This is my first story! I am super happy with how this turned out, and even if I suck with grammar and everything like that I'm happy with how this turned out. Draco and Harry are both very OOC but that's to be expected when you change the story up a bit lol, but for my first story I hope people aren't too critical. If you decide to read this thank you! Lynn 3 ALSO! I CHANGED THE STORY SO NOW THE FIRST CHAPTER IS SPLIT INTO TWO CHAPTERS FINALLY! I was struggling to find a place to split it and finally found it. So if you read it already you can move to chapter 3 once its up, which should be soon this week.
I don't own Harry Potter, that is exclusively for J. K. Rowling
Years had passed since the Battle for Hogwarts, and while many lives were lost, everyone who had fought was changed. Some for the better, some worse. Draco Black, as he'd stopped using his father's last name because of the stigma behind it, had dedicated his life to doing better for those around him. Sounds like a strange thing for him to do, after how he'd treated many of the other witches and wizards at Hogwarts during his time there. However it was during his family's trials with the Wizengamot, that he realized that he needed to change himself, if he wanted to survive in a world where people like him were persecuted.
His father gave his life up for Draco's mother and him, saying that he was the person who dragged his family into the servitude of Voldemort, and claiming they hadn't done it willingly. It was then that a freshly appointed Auror, one Harry Potter, was called on to testify for the family. He claimed that both Draco and his mother Narcissa aided him in his battle, even if it was to save their own lives. This is what tipped the scales in their favor, and while Draco, by nature and pride, hated to be in Potter's debt, he knew that at that point he owed him his life. It wasn't long after the trial that Draco turned to St. Mungo's, and began his training as a Healer. It was hard work, and with his specialty never being with healing, he had to work twice as hard at it. Luckily he found a use for his potion making skills, and he never was half bad at transfiguration, and was able to use that to help him move up in the ranks of the Healers in training. Admittedly at first he tried to give up. He'd been stubborn, and quick to act towards anyone who seemed to be judging him, and it made it difficult for anyone else who was in training to work with him. It wasn't until two unlikely boys that he'd known for years stepped forward and begrudgingly helped in his learning. Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan were never fond of Malfoy, or Black as he'd started to call himself, claiming it was his mother's last name. The boys helped, knowing that in some ways Draco meant well, and through these two Draco began to see the world less like his parents and more like his peers.
After a good 5 years in training, and another two attempting to prove he was worth the effort, Draco finally made it up to Head Healer in the Emergency Theater, which was a difficult position to obtain. Dean and Seamus took a lot of the credit for Draco's success, having become quite friendly with the boy, mostly because they worked hard on changing his perspective on life. It was in one of the rare idle moments in his office that the alarm sounded for a code grey. Swearing as he spat his tea out Draco stood and threw his coat on, making record time to the doors.
"What's the call?" Draco ordered, hoping someone had information before they were thrown into something.
"Severely burned Auror, no one has said who it is, however they said he was one of the Head Aurors. Took a direct shot of fiendfyre from a drunken dark wizard." The Mediwizard commented. Draco held his breath, knowing that most of the Aurors ended up in his ward anyway, mostly because of their inability to use a blasted shield when they fought, not because they actually couldn't but because most were too stubborn.
"When will they arrive?" Draco asked, preparing a room for the man before he got to St. Mungo's.
"Within the minute I would assume, they are going to floo him in they said. The parchment arrived just a moment ago." The clerk muttered. She'd always hated Draco, mostly because of the tattoo he'd had on his arm. However after a year in training, and ill hidden hate, Draco figured out a way to remove the Dark Mark from his arm. It left his skin scarred and nasty looking, however he knew it was better than the blasted tattoo. The fireplace lit up as the green flames showed four Aurors, one with distinctly bright red hair, carrying a fifth man on a stretcher. What they failed to report was that this Auror was Harry Potter. Also that he'd had a chunk missing from his arm, as well as burns covering the majority of his body.
