don't play games. "

Draco and Dudley turned to face Harry their grins sliding off their faces. Harry, who was more sober then they all thought, narrowed his eyes at Draco. Trying his hardest not to squirm, Draco starred back. It felt as if Harry could see exactly what had happened. As if Draco himself was transparent. It wasn't a feeling that he liked very much, but he dare not look away.

" Bella and who ? " Harry finally asked gently

" Newbie's. I don't know who. I port keyed to Hogwarts the night term ended. I left because I knew you weren't ok. I'm fine, really. No longer am I broken, just battered. Poppy just saved me. Saved my life Potter. Again. "

" Yes, again. According to Hermione I have a 'Saving people thing' far too noble for my own good. "

Harry nodded and moved to sit down. He wanted nothing more then to crawl into a hole and die. But he couldn't, he had the world to save. Sighing, Harry looked up at Draco and held out his hand. To his relief the boy took in and allowed himself to be pulled into Harry's lap. Sitting on the chair between Harry's knees, Draco sighed as he rested back into the warmth. He belonged here, he was finally home. And that thought should've terrified him, but it hardly registered.

" Draco, dear, coffee ? "

" Yes, thank you Mrs.Dursley. How long Harrison ? "

" 3 days. I'm not as drunk as you all think I am. I am not new at this. I handle my liquor very well. I spend far too much time with the Weasley twins. "

" Enough said. " Draco laughed

" About the wall – "

" About that last letter. "

" You take that back and I will never forgive you. I, on the other hand, broke the rules. "

" No harm no foul. "

Harry shrugged and thanked Petunia for the coffee. And that would be the end of that. Dudley was trying very hard not to laugh and was failing. Since he had read the letters, he knew Draco quite well. In fact, he liked him. In Dudley's opinion Harry's boyfriend was perfect for him. But it was funny to see them together. It was like watching an old married couple. And at that thought, Dudley snorted loudly.

" Shut up D. " Harry muttered darkly

" I just spent 3 days sitting on your bedroom floor reading 3650 letters. I know what you're talking about. Not only that but I rather like your bloke. Well, from what I have read. And you, no more hiding. I fully expect Harrison Potter at this table in the morning. Time to ruffle feathers mate, I want to be there when you do. Tell me, exactly how long have you been together ? "

" Time is relative. If you count when the letters started, nearly 5 years. From when we started expressing concern, 2 years. When it all came to a head and I pinned Angel to a wall in the dungeons, 2 weeks. As I said, time is relative and total shit. " Harry laughed

Vernon decided that he was just going to watch. He wasn't butting in here. He had been watching the boys over the last few days and they had barley separated. Perhaps it was time for them to follow Dudley's led and get to know the boy. What harm could it do really ?

" Sorry to disappoint you Dudley, but I haven't heard any good about you. In fact I haven't heard much at all. But I will make an effort. " Draco asked

" I just find it funny is all. I mean all those letters. It's different in your world isn't it. The way that things are. "

" Yes. Very different. You love whom you love. In times of war it rings truer than in times of peace. But it is not frowned upon like it is out here. But I am Draco Malfoy, son of a Death Eater and he is Harry Potter The-Boy-Who-Lived. What do you think the public will say ? "

" I don't give a fuck. They can all go to hell for all I care. They have no say over what I do, who I see, how I act. I've hidden everything about who I really am in hopes of retaining my sense of self. I've had it Love and all the nasty little secretes that I hide will be hidden no more. I'm going to have fun with Rita Skeeter. I can't stand her. "

" Yes well, that was rather blunt. " Draco said dryly

" Expect nothing less then blunt my love. "

" Too right. "

The three boys at the table shared a smirk that had Vernon just a little more then worried. Now, he wasn't to sure, but he thought that the women that Harry referred to was a reporter. To say that the elder Dursley's where confused would've been an understatement. But they would just wait for the answers. Harry then held out his hand and the phone flew into it, making Vernon jump.

" Opps, sorry bout that . Jake, 11 am tomorrow, 4 Privet Drive , Little Winning, Surry. Don't be late. I have a surprise for you. "

Harry then hung up the phone and set it on the table. There was a gleam in his eyes that wasn't there before and that wasn't something that Vernon wanted to touch on either.

" Angel, Phase One. "

Draco then smiled evilly. Nope, Vernon thought, leaving that well enough alone.

