Harry made his way slowly to dinner, deciding to leave Malfoy and Zabini to themselves.
He couldn't shake the feeling of having Malfoy in his arms, of him clinging to Harry's robes, his head on Harry's shoulder. What had happened to him? It had been immediate after casting the patronus spell, but the magic hadn't worked. Had Malfoy been cursed or something. He still desperately wanted Madam Pomfrey to look over him, give her expert opinion, what if he had been cursed and they hadn't cured it with those potions?
He made his way to dinner, sitting with the Gryffindors. Everyone was in high spirits with the weekend now here, and as he sat down he could tell they were all talking about what had happened in Defence class.
"It was so dramatic" Seamus mocked, doing an impression of Malfoy in class.
Ron, Neville and Dean all laughed.
"He probably just faked it so we wouldn't see the maggots come out his wand" Ron smirked.
"What do you mean, maggots?" Harry asked in confusion.
"People say that if Death Eaters - or any dark wizard - tries to perform a Patronus, that maggots will burst from their wand instead and attack them" Ron explained, laughing at the thought "Can you imagine if that happened in class?"
"Is that true?" Harry asked Hermione bewildered.
Hermione hadn't joined in with the mocking of Malfoy, and turned to Harry sighing, after giving Ron a disapproving look.
"There's no proof to say that it's not true" she said "A Patronus is a very pure spell, not one that a dark wizard tends to use, but there's no evidence to say that it's true either"
It would explain why Malfoy was so worried in class and refused to practice the spell these last few lessons, but it didn't explain the pain Malfoy was in.
After dinner they headed back to the Common Room, the boys still laughing about Malfoy. Harry hung back with Hermione.
"Did you see what happened in class?" Hermione asked Harry curiously, "I only looked over once he had cried out in pain but didn't see what happened"
"I wanted to talk to you about that actually and see what you thought" Harry replied "He didn't want to cast the Patronus, saying he felt ill, but I think Lupin told him he had to, but as soon as Malfoy said the words, nothing happened from his wand but it was like somebody cursed him or stabbed him or something. I tried to take him to the Hospital Wing but he refused -"
"He's not in the Hospital Wing now?!" Hermione asked in shock.
Harry shook his head "Refused, but he threw up loads and passed out so I grabbed Zabini who said he didn't know what was wrong with him. The weird thing was" Harry continued frowning "Zabini refused to take him to the Hospital Wing either, so I stole a few healing potions and he woke up but just wanted to go to bed."
Hermione was frowning, looking thoughtful.
"It sounds quite familiar to what happened in Flourish and Blotts, remember I told you?" she reminded Harry.
Harry wanted to slap himself for forgetting.
"He tried to cast a spell and passed out then as well, though he wasn't sick or anything, but he was in obvious pain and blacked out" she looked worried.
"So he's cursed, or ill or something?"
"Could be" Hermione said, deep in thought "Did Zabini say he was ill before Defence?"
"He said he hadn't eaten much and was exhausted after Charms" Harry recounted.
"Hmmm, in Charms we had that very complicated security spell, but I don't know why performing magic would be hurting him?" Hermione shook her head in confusion "That's exceptionally rare and is usually caused by extreme physical trauma, and nobody else has had that after the war, that seems unlikely to me. But if Zabini said he was feeling ill and not eating then he could just have been run down to the point where a spell such as the Patronus just took it out of him? Same in the summer since it wasn't long after coming out of Azkaban?" She seemed unsure of her thoughts.
"How much physical trauma do you have to experience for that to happen?" Harry asked, remembering Zabini's comments about Lucius.
"Oh well it varies per person I think, there's no conclusive research on the subject, but people who have been diagnosed are victims of consistent extreme torture for extended periods of time, similar to the Longbottom's if Bellatrix hadn't held them under the Cruciatus for as long as she did" Hermione replied sadly "Why do you ask Harry?"
There's no way Lucius would use the Cruciatus on his own son, Harry thought, he's a strict, intolerant man but he wouldn't use an unforgivable on his own family surely?
"Harry?" Hermione repeated.
"You don't think that's something Lucius could do right?" Harry asked apprehensively, voicing his thoughts.
"What? No way!" Hermione gasped at the idea "No, he dotes on his son! I mean he's an awful man but family is the most important thing to the Malfoy's, he wouldn't risk that with his only son, my worries were more about Voldemort but I don't think he would have done that to Draco either"
Harry rolled his eyes "Let's not give Voldemort the benefit of the doubt here. But I think you're right about Lucius, he wouldn't risk the life of his precious child and heir, even if it was just for appearances sake."
