Disagreements over Dinner

'Post is here,' I said and carried through the small stack of letters into the kitchen. 'Bill…bill… something that looks like junk… a letter for you.' I handed the letter to Draco and sat down at the breakfast bar and opened up the other letters. Taking a sip of orange juice I realised that Draco is staring at the letter and looks shocked. He seemed to notice that I am looking at him and quickly thrusts the letter into his briefcase. He put on his jacket.

'Draco? What about breakfast?' I asked, slightly confused.

'Well, I have just remembered that I am meant to be going into work early today, I shall get something on the way.'

'Oh, ok. Is everything ok?'

'Yes, everything's fine, have a good day. Good luck with your last exam. I shall see you tonight.'

I heard the thud of the front door as Draco left. Despite what he had said I knew that something was wrong, and that something was to do with the letter that he had received this morning. It was up to him though to tell me, though if I am being completely honest it did hurt me a bit that he seemed so reluctant to tell me what was going on. I finished my toast and loaded the dishwasher and grabbing my jacket and bag headed out as well. I decided to walk to college today as it is quite sunny outside so plugged in my mp3 player and walking always settled my nerves before an exam. Our house isn't that far away from college, only takes about ten minutes on the bus, and forty-five minutes walking. I was coming to the end of year thirteen, my last year and my final a level exams would all be over today. I was looking forward to finishing, I would miss college and the friends that I had made but ahead of me was university. I had decided long ago that I really wanted to be a teacher and am excited about starting the teacher training course in September. Mum had been a secondary school teacher and had always joked that she could see me following in her footsteps, I liked to think that she would be proud that I was although I had decided to be a primary school teacher instead. My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of my phone, I stopped walking for a moment as I had to dig deep in my bag for my phone. I mentally tell myself that I should really tidy up my bag and be more organised as it would save me so much time. I do find it though and it is still ringing, I took out my earphones, noticed that is Ginny calling and answered the phone,

'Hello Ginny,' I said smiling. I put my mp3 player in my bag and started walking again as knowing Ginny this could be a long conversation.

'Hello, Rebecca, I tried phoning the house but there was no answer.'

'I am on the way to college.'

'Oh, of course, I am always forgetting that you are still at school.'

'Not for that much longer though – it is my last exam today.'

'Oh that must be a relief. So how have your exams gone anyway?'

'I think ok so far.'

'Good, good. Well, are you and Draco doing anything special tonight?'

'I don't think so, no.'

'In that case would you both like to come round for dinner? I have been twiddling my thumbs since finishing at Hogwarts and would love to have a little dinner party. I shall invite Hermione and Neville as well.'

'Sounds lovely, are you sure though as aren't holidays meant for relaxing?'

'Well, I can relax afterwards.'

'I shall check with Draco when he gets in from work tonight, but I don't think it will be a problem.'

'How is Draco enjoying his new job?' Draco had been working in a bank for the last two years and had recently been promoted.

'Well, he says he is but I am not completely convinced. I think he finds it boring but he doesn't want to seem to do anything about it.'

'Men, eh?'

'I know, what are they like?' We both laughed.

'Anyway, I am planning to serve dinner at about eight but feel free to come round from about seven.'

'Ok then. It shall give me something to look forward to today, get me through my exam.'

'Great, I shall ring Hermione then and see if she can come.'

'Say hello from me. I shall let you know if for any reason we aren't able to come.'

'Sure, hope to see you tonight. Good luck.'

'Thanks, bye.'

I put the phone in my bag and took out my mp3 player again and couldn't stop myself from smiling. It had been a while since we had all got together. Harry and Ginny seemed really happy and I knew that Ginny was busy planning their wedding which was going to be held this Autumn, Hermione and I were to be her bridesmaids. It was all rather exciting. When people had questioned Harry and Ginny as to whether they were marrying too young they had always pointed out that life was too short and no one knew was around the corner. I think that Draco had expected me to be upset about Ginny and Harry being together as he seemed to think that I still really liked Harry but I was happy for them. They seemed perfect for each other and had been together since shortly after the final battle.

