A Wand For Life

Chapter 9: Friendship

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the canon characters therein. Some parts of this story are true to the books, others are half-truths since I could not find all the suitable information, and still others are things that, also due to lacking information, I made up.

X.x.X

"It's still a little concerning to me that you're hanging out with that prat." Ron said before taking a sip of his butterbeer.

Ron and Harry were sitting in the back of the Leaky Cauldron after auror training, relaxing after a rather long day. Harry rolled his eyes. The man wasn't sure if this was Ron's prejudice against most purebloods, his prejudice against the Malfoys in general, or perhaps jealousy that Harry was finding a new friend to hang out with. It had never bothered the redhead previously when Harry would hang out with Dean, Seamus, or Neville. Then again, they had been his friends too. Maybe it was just because Ron was not being included.

"You can think what you like, Ron. But I'm not going to stop hanging out with him." Harry responded rather quietly. Ron just huffed and switched topics.

"We're getting close to the final tests for becoming an auror. What do you think they'll be like?" Ron said, slight fear creeping into his voice. Testing had never been his strong suit, nor Harry's. Harry merely shrugged though.

"I figure that we've handled anything and more that could be in those tests. I mean, look at what we did when we were supposed to be in our seventh year." Harry said nonchalantly, leaning back in his chair. His friend contemplated this thought and then nodded.

"You have a point, Mate. I reckon horcruxes are probably one of the worst things out there and we handled those fairly well." The redhead responded, shooting a brief, meek glance at Harry. In the end they had taken down all the horcruxes, but that was not before Ron had been heavily affected by one of the dark pieces of magic. The dark-haired man smiled and nodded but before he could say more Hermione blustered in, a briefcase over-full with papers and a few books. Both men looked at each other and smiled. Hermione had not changed a bit. Her face was slightly flushed and her hair, despite the top layers being held back in a tie, was going in every direction.

"Hi!" She said breathlessly as she set her briefcase down on the floor and waved for a butterbeer. The woman sat and leaned backwards. "Oh it was a busy day!" Ron and Harry waited for her to continue. "I had a seminar for house-elves today! Eleven showed up and it was incredible. Most of them were already free. I can't believe their masters won't even let them come to my seminars!" Her exasperation was clear, but most wizards did not see house-elves like Hermione did so it was difficult to get any to come to any meetings.

"Eleven? That is impressive though! Just last month you had only gotten 3 to agree to talk to you." Ron responded enthusiastically and Harry hid a snort in his mug. Ron was one of the wizards who did not see it as a problem to have house elves as essentially slaves. But, he was supporting Hermione in the best way he could. And Harry thought he was doing a bang-up job at it. Hermione smiled brilliantly at him at his comment and launched into what she had presented to the elves and how she planned on having more of the seminars in the future. Harry left them to it and after another hour they finally left. The wizard was grateful to be back in his flat by himself. He was just about to change and heat up some food when an owl appeared at his window. Curious, he stopped what he was doing to let the owl in.

A letter dropped to Harry's feet and the owl hooted loudly before flying off into the night. Shaking his head, Harry bent down to retrieve the letter. His eyes instantly recognized the writing: Draco. The envelope was sealed with a wax seal with what Harry assumed was the Malfoy Family Crest and he broke it with a lopsided smile. Who would have thought back at Hogwarts that Potter and Malfoy would be exchanging mail. It was crazy. But, he pulled out the parchment and read the short message.

Dear Potter,

Meet me outside Hogsmeade tomorrow at 7:00 pm. Don't be late.

Draco

Short. To the point. Demanding. Expecting that the recipient would just obey his orders. Yep. There was no question that the letter was from Draco and Harry had to shake his head. Had this come even a few months ago, it might have enraged Harry, but he was finding more and more patience when it came to Draco it seemed. Harry left the letter on his counter and went to continue about his night. There was some studying to do, especially if he was seriously considering actually listening to Draco's note and meeting him the following evening. And he still needed to eat.

Harry changed into pajama bottoms, made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a staple part of his diet, and sat down on his couch to study. It was funny: now that he was out of school he found himself able to make himself study. That had never happened very well at Hogwarts. Part of that was there had always bene something disastrous to distract him, especially at the end of the school year. But now, theoretically, that wouldn't happen anymore. Then again, Harry was studying to be an auror and they tended to get into dangerous situations. After all, it technically was their job to go in search of the danger and stop it. So, basically Harry's life.

After several hours of studying and revisiting old cases, Harry finally decided to call it a night. He promptly passed out on his bed the moment his head hit the pillow and he slept peacefully.

X.x.X

"I can't tonight. Something came up." Harry responded to Ron as his friend continued to badger him.

"Come on! We never see Neville anymore!" Ron persisted and Harry almost gave in. It was true, they didn't see they old classmate very often, mostly because he was at Hogwarts for most of the year during school. But, Harry reminded himself that it was June and that Neville would now be on holiday until September. There would be plenty of times to see him in the coming months.