" Face me please. "

They watched as Draco stood then startled Harry's legs. It was actually kind of funny because he was sitting on Harry's knees and his feet didn't touch the floor.

" Trust me. "

" With everything. "

They then watched as Harry's hands began to faintly glow silver. Gently he brushed his finger tips over Draco's abused cheek. Dudley, who was up for seeing as much magick as possible, moved behind Harry so he could watch. He let his jaw drop as the bruises and swelling vanished, all traces just gone. Then Harry moved to the bruises on the blonde's neck, they too vanished.

" Now that was bloody wicked. Hello Angel. And it's fitting too, you look like an angel. " Dudley laughed

To Harry's surprise and amusement, Draco turned bright red. Allowing the boy to hide his face in his neck, Harry grinned up at Dudley.

" I was starting to wonder if Malfoy's blushed. Thanks D. "

" Yes, I blush. It was dark thank Merlin. It's not funny Potter, not funny at all. Careful there is a massive nasty bruise there. Poppy went for bones first. "

Harry sighed and gently rested his hands on Draco's hips. Ok, he understood that bones had to be healed first. But why was he still so battered ? What had they been doing for the last two days ?

" No love, it was bad. Very bad. When I say broken I mean just that. Internal damage too. I haven't even been a wake but for half a day. I don't know how you deal with that women, I just couldn't anymore. I'm safe with you. I know that and so does everyone else. That and I have a slight advantage. I know that you are an upper level mage and have the ability to make the pain stop. "

" Yeah all powerful uber wizard. Come on, now I'm really pissed. "

" Damn. "

Draco stood up and turned to face the other occupants of the room. They just starred at him in total shock.

" Holy shit. Vernon, he does look like an angel ? " Petunia breathed

" Thank you. Now I think that I'm in trouble. "

" No, not you. But the next time I see Bellatrix I'll kill her slowly. Very slowly. It wasn't enough that she killed Sirius, she nearly got you too. She'll pay love and she will find that the price is far too high. "

" That actually frightened me a bit. Don't do that. You get this gleam in your eye that just about terrifies me. Now we've been over this – "

" Don't do anything stupid. Yeah I got it. You lot may want to follow, my room has been modified. Just remember, you locked me in. "

The Dursley's followed slightly amused as the pair bickered as they walked up the stairs. When they walked into the small room, Harry smirked and looked Vernon in the eye.

" Ace of Spades. " Harry said

The room changed in the blink of an eye and had everyone gaping. On the far wall where the small bared window use to be, there was now a floor to ceiling window that was 6 feet wide framed in gauzy blue sheers. On the right wall stood a solid pine four poster bed, dressed in pale blue and white bed clothes and fluffy pillows. The bed was flanked by a pair of night stands. Farther down the same wall was a long pine table that was obviously used as a desk of sorts. On the same wall as the door was a massive white marble fireplace, framed with book cases packed with books. Before it sat a loveseat and a pair of comfy looking chairs. On the left wall there were two white doors, another long pine table between them a stereo system set into a nook in the wall. Long shelves housing hundreds of CD's placed around it. And the smirk never left Harry's tired face.

There were no words to be said. He had gone and shocked everyone again. But the sad thing was, he was just getting warmed up. There were things that he was about to let out that would enrage the Wizarding World at large. The Dursley's would soon be seeing him in a new light and he hoped to God that he didn't lose them. Granted they weren't the best family in the world, but they were his.

" Vernon, none of the changes can bee seen from the outside. I made sure of it. The door closest to you leeds into a small kitchen. The one farthest from you into a closet. Halfway through the closet to the right is a bathroom. I am now going to put Angel back together. You can look around. None of the books can be taken down without my say, or the CD's. You'll get shocked D, don't even try. I'll be back out. "

Harry gently pushed Draco in the right direction and closed the door behind him.

" And I thought I had a lot of clothes. Merlin, Love. " Draco laughed

" You know that image change I wrote about, then I sent the pictures ? "

" Yes. "

" Care to join me ? "

Draco smirked and nodded. He wanted to shed the pretty boy image as much as Harry wanted to shed his down trodden and destitute one. Flinching as he hit a bruise, Draco pulled his trunk out of his pocket. Without a word Harry set it on the floor and enlarged it allowing the blond to gather what he needed.

