How to Apologise to Harry Potter in 10 Days
Draco Malfoy decides to apologise to Harry Potter, but finds himself falling into old familiar patterns instead. All he needs to do is say two little words. Why is it so hard?
Part 1/4
Day 1: Monday
Draco Malfoy decides to apologise to Harry Potter. Although he feels as if he should be apologising to the world as a whole, since that isn't an option, he decides the next best thing to be Potter. He tries to talk himself out of it, he really does. Of course Potter knows he is sorry for his part in Voldemort's plans, and must have already forgiven him otherwise why else would Potter vouch for him at his Wizengamot trial? So what is the point in explicitly saying it? Draco has recently become a little too familiar with quite a persistent and horrible emotion: guilt. It is not a new experience for him, but now without the stronger concoction of blood curdling fear to muffle it, the feeling of guilt is particularly strong.
So it is with great reluctance, but what Draco thinks to be necessity for his own well-being, that he makes his way up to the Auror offices at The Ministry of Magic to see Potter.
Saint Potter hadn't even needed to sit an interview before he was offered a position as Auror. Draco supposes if his resume included vanquished Lord Voldemort at 17, he might actually have a job as well, instead of being unemployed. Hardly anybody is willing to hire Death Eaters and it's not as if he can simply vanish the tell-tale tattoo on his left forearm. He tries not to be resentful towards Potter - he really does - but it is hard not to compare their current situations.
Draco sighs as the elevator comes to a halt and the doors ding open. Here he is. It is now or never. Well, actually...Draco considers waiting until the doors close, heading straight back down into the lobby, floo-ing home and then coming back tomorrow. What's one more day? As he hesitates, the doors do start to close and he holds out his arm unthinkingly to stop them. As the doors jump back open, he sighs again through gritted teeth and exits out onto the floor of Magical Law Enforcement.
Draco looks around finding himself in what appears to be a round waiting room with numerous corridors branching out in several directions. Stupidly, he realises he probably should have asked for more specific directions at the main lobby. Now he'll have to walk around like a lost idiot until he runs into someone. Although he doesn't fancy asking anyone where to find Potter. That would bring up the question of why he is here and that is not something he is prepared to tell anyone else. Hell, he is hardly prepared to tell Potter.
Just as he is about to head down one of the corridors at random - he would prefer anything to standing still waiting - he catches movement in his peripheral vision and turns quickly to come face to face with Granger.
"Malfoy!" She exclaims in surprise before frowning suspiciously. "What are you doing here?"
Draco grimaces. Questions already. Excellent. If only he knew Potter's home address, he wouldn't have had to worry about bumping into anyone else. "I could ask you the same question," he drawls in reply, wishing he hasn't as soon as it comes out.
Granger crosses her arms - no, he definitely should not have said that - and narrows her eyes. "I work in the Ministry, Malfoy, I have every right to be here. I can't think what your business would be here."
"Potter," answers Draco quickly, again regretting his response. He really should have thought of a cover story before showing up here. This is the worst idea he has ever had.
"Potter?" she repeats surprised.
Well, there is no use denying it now. "Yes, I need to speak with Potter. Do you happen to know where his office is?" he asks, attempting politeness, although not quite successful in removing the defensive edge from his voice.
Granger's arms loosen but she remains frowning. "I've just come from his office actually. He's very busy today. I doubt he'll have time to see you...unless you've made an appointment?"
Draco snorts loudly. He was hardly going to call ahead and make an appointment with Potter simply to apologise. All he needs is a quick word and it will be over. That's not something you make an appointment for. "No, I didn't make an appointment," he sneers, "I only need two minutes of his time."
Raising her eyebrows at Draco's attitude, Granger surprises him by laughing. "You haven't changed at all," she says and Draco can't interpret from her tone whether this is a good or bad thing. He suspects it's the latter. "I'll show you where his office is but don't blame me if he doesn't have time for you."
