The rest of the school year seemed to pass by in a blur. Both men were just trying to keep their heads down, but it was easier said than done. The newspapers seemed to be in a battle about whether or not Harry and Draco were together, the more that they were seen together in public.

With how ignorant some of the newspapers were, Harry thought that if he snogged Draco in front of them they would still be proclaimed as best friends. Others would suggest that Draco had tried to drug Harry, which is preposterous. Draco thought it was funny, and he had to be stopped by Harry from turning it into an even bigger mess.

It was now May 2nd, and Draco was lost as to how he should treat Harry today. Classes were canceled and a long weekend was made of the day in honor of those who had fought for the freedom of the wizarding world, as well as those who needed time to reflect, grieve, and process. Draco wasn't sure where Harry fell on that spectrum.

The war had been kind to no one, but especially Harry. Draco couldn't imagine everything that his Harry had gone through, dealing with much of the mental and emotional strain alone. It was times like this especially where he wished things had gone differently, that he had been different. But no, it was not the day for him to wallow in self-pity.

Harry had trouble sleeping the night before, so Draco stayed up until after Harry fell asleep, singing softly to him, whispering sweet promises, and reminding Harry just how much he loved him.

For Harry, hearing Draco show his love in such a manner was enough to make him feel safe enough to sleep. They told each other they loved each other multiple times a day, but whereas Harry was more vocal, Draco preferred to buy Harry small gifts, or perform small gestures to show his love. That was the way in which his parents seemed to show their love, so he was still getting used to Harry's random sweet words.

When Harry woke up in the morning, Draco was wrapped protectively around him, and he couldn't help the small smile that appeared on his face. It was then that he remembered what day it was, and he took a shaky break that woke up Draco.

"I'm here for you Harry. It's okay my darling, I'm here. What do you need?"

Harry just shook his head, clinging tightly to Draco.

"I love you so much Harry. I will do everything that I can to prove that to you."

"I know," Harry whispered back, blinking away tears.

"I can't help unless you tell me what you need, okay my darling? Do you want us to hold each other?"

Harry nodded, so Draco fixed their position.

"It's okay to cry if you need Harry. You had unspeakable things happen to you, please don't hold your emotions in. I won't judge you for that, and you know it."

Another nod was all Draco got, and he contained his sigh.

"Baby steps," he reminded himself.

They held each other for a while, Draco picking up on bits and pieces of Harry's thoughts due to their connection. He kept his reactions at bay, not wanting to scare Harry off, who almost certainly didn't know Draco was receiving some of his thoughts. It was when the thoughts were beginning to be fueled with self-hatred and disgust that Draco broke in.

"You stop that right this instant and listen to me," Draco demanded, breaking away to hold Harry's face in his hands. "I know that I don't understand, know, or relate to everything that has happened to you and that you've been through. You are free to share with me what you're comfortable with. I will never force you to speak about things that you want to keep to yourself because you have the right to your privacy.

However, I will not let you continue to bully and berate yourself for things that are completely out of your control. Everyone did not fight for you Harry, we all fought with you. We all knew what the risks we were taking were, but we took them to save the whole world.

I know that you have mixed feelings about Dumbledore. You have to realize Harry that if anyone is to carry any fault for what happened, it was him and not you. I know you cared about him and I'm sure he cared about you in his own twisted way. He was the one in charge of everything, and selectively giving out information proved to be more harmful than good.

Instead of protecting you, he constantly dangled you in harm's way with the talk about making sacrifices for the 'greater good.' If he had talked to you as an equal, things would have been different. We cannot change the past, no matter how much we may want to. All that we can do is work to be the best versions of ourselves and make those we've lost proud.

You know everyone is watching over you, and they are so proud of the man that you've become my darling. I am so proud of you. You continue to be the most wonderful, caring, and kind person that I have ever met. No matter how many times you've been knocked down, you get right back up. That's just one of the many aspects that I admire about you.

You, Harry Potter, are the greatest thing that I will ever be blessed with in my whole life. You are the first thing that I think of when I wake up, and you are the last thing I think of when I go to sleep. Whenever I look at you, I see my future, our future.

At the beginning of our relationship, I didn't quite get what you meant by defining us with different labels. Now I do. You are truly my everything, my better half, and my soulmate. You're my Harry, and I don't take for granted the fact that you chose me to call yours. I am completely and utterly in love with you, Harry James Potter."

Harry didn't know at which point in Draco's speech he had started crying, but once Draco had finished he broke down and started sobbing. Immediately, Draco pulled Harry into his lap and held him close.

"I have you, and I'm not letting you go."

"I love you so much," Harry choked out in between sobs.

"I know you do," Draco assured him. "Let me be strong for you today Harry."

