Harry raised his hand to knock on the mahogany door when it opened.
Ah, Harry, Ron. I was expecting you two. Dumbledore smiled and let them in.
Er, Professor, we were talking to Malfoy just now and...
I expect you noticed a change in him, Harry?
said the two boys at the same time.
Yes, I thought that would be the reason of your visit. I'm sure you're wondering who that boy sharing your room is and what he did to the real Draco? Dumbledore said, chuckling.
Yes, sir. He's all...nice! sputtered Ron.
The events of this summer seem to have, as you say, changed him. I am only telling you this because you deserve to know so you can try to understand what Draco is going through right now. Draco went home this summer expecting a warm welcome--well, as warm as a welcome from Lucius Malfoy could be. He was picked up at King's Cross Station by the family house elf. When he got home he found his mother dead at the door, and Lucius nowhere to be found. Lucius arrived home late that night and rousted Draco out of bed and proceeded to verbally and physically abuse him. Narcissa's body was nowhere to be found in the morning. Lucius continued to abuse Draco on a nightly basis until one night Lucius cae home extremely drunk. He horsewhipped Draco, confessed to killing Narcissa and then subjected his own son to the Cruciatus Curse.
Bloody hell whispered Ron.
Dumbledore continued. Draco had no one to turn to, so in a desperate attempt, he owled me. Of course, if his father had found out he would have probably been killed. I immediately transported him here, where he has been recovering ever since.
Harry sat there, stunned. Wave after wave of guilt washed over him for yelling at Malfoy only minutes before.
Thank you for telling us, professor. Harry said.
You're welcome, Harry. Ron? Are you you all right?
Ron had sat through Dumbledore's story with a grim expression on his face.
That git. he muttered. What sort of person does that to their son?
He looked positively sick.
Exactly, Ron. We are trying to find an motive behind his violence, something that would provoke him enough to kill him wife and hurt his child.
If I ever get my hands on him-
Hopefully, Ron, that won't be necessary. He is a full-grown wizard and would have an advantage.
Ron, c'mon. Let's go back to the room, all right? Harry said, concerned that Ron really was going to be sick.
Goodbye Professor. Thank you. said Harry, leading Ron to the door.
Goodbye, boys. See you tonight.
They walked down the steps and towards their room.
Damn, Harry. I never thought I'd say this but I feel sorry for him. Ron did not need to explain who was.
I know.
They opened the door and walked in. Draco was fast asleep on his bed. There was a knock on the door from the bathroom. It was Hermione.
Where have you been? I've been knocking for ages...
We have something to tell you. said Harry, going into the bathroom. Ron followed and they sat on the bathtub alternately telling her what Dumbledore had told them.
Oh gods. whispered Hermione. That's awful. She suddenly started crying.
Shhh, Mione, it's OK. said Ron. She flung herself into his arms and he held her as she sobbed, forgetting that Harry was in the room. Harry looked at the two of them and raised an eyebrow at Ron.
I'll tell you later, he mouthed, grinning.
Harry gave Ron the thumbs up sign and went into the room to unpack. Draco was awake.
Draco started at the usage of his first name by the one person he thought would never use it.
Draco, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I've been such an ass and I'm sorry about your mum.
Harry was surprised by the softness in his own voice and even more surprised by the grey-blue eyes looking into his. They were full of pain, and something else...
Thanks. I guess Dumbledore told you then? Malfoy was trying to be lighthearted about it, and failing miserably.
Yeah. If I had known I wouldn't have gone off on you earlier.
It's OK. I deserved it.
No one deserves that Harry whispered, not referring to his earlier comment at all.
But what if I did? Draco asked.
You DIDN'T. It's not your fault!
I know. But there has to be a reason for it all. The worst part is I can't even...
Can't even what?
Draco whispered.
Harry felt a surge of emotion as he watched this pale boy. He had a desire to go over to him and hug him, to tell him that it would be OK. He rose to his feet and tentatively sat down beside Draco. The smaller boy looked up at him, into bottle green eyes, and something inside him snapped. A tear ran down his nose, followed by another and another. Mimicking Ron's motions moments before, Harry pulled Draco to him and held him saying Shhh. Shhh. it'll be OK.
A/N Awww... *SOB* Sorry about the cheesiness. Reviews are welcome. Hint Hint.