"Constant stress can also have odd effects on magic, do you remember when Tonks' Patronus changed when she was pregnant and upset and stressed? And he is under a lot of stress this year, and since he was in Azkaban and has the threat of going back looming over him, it could be that" She suggested. "Maybe we should speak to Zabini though, it's odd that they're avoiding the Hospital Wing, it makes me worry that they're doing something illegal" Hermione sighed.
Stress made sense to Harry, it seemed the most viable option, although his reaction had been so strong it seemed crazy that it could affect him that badly. In truth, Harry hadn't even considered that it was something illegal, but he needed to do some digging.
- 0 -
Back in the common room, everyone was happy it was the weekend and several people were playing wizards chess, exploding snap and just happily chatting.
Malfoy wasn't there and Harry assumed he was asleep upstairs. He saw Zabini sitting with Parkinson by the window, both talking quietly. Harry walked over to them.
"Zabini can we talk for a minute?" Harry asked.
They both exchanged a look before Zabini nodded and followed Harry out the portrait hole.
"Yes Potter?" Zabini asked, leaning against the wall.
Harry decided to cut straight to it "What's wrong with Malfoy?"
Zabini eyed him warily "He's just not feeling his best, it's nothing to worry about"
"Really?" Harry asked in an unbelieving tone "then why are you both avoiding the Hospital Wing like the plague?"
"He just didn't want to make a fuss over nothing" Zabini said coldly.
"Right" Harry said, rolling his eyes. He could see Zabini wasn't going to give up any information about his best friend easily so he decided to take a different approach.
"You see, my theory is that the only reason you wouldn't want someone checking you over when you're that unwell, is because something obviously illegal caused it" Harry suggested "and you both knew it would come up in Pomfrey's examination" he raised an eyebrow at Zabini in accusation.
"Are you crazy Potter?" Zabini burst out, and Harry could see panic in his eyes "The last thing Draco wants this year is to do anything that would get him expelled and put back in Azkaban, he's doing his best to do everything right!" Zabini shook his head frantically "Potter I promise you he isn't into anything illegal"
Harry was glad they were finally getting somewhere "Then what happened? Why avoid the Hospital Wing? He had a similar reaction in the summer when he performed a spell in Diagon Alley and he blacked out. Hermione had to take him to St Mungo's"
"What?!" Zabini was alarmed "he didn't tell me that!" and suddenly a look of something crossed his face.
"What is it?" Harry asked.
"Nothing" Zabini said quickly, "I should really be getting back -"
"Zabini" Harry growled, cutting him off "I'm not against either of you, I just want to know what's happened in case he's been cursed by someone, so bloody tell me what you know"
"I don't know what's wrong with him, okay!" Zabini snapped "I'm worried about him! But he's been avoiding magic since he came back to school this year. Just - just leave it with me okay?" Zabini sighed, suddenly seeming tired "He is stressed, and not sleeping or eating well. He needs to pass everything so he doesn't go to Azkaban. I don't think you understand the weight that puts on him. He seems to improve over the weekends though so maybe it is just stress that's exhausting him, it can have an affect on your magic you know. Just let him enjoy the weekend and relax okay?"
Harry sighed, "Okay, fine. But ask him about it okay? And let me know"
Zabini nodded and they went back inside.
- 0 -
Draco opened his eyes blearily and looked at his bedside clock. It was 9am on Saturday morning, he had slept for almost 17 hours without waking up once, he realised, bemused. He lay back, running his hand through his hair and thinking back to yesterday after the Patronus fiasco. He had no doubt that Potter would be asking him questions about it, but he just wanted to enjoy the weekend before another round of classes and stress came along. So seeing that everyone was still in bed, he got showered and dressed quickly, scribbled a quick note for Zabini to meet him and Pansy at his house at noon, left it on Zabini's nightstand and slipped downstairs.
Pansy was up and in the Common Room along with Granger, everyone else was sleeping in.
"You ready to go?" Draco asked her.
"Yes" she replied, a small curious smile tugging at her lips.
They left Hogwarts and entered into Diagon Alley via the floo. Draco led them out of Diagon Alley, into Muggle London, and to the Estate Agents.
"Draco... tell me this isn't what I think it is?" Pansy's eyebrows had shot up and her eyes lit up when she realised where they were.
Draco smirked and asked her to wait outside. He dipped into the building and returned just a couple of minutes later and held up the keys for her to see.
"Shut up Draco, are you serious?!" She screeched.
"I'm serious" he grinned "And I'm going to need your help decorating"
Pansy squealed with delight, jumping at him and giving him a huge hug "Oh Draco I'm so pleased for you, you deserve this freedom so much!"