My History exam was much better then I expected and I was satisfied with how I had answered the questions. I was just coming out of the college gates of the college thinking about how much heavier my bag was than this morning with the huge amount of stuff that I had to clear out of my locker when I heard someone calling out,

'Hey, Rebecca?' To my surprise it was Draco, he was leaning on his car.

'What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at work?'

'Allowed to go early so I thought I would come and pick you up but if you want to walk then that's fine,' Draco smiled and got in the car. I got into the passenger seat.

'Thanks, my bag weighs a ton. You wouldn't believe how much stuff I found in my locker.'

'I expect I would believe it, judging on the state of your room,' Draco said smiling and started the car. He was right though, Draco was as neat and tidy as I was messy and disorganised. I played with the radio until I found a music station.

'How was your exam?' Draco asked.

'Good actually, it is such a relief to have them out of the way. How was your day?' I asked, hoping that he may tell me what was in the letter.

'Fine, fine.'

'Oh, I hope you don't mind but Ginny invited us to go over for dinner tonight.'

'And I suppose you said yes,' Draco said staring straight ahead at the road.

'Well, I did but if you don't want to go then I will ring her and say that something has come up and you can't come.'

'You would go without me then?'

'Yes, I mean we aren't joined at the hip and I haven't seen Harry and Ginny for a while and Hermione and Neville may be coming as well.'

'Quite the little reunion, then.'

'I suppose so yes.'

Draco pulled up on the driveway outside our house. He got out quickly and slamed the car door shut. I followed him up to the front door.

'Draco, is something wrong? Don't you want to come?'

'Nothing is wrong.' He unlocked the door.

'So are you coming tonight?'

'Yes, now I am going to have a shower,' Draco said and walked upstairs.

I sighed and decided to sort out my bag before we have to leave. First though, I made myself a cup of tea and got some chocolate chip cookies out. I sat down at the kitchen table and got everything out of my bag and started to put it into piles – things to keep, things to recycle and things to throw away. I was about halfway through when Draco came into the kitchen. I looked up as he made himself a cup of coffee. He had changed into jeans and a shirt. He sat down opposite me and helped himself to a cookie.

'All this came from your locker?'

'Yes, unbelievable isn't it?' I said and returned to my sorting out. Draco started looking through some of my textbooks. He had always found what I learnt at college interesting – I suppose it was because it was so different to what he studied at Hogwarts.

'This all looks rather complicated,' Draco said after a while.

'Well I am sure that I would think the same if I looked at one of your textbooks from Hogwarts.'

'I suppose so,' Draco looked thoughtful and I kicked myself for mentioning Hogwarts. Draco had never said anything specific but I had gathered that he was disappointed that he hadn't managed to complete his NEWTs leaving Hogwarts as he left before the end of his sixth year. I think at first, even if he had been given the opportunity to, he wouldn't have gone back, not after what happened. But as time had gone on I wasn't as convinced. As I had mentioned to Ginny, Draco wasn't happy with his job at the bank…

'Hey, stop day dreaming. Look at all this mess!' Draco said trying to smile.

I muttered, 'slave driver' under my breath and get back to my sorting out. An hour later and I was all finished, I cleared the table and looked at my watch,

'Oh, look at the time. I should get changed.' Draco looked up from one of my History textbooks that he seemed to have become engrossed in. I ran up the stairs and into my room and threw all the stuff I had been carrying onto my desk. I decided to keep my jeans on and just change my top. I brushed my hair and pulled it back with a pretty hairclip. I changed my comfortable shoes for a pair of flip flops. I put some jewellery on and headed back downstairs. Draco was waiting by the door, he handed me my jacket.

'Are you sure you want to go?' I asked as I put on my jacket.

'Yes come on we are going to be late.'