Relieved he isn't expected to answer any more questions, Draco gladly follows Granger back down the corridor she entered from. He tries not to make eye contact with the people they pass. He suspects people who work in Magical Law Enforcement won't exactly be fond of an ex-Death Eater, and he really doesn't feel like facing that judgement.
When Granger stops and turns to face him beside a closed door, his stomach suddenly twists with nerves as he realises he must be outside Potter's office. Granger must notice something off in his expression because she asks if he is okay.
Startled by the question, Draco slips into the offensive. "Why wouldn't I be?" he asks irritated.
Granger frowns again. "Whatever, Malfoy. Hopefully Harry has more patience than me today. Good luck" she says before walking off.
As she leaves, Draco turns to face Potter's office door. It is a normal door, exactly what you'd expect for an office, average in every way. All Draco needs to do is lift up his hand and knock on the door. A tiny simple gesture. But Draco finds that he is frozen to the spot and his arms will not budge. How is he supposed to apologise to Potter if he can't even knock on the other man's office door?
Draco is seriously considering his earlier thought of just trying again tomorrow when the door opens in front of him. He blinks his eyes rapidly in surprise and peers into the room to find Potter lounging at his desk, his wand raised lazily with a curious expression on his face.
Instinctively Draco scowls. "Potter."
"Malfoy" replies Potter sounding amused.
Draco finds this incredibly irritating. Here he is at stupid Potter's stupid office to make a stupid apology, he's already been laughed at by Granger, and now Potter seems to find him funny as well. This is not how it was supposed to happen.
"Think this is funny, do you?" asks Draco, still scowling.
Potter sits up in his seat a little further and has the decency to look ashamed. "Er...no? Malfoy, what do you want?"
More questions. Why all the questions? Draco tries to remember why he is even here in the first place. Oh right. To apologise. He looks around the corridor he still stands in uncomfortably before turning back to the man in question. "Aren't you going to invite me in?" he asks in frustration.
"Oh right, sure. Come in if you want."
Draco rolls his eyes and steps into the office, pausing for a moment to take in his surroundings. It doesn't appear as if Potter has personalised the place too much. Draco can't see any photo frames or personal items but then again, maybe they are buried beneath the mess of paperwork that scatters the office. How can Potter work like this? It is disturbingly chaotic.
"So, Malfoy, what do you want?" Potter asks again.
Draco bites back a snarky retort. He isn't here to antagonise Potter, he is here to apologise, but how easy it is to fall back into old patterns. He rests his arm near the pocket holding his wand - he feels a peculiar urge to start dueling but he doesn't think that would make things go in his favour.
When Draco doesn't reply, Potter tries again. "Er...Malfoy? Are you going to tell me why you're here?"
"To see you, obviously." Why so many questions? This is why Draco much prefers to stay at home and mind his own business.
Potter closes his eyes and sighs. Draco doesn't understand the meaning and it irritates him even further. "Look Malfoy, I have a meeting in ten, so if you're here for a reason, can you please get to it?"
Draco scowls. "Oh I see. The boy who lived is too busy to talk to a Death Eater."
"No? That's not it at all. I really do have-"
"I get it, Potter. You must think me so beneath you."
"Malfoy, I-"
"Please Potter, you may have everyone else here fooled but I see right through your little hero act. I'm sure you only spoke at my trial to cement your position as Saint Potter, the-"
"What are you-"
"Potter, I know what you think of my family, what you think of me. I'd say we're not the only prejudice ones. You-"
"Oh fuck off, Malfoy," Harry finally yells, his anger visible.
Draco falters for a second in surprise before drawing his wand. "Don't test me, Potter" he threatens. He notices Potter has also raised his wand.
"You're going to attack me in the Ministry of Magic? In the Magical Law Enforcement division?" Potter asks incredulously.
Draco grits his teeth and lowers his wand. He supposes this wasn't his smartest move. Still irritated at Potter, he decides to call off his whole plan. He turns on his heel, exits the office, takes an elevator impatiently down to the lobby and floos home.
What a waste of a day.