Draco held her tightly, grateful to have such supportive friends. Draco got them a taxi to the house and let them both in, he would get the floo running so he could come here straight from Hogwarts from now on.
"This is stunning Dray" Pansy said, gazing round in awe.
"Thanks" he smiled, happy to have the keys in his hand. This was officially his now. "I was hoping you and Blaise might be able to help me with some protective spells for the place? And to get the floo set up"
"Of course" Pansy replied, then hesitated "Blaise spoke to me yesterday about Defence class, are you feeling okay?"
"I'm fine" Draco said "I just wasn't feeling great, I think the Patronus spell just exhausted me"
She didn't seem convinced but dropped it "Well at least you'll have your weekends to relax with this place" then she turned to him and grinned "Alright, now I know what I'm working with, lets go shopping!"
Draco led them out the house on foot, paying for another taxi, Pansy thankfully not commenting on the Muggle behaviour and took them into Muggle London.
They spent the next few hours picking out furniture, Pansy talking the entire time about what they would transfigure and easy changes that could be made, she was exceptionally good at altering charms so Draco was happy knowing that he could leave that to her. She brought a huge bag and as they left the store with certain products, she would shrink them so her bag was filled with minuscule tables, chairs, rugs, curtains, plates and cutlery and tons more.
"Okay I think that's everything we need just now" Pansy said, "we can do some final touches later if needed, shall we apparate back?"
Draco paused and Pansy saw the hesitation in his face, without another word she took his arm and apparated them both into Draco's living room.
They arrived and Pansy immediately emptied her bag out onto the kitchen counter, looking through all the tiny items, looking pleased with her purchases.
A minute later, there was another crack of apparition and Blaise was in the living room grinning at them both.
"Alright, now that you've both done the boring shopping, let's get this place going!" Blaise said, rubbing his hands together and making to grab the tiny items.
Pansy slapped his hand away "we want this house to look classy Blaise" she said with an amused, snooty look "so why don't you stand in a corner and wait until I need some extra muscle okay?"
"Oh you want to talk about muscle?" Blaise asked with a challenging look and a smirk "how's this for muscle?" and he lifted his long sleeved top up to expose his tanned six-pack abdomen.
Pansy gave a one-shoulder shrug and examined her nails, though she could feel a faint blush dust her cheeks "I've seen better" she said simply.
"Oh your boyfriend might have the abs but what he has over me in muscle I make up for with my sparkling personality"
"Oh Blaise honey, that's not sparkling, it's flat as tap water"
"Yeah well -"
"Okay enough!" Draco cut in, rolling his eyes. "I refuse to be the third wheel in my own home, let's get to work"
They ordered food to the house and spent the rest of the afternoon working on the interior, and it was much faster with magic. Pansy really was fantastic at anything design-related. She had picked out beautiful pieces, and even simple chairs were transfigured and elongated into long, plush sofas, rugs and tables expanded to the perfect size, everything altered to be colours that Draco liked. Blaise set up the fireplace so they could floo to and from Hogwarts and Blaise and Pansy worked on the security spells so nobody but them and Draco could apparate in and Muggles wouldn't be able to see or hear them even if all the windows were wide open. Draco knew they noticed him not casting spells, choosing to shift furniture and put cutlery and plates away by hand, but they never said a word other than to exchange a worried look with each other. Draco did his best to ignore it but knew they would ask him soon.
Once they finished every other room, they set up Draco's bedroom, enlarging the bed so it was bigger than a King-size and rolling out the expensive bedding. When they were all done, they laid back on the bed together, the three of them fitting comfortably on the huge comfy mattress.
"We did it" Pansy said from Draco's right.
"You did a fantastic job Pansy, you both did" Draco replied "this place looks unbelievable, it feels like the home I always wanted" and he let out a relieved exhale to have this space. If only it wasn't just for another eleven months... No stop it Draco, he scolded himself as he felt tears sting the back of his eyes.
Blaise sat up on Draco's other side, glancing at Pansy who gave a small nod, before turning to face Draco.
"Draco" Blaise started apprehensively "you know you can talk to us about anything right? Like anything at all"
Draco sat up a little on the bed too and looked Blaise in the eyes "I know that" he said softly.
"We're worried about you" Pansy said, sitting up too "we've noticed you avoid magic this year, and with the Patronus thing, we just don't understand what's going on"
Draco looked down at his fingers which were picking anxiously at the bed sheets. He couldn't tell them, it would destroy this last year if they knew, and they wouldn't be able to help him so why make it real anyway. He had eleven months left, he still had time to make decisions.
