Unlikely Companions:
Disclaimer: Not mine, as I stated before.
Warning:
Books 1-4
Slash HP/DM, some harsh language, probably violence, great character changes,
character's death
I just started this fic and it will be rated R, although not all the chapters will require this rating. If the story decides to move on in a different direction (I know that I don't have a saying in this.) I will change this warning so keep checking it.
Summary:
The last battle has been fought. Harry survived, but he is not the person he used to be. He forgot everything about his past. The sad things as well as the good things. He has to learn everything again. Almost like a child. But the keyword is ALMOST. The only person he trusts is Draco Malfoy. For Draco it's a difficult time, he has to adjust to a completely different situation. Now he has to care for somebody else. And what happens, when he starts to have certain feelings towards a certain boy?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 6: Portraits
As he heard the swishing of robes approaching him, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore stopped speaking to the portrait in front of him.
"Ah, Minerva how very nice to see you. I was just talking to Sir Walter de Conté about the new developments. I think that we really should start to brief the portraits more thoroughly about the happenings of our world.
They see so much, but still don't get to know a lot about us. After all they are a constant in our lives, however they feel quite ignored and they should know more about their surroundings.
They become quite bored by talking about the same things day, after day."
Professor McGonagall seemed slightly confused and annoyed by the topic, because she had been determined to speak about her problem with the headmaster.
"Erm, good day Sir Walter. Albus may I speak to you in private, please? I deem it rather urgent that we talk about poor Mr. Potter."
"Ah, yes, Harry. I thought that you would come to me to talk about him. Let's walk down the corridors while we chat. A little bit of exercise wont hurt us," they said their goodbyes to Sir Walter before they started to discuss matters. "So, what is bothering you?"
"Albus, I can't believe that you are asking me this! You must know that I am greatly disturbed by the thought of Harry's condition and that he is living with that…" she paused a moment and continued finally, "Slytherin"
It seemed most appropriate and her voice clearly conveyed her dislike for any member of this house and especially Draco.
A black shape came billowing around a corner. Professor Snape halted just before the headmaster and the transfiguration teacher.
Minerva McGonagall seemed frightened by his sudden appearance, whereas the old headmaster was smiling and seemed to be expecting a nice tea party.
"Headmaster, Professor, what a surprise to meet both of you here at such a time of the evening," he looked disgusted as if he had caught them doing something forbidden.
"Is it possible that you just mentioned my house, Professor? That would make the conversation of my concern.
Am I guessing right that this is about poor Mr. Malfoy who is stuck with our helpless hero?
Headmaster, I must say that I am really not happy about this situation at all. You can't ask Mr. Malfoy to do this. He has already done enough for us."
Albus sighed and answered:
"Yes, Severus this is about Harry and Draco. Join us walking the corridors and we will discuss this topic."
Dumbledore waited until they reached the next corner, to continue their talk.
"Let me tell you something, I am not going to change the arrangements that were made. I think it is for the best of both of them.
Mr. Malfoy agreed with me that this is something that he has to do. He didn't look uncomfortable with the thought of spending time with Harry.
And when it comes to Harry it is obvious that he enjoys the company of his Slytherin friend very much.
As it is, I can't possibly place him somewhere else even if I wanted. He doesn't trust anybody else. And we can't let him go too St. Mungo's. It wouldn't be save, there are still Death Eaters around and Lucius Malfoy is just one of them.
There will be not further discussion of the topic.
But dear Severus, I was just talking with Minerva about the portraits and that they don't become updated of the daily news. Imagine it! Sir Patrick de Conté thought that we were still at war and that I was a Death Eater approaching him. He even started to scream for help until I could reassure him that I am really the headmaster of this school."
Severus looked at him as if he had finally lost his marbles. Then he turned to Minerva.
"Tell me, Professor McGonagall. Why do Gryffindors always need help from my house?
I understand the necessity of helping you out in normal situations.
Otherwise the school would surely end up in total chaos, but sometimes, enough is enough.
You must get Potter to trust somebody else. I wont allow you to take advantage of Mr. Malfoy."
"Taking advantage of Mr. Malfoy? He is taking Harry away from us! The headmaster told me, that if I want to meet Harry I have to make an appointment with Mr. Malfoy! Who does he think he is?"
