Inspired by Pinterest. Harry and Draco have just started dating.

Recently, Harry and Draco had moved in together. It had been going well despite the occasional hiccup. Which couple didn't though? Finding out where they were going to live together was the first issue. Harry refused the manor, and Draco refused Grimauld place. Instead they'd found a small flat that suited them both. Immediately Draco had claimed the walk in closet, and Harry had needed to buy himself a different closet. Then there had been the challenge of teaching Draco to cook. They'd gotten through those, and they would continue to thrive if given the opportunity. Now there was another small hiccup, Harry's wolfing down all food.

Harry and Draco were sitting at their dinner table, and Draco watched with disgust. As usual, Harry was wolfing down his food. "Slow down! You're worse then Weasley!"

After swallowing, Harry chuckled. "Old habits die hard I guess. I had to fight Dudley for meals so I could eat everyday."

"You had to- Harry, did they not feed you three times a day?" Draco asked with disbelief.

Eyes on the floor, Harry seems to think for a moment. "It's not important, how is it going with your potions shop?"

Draco paused for a moment. Were they really not going to talk about this? Then he remembered a conversation they'd had the other day. Harry had randomly asked, "do you ever just wish you could forget all the bad stuff that happened to you?" At the time Draco had thought Harry was targeting Draco's time as a death eater. Now he wasn't so sure of that. Perhaps he would let it go for now, and Harry would bring it up another time.

"It's been well. Lindy had a brawl with a customer again. Same one as last week."

The feeling that something was wrong didn't leave him for three days.

*****

Ages ago, Draco had been told that he really was as silent as a ninja. Looking back, he still didn't know what a ninja was, and he'd have to ask Hermione what she'd meant by that. What he had gotten though was that he was silent.

When he was younger Draco used to sneak around and get food in his socks. After a couple tries, he got really good. Now Draco moves quietly without meaning to.

Draco moved over the carpet silently, and found Harry leaning down trying to get a pot from the back of a cabinet. The mess of raven hair had two white wires coming down to Harry's muggle device. He must be listening to music again.

To get Harry's attention, Draco tapped on his shoulder.

The response Draco got was not the one he was expecting. A hand was around his throat, and he was pushed against a counter top before he could blink twice. The look in Harry's eyes was rather scary. Then it morphed into one of shock, and the hand around Draco's throat was gone as quickly as it came. Harry collapses into the floor. Head in his hands, he began to sob, and apologize.

"I'm so sorry," Harry repeated.

Draco was by his side hugging him. He noted for the future to never scare Harry. No surprise birthday parties, no hugging from behind without warning. The war had that effect on people sometimes.

*****

Today, Draco had simply raised his hand to grab something from beside Harry's head. Harry had flinched, put his hands in front of his face, and shrunk away from Draco.

"Harry, did you think... I was going to hit you?"

The hands that were hiding his face moved to the counter, and Draco realized Harry's arms were shaking. Harry was staring at the floor. "No, im sorry. Old habits just die hard."

That phrase had been said far too many times for Draco's liking.

"Will you tell me about it sometime?"

"When I'm ready."

Draco had nodded with a slight frown.

*****

"Why can't I meet the people who raised you?" Draco asked harshly.

"You just can't okay!"

"Well why not!"

"Because they hate my guts!" Harry had shouted before he burst into tears.

Bloody hell, Draco hadn't known that was a sensitive spot. Harry his then so well.

Draco was apologizing, and hugging Harry. "If they're that bad, then I don't want to meet them."

Harry sniffled in response.

*****

Sometimes Harry needed to be alone. When he was the most wound up, or something angered him enough, he would find a cozy place for himself to hide.

Once Draco had found him sleeping in a cupboard, and he hadn't understood why he wouldn't just sleep in the bed.

Another time, Harry was just staring at nothing under the table while leaning on the wall. Harry had assured Draco that he very much was alright.

It became an issue when Harry was hiding in one of his small hiding holes, and Draco needed him.

Finally, Harry had explained, "its sort of my re cooperation moment. I can think things over, I can feel safe, and nothing can hurt me inside of my hiding place. Outside things can come after me."

It took a bit, but Draco started to understand when he thought about the amount of times Voldemort attacked him. Never once was Harry attacked in a closet. 

So the next time Harry was under the table, Draco just joined him. Neither said anything, but Draco took out his book.

Maybe the best way to be there for Harry was literally to just be there. Perhaps, like a book, you'd discover a bit more each page.

Draco loves books.

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