"Dray" Blaise continued after Pansy when Draco didn't answer, "if your father has done something to you, cursed you with something, then we could take you to St Mungo's, or somewhere else, you're 18 now, they won't tell your parents, they could treat you."
Draco shook his head, perhaps a little too defiantly, as Pansy and Blaise exchanged a glance "No it's nothing like that, I haven't seen him since before we came back to Hogwarts, and I don't plan on seeing him again at all if I can help it."
"So this is it?" Pansy asked, taking his hand with a pained expression "You're never going back there?"
Draco shook his head "If I can help it then I'm never going back to the manor again"
"He'll come looking for you Draco" Blaise said softly "Is that why you're doing this? Giving up magic to become a Muggle and avoid your father for the rest of your life?" he looked at Draco desperately "you deserve to live your life how you want, maybe there's something we can do about your father-"
"No" Draco said sharply, and he was holding back tears as hard as he could "I don't want either of you involved"
"Draco we want to help you" Pansy said, her eyes shining.
"If you two really want to help me" Draco said with a pained voice, "don't tell anyone about my father, about what he does or has done to me, and don't let me go to the Hospital Wing, they still have an obligation to contact him" Blaise and Pansy looked uncomfortable with the request.
"Promise me!" Draco begged them both "The only thing that matters to me now is that I don't go back there, no matter what - please?"
"We promise" they whispered together, holding Draco's hand.
"But Draco the magic? What happened to you?" Blaise asked him again "Potter and I didn't know what to do, he said it had happened to you in Diagon Alley as well-"
"What?" Draco asked his blood going cold "what do you mean?" But as he asked, the events of that day came flooding back to Draco, how could he have forgotten? He didn't think Granger would put it all together, didn't think she'd seen him try to cast the spell... But the transfiguration book was in his bag, she must have dropped it off at the hospital for him.
"He said that Granger saw you collapse in the bookshop after you tried to cast a spell, what's happening to your magic? Potter's asking questions, he asked me if it was something illegal-"
"He thinks I'm breaking the law?" Draco breathed, his face going completely white.
"I think he believed me when I said that wasn't the case, and then I just stalled him, but what is going on?"
Draco thought fast, he needed something believable.
"The doctor at St Mungo's said it was stress, and the three months away from magic that have affected my magical abilities" Draco lied, he knew he'd read the effects extreme stress had on people's magic "Apparently after the two years with the Dark Lord, and the mission to kill Dumbledore, and Azkaban, and then I wasn't allowed magic for another month, then with my father and now with the threat of Azkaban if I fail a class... It's just all had an affect and I get exhausted now when I do spells, especially complex ones, and yesterday I just... overdid it, I guess, it improves when I can relax" he finished, looking anywhere but at his friends.
"Oh Draco" Pansy said sadly "You should have said something to us!" she enveloped him in a tight hug.
"So let's get a doctor's note then" Blaise suggested eagerly, already in solution-mode "explain why you couldn't do the Patronus that day and maybe the Headmistress can shift your class work about so you're not doing all the practical work at the same time?"
"I can't ask them for any more favours" Draco said honestly "not after everything I did."
"We'll think of something then" Blaise said reassuringly. "Fuck Draco, I'm just glad you told us, we were so worried about you. Hopefully having this place at the weekends will help you recover"
"Yeah, and we'll be here whenever you need us okay?" Pansy said, stroking his cheek.
Draco nodded and they changed the subject, taking a walk around the house to look at their handiwork again. When it got to 6pm Pansy headed away for her date with Cole, Blaise left for Hogwarts and Draco got ready for his date with Finlay.
He took the floo straight from his new home - his new home - he shook his head smiling at that, and walked into the penthouse suite. Finlay was already there, lying on the sofa and holding the room service menu, the table was laid with a cloth, plates, cutlery and candles.
Draco smiled at it all "What's the special occasion?" he teased, sitting in the space Fin made for him on the sofa.
"Oh nothing" he replied, smiling brightly and leaning over to capture Draco's lips in a kiss "I just thought as it's our fourth date, I should make it a little more fancy"
"Oh these have been dates?" Draco asked flirtatiously, "I thought I was just a booty call"
Finlay laughed "You're much more than that" he murmured, leaning in and kissing him more passionately this time.
They ordered food and wine, which was incredible once again, and talked over their candlelit dinner. Draco had never had someone treat him like this before, do something romantic and thoughtful for him, he felt overwhelmed with joy and as they finished their meals, he leaned over and kissed Fin on the lips, wanting to be the one to initiate things for once, to show him how grateful he was.