Draco didn't know how long Harry had cried, but he didn't care how soaked his shirt had become. Harry would forever be his top priority.

"I'd be so lost without you," Harry whispered once he had calmed down.

"I'm sure you'd be just fine, you're stronger than anyone I know," Draco replied honestly, peppering Harry's face with kisses.

"I'm all gross, stop."

"You're my beautiful boyfriend, the last thing I find you is gross. Are you feeling better now?"

"A bit. You said some harsh things, but I needed to hear them. Made up for it in the end though."

"The last thing I wanted to do was hurt you, but I know you. You'll continue to blame yourself for things that you can't control. Will you be okay going out?"

"I don't know," Harry answered carefully.

"Wash your face, I'll lay out some clothes for you. I won't leave your side unless you ask me too."

"Okay, I trust you."

"I'm just going to grab something light for us for breakfast, and then we'll go."

Taking deep breaths, Harry worked to calm himself down. He felt somewhat better now. What Draco said had a lot of reason, and he knew the other man would never lie to him. He just wished the ache in his heart would fade.

Harry slid into Draco's sweater, wearing it like a protective shield. Just his boyfriend's scent alone helped him to calm down. Soon enough, Draco was back with some toast and tea, and Harry ate very slowly, knowing he'd feel worse if he ate nothing at all.

"I arranged a temporary portkey because I know that apparating makes you feel sick sometimes."

"You're perfect," Harry replied quietly.

"I've taken notes from you," Draco teased.

He intended to kiss Harry quickly, but Harry wrapped his arm around the back of Draco's neck, keeping him close so Harry could deepen the kiss.

"Mine," came Harry's soft explanation as they pulled apart.

"I only belong to you," Draco agreed, goosebumps appearing on his arms at Harry's intense stare.

Harry kissed Draco again, simply because he could.

"Let's go my darling."

Accepting Draco's hand, Harry allowed himself to be pulled up.

"I just need to grab something really quick first. Grab your cloak, yeah?"

Draco did what he needed to do quickly, not wanting to leave Harry alone for very long. Upon his return, the two men ventured out of Hogwarts, hidden under the invisibility cloak.

After taking the port key, the last place Harry thought he'd open his eyes to was the cemetery.

"What?," he started, trailing off.

"I thought we could start off the day by paying our respects to the fallen fifty. I ordered some flowers to leave at their graves in their honor. I know it's not quite closure, but I thought it may help. I hope I haven't upset you."

Harry shook his head, hating that he was having trouble forming words.

"I couldn't do it alone."

Draco took the lead, grabbing Harry's hand in one of his own, and then the bucket of flowers. He said a few words at each grave, knowing Harry wasn't in the proper mindset to do so. Once they were almost through, they were joined by Ron and Hermione.

The group didn't say much, aside from Draco who seemingly knew what Harry needed to hear. After the last flower had been placed and the last words spoken, Harry pulled Draco into a tight hug.

"Thank you."

"Of course my love."

Ron watched the soft moment take place before him, wondering how he could have been so blinded by hatred to not accept what his best mate had with Malfoy earlier. He himself was holding Hermione close to him, remembering those who were laid to rest before them, thankful that none of his family members were a casualty of the war.

After a few more minutes, Draco approached Ron and Hermione.

"We're going to our next stop now. Thank you for coming."

"This was a very kind idea, Draco. I'm sure everyone appreciates it," Hermione spoke.

"For my part in all of this, the least I could do is come and pay my respects."

"Here's what you asked me to bring," she said, handing him a small package.

"Thank you. Take care of yourselves. Send your family our love Weasley."

"I will. Thank you for taking care of him."

"Forever," Draco promised.

They all said their farewells, Harry only speaking a few words or short phrases once again.

"Next stop. Are you okay to apparate?"

Receiving another nod from Harry, Draco side-alonged Harry to their next stop, Godric's Hollow.

"I thought you'd like to see your parents and Sirius again. We can speak with them and have another picnic. I'll lay out the blanket and just like last time, you call me when you're ready for me to join you."

Harry was speechless. Draco had put so much thought into their day, giving him the time and space to grieve and work towards healing. Every day he fell more and more in love with his boyfriend. As he was trying to figure out how to tell Draco how much this all meant to him, Draco had left and come back after setting up the blanket and picnic, just as he had done months before.

"I... You..."

"I know Harry. Go on, I'll wait here."

After their time visiting Harry's parents, Harry seemed more reserved. It was different than his previous state this morning, and Draco wasn't quite sure what to make of it.

"I have one last thing planned, and then the rest of the day is yours."

Harry had no idea what this last thing could possibly be, but once they arrived at their destination, he smiled so widely that his face hurt. He ran up the front steps, dragging Draco along with him. The door opened quickly, and Harry hugged Andromeda tightly before picking up his godson.