When they stepped into the bathroom Draco froze. It was simplistic and classically elegant. It was totally Harry. On the right hand wall was the vanity, 5 foot long counter with it's white porcine sink in the center. Under the window on the opposite wall was a white claw foot tub. Deep blue marble covered the floor vanity an halfway up the walls, as well as in the separate glass enclosed shower. Draco wandered farther in and found the toilet behind the wall behind the tub. A linen cupboard directly across from the toilet housed fluffy white towels.

Draco could only grin as Harry filled the tub. Yes, he'd be happy here.

" Who knew you had such good taste ? "

" Not many people actually. Isis, a friend of mine, said it was a bit girly. Told her to fuck off. "

Harry then stood and took the towel from his hands. He had a look in his eye and made Draco a bit wary. Harry was angry, he knew that, but this look would've made Death Eaters cower. He said nothing as Harry unbuttoned his shirt and tossed it aside. The look only intensified.

" My Love, " Draco whispered

" I'm sorry. I'm trying. "

Tilting his face up, Draco kissed Harry softly and smiled. The anger in his eyes dimmed and for that Draco was grateful.

" I know. I'm going to be alright. "

Harry nodded and lifted his hands to either side of Draco's face. They began to glow softly but neither looked away. Then Harry's hands started to move and he watched as Draco's eyes glazed over. He knew that the magick he was using had a tendency to be a bit intoxicating, especially if he didn't dampen it. And he wasn't. He knew that any and all of the injuries caused needed to be repaired as soon as possible. If not, well Harry wouldn't be held responsible for what he may do.

Moving on to Draco's back, Harry pulled the blond to him so his head rested on his shoulder. It's didn't help mattes that Harry could now see the 2 day old bruises marring Draco's skin. It didn't help that the anger continued to build or that he wanted to destroy something. Wrapping his arms around the blond, Harry rested his chin on his hair.

" Calm down, please. I can feel how angry you are. There are only a few left and there not that bad. I promise. " Draco whispered

Harry didn't say anything and simply held on. He needed to get his bearings, needed to let some of the anger go and be thankful that Draco was alive. Pulling back Harry sighed and looked into Draco's eyes.

" I love you, more then I could ever put into words. I will never be able to tell you enough. There are not enough ways for me to show you. I have only ever loved you and there will be no other. I'm thankful that you're alive. I'm just angry because of what was done to you. Now, let's finish this and get you in the tub. Then sleep wouldn't hurt either of us. "

Draco nodded unable to speak. Who ever thought that Harry Potter would have such a way with words ? Or that at exactly the right time he'd know how to use them ? So stuck in his own thoughts, Draco didn't realize Harry had banished his pants until he felt hands on his skin. Now, Draco was modest, obsessively so. But this didn't bother him in the least. The fact that he now stood naked in before the man he loved should've mortified him. But for some reason it didn't. That just didn't make sense.

Slowly, Harry stood and placed his hands on Draco's hips. There was a look in the blonde's eyes that had him smirking.

" Miss anything ? " Harry whispered

Draco shook his head and wrapped his arms around Harry's neck. Some how he had rendered the boy speechless. Still smirking, Harry slowly ran his hands up Draco's back. He wanted to see how far he could push.

" Positive ? "

Draco shook his head and leaned forward intending to kiss his hero. Harry pulled back, just slightly. Draco pouted and simply looked back. He was being played with, he knew that. And he'd be damned if he let Harry win this one. So smirking, Draco ran a hand down Harry's chest and settled it on his hip. He knew how to play, not only that, but he knew how to push Harry.

" Not entirely, no. You see, my boyfriend hasn't properly kissed me yet. It's frustrating really. "

Harry raised an eyebrow and kissed Draco softly.

" That was not a kiss. "

So, he folded. Harry just wanted Draco safe in his arms. He would gladly hand over anything the boy wanted as long as he was in his arms. He kept the kiss slow as it deepened, wanting to put as much love into the kiss as he could. When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against the other boys and kept his eyes closed.

" I'm not ok Angel. Get in the bath, I have to go break something. "

" I know. Harrison, "

Harry opened his eyes and looked into Draco's. The blonde smiled and rested his hand on Harry's cheek.

" I love you too. "

Harry grinned and kissed Draco softly, before letting go.

Dudley watched Harry like a hawk as soon as he re entered the main room. He hadn't been gone that long, maybe 20 minutes, but it was just long enough for his parents to start wondering what the hell was going on. But, something was off, Dudley could feel it. The anger was pouring off Harry in crushing waves and that was not a good thing.