As he kissed him, he moved from his own chair and slid into Finlay's lap, Fin moaning appreciatively as Draco started moving his hips, rubbing them together for a bit until they were both hard. Fin performed the spell again that removed their clothes and they were both completely naked. Draco walked them over to the sofa and sat Finlay down. He was about to drop onto his knees in front of him to start sucking him, but Finlay grabbed him by the thighs and pulled him onto his lap once again. They took each other's penises in their hands and started stroking them. With his free hand Finlay stroked down Draco's back, right down to his arse cheeks.
"What do you think baby?" he whispered lustfully "do you think you're ready today to try it?" his fingers moved in slightly, just brushing the hole and Draco froze, panicking once again. He should have been more prepared for this today but with everything going on he hadn't thought more about it.
"I - I'm sorry, definitely soon but not right now" he whispered back, panicking again that Finlay was going to get bored of him.
But Finlay just nodded and lubed both their cocks and they rutted together and stroked each other to climax.
The rest of the evening was fun, and Draco relaxed, happy that Finlay was okay again with Draco not going the whole way. The ordered some more drinks, sucked each other off and went to bed, Finlay wrapping Draco up in his arms once again.
In the morning Draco woke up, feeling light and happy, sunlight spilling over him. He turned round to kiss Finlay good morning but he wasn't there. Draco got up, throwing a pair of Finlay's pyjamas on and walked through to the living area, where Finlay sat, drinking a mug of coffee and reading the paper.
Draco paused in the doorway watching him. I could get used to this, Draco thought.
Fin looked up smiling "I ordered you some breakfast" he said.
"Thanks" Draco replied, picking up the toast with butter and jam and the mug of coffee and sitting next to Fin on the sofa.
"So I was wondering if you could do me a favour" Fin started, looking up from his paper "I would like to organise a meeting with Harry Potter, but he's quite a hard one to catch, and I know how he feels about the Ministry thanks to Scrimgeour. Do you think you could talk to him for me? See if he would be interested in meeting? I think he would be a good fit for the Auror department once his school year is finished so I'd like to talk to him about it."
"I'm sure he'd jump at the chance if you asked him about it" Draco said, feeling uncomfortable for some reason.
"He detests the Ministry after what they did during the war and publishing all those smear campaigns against him, I was hoping you might be able to vouch for me" Finlay gave him a crooked smile "you know, put in a good word, I'm not like the others and he would love to work under my leadership etcetera" he laughed.
"Well you're right you're definitely not like the others" Draco smirked "But yeah, okay, I'll do my best, I'm not sure how much he values my opinion though so don't get your hopes up"
They spent the rest of the morning and afternoon in bed before Draco headed back to Hogwarts, agreeing to meet again on Wednesday night.
- 0 -
When he returned, the only other person not at dinner yet was Granger, and as Draco passed her, he saw she was engrossed in a big book on the History of House Elves. Draco went up and changed clothes quickly before heading back down to the common room to go for dinner. She was still reading.
Draco sighed, remembering how Granger had helped him in the bookshop and remembering his list.
"You know that dinner will be over soon, right Granger?" Draco asked her.
Hermione jumped "Oh my goodness, I didn't know you were there" she said, putting a hand to her chest in surprise "oh gosh, I didn't realise the time!" she jumped up putting the book down.
"What are you reading about?" Draco asked her, and she looked shocked that he was voluntarily making conversation with her.
"It's the History of House Elves and their magic and the laws that keep them attached to their families" she blushed slightly.
"Oh that's right, you invented that campaign a few years ago right?" Draco remembered suddenly "What was it called?"
"S.P.E.W" Hermione admitted and Draco laughed at the memory of it, shocking her even more.
"The name probably needed some work but it was to get better rights for the house elves, the ones here seemed pretty happy though" she said sadly "they didn't really appreciate me butting in"
"I suppose they get treated pretty well here though don't they?" Draco reasoned.
"Yes, but did you know that when they're let go, often from pureblood families, some house elves are so shamed by their societies that they can't find work and end up homeless for the rest of their lives, some are treated so poorly by these rich purebl-" She napped her mouth as she realised who she was talking to.
"I'm sorry" she said blushing furiously "I - I didn't think"
Draco chuckled and shook his head, opening the portrait hole door for her so they could walk to dinner, she blushed again walking through and murmuring a thank you.