It was a quiet journey to Harry and Ginny's flat which is a twenty minute drive away from our house is. I broke the silence,

'I can't wait till I finally pass my driving test, you know,' I had been having lessons for nearly a year now and had taken my test twice already but due to nerves mostly I had failed both. Draco, on the other hand, had typically only had a handful of lessons and had passed his driving test first time.

'You will do it eventually.'

'Sometime before I am seventy would be great.' We pulled up in the car park adjacent to the block of flats. Draco locked the car doors and I buzzed up to Harry and Ginny's.

'Hello?' It's Harrry.

'Hey, Harry it's Rebecca and Draco.'

'Come right up.'

The door opened and we entered the foyer of the block of flats. I pressed the button for the lift which didn't take long to come. The door to Harry and Ginny's flat was open.

'Hello?' I called out.

'Come in, come in,' Harry greeted us. 'Can I take your coats?' We handed over our jackets. He hung them up. 'It is lovely to see you both.'

'You too Harry,' I said giving him a warm hug. Draco and Harry patted each other on the back.

'Rebecca?' I heard Ginny call out. 'Could you help me with something?'

I smiled at Harry and Draco and follow Ginny's voice into their spacious kitchen.

'Great, could you just stir this sauce? I shall go and get changed. I will be back in a moment.'

'Sure, it smells delicious.' Ginny hurried off. I busied myself stirring the sauce. Ginny didn't take long to change.

'Oh thanks, Rebecca. I don't really trust Harry with anything kitchen-wise as he can be a bit of a disaster.' We hugged.

'You are looking well, how was your exam?' Ginny asked.

'You are looking great as well. The exam was fine, I am so pleased that I have finished. Now is there anything else you want me to do?'

'I think I have everything under control at the moment, why don't you go through to the lounge?' I smiled and walked down the hallway and into the lounge.

'Panic over?' Harry asked.

'Oh yes, Ginny is in control of everything,' I looked around the room. 'Have you redecorated? It looks lovely.'

'Thanks, it was Ginny's scheme of course.' I sat down next to Draco on the comfy sofa. The buzzer goes again,

'Oh that will be Hermione and Neville. Draco would you mind getting some wine from the kitchen? Ginny will show you where it is. Thanks.'

Draco headed towards the kitchen as Harry opened the door for Hermione and Neville. A few minutes later Hermione practically ran into the lounge,

'Rebecca, it has been too long,' she said as we hugged tightly. Neville stands awkwardly besides her, I hugged him as well.

'Well how are you both?' I asked.

'Fine, and you?' Neville asked.

'Great, I finished my exams today.'

'Right, dinner is ready to be served. Please make your way to the dining room,' Ginny said.

'I'll help you carry everything through,' Hermione offered. Draco is already in the dining room with the wine. I smiled at him but he seemed hesitant to smile back. I tried to ignore this. He took the seat opposite me with Hermione and Neville opposite us, Harry and Ginny sat at either end of the table.

'Well, this looks delicious,' I complimented Ginny.

'I just hope it tastes as good as it looks,' Ginny said blushing.

The food is delicious though. Draco didn't eat that much and seemed much quieter then normal.

'What are your plans Ginny now you have finished Hogwarts?' I asked.

'Well once Harry and I are back from our honey moon I am considering entering training to be a medi-witch, like Madame Pompfrey.' Harry, Hermione and Neville all worked in the Ministry of Magic. I didn't quite understand what they did exactly but it sounded important.

'That's sounds great.'

'Well hopefully my NEWT results will be good enough,' Ginny said and looked a bit worried.

'Oh, I am sure you will be fine,' I replied reassuringly.

'At least you got to finish your seven years at Hogwarts, some of us weren't so lucky,' Draco said bitterly.

There were a few moments of stunned silence where no one knew what to say next until Harry said softly,

'You could have come back to Hogwarts, you could probably even go back now.'

'What, and study with people three years younger then me? I don't think so and as for my reasons for not going back straightaway well killing my father…'

'Draco,' I whispered gently.