"Report. NOW!" Draco snapped, using his authority in the ward to command those involved of what happened.
"We turned our backs for one second sir, only one, and it was then that Harry noticed he'd not been subdued. He took the attack for me sir." Ron squeaked, not looking up to see who he'd been talking to.
"Room 6, now, I have the potions and burn remedies prepared. He will need skelegrow and Episkey, however he will also need a poultice of dittany and I really hope, he's unconscious because if he isn't I'm putting him out." Draco instructed his staff, knowing that they would be quick to get to the supplies they needed. Weasel, or Weasley as Draco probably should call him, looked up finally and was about to say something however closed his mouth within a second.
"Never realized I was the Head Healer for Ward 4 did you." Draco smirked, and pat the man standing in front of him on the back awkwardly.
"My job is to heal, and that's what I'm going to do. If it would make you feel better, I'll have my second in charge handle Auror Potters healing, however I am more skilled." Weasley narrowed his eyes and used a moment of hesitation on Draco's part to pin him to the wall, a wand at his neck and a growl escaping his lips. Dean, who heard that Harry was in the hospital, came running over and attempted to break the two wizards apart, however Auror training had done wonders for the once awkward and gangly boy. Ron now stood taller than most of the wizards around him, spare Dean of course, and his stature was one of someone who'd done some serious working out.
"Ron! BLOODY HELL he's the head Healer for the Hospital! You can't just go around pointing your wand at someone who could be the only one to save Harry's life! Plus, he's not so bad anymore! Doesn't even have the Mark!" Dean shouted at his friend, hoping to get through to him. Ron reached down and tore a hole in Draco's scrubs, right above where the mark had been. As the marred skin came into view Ron realized the extent of Draco's commitment. He'd disfigured his own skin in order to get rid of the mark. He'd gone the complete opposite route from where everyone assumed he'd go. Draco disappeared after his trial, to dedicate his time to healing. Ron never would have called that, and he still didn't trust the guy, however he knew that if he wanted Harry to live, he'd let it go this one time.
"Fine. You'll heal him, but after that you will stay away! Can't have you finding a way into Harry's life when its hard enough without you!" Ron shouted and left the hospital wing, probably going to grab a cup from the pub. Draco rubbed his neck where the wand had been thrusted, and rolled his shoulders. With a sigh he turned and started towards the room he'd placed Harry in and took up helping heal the wounds to his torso and legs. Using every potion and magical poultice at his disposal, he was able to treat Harry's burns, and began healing the lack of bones in part of his arm. The skin was being grafted back, and while it would take a small while before he would leave, namely a night to make sure everything healed the way it should, he'd be right as rain. Draco slumped into the chair next to Harry's bed, watching the way his chest rose and fell in a normal fashion. It reassured him that his choice in career was one he'd never regret. Tired as he was, he was proud of his work, knowing that the boy he'd tormented, the boy who'd saved his life, would live and work another day.
"Stupid Potter, you and your blasted hero complex will get you killed. Not today though. Not while I'm working." Draco muttered and stood to leave the room, knowing his shift had ended hours ago. He closed the door after him and informed the others waiting in the hallway that he'd be fine, and would be awake in the morning, and to leave the hospital because they were crowding the hallway. Ron was the only one who'd stayed, claiming he wasn't going to leave his best friends side. That sent a pang of longing through Draco, mostly because he didn't have any close friends. While at Hogwarts Crabb and Goyle followed him around, however they weren't really his friends. Dean and Seamus were closer friends, however they weren't all that close to him. After a few more rounds in the Ward, mostly to make sure the ruckus of earlier events didn't disturb other patients, Draco made it back to his office to find a potted plant outside his doorway. It looked mildly familiar however he was too exhausted to care. He grabbed it without knowing what else to do with it, however when the tendrils of the plant shot out and grabbed him around the neck he'd realized that it was a devils snare plant. Somehow someone had snuck it into the hospital. Reaching for his wand he attempted to use a bluebell flame spell, however he couldn't quite get it. He was struggling to keep breathing as the plant constricted tighter around his neck when he heard a voice behind him that he'd known only too well.