"It's fine Granger, I can't say ours have been treated that well, Dobby being one of them" he said, remembering Dobby helping the trio at the manor, suddenly he laughed "you should have seen my father's face when Potter freed him with that disgusting sock in second year, he was livid" Draco had been punished that day instead of Dobby, Lucius deciding that somebody needed to be to blame, but Draco remembered the day almost fondly, glad that Potter had freed him and pissed his father off, Dobby had deserved better than them.
Granger watched him curiously, before deciding it was safe to keep talking "Well I wanted to start a program to ban punishment of house elves, teach them to not hurt themselves, and create a place where they can be reassigned new work if they've been let go, unfortunately the Ministry don't really care about it. They ignore my letters every time I write to them" she sighed dejectedly.
"Really?" Draco asked, sensing an opportunity "Last time I was at one of the Ministry parties, my father introduced me to someone that was improving magical creature rights, apparently now is the best time to make radical changes since we're all adapting to the new world already" he repeated what Finlay had told him.
"Well that's good to hear that they're improving the laws" Hermione said "But the people in charge are the people most dependant on House Elves so I doubt they'll want to hear about it."
They talked about new Ministry laws and changes all the way down to the Great Hall, and Draco only hesitated when they came up to the door. He had almost forgotten who he had been speaking to, when did he suddenly have so much to talk about with Granger? But it was nice, easy to talk to someone who knew and cared about politics and had her own opinions, even if some differed to Draco's.
"It's okay if you want to go in separately" Hermione said to him, suddenly feeling a little awkward. Once they had started talking, she had also almost forgotten who she was speaking to, the same person that called her Mudblood for years.
Draco hesitated then shook his head "No, it's fine, I'm happy to walk in with you" and he realised he meant it. He held no desire to mock her blood status now that his father wasn't breathing down his neck, he didn't care about those things anymore. His limited time had opened his eyes to what was and wasn't important.
Hermione gave him an odd look but smiled slightly and they pushed the doors open together, giving each other a nod and walking to their respective house tables which were side by side.
As Hermione sat down, the Gryffindor's all looked at her in varying states of shock and bemusement, to rage from Ron.
"Did he do something to you?" Ron grabbed her by the arm, looking her over.
"What? No of course not" Hermione said, eyebrows furrowing.
"Then why the bloody hell were you walking in with him?" Ron raged "If he called you a mud-"
"No Ron" Hermione cut him off "He didn't, he was actually very polite and we talked about changes to laws after the war. It was quite nice to have some intellectual conversation for a change" she gave Ron a pointed look.
"I can be intellectual!" Ron insisted.
Hermione rolled her eyes, smirking and giving him a kiss on the cheek "Of course you can" she said, giving Harry a wink.
Harry smiled at her and looked over at Malfoy, and couldn't help but feel a little bit jealous. He was talking to Hermione now which was great, an incredible step forward. But he wanted Malfoy to talk to him outside of Potions, for them to hold a conversation and get on well.
They had agreed to get together for research in their free period tomorrow though so Harry hoped that would be a good opportunity for them.
After dinner, Draco went up to the owlery and sent a letter to Finlay, telling him about Granger's House Elf ideas and asking if he could pull some strings to arrange a meeting for her to discuss her ideas. He knew there was merit to them but she was right, the high up members would have plenty of house elves and would be less open to change, they needed someone like Finlay, who held power and respect in the Ministry to get it up and running.
- 0 -
Monday was going fairly well for Draco, after the weekend he was well rested and had got the Transfiguration spell down perfectly. It was now after lunch and his free period with Potter when they had agreed to do research together.
He didn't know why he had agreed to this, part of him was almost excited at the idea that he and Potter could spend time together, without being at each other's throats, but Draco was still nervous. Potter had power over him, the power to send him back to Azkaban if he messed up, and while Potter was nice to his face and in front of others, he just wasn't certain about anything. He couldn't risk letting his guard down completely and slipping up.
He walked to the library and spotted Harry already there, looking around nervously. Is he not expecting me to show, or is he hoping I won't show? Draco asked himself, doubt creeping in, and he slowed down. But just then, Harry looked around and a look of relief filled his face and he smiled and waved.
Trying to relax himself a little, Draco walked over and sat himself down opposite Harry.
"Hey" he greeted the Gryffindor.
"Hey" Harry replied "I found a couple of books already that I thought might be useful" he said, pushing them towards Draco.
Draco had a look at them and nodded "Yeah they look like a good starting point" and he brought out some parchment and a quill and picked one of the books.
They settled into reading together in silence, both scribbling notes here and there. After about half an hour, Draco could tell Potter was getting restless.
"Take a break" he said, not looking up from the paragraph he was reading.
"What?" Harry asked, confused.
"You're not going to take anything in when you're restless like this, so take a break" he finished the paragraph and looked up.