'… and seeing all those innocent people die put me off magic for a while. Why are you looking at me like that, Rebecca?'

'This isn't the time or the place, Draco.'

'Fine,' Draco said angrily but he didn't continue.

'How are the wedding plans going, Ginny?'

'I think I have everything organised at the moment. Harry and I had hoped to have a small wedding with just family and close friends but we can't seem to not invite anyone so have had to resign ourselves to a large wedding,' Ginny said sighing but the twinkle in her eyes shows that deep down she didn't really mind the change in plans.

'Have you decided whether or not to let Daily Prophet be there?' Hermione asked.

'Well the financial benefits of them being there were rather attractive but in the end we decided that we would prefer it if they weren't there' Ginny said.

'Which they weren't very happy about but we did promise them an exclusive interview when we get back from our honeymoon,' Harry continued.

'Everybody I have spoken to about the wedding is so excited, wedding of the year most people are calling it,' Neville said excitedly. 'They all can't wait to see Harry Potter who brought about the downfall of Voldemort happily married to Ginny Weasley.'

Draco snorted. I looked at him puzzled.

'Is that what everyone thinks happened? Golden boy Harry Potter saves the world again?' Draco said loudly.

'Draco?' Please,' I said desperately to avoid a scene. But Draco ignored me,

'Taken all the credit then, Potter?'

'No,' Harry said quickly. 'Everyone who was involved was paid tribute to…'

'Even Rebecca?' Draco asked.

'No…' Harry started.

'Didn't think so, yet where would any of us be without what she did? Or have you all conveniently forgotten that?' Draco shouted and stood up.

'Draco, calm down,' I said.

'No, I don't think it is fair…'

'I asked not to be named, I asked for them to pretend that I wasn't even there,' I said quietly.

'What? Why?' Draco asked.

'I don't know. I just wanted to get away, put it all behind me. Excuse me,' I said. 'I need to get some fresh air.' I stood up and walked through the lounge and onto the small balcony that overlooks the river that runs past the block of flats. I sat down on one of the chairs. After a while I heard the door to the lounge open and then close.

'Why didn't you tell me?' Draco asked and sat down on the chair next to me.

'Never came up in conversation,' I said and we just sat there in silence.

'Rebecca, what are you thinking?'

'Thinking? I'm thinking that I wish if you hadn't wanted to come then you just didn't come rather then behave like you have.'

'You would have preferred if then, if I hadn't have come,' Draco said angrily.

'I didn't say that,' I said quietly.

'Sounded like that to me.'

'Well, that's because you are only hearing what you want to hear and you seem determined to pick a fight with me. All I meant was you didn't have to come.'

'You would have still come wouldn't you?'

'Yes.'

Draco stood up clearly annoyed so I continued,

'Why does that bother you so much?'

'I thought we could spend the evening together celebrating your freedom from exams.'

'We are together.'

'Alone,' Draco said and turned round to look at me.

'How was I meant to know that? I am not a mind reader,' I said without thinking.

'Oh but you are, aren't you?'

'Not anymore.'

'I have always thought that was a bit of a shame, you were so talented,' Draco said his tone softer.

I found myself unable to think of a suitable answer so after a few minutes of silence I changed the subject,

'Draco? What was in that letter you received this morning?'

'What letter?'

'You know what letter, the one that since you read it put you in this strange mood.'

'Strange mood? I am fine.'

'No, you're not, if you don't want to tell me that's fine but don't take out your mood out on our friends and on me.'

'Our friends? Don't you mean your friends?'

'No, our friends.'

Draco laughed, 'I think I am right this time. They are more your friends then mine.'

'That's not the point…'

'Well maybe that's not your point but it is my point.'

'What do you mean?'

'Strange isn't it? That despite your differences you are all such good friends?'

'Differences?'

'You being a stupid muggle and everyone else here being a witch or a wizard. It's even stranger that you belong here perfectly whereas I don't.'

'Draco, what are you talking about? Of course you belong,' I reached out and touched his hand. Draco pulled his hand away as if my touch had burnt him. He stood up quickly.