"Hello there Teddy," he cooed quietly.

Teddy babbled happily as he reached up to grab Harry, his hair changing colors to match Harry's.

"Come in please Draco."

"Thank you for having us Aunt Andromeda."

"It's my pleasure. You're both family."

They stayed with Andromeda and Teddy for a few hours, the four of them stopping to pay their respects to Remus and Tonks before Draco and Harry headed back to Hogwarts.

Harry was in a much better mood after spending time with his family. It helped put things into a new perspective for him.

"The rest of the day is yours my darling."

"Is it okay if I take some time for myself?"

"Of course it is Harry. I'll be in our room in case you need me."

Before Harry headed out of their room, he backtracked and kissed his Draco.

"I love you."

"And I love you."

When Harry came back about an hour later, Draco was finishing up the weekend's homework.

"Is everything alright?"

Harry looked almost... nervous to be in Draco's presence.

"Yes. Can we... can we go home?," he asked timidly.

"Of course we can. I still have a few things at Grimmauld-"

"No, to the beach house."

"Oh. Let me pack."

"I can pack for us, you just finish up your work."

"Okay Scarhead."

By the time Draco rolled up his parchment, Harry was done packing their things.

"I figured we could go now and get dinner there?"

"You're sure that you want to leave?"

"I honestly only want to spend time with you," Harry admitted, a faint blush appearing on his cheeks.

"I'm all yours Harry. I'm done with all of my work so we can go now if you're done. I assume you've spoken with McGonagall?"

Nodding, Harry grabbed their bags, and they headed out of the school once more to take their port key home.

Upon arrival, Harry was a lot quieter than usual, his eyes darting around nervously. Before Draco could ask what was wrong, they were inside, and he gasped quietly.

Harry had completely transformed the downstairs into something magical. He had strung up fairy lights across the house, and there were flowers everywhere.

When Draco turned to where Harry had been standing, he was gone. He then noticed the trail of rose petals leading up the stairs, and he followed them curiously. Reaching the bedroom, he opened the door to find the room illuminated by lanterns.

"It's a good thing our anniversary was a few days ago or else I'd be worried that I missed some kind of special occasion."

Still, Draco was racking his brain as to what could have caused Harry to go through all of this trouble just for him.

"The occasion is that I have the best man in the world to call mine."

"I promised you the world, and I meant it, Harry."

"I know. My world is bleak unless you're in it."

Draco joined Harry on the bed, and kissed him softly. Soon enough, hands started roaming, and Harry hissed when Draco hit a slightly tender spot.

"From when Teddy was climbing on you?"

"Yeah, but it's fine."

"Shirt off, facedown on the bed. Let me massage your back and shoulders."

Draco was talking about random things as his hands traveled up and down Harry's back.

"This seems very familiar," he teased.

"I can enjoy it a lot more now."

"Can you?," Draco asked, his hands traveling up to Harry's neck.

His mouth followed the path his hands took, but it was when Draco got to Harry's ear that he stopped.

"Harry?," he said breathlessly, pulling back with wide eyes.

"Yes my love?"

"What is that?"

"It's an ear Draco, you've got two coming out of your own head you know," Harry teased coyly.

"No Harry, what is this?" Draco tried again, his fingers tracing the tattoo that he had somehow never noticed behind Harry's ear. "You cut your hair while I was doing homework."

"I did."

"You tattooed my constellation behind your ear. This is your third tattoo?"

"I told you it wasn't your face on my arse, but you can check again if you'd like."

"I can't believe you did that so early on."

Harry turned around and took Draco's hands in his own.

"I knew you were the one for me."

When Draco kissed Harry this time, it was much softer. Harry pulled Draco closer, lightly tugging on the bottom of his shirt. Instead of pulling away to take it off, Draco used his wand to remove it so that he could stay close to Harry.

Soon enough, both men were laying down, and the kisses became more passionate. Draco rolled his hips against Harry's teasingly, making Harry gasp quietly.

Moving to Harry's neck, Draco started marking what was his as Harry arched up into him.

"Do you like that?," Draco asked, running his fingers up and down Harry's chest, toying with the waistband of his jeans.

"Take them off."

"No please?"

"Please Draco," Harry whined.

"That's better," Draco cooed, obliging Harry's wishes. "Tell me what you want."

"I want you."

"You have me."

"No Draco, I want all of you," Harry said seriously.

Draco's hands immediately stopped their teasing movements.

"Is that what all of this is then?," Draco asked quietly.

"I wanted to show you how much you mean to me. I've been thinking about this for a while now, it's not a sudden decision. I've thought this through completely, and I want this with you. I only want this with you.