"Oh, thanks. I'm used to being here with Hermione, there's no such thing as breaks" he joked.
Draco quirked his lips at that.
"So how was your weekend?" Harry asked him casually and Draco tensed a little, did he still think Draco was up to something illegal?
"It was good thanks" Draco replied, and then suddenly remembered Fin's request "I actually have something to talk to you about" he said closing his book.
"Oh?" Harry asked, his curiosity piqued.
"I was speaking to some people at the Ministry at the weekend" he started, being subtle about Finlay "and one of them, the head of the DMLE, a Mr. Blackwell, was hoping to speak to you about becoming an Auror after school"
Harry raised his eyebrows and looked dubious "I don't know" he said slowly "I mean it's what I always wanted to do but the Ministry are still such a mess"
"Yeah he said you weren't a fan of the Ministry" Draco replied "But I think he's actually making some pretty big changes, some of the older ones and Scrimgeour don't like him too much since he's passing a bunch of new laws that do away with their outdated traditions" he paused and smiled slightly "he also doesn't particularly like my father if that helps any?"
Harry paused, looking at Draco in surprise, then laughed.
"Yeah I guess that kind of does actually" he smiled at Draco, relieved that was something he and Draco could joke about openly.
"He didn't want to come here and ambush you so he said if you were interested you could write to him and he'll organise a meeting with you"
"Okay" Harry said, feeling excited "Yeah, I'll do that, thanks Malfoy" he smiled at Draco.
Draco felt a small flutter in his chest, it felt good to talk like this, to have a real conversation with Potter and have him smiling at Draco.
"So, an Auror huh? You aren't sick of beating the bad guys already?" Draco joked lightly.
"I guess not" Harry mused "As much as I'm enjoying this quiet year, it's sort of odd, having all this free time"
Draco snorted a laugh "You must be the only teenager in the world who would prefer to be in a life or death situation, than just having a year of school, quidditch and Hogsmeade" he shook his head.
"True" Harry laughed "Clearly I'm crazy"
"You'll be good at it though" Draco said honestly "being an Auror"
Harry looked at him and they locked eyes for a long moment, both of their hearts speeding up a little, before Draco broke his gaze away.
"Thanks Malfoy" Harry said appreciatively, "and what about you? What do you want to do after school?"
Draco hesitated for a minute, he should have prepared for this question, but he didn't have a future... So why think about the possibilities?
"Um, I guess I thought about being a Potions Master?" Draco said, as it was something he had considered before he wound up in St Mungo's.
"Oh really?" Harry asked obviously surprised "I mean that's great, and you're brilliant at Potions, I don't know why I just assumed you'd be in the Ministry"
"If my father had his way I would be" Draco shrugged "but I don't think it's for me"
Harry smiled at that, maybe he was wrong about his abuse theory with Lucius, maybe he had misunderstood Zabini's comment if Malfoy was this calm about going against him, but he needed to dig a little further.
"And how are things at home with your parents?" Harry asked cautiously, he didn't want to ruin their progress. "Are they okay after the war?"
"They're fine" Draco said, tensing and eyeing Harry warily.
"I haven't heard much about your mum is all?" Harry asked, sensing he'd stepped into dangerous territory.
Draco sighed "She's fine, she gets away to France a lot with friends, I don't think the Manor is good for her when she's by herself a lot, it doesn't hold many good memories for her now"
"I'm sorry to hear that" Harry said sadly "I guess I never really thought you know, that it's still your home"
Draco shrugged uncomfortably "things could be worse" he said simply "we're all alive, my father got his job back, I'm here, I think my Mother was talking about redecorating the whole place so it feels less..." he looked for the word.
"Dark Lord Chic?" Harry supplied without thinking.
Draco looked at him for a second in shock and Harry worried that he had crossed a line, why did you joke about that? It's way too soon! he scolded himself.
But instead Draco burst out laughing, earning a "Shh!" from Madam Pince. Harry couldn't care less though. Draco Malfoy laughed, he made Draco Malfoy laugh, a true laugh. Harry felt elated.
Draco chuckled and shook his head "Yes Potter, less 'Dark Lord Chic" and he picked up his book and started looking through it again, still smiling and shaking his head.
Harry's heart swelled as he picked up his own book and started reading again.
- 0 -
Tuesday came and the eighth years went down for breakfast before classes started.
The morning post arrived in a flurry of wings and feathers, but Harry and Ron merely yawned into their plates.
A sudden squeal from Hermione though had them both almost falling out of their seats, shocked at the sudden noise.
