Harry comes to him sometimes, at night, when nightmares have kept him from sleeping. Nick doesn't remember nightmares very well, hasn't had one since his worst came true and his neck poured blood across the Common Room floor, but he remembers fear.

He remembers being stalked by darkness, 503 years ago, by his own evil wizard determined to kill him.

He remembers trying to stand tall, and brave, and how it was easy in the daylight, when the sun was warm on his face, but at night. At night the stones of the courtyard were cold and empty, and shadows snatched at him all the way home, and The Fat Lady (for she was there, even then, resplendent in satin) provided no protection at all.

He remembers that the threat came from within.

Harry comes to him at night, seeking solace, seeking escape from the shadows, and pours out his heart and his worries, and Nick combs his hair with fingers that don't touch it, and offers cold comfort -- everything about Nick is cold now -- and keeps guard against the darkness.

Harry comes to him sometimes, and sometimes he doesn't, and Nick watches the other Gryffindors, and hopes that Harry will never join him in guarding the Tower from harm.

Harry comes to him sometimes, and Nick longs to hold him, to keep him safe -- to keep him.

Harry comes to him sometimes.

Nick lets him go.