I know that you love me and that you would never intentionally hurt me. All I could think about the whole day is the kind things that you said to me. I don't think I'll ever see myself quite like how you see me, but you're always so honest and passionate, it's hard not to believe you.

I want you in this way, if you want me. Don't feel pressured into anything though, I have no issue with waiting longer."

"Of course I want you Harry, I just wasn't expecting this tonight. I don't have anything here and I've never done this before-"

"I packed, remember?"

Opening the drawer, Draco saw what they would need.

"Harry Potter that better not be what I think it is," Draco warned.

"Oh this?," Harry asked teasingly. "I knew it would come in handy."

"I can't believe you saved the condom my mother gave me for my birthday! Do you know how positively embarrassing that was?! I cannot believe that she would do that to me. We weren't even dating! We-"

"Stop talking about your mother now please," Harry murmured against Draco's lips.

Draco obliged, choosing to instead slip his tongue into Harry's mouth. As he rolled his hips against Harry's again, Harry started undoing Draco's pants.

"You're certain that this is what you want?"

"I am."

"I've never gone this far before," Draco reiterated.

"I haven't either," Harry admitted. "We'll figure it out together."

"Together," Draco agreed, pulling Harry flush against him.

With each gentle caress, Draco was bringing Harry closer to the edge. Harry was his main priority. He wanted his boyfriend to feel good.

Draco's eyes were full of lust as he watched his love bites bloom on Harry's skin.

"You're all mine. No one else will ever see you like this, I promise you. No one will ever make you feel as good as I can. Isn't that right Harry?"

Harry was panting, leaning into every one of Draco's touches. Draco clicked his tongue and stilled his movements.

"I don't like being ignored Harry, you know this. Isn't that right Harry?"

"Right. So right. Only you."

"Was that so hard?," Draco asked with a mischievous grin.

"No," Harry moaned as Draco's hands resumed their strokes.

"You're right. It wasn't, but this is isn't it? Let's fix that shall we?"

"Please. Draco, Draco, oh Draco."

"Look at you falling apart in my hands like this. I wish you could see yourself. Oh, but we've only just begun."

When Harry was slumped against Draco in the bathtub a few hours later, his brain was fuzzy in the best way. There were no thoughts going through his head, he was just very content.

"Are you okay Harry? You're very quiet."

"Yes, 'm just happy," he mumbled.

"Let's get you cleaned up and then we can cuddle in bed until we fall asleep yeah?," Draco offered softly.

"I love you so much."

"And I love you. So pretty covered in all of my bruises," Draco cooed, running his hands over Harry's body.

"I don't have enough energy for a round two. 'm very sleepy."

"That's fine. You did so good for me Harry."

Harry was preening. Eyes still closed, he reached up and brought Draco's head down so his bruised lips could meet Harry's own.

"You're my everything Draco. You really are."

They finished bathing quickly, and as they got ready for bed Harry slipped into Draco's clothes.

"I love when you wear my clothes."

"I know," Harry replied with a tired smile. "You look good in mine too."

"Is that an invitation to get into your pants?," Draco teased, kissing Harry's neck.

"If you behave, maybe I'll get into yours tomorrow," Harry flirted back.

"And if I don't behave?"

Draco's eyes were sparkling mischievously, and Harry knew he was so far gone in regards to his boyfriend, but he didn't care. He was happy, and that was all he cared about.

"I'll make it worth your while if you do," Harry promised.

"I'll try my best. I can't help the Slytherin in me."

"I enjoyed the Slytherin in me, I'm sure you'll enjoy the Gryffindor in you tomorrow."

Draco squeaked in surprise, not used to Harry taking things that far. He couldn't help but smile fondly, albeit a bit embarrassed, as Harry's body shook with silent laughs.

"I love you, my special boy."

"And I love you, my beautiful boy. Thank you for making me so happy. I never thought I would feel this way again, but you radiate happiness," Harry said quietly, drifting off to sleep.

"I promise that I will do everything that I can to make you happy for the rest of our lives and beyond."

"I believe you," came Harry's almost inaudible reply as he finally succumbed to sleep.

As Draco held his sleeping lover in his arms, he was truly counting every one of his blessings. Finding someone who understood and loved like Harry did was rare, and Draco vowed to himself that he would never let Harry slip away from him. A love like this was hard to find, and Draco didn't take that lightly. Soon, he too fell asleep, holding his world tightly in his arms.

{Almost 4K words, I poured my heart and soul into this chapter so I hope you all enjoyed. 2 chapters left, and I'm feeling very bittersweet. I will miss this Draco and Harry terribly, I hope that I've done them justice.

Be well and stay healthy. All of my love, J}