Day 2: Tuesday
Draco wakes up the next morning and decides to attempt to apologise to Potter again. He had mistakenly assumed it would be simple, forgetting how easily Potter got under his skin. He feels more patient today. He can handle Potter.
On arrival at the Ministry, he flirts with the receptionist again, scoring another all access visitor pass to the Magical Law Enforcement division, and makes his way up to Potter's office, determined to actually get to the apology part of the visit today.
He is surprised – and a little excited – to find Potter's office door hanging ever so slightly ajar, and to hear muffled voices spilling out into the corridor. He quietly leans his ear as close as he can to the door without touching it and begins to eavesdrop.
"-expect from a slimy little git-" the first voice continues.
"Ron, please don't call him that." Draco recognises Potter's voice
"Why not? He came into your office, insulted you and pulled a wand on you. It's not as if he's changed."
Draco hears Potter sigh again. "Yes, well I seriously doubt he came all the way here just to duel me. He must have his reasons."
Weasley laughs. "Malfoy never had a reason for picking fights. That's just what he does. What else would he want to see you for?"
"I don't know. Something. He must want something. I just wish I knew what it was."
"Maybe he came to beg for a job. I hear he and his mother aren't too popular anymore…"
"I doubt I'll ever see Malfoy beg." Potter laughs.
"He might not have a choice. The spoiled ferret can't rely on his daddy dearest anymore." Draco feels his jaw tighten.
There is silence, Draco strains his ears in case he is missing something.
"Don't look at me like that, Harry. The Malfoys deserve everything they got and the branch doesn't fall far from the tree I'm sure…"
"Not everyone had a loving family growing up like you." Draco notices a dangerous edge to Potter's voice and he is surprised. Weasley has clearly touched a nerve.
"You turned out alright," Weasley replies cautiously, "and speaking of my family…"
"Ron." Potter warns. Draco's ears perk up. This sounds interesting.
"I don't understand why you can't just kiss and make up. You two belong together."
"Ron. Have you even spoken to Ginny? We've already worked it out and we're both happy apart."
"But that's not how it's supposed to go. You were supposed to be my brother!" Draco rolls his eyes.
"I'm still your brother whether I marry your sister or not. You'll always be family to me."
"What's wrong with Ginny?" Weasley asks.
"It's not Ginny. It's me and Ginny together that's wrong."
"Why?"
"Can we not get into this again? I don't want to talk about it."
"Was it the sex?" Weasley asks and Draco imagines Potter's face growing red. He can't help but let out a snort.
"Who's there?" calls out Weasley suspiciously. Fuck.
Draco quickly leans up against the corridor wall casually, as the door swings fully open. He knows he has been caught eavesdropping but he doesn't want to appear like he was eagerly pressing his ear against the door, which is, of course, exactly what he was doing.
Weasley's eyes widen in surprise. "Malfoy" he growls. With the door now fully open, Draco can see Potter over Weasley's shoulder and he is pleased to see he was right about the red face. "What the fuck are you doing?"
"Waiting for Potter, obviously," Draco replies with a smirk. Riling Weasley up has always been fun.
"You were eavesdropping on us!" Weasley accuses.
"If you're not going to bother using a silencing charm, or even close the door, I can hardly be blamed for overhearing as I stand in a public corridor, Weasley."
Weasley splutters pathetically and Draco turns to Potter with his eyebrows raised. Potter is still red. Interesting.
"Er…You should come in." Potter says to Draco awkwardly over Weasley's shoulder.
This doesn't bode well with his best friend who turns to Potter. "He was just…you're going to just let him…urgh.." Weasley growls as Potter pushes him gently from the office. Draco smirks.
"It's okay, Ron. I'll find you later." Says Potter. Weasley growls one last time but allows himself to be pushed out the door.
As soon as he exits, Potter shuts the door fully and casts a quick silencing charm. Draco raises his eyebrows at Potter again.
Potter shrugs. "What? It was a good point."
"No one will come running if we start dueling," Draco points out.