" Fucking bitch. Her own nephew. That fucking bitch. "

Then the window exploded and Harry spun quickly holding up a hand. The shattered glass hung frozen in mid air as Harry breathed heavily. No, this was not good at all. Dudley slowly approached, waving off his parents. Now the blatant display of magick had the elder Dursley's on edge. They had never seen anything such as this and weren't sure how to deal with it. But apparently Dudley knew and that thought wasn't comforting either. So they watched, silently, as their son crossed the room not knowing what to expect.

" H, put it back. " He said calmly and firmly

Harry flicked his wrist as Dudley took his hand sending the glass back into the pane. Vernon blinked rapidly. Exactly how close had they become in 3 day's time ?

" What's under the anger H ? "

" Terror. Massive amounts of blinding fear. Not only because I could've lost him D. No. It's what I'm capable of doing when I let my anger control me. Do not let go, please. "

Dudley nodded and tightened his hold as Harry turned to face him. He could see the fear, anger and self loathing in Harry's eyes. The boy felt his emotions head on and felt them completely. Over the last 3 days Dudley had learned very quickly how to read him. Now, he could help. Like grounding him. Even if it made him dizzy.

" I could kill her, I could draw it out so she felt all the pain I still do. I could have her begging for death only to be denied. Now, knowing that I am capable of it, knowing that I could sink to a low worthy of Voldemort, doesn't help my sanity. I'm not all here D. With the things that I have seen and done, I'm not very sane at all. "

Dudley pulled Harry into a hug and let him get himself back under control. Yes he knew of the things that Harry had done. He had read them in the letters. He honestly didn't know HOW Harry delt with it all. But then again it was apparent that sometimes he just didn't. He pushed it to the back of his mind and pretended that it didn't exist. That mechanism would only hurt him later. But in truth, until Dudley himself witnessed what Harry's life was like, he'd never really understand.

Pulling back slightly, Dudley tried to clear his mind. It wasn't working. The magick was far to strong and he was but a muggle. Shaking his head again, Dudley laughed.

" Yo, H. You gotta chill out brother. I can't see straight and I feel like I'm pissed out of my mind. I gotta sit. Sitting is good. "

" Opps. "

Dudley laughed again as Harry set him down on the bed. Giggling like a school girl, Dudley flopped back wards and covered his face with his hands.

" All he says is opps. I mean really. You know what that amount of magick running through a muggle will do. Man, this is the best. "

Harry laughed and lay next to the brother that he had gained, covering his face. Although he was careful not to touch him. There had been one other time that Dudley had grounded him. Just the one. It had been right after they had gotten home and Harry had locked them in his room. He had gotten mad at Sirius for the first and last time. An anger that was more hurt then any thing else. And somehow Dudley had known how to keep Harry's magick under control. That had been the astounding part.

When the bed dipped beside him, Harry didn't have to look to see who it was. It was Draco and the bath hadn't as long as he had thought it would.

" Harrison, what did you do to the muggle and why is he laughing like a 10 year old girl ? " Draco asked softly

" Well, you see the window ? Darling it exploded and I caught the glass in mid air. D, knowing what was wrong, took it upon himself to take charge and defuse the situation. "

Draco turned and looked at the elder Dursley's who still stood by the kitchen and they nodded. Ok, the muggle wasn't as stupid as he thought, or maybe he was.

" And the giggling ? "

" Oh, I used him as a ground. "

Draco snorted and reached over laying a hand on Dudley's forehead. No fever.

" Dud, alright ? "

" Yeah mate. I'm coming down. H, headache. "

Harry grunted but didn't move. So, Draco lay down beside him and rested his head on his chest. The magick was still burning hot and he began to get light headed. Now would be a very good time to pull away but where was the fun in that. It had only taken seconds for the magick to reach him, seconds for him to join Dudley in the pointless giggling. It only took a few more seconds for Harry to catch on.

As gently as he could, Harry moved Draco off him and got off the bed.

" The both of you, laughing like little girls. Angel, love, you know better. "

" Yes, I do. But sometimes I just don't care. Now this is one hell of a high. I don't wanna do that again anytime soon. "

Harry snorted and crossed to the wall between the bed and the window. He knew what he was doing when he created this space. He wanted a place that was just his and he wanted to be able to hide things if need be. Therefore the entire room was rigged. So rigged in fact that it would take him days to pack the room up, even with the use of magick .