"Incendio!" The voice called, and a jet of flames hit the pot, making it fall to the ground and making the plant shrivel away from his neck. Draco dropped to the ground, gasping and holding his neck. He'd never expected to get attacked in the hospital, he had to admit it was one of the only two places he'd ever be, but he didn't expect an attack in plain sight.
"Auror Potter, you should be in bed, you aren't healed yet." Draco spoke, his voice harsh because of the crushing pressure from the devils snare.
"And if I was in bed, the man who saved my life would have died." Harry spoke, his voice deeper than it had been in school.
"Don't think I'm not grateful, I am, but as a Healer I have every right to have you bound to the bed to make sure you don't go anywhere." He muttered in response, turning to look at the bandaged man. His eyes were still the bright emerald green they had been for years, and while his hair was growing back, it was as unruly as ever. It looked soft though, and while Draco had been tempted to touch it when he was certain Harry was unconscious, he knew better. Not many men liked the touch of another man, and while Draco knew when to pick his battles, most of the time, this one he knew better than to fight.
"I'm standing aren't I? You are the one who seems to be struggling." Harry stepped forward and pulled Draco to his feet with his good hand.
"How's life as a Healer Malfoy?" Harry asked. Draco flinched, not unnoticed by the other man, and sighed.
"I go by my mothers last name now. Not my fathers." He muttered, knowing that Harry knew his mothers last name.
"Sometimes I forget that you are related to him. Sirius, I mean. He was your Uncle." Harry murmured, he'd taken the news better than Draco thought he would.
"Although if I'm going to call you anything, I'd rather Draco over 'Black', any day. Mostly because it sounds better." Harry pat his shoulder and turned around.
"I'm beat, and my hair growing back is making my head itch, so I'm going back to sleep. Ron's passed out in the hallway anyway. Later Head Healer Draco." Harry wandered off, back to the room. Draco couldn't help but stare in the direction he'd walked. That was twice that Potter had saved his life and now he was once again in his debt. There was a pause and Draco slumped to the floor next to his office door. He wasn't surprised that someone had attempted to kill him. It wasn't uncommon that he was still targeted by many good and bad wizards alike, however the hospital has been careful as to not get one of their best healers killed. He stood up and after looking at the time, decided to buy a bottle of firewhiskey on his way home, and get absolutely smashed. He didn't work the next morning, and the events of the night had caused a lot of stress for him. Grabbing his leather jacket off the hook, he replaced his white coat with it and walked out of the hospital.
The next morning the headache he had could only be described as the worst pain in his life. Even Buckbeak the Hippogriff nearly clawing his arm off (an event he'd wished he could relive) didn't hurt as bad as his hangover. He didn't remember most of last night, however considering he was still in his home he figured it wasn't too bad of a night. Waking up naked wasn't too uncommon, he found himself sweating too much in the night, and ending up with no clothes usually meant he'd had a nightmare. Luckily he'd knocked himself out, and no dreams came. He shuffled around the room a bit, attempting to use a charm he'd developed a year ago to fix his splitting headache, but finding it difficult because of his headache. He'd developed a bit of a mastery over wandless magic, no elemental spells could be used yet, but simple levitation spells and summoning spells were easy now, and the charm that he was still attempting to use. After a while, he gave up and went down to his kitchen to fix a potion that he could pour into his coffee so that he could go about his day as normal. Soon the headache was down to a dull roar, the smell of coffee alone helped to wake him up, and the use of the potion was going to help eventually. After having taken a warm shower and putting on some better clothing, Draco ran a hand through his still slightly wet hair, and set out to do the shopping that was long overdue to him. Whenever he shopped he never went into the wizarding stores, knowing that people wouldn't sell to him anyway, he went to muggle stores, knowing that as far as food goes he could buy everything he needed there, and he did have muggle money anyway.