Potter smiles. "Scared, Malfoy?"
Draco snorts. "You wish."
Potter laughs and takes a seat at his desk, gesturing for Draco to do the same on the opposite side. Draco glances at the chair uncomfortably. This is supposed to be a quick discussion. It's not even a discussion, really. Two words and it's done. He doesn't need to sit.
Noticing Draco's hesitation, Potter narrows his eyes curiously. "It's just a chair, Malfoy, not a commitment."
Draco sighs and takes a seat. He supposes it will take a while for him to get to those two words anyway. Merlin, he could really do with some Gryffindor courage.
"So…was it the sex?" Draco asks with a smirk instead.
Potter frowns as his face reddens again. "I thought I just escaped that conversation. Don't make me re-live it."
Draco shrugs. "I'm not here to beg for a job."
Potter laughs nervously. "I didn't think you were. Er…how long were you listening?"
"Relax Potter, you didn't say anything incriminating. Weasley, on the other hand…" Draco scowls. He didn't much like being referred to as a slimy git.
Potter grimaces. "There's still some bad blood there. Your stunt yesterday didn't help too much of course."
"You didn't have to tell him."
Potter looks surprised. "I tell my best friends everything and it was the most…eventful…part of the day."
Draco wonders what it would be like to have friends that close. He quickly pushes it away. No point getting resentful towards Potter again. He's not the enemy.
Potter looks nervous when Draco doesn't reply or carry the conversation further. There is a tense silence. "So…" he starts awkwardly.
Draco freezes. Potter is waiting for him to explain why's here. All he needs to do is say two words and leave. Two words and leave. What are the words again? Oh right. "I'm sorry," Draco says quickly and immediately exits the office.
It's not until he's in the process of floo-ing home that he realises his apology may have sounded more like a polite pardon than an actual apology. Oh Merlin, he's going to have to return tomorrow.
Day 3: Wednesday
Draco wakes up and decides he has had enough of trying to apologise to Potter. Today, he will simply relax.
As he wipes the sleep from his tired eyes, he notices an owl perched on his window sill, looking rather impatient. He gets up slowly and opens the window to let it in. It hoots happily and drops its letter on his head before taking up position on Draco's vanity.
When Draco reads his name on the envelope, he stiffens. He knows the handwriting. He carefully opens the letter.
I'm on a case today so I won't be in the office. I'll be at my desk tomorrow morning. - H.P
Draco frowns. How dare Potter assume he'd be visiting him again today. His world does not revolve around Harry fucking Potter. He had already decided not to visit only two minutes prior. He cannot believe the arrogance. He decides not to reply and instead maturely rips up the letter and shoos the owl out his bedroom window.
Potter can wait all he likes tomorrow but Draco will not be showing up then either. He is not at Potter's beck and call. It is ridiculous that Potter would assume such an outlandish thing.
Day 4: Thursday
Draco feels quite in the mood to apologise to Harry Potter today but unfortunately due to Potter's own arrogant letter yesterday, he simply can't turn up at the office. That would mean he was not in control. Draco needs to be in control.
Instead, Draco decides to give up on the apology completely. Technically he already did apologise. If Potter interpreted it other than the way it was meant, how is that Draco's fault? What more is there to say anyway? He isn't about to list and apologise for every single insult and hex he has directed at Potter since their first year. If Potter expects that, he is an idiot.
Draco spends the day trying to avoid thinking about Harry Potter, and in doing so ends up thinking about Harry Potter for the greater part of the morning. He wonders how the Weasley girl and Potter became "happy apart", he wonders if Potter talks to his best friends every day, he wonders if Potter enjoys his job, he wonders if Potter was working on a dangerous case yesterday, he wonders if Potter had been pleased to see him earlier in the week, he wonders what Potter really thinks of him.
As he continues not thinking about Harry Potter, his house-elf, Verity, appears at his side with a crack. "Master," she says, "you is having a visitor."
