Hey guys, sorry about how long it's taking me to update. I have a few things I want to say.

1. Look, I don't mind criticism. In fact, I like it. Flaming is uncalled for, if you don't like the story, DON'T READ IT. It's that simple.

2. How about instead of messaging complaints about how I'm an 'inexperienced and uneducated' writer, you offer suggestions? Again, I really want criticism.

3. Yes, the characters are OOC. Maybe, that's because I am not, in fact, J.K. Rowling. (Gasp!)

Ok, rant over.

What Have You Been Reduced To? Chapter 14

Harry's POV

"Malfoy? What are you doing here?" Draco Malfoy hates me. He always had, and always will. So why was he here?

"I've come to offer my condolences." His eyes swept the room, resting briefly on Hermione and Percy. "What happened to The Golden Trio? You've replaced a Weasley."

A flash of anger rushed through me. How dare he? Who did he think he was, barging in and reminding me of Ron's betrayal?

"He left." Hermione's voice was calm and collected. "He couldn't bare to think that his best friend was human."

"I told you he was the wrong sort, Potter, this could've all been avoided had you taken my hand." Malfoy put on airs, but I could sense genuine concern in his usually cocky voice.

I tried to feel angry- really, I did- but I couldn't muster up the courage needed to defend Ron's actions any longer. "Yeah, well, people change. He used to be loyal, protective... he used to be my friend."

Malfoy winced. "I apologize for my prior actions, Potter, I do hope you can see past them." He strode over to me, and held out his right hand. "Let's start over. Hello, my name's Draco, Draco Malfoy. Would you like to be my friend?"

I reached out and gripped his hand firmly. "Hello Draco, I'm Harry. It'd be my pleasure to make your acquaintance." He looked pleasantly startled, and a timid smile crept onto his lips.

"I, uh, I'd better be going, I have to get some kind of work done today," Percy stuttered, clearly uncomfortable.

"Until next time, Percy." I smiled at him, and he returned it, our eyes locking before he flooed out.

"So, Mal- er, Draco, what was your reason for coming here? I'm sure it wasn't just to make friends with Harry," Hermione prompted.

"Right. As you may know, a distant relative of mine is the equivalent to a muggle lawyer. My mother suggested I write him and ask for his help on your case. The Wizengamot will hear your case if you bring one to them, they already have Dumbledore in custody. What are your thoughts on the matter?

I was shocked. "You mean they'd take my word against Dumbledore's?"

"Oh, Harry, of course they would! Fudge despises Dumbledore's rebellion in the way he runs Hogwarts, and you are, after all, The Boy Who Lived. You killed Voldemort twice!"

"Well, then, I guess writing to your cousin wouldn't hurt, go ahead, Draco," I said.

"Wonderful. How about we set up a meeting with him sometime this week, does Tuesday sound all right? He always has Tuesday afternoons off."

"Sure, the four of us could meet at the Three Broomsticks at around six. How about it, Hermione?"

"I don't see why not. We'll see you Tuesday, Draco," Hermione answered.

He smiled at me one more time, and my stomach lurched. "I could visit you at another time, if that is acceptable?"

I found myself smiling a goofy grin. "Yeah, that sounds awesome."