"It's summer now. He and Luna will be around loads more now." Harry shot back as he hastily gathered his belongings as he prepared to leave the ministry. Ron followed him out with his own things, grumbling the whole way. Harry shook his head and waved as they hit the main lobby with the fireplaces. He needed to stop at home and clean up before meeting Draco. Somehow, he had gotten blood on him during the course of their trainings that day. Looking back, it was probably from when Seamus had broken his nose and started bleeding everywhere.

With a final wave to Ron, Harry entered the fireplace and in a flash of green he was home. He let out a breath of air he hadn't been aware he was holding and dropped his things on the couch. Glancing at his watch he swore. 20 minutes before he had to meet Malfoy. In a flurry Harry undressed and showered. His shirt that had blood on it would have to wait. Hopefully Hermione could get out any stains that set into the fabric. Harry also wanted to eat something before he left, in case food was not on the docket for the evening, since he really had no idea what the plan was. He was really going to have to explain to Malfoy that he needed to give him more information in the future.

Finally, at 6:57 pm, Harry was finishing up his sandwich and nearly ready to go. Checking around to make sure everything was locked up, Harry remembered last minute to feed his owl. After a few soothing words and food, though, Harry was turning on the spot and appeared outside of Hogsmeade.

"You're late." A voice said behind him and Harry glanced at his watch.

"It's 7:01!" Harry exclaimed as he turned to face Draco. In the fading light he couldn't quite tell if Draco was smirking at him or not. He probably was, but that was nothing new. The difference with this type of smirk was that it wasn't menacing or taunting.

"Yes, and I said seven." And without another word Draco started walking towards Hogsmeade proper. Harry did not question him and just shook his head and followed. It wasn't long before Harry realized where they were headed and he quickly caught up with Draco.

"The Three Broomsticks?"

"Yes. What of it?"

"I just didn't expect that this was where you wanted to go. I kinda assumed you had something else in mind." Harry said with a half laugh.

"Like what?" Draco asked, one eyebrow raising curiously.

"Oh, I don't know. Just not this. I kinda thought you just wanted to meet up here since it was familiar to both of us."

"No. I just wanted to grab a drink." Draco stated as they reached the door to the inn in question. He held the door open for Harry and the shorter man entered the quiet inn. There were not many people about and perhaps Draco had known that and that was why he had chosen this spot. "What do you want?"

"Fire whiskey." Harry responded immediately and Draco nodded and headed to order while Harry picked a spot in a corner with his back to the wall. It wasn't long before Draco joined him with two fire whiskeys in hand.

"You know you don't have to sit with your back to the wall anymore. Not many would risk attacking you anymore." Draco stated as he sat down.

"Heh. It's more habit now than anything. But do you blame me?" Draco shook his head. He could understand where the man was coming from. At least now Draco realized how hard it would have been to grow up targeted as Harry had been, since birth even. Not that he would say that out loud at this point. But he could imagine.

"You did alright though. At least you kept yourself alive." Draco said, leaning back in his chair and crossing his feet at the ankle, stretched out beneath the table.

"Ha. Barely. I can't count how many times Ron, Hermione and I almost died. Well, mostly Ron and me. Hermione saved us most of the time." Harry said with a laugh before admitting that Hermione had saved them most of the time. It was true, too. They would have died in the Devil's Snare first year if it hadn't been for Hermione.

"You are lucky to have her on your side." This made Harry look at Draco directly again. He found Draco looking at his fire whiskey, swishing it side to side. Harry thought about making a joke about how often Draco would sneer at and make fun of Hermione and now here he was practically praising her, but thought better of it.

"So, what's up? Did you really just want to get together for a drink, or is something else going on here?" Harry asked the question that had been on his mind since receiving the note the night before.

"Pansy and Blaise are on a date, my father is drunk off his ass, and mother is being insufferable with wedding planning. I needed to get out of the house." This admittance from Draco took Harry by surprise. He hadn't expected Draco to be so honest.

"So, why me?"

"Who else? I don't have many others that I still keep in close contact with. I figured I'd give this," Draco motioned with his hand between Harry and himself a couple of times before continuing, "a try. Whatever this is." That stumped Harry and he remained silent for several long moments and Draco did not seem to want to continue to chat. Finally, Harry spoke up.

"Friendship."

"Hm?"

"I think the word you are looking for is 'friendship'. Believe it or not, I think we may have one." Harry laughed at that and downed the rest of his fire whiskey. For a moment he thought he'd angered Draco. But finally the blonde responded.

"I think you might be right." Draco agreed.

"Another one?" Harry asked and Draco nodded. Harry went to get the next round and returned to a smiling Draco.

"What is so funny?"

"I guess this means I finally got you to say yes."

"What?"

"Oh, all those years ago when you turned down my handshake before we were all Sorted. You finally accepted my offer of friendship." Harry broke out into a wide grin in response.

"I guess I did. You're not nearly the prat you were back then, so we can be friends now." Harry responded. Draco, instead of getting upset, blushed slightly and then smiled in agreement.