" Belladonna. "

Draco twisted around and let his mouth drop open. A part of the wall had vanished and a dozen or so shelves appeared. It was a potions cupboard. A hidden potions cupboard. There were headache potions, Pepper-up, Hangover cures, Calming Droughts, Sleep aids, pain killers and one that made Draco's heart skip, The Crutiauts Potion.

" I know that you've felt the Crutiauts. May I ask as to why you have that potion and so much of it ? "

Harry sighed and finished collecting the potions that he had gone after. He didn't want to have this talk with Draco. He didn't what to let anything out that might scare him away. He didn't want the other boy to know exactly how bad things were. But at this point he didn't really have much of a choice.

" Mischief Managed. Here D, get out. "

Draco made a funny noise as Harry handed off the potions and stood back up. Dudley on the other hand, laughed slightly and patted Draco's shoulder.

" His friends are muggles. One suffers from migraine headaches. He makes these for her and she actually has to come and get them. The grounding headaches are killer. They fell like someone has tried to cleve your head in half with a blunt ax. The migraine potion works beautify. The Dreamless Sleep, well, you know why. "

" You make potions formulated for Muggles ? That has never been done before. "

" That is why you will keep it to your self love. No more attention. No more press then necessary. I'll be right back. "

" You didn't answer my question. "

Harry stopped in the closet doorway and sighed as he turned to face Draco. Why couldn't he just be normal ?

" I'm not sure that I can. It's not something very many people know. And I'm not sure if I'll be able to cope with the revelation, or the fall out. I am going to put my contacts in, change my hair and put my piercings back in. Just, let me sort it all out. Because I don't think I can live without you. You are the only person who has kept me sane. I don't want to lose you. "

" H, do you want – "

" No, this is my mess, I'll clean it up. "

And with that Harry walked away. Draco let out a frustrated sigh and buried his face in a pillow. It just wasn't very fair that he was seeing the savior of the world. It wasn't fair to have secretes between them and it wasn't fair that he was so pissed about it. So, sitting up, Draco fixed Dudley with a steady gaze. He wanted a few answers and he fully intended to get them.

" I know about as much as you so don't even go there Angel. That is my brother and I will not do something he asked me not to. It's bigger and deeper then you know. A right mess. Don't walk away from him. He needs you. And with that, I bid thee good night. Mum, Dad let's go. "

A look of horror crossed Petunia's face and Draco nearly laughed. Two boys left alone in a room, boys that just happened to be seeing each other. Two boy's that were 15 and often thought with the head between their legs and not the one on their shoulders.

" Harrison has a nobility complex that would do you proud Mrs.Dursley. Nothing will happen, you have nothing to fear. I will take my potion like a good little boy and so will Harry. I promise. Aside from that, I have been on so many potions in the last 48 hours that I'd be lucky if my body would even respond. That I really don't like admitting. " Draco said sincerely

" Alright. Good night Draco. Call me Aunt Petunia, please. "

" Good night Aunt Petunia. See you in the morning. "

Petunia gave a court nod and pulled her husband from the room. Vernon still didn't like the idea but followed his wife out. Actually he was starting to think this magick thing wasn't so back. Harry seemed well grounded even if that was the wrong terminology. And maybe he could get to like this Draco fellow. Maybe.

" D, go away. " Draco pouted as the elder Dursley's waked out.

But Dudley just stood there smirking.

" Really. "

" Draco, you hurt my brother and no one on this earth will be able to save you. We may be new at this but he means a great deal to me and I don't want to see him hurt. Clear ? "

Draco nodded and watched as the boy walked out of the room. When the door clicked closed, he flopped backward and closed his eyes. Why was it that no one could ever give him a straight answer ? Any answer at all would be great. Harry had never lied to him. If he asked Harry a question it was always answered. But not this time. This time Harry had said no. Harry never said no. He knew that he didn't like it but now what was he going to do about it.

He didn't open his eyes when he felt Harry's weight settle just barely on top of him. It was a comforting thing. Something that Draco didn't quite understand and didn't know if he wanted to. Eyes still closed, he reached up and wrapped his arms around Harry's neck trying to get closer.