"Would never expect to see you here." A familiar voice popped up behind him. Draco turned around to see Neville Longbottom, a professor at Hogwarts and the owner of a Herb shop in Diagon Alley.
"Neville, you look well." Draco said politely, making sure that his voice stayed friendly enough and neutral.
"Heard you healed Harry last night. I'm sure that was hard for you." Neville commented, not afraid to speak his mind.
"It wasn't hard, its my duty, and anything I did when I was a child and stupid I'm trying to repay to people now. That's why I only really ever go out to shop and to go to work." Draco murmured, knowing that Neville could hear him. He lived a solitary life, one where he didn't have to have someone with him. He could never imagine putting someone else in a position where they could be hurt because of him, never again at least.
"That sounds lonely, and sad." Neville glanced at him critically.
"It's the only life one can live when no one likes you. I don't expect people to want to be around me, especially because of my mistakes, so the life I live is for the best of everyone else." Draco spoke, pausing to sniff an apple to make sure it was still good. The shopping had become a habit, using the same list every time, he never really changed things up. If it worked, why would he need to.
"You need to get out more. I'm not just saying that because I have students who do the same thing because of who their parents were, or are, I'm saying that because its obvious that you are going to commit yourself to dying lonely. And no one deserves that life. You have given yourself a second chance, and already proved that you are worth it. Why not go out with a group of us tonight, its nothing big, Harry was released this morning, so it was going to be Harry, Ron, Ginny, Hermione, Dean, Seamus and me. Honestly, they are all good people. You should come." Neville put his hand on Draco's shoulder.
"We are meeting at the Leaky Cauldron at 7, it would be nice to see you there. I'll have a talk with Ron as well." Neville pulled his hand away and left. Draco couldn't help but think that the night wasn't going to go as the tall professor had planned, and he was lucky that it was summer break from school, or else the students would never let him live that embarrassment down. What else have I got to lose, but my dignity? If I haven't lost that already. Draco thought to himself, feeling as if he should stop in and say it was a coincidence. The rest of the day went the same way, with Draco attempting to come up with different excuses for why he would be in the same pub as the other people he'd tormented all through school. None of them sounded good enough though, and Draco realized that he wasn't going to be able to get out of it without upsetting Neville in some way. Resigning himself to going, Draco spent a little while attempting to find the right clothes to not come off as a pompous arsehole, but also to look like he wanted to be there. A pair of dark jeans with brown boots, accompanied by a tan, thin but long sleeved shirt with a few buttons over his chest under his leather coat would have to be good enough. He didn't bother shaving, light blonde stubble being the only thing he seemed to have to worry about, and he never bothered to slick his hair back anymore, keeping it swept to one side and out of the way enough to where he didn't care. Grabbing his wallet and his keys he left for the Leaky Cauldron.
"What could possibly make you think we'd want to associate with that prick Neville? Why the hell would you even invite him!" Ron's voice carried to the door. Draco knew this wasn't going to go well, but he figured if he wanted to remedy anything he'd done in the past, moving forward would have to do the trick.
"Because he's lonely! He has no friends and spends so much of his time working he can't possibly be bad anymore! Ron, you don't work with kids, you don't understand the mentality of what went on when we were in school. I see this everyday and trust me, Malfoy isn't inherently bad. If he were he wouldn't be a Healer for gods sake!" Neville stepped in.
"Draco. Or Black if you wish to use a last name. I go by my mothers now." Draco stepped forward, letting everyone know that he was there. Ginny sat next to Dean, his arm around her shoulders and a small smile on his face. Seamus stood and shook his hand, knowing that this would be hard on the other Healer. Harry nodded to Draco, and seemed to be sizing him up and down, before turning to whisper something to Hermione, who sat next to him and Ron. As it would happen, Ron was seething, and stood up and grabbed Draco's arm and dragged him away.