Draco snaps out of his daydream not involving Harry Potter. "Who?" he asks, surprised. It is not often that he receives visitors.
"Mr. Harry Potter, sir." Verity replies with a bow. "He is in the sitting room."
Interesting. Draco quickly looks himself over in the mirror, thankful he made the decision to have a shower earlier in the day, before heading down to the sitting room eagerly. As he approaches, he slows his pace and rest his hands in his pockets, so as to feign casual disinterest. When he enters he notices Potter is pacing – nervously? – and he clears his throat to alert Potter to his presence.
"Malfoy," exclaims Potter surprised as if he is not standing in the sitting room of Malfoy Manor.
"Potter," Draco responds with a polite (casual) nod.
Potter has stopped pacing and is now standing tensely, as if he is concentrating very hard on staying still. "You didn't show this morning," he says after a moment of silence.
Draco smirks. The arrogant jerk. "I have better things to do than visit you every day, Potter."
Potter frowns. "You didn't respond to my owl."
"Again, Potter, I have better things to do."
Potter continues to frown, and Draco worries he may have gone a little too far on the offensive. He sees Potter turn as if to leave and he quickly jumps in to keep Potter around. He is not sure why he finds this so important. He had already decided he isn't going to apologise anyway.
"How was your case?"
"My case?" Potter asks confused turning back to Draco.
"Your Owl said you were out all day on a case. Did it…go well?" Draco asks, hoping he still appears casual, and not desperate for Potter's attention, which he suspects he actually might be.
Looking relieved, Potter takes a seat as he responds. Again, with the arrogance, assuming a single question meant he was welcome. "We've been chasing a pair of dangerous thieves for a couple of weeks now. We had a tip off they were trading some dark artifacts yesterday and it turned out to be accurate for once. They were both caught." Draco notes a hint of pride in Potter's voice.
"Our hero saves the world again," Draco responds sarcastically, wishing he could think of something wittier to say.
Potter seems put off by Draco's attitude as he halts the small talk and goes straight back to the questions. "Are you going to tell me why you turned up at my office twice for seemingly no reason?" he asks.
Draco falls into a couch across from Potter, avoiding eye contact. "Probably not," he replies honestly.
Potter sighs. "It's nothing…sinister…is it?" he asks.
Draco laughs loudly and glances at Potter who is now flushing in embarrassment. "Nothing sinister, Potter, I promise."
To his surprise, Potter smiles. "Have you eaten?" he asks.
"Yes" replies Draco automatically, but wishes he lied when he realises Potter's meaning.
"Oh." Was it just Draco, or did Potter look disappointed? "Okay, well…if you're going to visit the office again tomorrow, come at midday and we can have lunch?"
"What makes you think I'll be visiting tomorrow?"
Potter shrugs. "Just hoping," he says quietly before blushing.
Draco doesn't know quite how to respond to that, so instead just watches silently as the red-faced Potter gets up quickly and exits the room. He hears Potter kindly thank Verity and then the unmistakable sound of a door opening and closing. Draco frowns. What a peculiar thing for Potter to say.
Day 5: Friday
When Draco wakes the following morning, his first thought is of the impending lunch with Harry Potter today. He wonders if lunch means the small casual café in the Ministry of Magic lobby, or if lunch means a sophisticated restaurant. Either way, he doesn't know how to dress. He decides, against his better judgement, to owl Potter.
Potter, where are we having lunch?
He sends his owl through the floo network, wary that it would take 3 hours of travel to London otherwise. He hopes Potter realises to do the same with his return owl.
Draco's owl returns in less than ten minutes. He reads the attached note eagerly.
Who is this?
Draco stares at the words in anger. Who? Just how many people has Potter asked out for lunch? How dare he not remember asking Draco. He rips up the note angrily. Suddenly his owl is pecking at his ear and revealing a second note attached to her hind leg. Draco pulls it open urgently.