"What's going on?" Ron asked, bewildered as Hermione read and reread the letter clutched in her hands.
"Oh my god" she whispered, her face lighting up.
"Hermione are you okay?" Harry asked, equally as bewildered as Ron.
"The Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures has written to me" she breathed, astounded.
"What about?" Ron asked confused.
"About my thoughts on new rules and programs for House Elves to make their living more equal and supported! She wants to meet with me" Hermione squealed excitedly.
"Oh great, the return of spew" Ron rolled his eyes and started eating again.
Hermione sighed at him "This could make a real difference you know" she chastised.
"That's amazing Hermione" Harry said "I thought they'd ignored all your letters?"
Hermione turned and Harry followed her gaze to the Slytherin table, where Draco sat talking to Pansy and Blaise, "They did" she said, watching him curiously.
"Really?" Harry asked quietly, as Ron started talking Quidditch with Seamus "He did that after your conversation the other day?"
"I don't know who else would have" Hermione whispered back "he said he knew someone from one of the Ministry parties, but didn't mention contacting them."
"Well that's great Hermione, it's got your foot in the door. Now you can do what you do best and impress them with your logic" Harry grinned at her.
She smiled back, looking more excited than Harry had seen her in ages.
- 0 -
Harry turned up to Potions feeling curious about Malfoy, he had actively helped Hermione, not just not been horrible, but went out of his way to do something incredible for her. Was he trying to make amends?
Harry greeted Malfoy as he sat down beside him in class, and they got to work with ingredients they had found in their research yesterday. They bottled up one batch and started adding ingredients, and noting the quantities and effects.
While one particular ingredient had to melt in before being stirred, Harry decided to broach the topic of the letter Hermione got.
"So Hermione got some great news this morning" he began, watching Draco closely, who was finely chopping up Boom Berries.
"Oh?" he replied casually.
"Yeah, she got a letter from the magical creature department in the Ministry, wanting to meet to discuss House Elves rights with her"
"Good for her, I hope she gets what she wants from it"
"She seems to think you had a hand in it" Harry eyed him curiously.
"Who, me?" Draco replied innocently, still concentrating heavily on his chopping of the berries, glancing at the Potion occasionally.
"Yes you, stop being coy, did you do it"
"Stir Potter"
"What?"
"It's time to stir the potion, fifteen times clockwise, four anticlockwise" and Draco picked the ladle up and physically put it in Harry's hand.
Harry rolled his eyes and started stirring quickly.
"Whoa Potter, slowly!" Draco grabbed Harry's hand to slow it down, guiding his hand round the cauldron at the right speed, and Harry felt his face warm up as Draco counted to fifteen, his hand still on Harry's. Harry couldn't stop staring at it, the perfect white skin against his own more tanned skin, the silver Malfoy signet ring on his pinky finger, the smooth coolness of the touch.
Draco glanced at him and noticing the blush, suddenly realised where his hand was, colour dusting his own cheeks.
He grabbed his hand back "Just four slow stirs anticlockwise now" he muttered.
Harry nodded and did it, then they needed to wait for a couple minutes and see the results.
"So?" Harry asked "the letter?"
Draco rolled his eyes "I meet a lot of people at those boring Ministry parties Potter, I might as well start putting all that bloody socialising to good use. But really, I barely did anything, I asked someone to have a word with the Head of the department, that's all. Granger will still have to do all the work"
Draco had also received a letter from Finlay with a list of facts about Gethsemane Prickle, the straight-laced no-nonsense Head of the DRCMC that he would share with Granger later. He was very grateful that Finlay had helped him with this.
He glanced at Harry, who was looking at him with admiration "that was really nice of you Malfoy, you didn't have to do that, she was ecstatic at breakfast"
"Oh please Potter, all I did was write a letter" he said as he noted down the appearance of the Potion and brought a small sample into a vial "it's not like I saved the entire wizarding world or something"
"Wow" Harry shook his head at him with feigned disappointment "you know, for someone that I remember being a pretentious, self-entitled asshole, you really struggle to take a compliment"
"Excuse me?" Draco asked but Harry could see the amusement in his eyes "I am nothing but a delight"
"Oh absolutely, so kind and trusting, almost a Hufflepuff really" Harry joked.
"Potter, don't even fucking joke. If I was a Hufflepuff I would have quit school. Yellow does not compliment my skin tone at all"
Harry laughed and Draco had to pause to watch. It made his heart swell up with pride and happiness to see Potter laugh with him, and the way his eyes and face lit up when he laughed, it was beau- no Draco, don't even go there!
The class ended and they both left the class with smiles on their faces.