(Drarry) Faking My Own Death

"Check myself, I hate that I need this
Tell myself that I can defeat this
Every time you leave me wanting you more
Tell you off, I swear that I mean it
Come right back, tear me to pieces"

Harry was glad Draco didn't ask complicated questions. He didn't push, he understood what was asked of him and he agreed to help.

After providing some more vital information about the vault, Ron, Hermione, and Harry showed him what they had figured out themselves so far. Then, they left it at that. They decided the next few days would be spent bowed over the plans, searching for the best strategy. This time, Draco would be included in those plans.

Somewhere, Harry felt excited. For the first time since- well basically since he included Ron and Hermione in his Horcrux hunt, a fresh set of eyes would be going over their plans. Admittedly, Draco was left in the dark for most of it, but it was nice to have a new person's perspective.

Especially when that perspective belonged to the deserted crown prince Draco Malfoy- he would be able to provide nuance to improve their believability. For example, what Hermione should say as Bellatrix, how she should act, what kind of greetings and codes were usual among Death Eaters, all that kind of stuff.

It felt good to be on the same side for this.

Draco soon proved himself to be intelligent and willing to think outside the box, not scared to provide criticism of parts of their plan that had pretty much been set in stone. In other words, he proved to be worth the risk. Hopefully that feeling would last. Draco himself seemed also desperate to keep this momentum going, and the four of them got along well despite disagreements on strategies.

As for Hermione's theory on getting Draco to be more involved by giving him 'personal attention', well... The night after Draco had been told about Horcruxes, he came to Harry's room to thank him. He really shouldn't have.

He was leaning against the door post, looking humbled and somewhat flustered, like he had just gotten a surprise party thrown for his birthday.

He knocked against the door. "Hey. Seems you were not lying about me having a role to play, huh."

Harry looked up from where he sat in his bed, locking eyes with Draco immediately. Aw shit. Draco being nonchalant, kind, and alone in Harry's room. This was spelling disaster. His eyes were already taking in Harry as he sat on his bed, and all the wrong neurons in Harry's brain were being activated.

He mirrored the casual tone Draco had spoken with.

"Yeah."

Casual doesn't mean well-spoken, considering that's all Harry could come up with in the moment.

The other boy continued: "Have you been dealing with this for long? Like, this past year or at Hogwarts too?"

"It actually started our second year." Harry said candidly.

Draco's jaw nearly dropped. He shifted away from the door post, slowly stepping inside. "Damn. I had no idea."

Harry tilted his head and shrugged. "To be honest, I didn't know either. I only got... I only connected the dots through our sixth year, so that's not too bad I suppose."

Draco smiled like it hurt him to do so. "Still, it must feel exhausting that you've been plunged into this huge responsibility at age eleven, and then the list of tasks simply doesn't end. Now all this rests on your shoulders alone-" Draco stopped himself.

He seemed to weigh something, then he continued: "I guess I was wrong about that part. You're no longer alone in this. Hermione and Ron have really stepped up."