'Draco?'

'Don't Rebecca, just don't. Let's not forget who your father was.'

'My father? What has he got to do with this?'

'Everything! If it wasn't for him I would have been able to finish my NEWTs and have a proper job rather then the stupid muggle banking job that I have. But more importantly if it wasn't for your father brainwashing all those people including my own father and mother then my father would still be alive today,' Draco said heatedly.

'Your father was going to kill me, you saved my life,' I said.

'I did, didn't I?'

'What's that supposed to mean? Do you regret it or something?'

Draco said nothing.

'I can see what you are saying about my father but he has gone now. We all need to move on…'

'Why are you trying to be all understanding? You don't get it do you? Every time I look at you, I remember how I killed my father.'

'You had to, I mean, he could have killed us both.'

'You are no better then me though, just a murderer. I know you didn't actually kill Voldemort but we couldn't have killed him without your help.'

'My father killed so many people.'

'Including your own precious mother.'

'Draco, why are you being like this?' Tears started running down my face.

'I'm just reminding you of your roots. Potter may have come to terms with the fact that your father killed his parents but that doesn't mean that I have come to terms with having to kill my father for a stupid muggle,' he opened the door to the lounge. I followed him to the hallway, he took his jacket. 'I'm going home.'

I started to get my jacket as well but,

'I'm going home alone Rebecca. You stay here, I am sure someone will drop you off later.'

'But, we need to talk about this.'

'No buts, I want to be on my own.'

Before I can say anything else Draco left the flat and slammed the door shut behind him.

'He's gone, then?' Harry was behind me. Hermione and Ginny also appeared.

'Yes, would someone be able to give me a lift home,' I said quietly trying not to cry.

'Sure, Neville and I can drop you off,' Hermione said smiling.

'Thanks.'

'Would you like a cup of tea?' Ginny asked.

'Yes, please that would be great.' I followed them back through into lounge and sat down on one of the armchairs still shocked about what had just happened. Ginny handed me a cup of tea and asked,

'Are you ok Rebecca?'

'Yes, I think so.'

'I'm sure he didn't mean what he said,' Ginny said softly.

'You heard?' I looked up in surprise.

'Most of it, I am afraid,' Harry said.

'I just don't understand where it all came from,' I said and my tears started again.

'Ginny's right, Rebecca. I don't think he really meant it, he really cares about you, anyone can see that,' Hermione said.

'Sorry for ruining your evening,' I said.

'Don't be silly, you haven't ruined it. Now I could really do with some help with the washing up, would you mind?' Ginny asked.

'Ginny, leave Rebecca, I'll help,' Harry said.

'No, I don't mind, I would prefer to be doing something.

Ginny, Hermione and I walked to the kitchen.

'I could do this the magical way but I find the muggle way much more satisfying,' Ginny said smiling.

It took us nearly an hour to get the kitchen and dining room spick and span. We then joined Neville and Harry in the lounge. Conversation flowed but I didn't really take any of it in, I couldn't stop thinking about what Draco said.

'Rebecca?' Ginny was looking at me with concern in her eyes. 'Do you want to stay here tonight?'

'No, I don't want to be any trouble.'

'It wouldn't be any trouble,' Ginny said warmly.

'Thanks, for offering but I will have to go home at some point.'

'Well, if you are sure.'

'Yes,' I said and try to smile.

It was a quiet journey back to my house. Part of me was relieved to see that Draco's car was in the driveway and the light in the lounge was on as at least it means he was safely home.

'Do you want me to come in with you?' Hermione asked.

'No, it's fine. I shall probably head straight up to bed anyway.'

'Ok, I shall probably give you a ring tomorrow at some point.'

I thanked Neville and said goodbye. I took a deep breath before letting myself into the house which seemed deathly silent. The lounge door was open a crack and I glimpsed Draco sitting on the sofa just staring into space. I thought about going into him but decided instead to head upstairs.