Just kidding, Malfoy. Everyone else calls me Harry. Don't dress up for lunch, I'm wearing jeans. – Harry
Draco reads through the note several times, both relieved and slightly amused. He wonders how Potter knows he isn't sure what to wear. Are his sensibilities that obvious? He waits some time before responding, not wanting to appear too eager.
You bastard. I'm dressing up for lunch.
Potter seems not to have any similar concerns about appearing eager as Draco's owl returns almost immediately.
I wouldn't expect anything less. – Harry
What does that mean? Draco is tempted to wear jeans now just to prove Potter wrong, but then again, he never wears jeans. Doe he even own jeans? He isn't sure. He ends up putting on his usual black suit anyway. Potter can think what he likes. Although Draco hopes he thinks that he likes.
At the Ministry, he begins to flirt with the receptionist in the lobby again but finds his charm is no longer necessary. "Mr. Potter has granted you full visitor access" the wizard tells him coldly as he hands over a visitor pass. Draco smiles sheepishly before dashing off to the elevators, pass in hand.
When he reaches Potter's office, he is amused to find the man staring at open documents on his desk, however he is concentrating so hard, Draco suspects he is not really reading at all. "Potter" he drawls, as he leans against the doorway, in what he hopes is a friendly, but casual tone, but really ends up coming out a little husky.
Potter looks up a little too slowly, and Draco confirms he was not reading at all. "Malfoy," he says, smiling widely "You came!"
"I thought it wise not to stand the famous Harry Potter up twice. I've heard he's defeated a dark wizard or two." Draco responds dryly.
Potter laughs and Draco finds himself enthralled by the sound. When did Potter's laugh make him feel something other than anger? Interesting.
Draco notices Potter noticing his suit, although his eyes seem to hover longer than strictly necessary. "Thanks for taking my advice," Potter says sarcastically.
Draco shrugs. "I look good in a suit."
Potter smiles and nods his head. Is he agreeing or just being polite? Draco finds himself really eager to know for some reason. He looks at Potter questionably, but the moment has already passed.
"So, are you going to tell me where we're going for lunch?" Draco asks instead.
Potter smiles again, and Draco tries to cement the image in his memory for…for what reason he does not know. "Who said we were going out for lunch?"
Draco raises his eyebrows and takes a step into the office. "You can't be serious."
Potter walks towards Draco and he freezes, unsure of himself, but Potter walks straight past him to close the office door and cast a silencing charm.
"I try not to go out in public often," Potter explains as he returns to his desk to sit, "The Daily Prophet don't have much to report on these days it would seem…"
"So you're ashamed to be seen with me?" Draco asks, crossing his arms.
Potter's eyes widen in alarm. "Oh no, not that. I try not to go out in public with anybody, or by myself. It's not…I'm not ashamed."
"Oh." Draco relaxes. "So do we start on the paper first?" he asks, taking a seat across from Potter.
"What?" Potter asks confused.
"To eat, Potter. What are we eating, if not the paperwork on your desk?"
"Oh right, hold on." Potter fumbles for a moment before pulling out his wand and muttering incantations.
Draco watches curiously, wondering what spell Potter is casting, considering food cannot be configured from nothing. Suddenly the walls around the office fall away, and he finds himself sitting at Potter's desk in the middle of a long stretch of green parkland. He stands up in alarm. "Potter, where are we?"
Potter simply smiles and gestures for Draco to sit back down. "We're still in my office. It's just a perception spell."
Draco looks around in wonder, and he realises if he really concentrates, he can still see the rest of the office surrounding them, but as soon as he relaxes again, it disappears. He sits back down and looks at Potter curiously. "You've done this before."
"Like I said, I don't much like going out in public, but I also don't like being stuck in my office all day," he says shrugging.
Draco decides this is rather sad but doesn't question it further. "So, we are eating the paperwork?" he asks instead.
"Oh!" Potter blushes and Draco decides to also cement this image in his memory, as it is absolutely adorable. Draco frowns. Since when did he find Potter adorable? "I've sort of made a picnic," Potter says pulling out a basket from under his desk.