" Your hair is different. " He whispered

" Keep your eyes closed. I have a surprise for you. "

There was a laugh in Harry's voice that made Draco smirk. Then he was kissed firmly. He would never tire of kissing Harry. It was something that he had been craving and something he found he couldn't get enough of once he started. When Harry's tongue ran across his lower lip, he opened his mouth without hesitation. Harry had his tongue pierced ! That was the surprise and Draco was delighted by it. Pulling back, he smirked but kept his eyes closed.

" That I like. A lot actually. Now, the question is, am I going to like what I see ? Maybe I should keep my eyes shut. "

Harry was nipping along his jaw and chuckled, although he didn't stop.

" It won't do any good you know. But don't stop, so good. "

Harry chuckled again and kissed him deeply. Yes, he knew what potions were capable of doing. He knew what potions would do that too. That didn't help Harry's temper at all. But he could put it away for another time, for battle. So he broke the kiss and startled Draco's hips. Even with his eyes closed the blonde looked more then a little dazed.

" Angel, you need to tell me what you think. For that you need to sit up and open your eyes. "

Draco sat up but he didn't open his eyes.

" Angel, "

The impatient tone in Harry's voice made him laugh out right. Harry wanted his attention and he wouldn't give it to him. He had a new weapon.

" Angel. "

This time Harry whined and when Draco opened his eyes he was pouting and looking down at their laps. It was priceless. Too cute for words simply because it wasn't something that he ever thought that he would see. And speaking of seeing, Harry did not look like Harry any more.

Reaching up, Draco lifted Harry's chin and narrowed his eyes. Oh he liked what he saw at first glance but Harry didn't need to know that. Without his glasses the bright vibrant emerald of his eyes became the focal point. His right eye brow was pierced as well as his lip, and Draco found that he liked them. Then his hair. Oh Merlin. It was parted so it covered the left side of his face to his chin. It covered the scar that he knew Harry hated. But is was like a fringe of sorts, going only to his left ear. The rest was short and sticking up in odd directions. There were blood red highlights running through it as well. Yes, Draco liked what he saw.

Laying back down Draco just starred up at him and sighed. He was the one person that knew Harry more then just skin deep. He knew things about Harry that would make his friends mad and outrage the public at large. But there was something that Harry didn't want him to know. Something so big that he was afraid that Draco would walk away. Reaching up and tugging Harry back down, Draco waited. He'd talk, eventually.

And this is it, Harry thought, now I get to tell all and risk losing him. He had his head on Draco's chest, arm wrapped protectively around him. Right now silence was the enemy and he needed to start talking. The last thing he wanted was for Draco to start asking questions. Merlin knew the blonde was FULL of them. So he sighed and closed his eyes.

" You know that Voldy and I share a link right ? "

" Yes. You told me. "

" I did. But it's not simply that we are connected. I have visions. I see things through his eyes and on a few occasions it has saved a few lives. If I can't save them, I can tell Dumbledore where to find the bodies. I have attended more DE meetings then I ever want to again and I have watched him kill more times then I ever needed to. When I'm in a vision there is nothing I can do to get out of it. And when I wake up I'm so weak that Ron ends up taking care of me. Remember the History of Magick OWL ? "

" Yes. "

" Voldy sent that one, to get me to the Hall of Prophecies in the Department of Mysteries. Since that vision I have completely and totally cut my mind off from his. I have used both Muggle and Wizarding techniques to shield my mind. Oh, it wasn't easy, no. But I did it and I figured out how to flip the link. He chose me Angel. At the age of 15 months old my power equaled his and he chose me. There was a prophecy made just before I was born, he only knows the first part. I know all of it. "

Harry tightened his hold and recited the Prophecy. This was everything, what marked his fate. These words from a women who was just a bit mad fated him for either hunter or pray. He refused to be either. When he finished there was silence. And he waited.

" So, what are you going to do about it ? Are you going to let it control you or are you going to take control ? You have every right to. This is your war. " Draco said softly

Harry just lay there. He didn't honestly know what to do. All he knew was that something had to be done. Dumbledore ran the Order on lies and half truths. He sacrificed good people for the greater good. He used and manipulated to twist the out come in his favor. No, a war couldn't be won that way and it was time for Harry to step up to the plate.

