I Swear This Time I Mean It ✔️

Chapter 20

All Draco could do was anxiously pace for hours. He would constantly get up and recheck all of his and Harry's meetup places. After taking it upon himself to search the whole grounds for his idiot boyfriend and his savior complex, he came to the conclusion that Harry was no longer on school grounds.

Draco was no longer sad. It was far worse than that; he was hurt and getting angrier by the minute. Who was Harry to disappear on him like that talking about some kind of plan that Draco had no knowledge of? Their communication had been so good up to now, and Draco didn't understand what he could have done to make Harry not trust him with something.

On the other hand, he was thoughtful enough to send Draco a note assuring him that Harry was okay. He told him to stay safe twice in his short letter. So many thoughts were going through Draco's head that he had to write them down on paper.

"Reasons As to Why My Stupid Boyfriend Would Abandon Me:

1. He's doing something stupid and knows I'll tell him it's a bad idea.
2. He's mad or upset with me for some reason?
3. This is his way of breaking up with me. (No, he promised he would come back for me)
4. Whatever he's doing is going to create a big mess and he doesn't want me caught up in it.
5. Trying to protect me with that savior complex of his.
- This is most likely, he would never want to put me into any sort of danger.
- If he did something irrational the attention would be off of me and onto solely him.
- I'm probably safer here, especially after the article.
- A lot of people don't like me and could try to hurt me. If he has to save me again the rumours will get worse. (Probably what Skeeter wants)
- Not everyone knows the truth."

Writing everything out helped the anger to slowly dissipate, until Draco just felt empty. He crossed number 3 out so harshly that he tore a long tear into the parchment. After hiding the paper away, he cuddled up in Harry's bed, clinging to the dragon Harry had won him. He slept maybe two hours total, nightmares plaguing him constantly when he did manage to get some sleep.

The worst part of everything is that when he woke up on Monday morning for what he deemed the final time, he had to pretend like Harry's absence wasn't affecting him. They were just friends to everyone else after all, he had no reason to sulk. He didn't think so anyway, until he received notice from McGonagall to meet her in her office.

Casting a glamour to make him look well-rested and getting dressed with the utmost care, the Malfoy mask slipped back into place. It was terrifying really to all who knew the real Draco how easy it was for him to once again become empty and impassive. All Pansy wanted to do was wrap him up in blankets and protect him, but no one dared bother him after he left the Great Hall yesterday knowing he needed time to figure things out on his own terms.

Sighing, he said the password and quickly made his way up to her office,

"Mr. Malfoy, have a biscuit", she greeted.

Knowing it wasn't a question, Draco accepted and began to nibble on it.

"Are you inquiring about Harry?"

"Do you know where he is?"

"I don't. He sent a note saying he had something to do and would be back 'soon', whatever that means", Draco scoffed.

"You're the only one who's heard from him then. I primarily called you here to ask how you are?"

"Me?"

"Yes Draco, you", Minerva said with a sigh. "I can't imagine what this has been like for you, especially with the constant lies being taken as truth. It was very kind of you to speak up for Harry last night. I'd like to let you know that a 5th year Ravenclaw spoke up on your behalf, as did Lavender Brown.