Draco stares at the basket incredulously. Harry Potter invited him to his office for a picnic in the park. He finds this knowledge incredibly thrilling for some reason.
Potter must interpret Draco's stare incorrectly because he quickly says "If you don't want to, we don't – "
"I want" interrupts Draco, staring at Potter rather than the basket. He immediately realises the implication of his words, and finds himself surprisingly unconcerned by them. Breaking eye contact, Potter busies himself with pulling food out of the basket, all the while under Draco's gaze.
"It isn't much," Potter says dismissively after pulling out an assortment of sandwiches and sweets, which Draco suspects Potter spent some time deciding on so as to appear prepared, but not over-prepared. Or is he reading into Potter's actions too much? Why is he analyzing Potter so closely at all?
Draco smiles kindly, in an attempt to calm Potter who seems nervous. If anything, it seems to make Potter more nervous if the blush of the man's cheeks is anything to go by. "I would have been fine with the paper, to be honest."
Draco is delighted to hear Potter's laugh in response. "It's all yours, Merlin knows, it would save me a lot of boring work."
"Do you like working here?" Draco asks curiously.
"Usually. It's been a bit quiet over the last few months...although things have picked up this week." Potter looks up at Draco shyly.
"Right," says Draco coolly, "You caught those thieves on Wednesday."
Potter nods a little too quickly, and Draco wonders if this was what he meant at all. "Yes, yes, the thieves, of course. It's good to get away from the desk."
"So you like to get away from the desk, but at the same time, you don't like to leave the desk in fear of journalists?"
"Something like that."
"Thought you'd be used to it by now. You've been a celebrity since you were born."
Potter winches and Draco realises his tone might have been a little harsh. He makes a mental note to tread carefully. He feels compelled to keep Potter happy.
"It's been worse since the battle." Potter explains.
"Destroying Voldemort for a second time really upped your profile. If you'd know that, I guess you'd might have just stayed home instead." Draco smiles and winks, to ensure Potter knows he is joking.
Once again, Draco is blessed with Potter's laugh. "Yes, well, too late for that now unfortunately."
They fall into silence while they eat. Draco looks at the surrounding parkland thoughtfully and wonders if it resembles an actual place Potter has been or if it is simply fanciful. A thought suddenly strikes him. "Do you…do you have a lot of picnics in the park?" he asks with an air of dismissiveness, trying to avoid the actual question: Do you bring many other men or women into your park office for private picnics or am I special?
Potter, unfortunately, sees right through this charade. "I usually eat lunch alone, Malfoy," he says seriously, and Draco wonders why this makes his heart skip a beat.
"And dinner?" asks Draco before he can stop himself.
Potter looks as if he is holding back a smile. "Why? You offering?" he asks.
Draco suddenly realises he very much wants to have dinner with Harry Potter, and the thought terrifies him. Before he can reply and tell Potter, yes, he is most certainly offering, there is a knock at the door.
Potter quickly grabs his wand and waves away the parkland. He then flicks his wand at the door so that it opens fully. He notices Potter doesn't bother to move the basket or food. He really isn't ashamed, thinks Draco happily.
The wizard at the door doesn't even look at Draco. "Harry," he says urgently, "we've just had a report that Gibbons has been spotted in muggle London. We need you to help track him."
"Right, I'll meet you at transport in two," responds Potter seriously. Draco finds his professionalism oddly appealing. Potter turns back to Draco as the other wizard leaves. "I'm so sorry, Malfoy, I have to go."
Draco wonders how Potter can make apologising sound so easy. He watches as Potter picks up a piece of spare parchment from his desk and scribbles on it quickly with a careless hand, before offering the parchment to Draco.
"What's this?" Draco asks curiously.
Potter blushes adorably. "Well, it's the weekend tomorrow so I won't be at my desk, so in case you…er…still want to visit….anyway, have to run. Bye, Malfoy." Potter rushes from the room too quickly for Draco to reply. He looks down to the parchment to read an address. Potter's home address. Oh Merlin.
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