"I really am sorry, you know," Draco said to Harry as they walked hand in hand towards the school. "I completely ruined our date and worst of all, I made you incredibly distressed. I hope that doesn't happen again."

Harry gave Draco's hand a squeeze. "Really, don't worry about it. I get panic attacks quite frequently, you know."

Draco looked pained at Harry's words. "Look, if you could give me a list or something of what triggers your attacks, I'll try avoid those topics when we're speaking," Draco suggested. Harry thought about it.

"I don't really know what triggers them. They just happen," Harry said slowly. "I guess it's the feeling of being trapped, or, I don't know, feeling obligated to do something?"

Draco tugged his hand away from Harry's (to the smaller boy's dismay) and wrapped it around his shoulders to pull him close. "What about the first time we met? What triggered that attack?"

"Just remembering the time of being locked up and having all those terrible things happen," Harry said, shaking a little. "I hated those times."

Draco hung his head in shame. "I should never have brought it up like that all of a sudden."

"It's alright," Harry replied, leaning into the blond boy's side. "I forgive you, and I know you're going to be more considerate from now on, okay? That's all that matters."

Draco nodded reluctantly. "Okay." He pulled Harry in to drop a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you."

"So how's life dating Draco Malfoy?" Ron asked from where he was lying on his bed. Harry gave a shrug, trying to hide his smile. "Aw, don't be shy, mate! Give me the spicy deets!""

Harry chuckled. "Alright, alright. He's a nice guy. I really don't know what everyone's so scared of."

Ron burst into laughter. "You haven't heard the rumours, Harry, or you wouldn't be saying that."

"The rumours are ridiculous," Harry snorted. "Honestly, and to think you were frightened to say his name when we first met."

Ron fidgeted a little. "Yeah, but that was before you came along and calmed him down a bit! But before, he was dangerous, mate. He had his cronies everywhere!"

"Cronies?" Harry said, raising an amused eyebrow.

"His friends! The two dunderheads, Crabbe and Goyle, were the ones you really needed to watch out for. They gave one hell of a beating," Ron winced. "Trust me, I'd know."

"Ouch. What happened?"

"They found me talking shit about Malloy in third year, before he turned out to be a big psycho. Everyone used to think he was super cool and shit. Except I saw straight through his bullshit," Ron said, smirking.

"How come?" Harry asked, curious.

"He was always so charming! Like something out of a movie. Had girls and guys falling at his feet like he was fucking Superman!" Ron said, outraged. "He was too good to be true!"

Harry laughed a little at that. He suspected Ron had been more jealous than suspicious.

"He's still got girls and guys falling for him," Harry pointed out. Ron rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, well at least everyone knows now that he's a dangerous fucker," his ginger friend argued.

"He's not dangerous at all," Harry said, rolling his own eyes. "You're just willing to believe anything bad said about him-"

A frantic pounded suddenly sounded at the door. Harry jumped off the bed and hastened to answer it.

It was Neville Longbottom, covered head to toe in bruises and blood.

"What the fuck?" Ron said, eyes widening as he too jumped out of bed. "Neville, who did that to you?!"

Neville sprinted inside and made sure to shut the door behind him.

"I can't- I can't- They'll be mad if I tell you!" Neville cried, shaking.

"Tell us," Harry ordered, his eyes filling with concern. "I won't let anything bad happen to you, I promise."

Neville looked reassured by Harry's words and swallowed nervously.

"It- it was," he stammered, closing his eyes.

"Malfoy."

***

Hey guys! This chapter is going to be done in two parts because I'm a lazy bitch.

Pleaseeee don't forget to vote and comment. I'll love you for forever ❤️❤️❤️