The conversation then turned to Harry's auror training briefly before Harry got Draco talking about training to be a healer. As it turned out, Draco was surprisingly passionate about his training. His knowledge was very thorough and he spoke intelligently about herbs and poultices and potions. Harry quite enjoyed listening to Draco go on about the latest mix of herbs he wanted to try and how he thought it would turn out. Finally, however, both men started to yawn and they agreed it was time to leave. Harry was surprised he hadn't realized how late it was getting, but he would internally admit that he had been having a good time. It was nice to not have to talk to another auror about their training. And it was refreshing to have someone else talk a little, even if Harry hadn't followed a lot of what Draco had said. Potions had never been his strong-suit, sixth year and the half-blood Prince potions book notwithstanding.

"Well, I guess I will talk to you soon then." Draco said and he held out his hand. This time, instead of turning it down, Harry smiled and shook Draco's hand firmly. It meant something to both men and they said goodbye.

X.x.X

"Oy! Where you been?" A voice called out of the dark as Harry turned on his light in his living room. Confusion flooded Harry's brain and his wand was out before his brain fully recognized the voice. It was Ron outside his door. Harry rolled his eyes and went to let his friend in. To his surprise, there were a few other bodies outside too and Ron, followed by Neville, Luna, and Hermione piled into his living space. With a sigh, Harry closed his door.

"Good evening to you all as well." Harry said a little more dryly than he meant it.

"Hiya, Harry." Neville said from behind Ron with a smile. Harry made an effort to smile and him and Luna.

"Hi you two. It's great to see you!" At least he meant it.

"And you, Harry. We are sorry to barge in like this, but Ron insisted." Luna's singsong voice was familiar, though she had seemed to grow a little more down to earth in the last year or so. If that was because of Neville, though, no one said anything. The couple was happy together and actually complimented each other very well.

"Oh, it's not a problem. Ron knew I was out though." Harry looked pointedly at his best friend who was currently looking for food in his kitchen.

"Honestly, Ron, anyone would think you never ate the way you are always looking for food." Hermione sighed, exasperated.

"At least this way we know he's Ron. I don't think anyone could fake that kind of fervor for food like him." Luna laughed and everyone joined in because it was very true.

"You can all sit down. Sorry it's such a mess. I was in a hurry earlier and wasn't expecting company." Harry invited them all to sit.

"Oh, come on, Harry. We all know that you can't keep you place clean." Hermione said fondly as she looked around. And there was evidence to support her claim. It was a mess everywhere, not just where he had left his things from earlier. Especially now that he wasn't dating anyone, his place was a huge mess. Even while he'd been with Ginny, he hadn't kept it much cleaner that it was now. Harry was about to send back a retort when a strangled noise came from behind them. Heads turned to see Ron turning a brilliant shade of red.

"What. Is this?" He stammered, holding up a bit of parchment and Harry mentally clapped his hand to his forehead as he realized what Ron was holding.

"It's a note from Draco." Harry stated simply. Neville and Luna had been aware of Harry's attempts to return Draco's wand, but were not fully up to date like Hermione and Ron. Then again, those two weren't up to date with what had happened that night either.

"A note asking you to meet up with him. Tonight. Is this why you couldn't come out with us?" Ron asked, his voice rising slightly.

"Yes." Harry responded as he stood. "Ron, you can't control who I spend time with."

"You blew us off for Malfoy!? Draco Malfoy?" Ron yelled and everyone was standing now.

"I did not blow you off. I happened to receive his invitation before yours and accepted his first. I was not going to turn him down."

"And why not? I think this is starting to get a little ridiculous." Ron stated and Hermione hurried over to him to try and calm him down.

"Why not? You want to know why, Ron? Draco and I are friends now. You are just going to have to accept that." Harry was steaming in anger and he tried to calm himself as he turned to Neville and Luna who looked surprisingly not alarmed or upset at the situation. "I apologize for all of this. We should get together soon, though and catch up." Harry forced himself to smile at the too.

"Of course, Harry. It was good to see you. I hope things work well with Draco." Luna smiled and hugged Harry fondly. She was the least likely to get upset out of all the people there, though Neville was pretty calm as well.

"Yeah, see you, Mate. We'll send an owl along to set something up. Tell Draco I said hullo next time you see him." Neville held out a hand for Harry to shake and Harry felt immensely grateful to the two as he showed them out while Hermione frantically tried to calm a fuming Ron down in the kitchen.

"Friends? How?" Ron asked when the other two had left and Harry whipped around, green eyes on fire.

"I don't know. How did you and I become friends, hm? We started talking and it just happened."

"I just don't understand."

"Ron, you really shouldn't be surprised. Harry hasn't been keeping anything from us." Hermione tried to reason.

"But it's Draco!" Clearly neither of them were going to get through to Ron that night and Harry asked them to leave. As Ron left Hermione quickly turned back and hugged Harry.

"I'm glad it's working out. I know it means a lot to you." She didn't wait for a response and quickly followed after Ron and they were gone.

Harry had no energy to study or do anything other than crawl into bed for some sleep after that. It had been a long day.