" I have plans that I will share with you tomorrow. Are you ready for this my love ? Tell me you won't walk away when it gets too hard ? I can not do this alone, not without you. "

" I'm exactly where I want and need to be. You're stuck with me Potter. "

" Good cause I wanna be. The visions. "

" Yes. "

" When he tortures someone, I feel it. Not full blast, mind you, but I feel it. It just so happens that his favorite is the Crutiauts, that's why I have so many of that potion. There starting not to work. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, to see if anymore damage has been done. Wait until you see some of the stuff they have me on. And you thought Poppy was a pain. "

" You've built up a tolerance to which potions ? "

" Nearly all of them. The relaxant, the stronger pain potions, calming droughts, sleep aids, the Crutiauts potion. I am totally reliant on Muggle means and I have to be very careful with them. The only sleep potion that still works is Dreamless and I have to be careful with that too. Poppy just sits there and holds me, Snape has done the same thing. I haven't told them about the doctor yet. "

" How long have you been seeing the doctor ? "

" End of 4th year. I go through bouts of tremors and Jake saw. "

" The muggle that came to the castle ? "

" Yes, he worries. The nerve damage isn't that bad. The Doc has me on all kinds of stuff and I have him under all kinds of spells. Some of those spells are of my own making. He knows all and he can't tell a soul. He's tried. You'll like him, Dr.Roberts. I have to see the eye doctor too. We have a lot to do tomorrow. "

Draco nodded and for the first time realized that he had a death grip in the boy in his arms. Harry Potter just couldn't get a break. He couldn't just live. He had visions and tremors and Merlin knew what else the boy went though. And he honestly thought that Draco could just walk away. Not bloody likely. Not in this life time.

So he loosened his grip as not to leave bruises and started to run his fingers through Harry's hair. He knew from the hours in the alcove that the motion calmed the boy and right now he needed to be reassured. But Draco was at a loss as to what to actually say. What was one to say when the one they loved faced so much ? Was there anything that could be said ? Where words even enough ? Would he be enough ?

" I love you. " He finally whispered

He felt Harry smile into his tee shirt and adjust to try to get closer. That seemed to be all that Harry needed and that was all that Draco could come up with. He wasn't walking into this blindly. But he was scared and he had every right to be. But like Harry had said before, Fear has no place in war and panic only caused discord. When it came to war, Harry knew what he was talking about. A 15 year old could teach adults a thing or a dozen and that was just sad.

" Come on, let's take these potions and get to bed. I did promise Aunt Petunia that we'd behave. "

Harry sat up and looked down at him. He had the 'you've got to be kidding me' look on his face and Draco laughed.

" I almost had to sleep in the guest room. Honest. She wasn't going to leave us alone. So, considering that I am a man of my word and nothing is going to happen anyway, let's just go to sleep. "

Harry laughed and pulled Draco to his feet to fold back the bed clothes. Once settled, Harry handed over a potion and held up a hand. He was smirking.

" Look at that potion and tell me what's different about it. "

Draco actually looked at the potion and studied it closely. It wasn't the standard Dreamless Sleep. The color was darker, didn't shimmer nearly as much. So he uncorked it and it smelt sweeter, not foul like Snape's potions. Ok, something had been done. The potion wasn't right. And Draco knew his potions.

" It's been modified. It won't straight knock you out, it has a 5 minute delay. And it doesn't taste all that bad. That way you don't have to sleep on a potions vile or with glasses on in my case. Didn't take much, just slight adjustments. It's safe I swear. "

As if to prove a point, Harry downed his potion. He didn't fall straight out either. Deciding that he was wasting time, Draco downed his and handed the vial to Harry. Ok, so he was good with his potions and the fact that it tasted like spearmint only helped him. This was a development that the Wizarding World needn't go with out. But it was Harry's potion and he didn't want the attention.

After the vials were set back onto the night stand, they settled down on bed. Harry's head back on Draco's chest arm wrapped around him.

" It's working already. That's different. " Harry whispered

" Maybe you just know your safe. Can I have a kiss ? "

Harry tilted his head up and Draco kissed him softly. And they just starred at each other for a few seconds. This was real, Harry wasn't dreaming, Draco was really there.

" I love you. " He whispered

Draco just smiled and kissed him again.

" Go to sleep. Silk sheets, full of surprises. "

" Tease me about it tomorrow. I am not whom I seem to be. Good night Angel. Go to sleep. "

" Night Harrison. "

And with that the pair drifted off to sleep. They truly had no idea what Fate had in store for them. All that they knew was that they were safe, warm and loved. At this point it was all that they needed.

(27 Pages)

In Letters...

Part One

Posted on HP Fandom

By: Paige Black

Coping 101 or Not

Chapter One

27 Pages

27