Marked For Destiny

Taipan Prytus

"It's not finished yet", said Harry

"Sorry?" answered Draco.

"The tattoo, it's not finished yet.  Also, take a picture, it lasts longer", and with that he walked back into his room. Draco leant against the doorframe, and folded his arms. Harry was leaning against the desk, and also folded his arms. "Why?" asked Draco. "Why what?" asked Harry. "You know exactly why what Potter. Why did you save my father?"

"I told you, justice", said Harry, but he could see that Draco didn't believe him. "Look, there is no funny business going on here. I am doing this because it's the right thing to do. Also, you and your mother seem to be happy with the arrangements, as does Lucius. Don't you want him here. Don't you want to see your mother happy, or is the only fact about all of this because I am the one who is helping him?" asked Harry.  

Draco flinched, and Harry knew he had struck a nerve. That was what was playing on his mind. Draco didn't want him here. Draco knew that he was being a selfish enigmatic arsehole, but he couldn't help but remember all those times when he and Potter had been at each other's throats.  

"You don't want me here, I get it. You can hate me all you want Draco, you can despise me with your whole beautiful being, but I am going to stay and finish what I started.  I thought that everyone had grown up after the war, gotten rid of hate and prejudice, but it seems I was wrong.  You can carry on hating me, I don't care.  I will not hate you back, no matter how much you wish for it. I don't have the time or the energy to hate anymore.  I've had enough of it to last me a lifetime", Harry panted.  

Realizing Harry had spoken his name, and not his surname, he answered softly, "I don't hate you,  I have never hated you".  

"Oh really, then why do you keep calling me Potter, and insulting me?" he asked.  He was still feeling wounded that Draco gave off the feeling that he wasn't welcome here.  "If you want me to leave, tell me.  I can do this from my own house too.  There is no need for me to stay.  My conditions were that both you and your mother agree to everything.  I thought you wanted this. Obviously I was mistaken."  Breathing heavy, he turned away trying to blink away the tears that were threatening to fall down his cheeks.  Why was he so emotional?  And about Draco Malfoy of all people.  Fuck feelings.  Fuck being a teenager.  This was bullshit.

Draco felt ashamed.  Harry was doing everything he could to help his family become a tight unit again.  He saw something in them that nobody else did.  Didn't that count for something?  And he saw that Harry's eyes were glistening with tears. He knew what he had to do, because the hurt he had seen in Harry's eyes, was definitely not worth what could be between them.  He walked up to Harry, and noticed that his hands were shaking.  He stuck one of his hands out towards Harry and said, "My name is Draco, and all I've ever wanted was to be your friend".

It felt as if someone had punched him in the gut.  He knew it was because of him turning down Draco's friendship in their first year, that had him feeling this anger.  Turning around, he saw the hand that was outstretched to him.  Taking it in his own, he replied, "Harry, and I am so sorry that I didn't take your hand that day. It's been haunting me ever since."  He pulled Draco into a hug while still holding onto his hand.  Draco was conflicted.  He felt the warmth of Harry's body pressing into him, and it was amazing.  He had never known such warmth, not from a hug.  Not even from his mother.  He was stiff at first, and then relented.  Maybe a new beginning with Harry wasn't so bad after all.  His body relaxed, knowing that Harry was sincere.  

Harry's mind was in a turmoil all of it's own.  He would like nothing more than to keep his arms around his enemy, no make that his friend, and whisper words of understanding and compassion into his ears, but a part of him knew that now was not the right time.  He squeezed Draco before letting him go, but knew in his heart at that moment, that he wanted more.