"I don't know what game you are trying to play, but if I hear one word about something bad you've done in the last 5 years, heresy or not, I will have you interrogated and locked up in Azkaban for the rest of your life." Ron threatened, to which Draco's eyes widened. He'd spent so much time in the hospital that there couldn't possibly be any evidence, but the fear of being locked up again would never leave him. Draco stepped back and turned to leave, until Neville, Harry and Hermione walked up.
"RONALD! What ever happened to being civil?! You're not on the job right now, so how about acting as a regular human being rather than a bloody arsehole!" Hermione snapped, glaring her husband down fiercely. Auror or not, nothing could bring more fear to Ron than his wife.
"Sorry about him. I've been trying to talk to him about what happened but he refuses to listen." Hermione apologized, looking at Draco with pity in her eyes. She'd gotten prettier since leaving Hogwarts, and looked so much happier. Draco gave her a sad smile.
"Maybe it would be better if I hadn't come. I don't mean to cause problems for all of you. I'm so sorry for disrupting your night. I'm glad to see that you are doing well now Harry. Neville, thank you for the invite. Maybe another time. Hermione, thank you for defending me, but I really don't deserve it." Draco muttered and turned away, but not before getting hit by a body binding spell.
"Did you think we were going to let you leave that easily? Ron can go shove his wand up his arse, we wanted you to celebrate with us because you are the one who saved me." Harry walked over, using another touch with his wand to release the spell.
"Why would anyone want me around?" Draco asked, this question was the one the solidified the thoughts that Harry and Hermione had been having all day. Draco was not the same person as Malfoy.
"You aren't the same person you were all those years ago, not even close, we wanted to try to get to know the you that you are now." Harry spoke, nudging the other man towards the table with his hand on the small of his back. Draco resigned and allowed himself to be brought back. He thought the touch was a little more familiar than it needed to be, however he didn't care all that much. In his mind it was better than a boot to the ass towards the door. He followed the taller man to the table they'd secured in the corner and sat down as far away from the still seething red haired man as possible.
"Harry, Neville, I think I'm going to take Ronald home, he's obviously still not off of work mode, so I will catch up with you later. It really was a pleasure to see you Draco. I'm glad to see things have worked out for you." Hermione stood, grabbing her estranged husband by his bicep and leading him to the door. Draco waved politely in their direction before sighing. When the waitress returned, a pretty, young thing with her hair done in a loose bun on the back of her head, Draco ordered a double straight firewhiskey and a salad wrap. He didn't plan on getting drunk but he found that he rarely drank "light" nowadays.
"Head Healer at St. Mungos. How did you accomplish that?" Harry asked, turning the conversation away from where it had been.
"I'd like to take some credit for that." Both Dean and Seamus managed to get out at the same time. Draco chuckled softly, astonished that he'd actually been able to laugh easily with this group. Harry took notice of this, having never heard a genuine laugh out of the blonde man.
"I struggled a lot to be frank. Healing isn't a strong suit, potions and transfiguration though I was good at, so I worked hard to get to the level I'm at. If only for the sake of everyone else. The pay isn't great, and while yeah it's a job and I take pride in what I do, I'm not doing it for me." Draco trailed off at the end, realizing for himself that he hadn't really done anything for himself since he'd left Hogwarts. Harry nodded, scratching at his still slightly itchy head.
"If you are still itchy I can whip up a potion to help it go away, it really wouldn't be hard, I could have it for you tomorrow." Draco commented, noticing the dark haired man scratching still.
"If you could that would be great, but I don't want to pressure you." Harry smiled, his eyes sparkling slightly in the lower light of the pub.
"Its not a problem, Draco is the fastest at potions making in the hospital. Hell if he had the stuff now he'd have it done in a half hour tops." Seamus slapped Draco's back roughly, an obvious sign of affection from the Scot. Draco gave him a smile in return, and noticed that the waitress had returned with his order. She made an obvious attempt at attention by reaching across the table to place it down in front of him, while exposing a small amount of her cleavage. Slightly put off he turned away and thanked her, more interested in his drink than he was by her show.
"Wow, you really are a ladies man aren't you." Dean smirked, while Ginny, who had been silent up until that point regarded him critically. The young witch had made Quiddich history and was one of the top female players in the world. On top of that she was a brilliant journalist, well on her way to becoming top editor for the local news. Draco rarely paid attention, but every time something caught his eye it was written by her.
"Draco, can we speak?" She asked, removing Deans arm from her shoulder. She leaned over and placed a peck on his forehead before grabbing Draco's arm and walking him over to the bar top.
"What was it you needed to talk about? Is it medical?" Draco asked, preparing a spell to analyze her as they spoke.
"No, oh no no no, that's not why I asked you over here. I wanted to get your opinion on something. You see, Dean is a great guy, and I was wondering if you could help me pick out a good gift for him for his birthday." She asked, pointing at his glass, which he'd taken with him from the table, and asking for one of the same.
"Why not ask Seamus, or Harry? They know more about Dean than I do. How long have you two been together?" Draco asked, actually wondering because last he'd checked she'd been head over heels for tall dark and stupid.
"Because Seamus is an idiot and doesn't know a good gift if it hit him in the face. Harry is also an idiot when it comes to gifts. And plus I wanted to hear from you. Also, we've been together for 4 years now." She waved her hand dismissively. Obviously she'd spent a lot of time with them together to come to that conclusion. Neville sat next to Harry and looked like they were having a riveting conversation. Draco stared for a moment before getting back to the conversation at hand.
"I'd say something jewelry related. A necklace maybe, something that shows you care about him, but something practical too. Nothing huge and gaudy, nothing way over the top. A simple chain with a small simple pendant. If its his type, something masculine. You know, I don't tend to give or receive a lot of gifts, so I'm not the best go to." Draco spoke, downing his drink after finishing. Ginny nodded approvingly before touching his hand.
"I want you to know, I'm aware of the fact that women aren't your thing. I also just wanted to say that you don't have to hide it." She smiled reassuringly, and Draco had to cough to keep from choking.
"I wasn't really hiding it you know. I just know when to keep attractions away from social settings. I'm not exactly trying to act a certain way, I am me." He spoke, wiping a bit of alcohol off of his chin after he'd spat it out.
"Alrighty then. Thank you for the advice, and know that if you ever need a break from work, you can chat with me." She smiled and went back to the table. Draco sighed and put his head in his hands. It had been a long and relatively uneventful day, and maybe drinking off a hangover isn't the best idea, however that was the only one he had. Ordering another drink he downed that one, ordered a third, and wandered back to the table. Ginny smiled at him and the conversations continued pretty generally. Asking about work and home-life.
Draco admitted to having gotten a kitten at some point in the last year, saying it helped a bit with the quiet home. He pulled a picture out of his wallet, probably where one would normally keep a picture of a family member or a significant other. He named it Hesti, after the Greek goddess of the hearth Hestia. She was a white cat with strangely black paws tail and ears. Her eyes were a brilliant green. Harry smiled and said he'd want to meet the cat that tamed Draco. Ginny's smile widened at this and said she'd want to meet her too. Draco smiled and said it would be a good visit. He mentally made a note to tidy up the house first. Soon it was getting later and while Draco didn't work tomorrow, both Seamus and Dean did, so that brought their numbers down to three. Conversations died a little then, finding it hard to get common ground without anything relatable to talk about.
"So….how have you been outside of work? Any relationships?" Neville asked, having had a few to drink and obviously not a heavy weight.
"No, been focused on work so much no one's come along. Not that any guy would want me anyway." Draco shrugged, finishing of his fourth drink, and thinking of slowing down soon.
"Naw man. You can't think like that. You got that waitresses attention, obviously you're attractive enough." Harry spoke, his voice getting a little slurred with alcohol as well. Over the years Draco's tolerance of alcohol had gone from nonexistent to resilient. It took the whole bottle of firewhiskey to get him where he wanted, and a few drinks at the pub wasn't doing it.
"Its not physical attraction I'm worried about mate." Draco muttered, realizing he'd gotten pretty friendly with the two guys he sat with.
"Then what is there to worry about? Most people now don't even remember who all took part in that fight anyways." Neville spoke, head drifting down slightly. Draco sighed and spoke a spell towards Neville, helping with the light headedness and any nausea he would be feeling.
"Wandless magic? You know how to do that?!" Harry asked, suddenly all ears.
"Only spells I've created or known for a long time. It took me forever." Draco spoke with a shrug. He'd figured that Harry could do that by now, he was one of the best wizards in the world. Neville smiled and pat his back, albeit less roughly than Seamus had done earlier. This was something Draco wasn't used to. He wasn't accustomed to getting drunk with "the guys" at the pub. Or joking with people in general.
Getting comfortable finally, Draco took his coat off, noticing it was getting quite warm, and rolled his sleeves up, slightly apprehensive. Neville, sobering up slightly, noticed the marred skin first. He reached over and turned Draco's arm over, glaring at the scars as if it would fix them. Harry then noticed and reached over and trailed his fingers down them. Draco's skin flushed where Harry touched, slightly dull because of the scar tissue and lack of nerves, he could still feel the lightness of the brush.
"How did you do this?" Neville asked, turning his gaze up to Draco's face. It seemed years had helped the once shy and stuttering boy to grow older and speak out.
"I had to get rid of that ugly mark somehow. No one would let me work with it there anyway. I had to scar the tissue around it too, to lower suspicions. It looks like a normal burn wound now." Draco smiled sadly at it, remembering the intense pain it caused the day he'd done it. It was a day off, and he'd called Dean into his office to make sure that someone was there before trying a spell that could have back fired.
"You're skin was so smooth before that." Harry murmured in response.
"Yeah but no one looking for a safe place, to rest and heal, would ever want their Head Healer to have that bloody thing on their arm. It had to go." Draco said with finality. The conversation died then, leaving both Neville and Harry to wonder to what extent Draco would go to get rid of his past guilt. He'd scarred his own body, submitted to a life of loneliness, and focused all of his time on helping others. This was not the Malfoy any of them knew. This was a broken man trying to make amends. Neville glanced at his watch and said that he needed to leave to make sure he could wake up in time to open shop. Harry rose to walk him out, however Draco said his goodbyes from the table and made his way up to the counter. It was then that the waitress from before wandered back over to him.
"I see your friends have left. It must be great to be friends with Harry Potter." She smiled, leaning in close to where Draco sat. He glanced at her, made a mental comment about how much make-up she wore, and sighed.
"They aren't really my friends. It would be great if they were but I can't possibly be one of their friends. They are all great people and I'm just the mistake that should have died. You know what, I'm sorry, I'm getting really sappy and I probably should leave." Draco ground his teeth, realizing that he'd had enough alcohol for one evening.
"Heading out so soon? I was hoping to catch up more." Harry called, having placed some money on the table.
"I really need to clear my head actually. I'm not good company right now." He hurried out the door and into the colder air, realizing that he'd left his jacket on the back of his chair. Too determined to leave he figured he'd get it later and made his way a few streets over to where a park was. He had his wand tucked into his waist band out of sight and he kept his hands in his pockets. It was chilly, however the alcohol in his system made his whole body feel warm, keeping him from freezing. Finding a free bench he sat down, spread his arms out over the back of it and threw his head back. He had too much going on in his head to notice that he wasn't alone anymore.
There is a lot going on in this chapter but it should regulate after a bit. I'm not very good with drama, so I hope this was as dramatic as it was in my head. I decided to post this after I'd already started working on the next chapter, and so I should post the next chapter in less than a week. Yell at me if I don't. This is the new end of chapter one, thank you to the guest reviewer who gave me some great advice! I should have fixed a few of the issues that had been there before, and I hope it helps other people int he future! Stay Shiny, People!