"Without him, we would still be at war! How dare you to insult his honour…"
The screaming continued for quite some time until both of them didn't know what else they could accuse each other of. They finally stopped when they couldn't find a solution that they could possibly agree on.
"Professor Snape, do you know where the headmaster is?" her bewilderment was obvious in her voice.
"No, he must have disappeared while we were occupied."
"Humph, this is typical. Probably he wanted us to argue, so we couldn't disagree with him. I'll see you in the morning. It's time to turn in."
And with this a very agitated transfiguration teacher left an equally angry potion's teacher standing alone in the hallway.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
After entering the Great Hall, Ron started to look for his best friends. He knew it was silly to look out for Harry, but he couldn't give up hope that his dark haired friend would return to them and be the same person as before.
But one thing was really surprising to Ron. Where was Hermione? Normally she would be the first one to be at breakfast to having a head start on today's work by reading something while eating her breakfast.
However in the moment Ron couldn't find her. Therefore he moved to the Gryffindor table and approached Neville who always was an early bird and was currently talking to Justin Finch-Fletchley.
Since the war had begun in earnest, nobody cared really much about the different houses anymore. With the exception of Professor McGonagall and Snape.
Hence the old house tables were always a little bit mixed nowadays. Quickly it had become obvious who sided with which party in the war. Everybody connected to the dark-arts disappeared within a week after the first open battle between the Order of Phoenix and the Death Eaters, which took place a month into the sixth school year.
A few other students were taken from the school by their parents as well because they feared that they wouldn't be safe there. The remaining students had become more familiar with the other students from different houses and they were all a big family now. Of course there would be still some arguments and competition, but that was not unusual at all for friends.
"Morning Neville, Justin. Have you seen Hermione? I am worried, because she isn't here and reading a bit, before I come to disturb her."
"She was here earlier. She didn't look very happy. She only ate a little bit of toast and mumbled something about looking after Fang, because he has nobody to care for him anymore."
"Oh, then I'll go find her. It's really hard. I wish… never mind. I'm off then. See you later."
"Yeah, sure. Take care. It's a tough time."
Ron turned around and headed out of the Great Hall and out of the castle. He didn't know what to expect when reaching Hagrid's hut. The young Gryffindor still couldn't believe that they would never see their friend again or the other people that died. He still couldn't believe that Percy was gone.
Ron sighed and rubbed his temples. He didn't like to think about the lost loved ones. The youngest Weasley son always hoped that everything except Voldemort's death was a nightmare.
But this was not a good time for mourning. He had to find Hermione and talk to her. And that wasn't an easy task at all, because she was a girl and if he didn't understand one thing then it was girls.
And they had to care for Harry; they simply had to get him away from that Malfoy brat. It was hard to know what that git was planning to do. He was evil, even if Dumbledore was denying it.
Nope, it was definitely not the right time to mourn.
Ron strode on towards Hagrid's hut, even before he opened the door he could hear Hermione's voice and that she was tidying the small home. Slowly he opened the door.
Hermione was trying to bring some order in the chaos of Hagrid's cupboard while talking to Fang who was laying in Hagrid's enormous armchair with a sad impression on it's face as far as one could tell by all the wrinkles of his skin.
"Hey Hermione, how are you?"
Hermione jumped a little and squeaked, because she hadn't noticed that somebody was approaching.
"Oh, Ron it's you! You scared me a little. Who thought that you could be so quiet? I am just cleaning the hut a little, so Fang will feel comfortable. I have fed him too, and he kind of looks a little bit better, doesn't he? We will have to come here everyday, so he won't starve and he will also need some company. He is so alone because Hagrid is away…"
Ron hadn't had the possibility of stopping her flow of words. It was always that way when Hermione was nervous, afraid or close to loosing it. He couldn't stand it any longer.
"Hermione, please stop. There is no point in hyperventilating! You have to face the reality. Hagrid isn't just away! He is dead! He is not coming back! And Harry…"
Ron stopped when he saw that she was looking at him with big, fearful eyes and a trembling bottom lip.
He sighed. He was really trying to suppress his temper, but he was stressed himself and hadn't been able to hold it back. But the least thing what he had wanted was making Hermione cry.
He moved forward and embraced his friend. He could feel her tears, although there was no other sign for her desperation.
"I am sorry Hermione, you know me. I am a complete idiot when it comes to situations like this. You know, old Ron Weasley always up to drop a brick. I know that you are sad and desperate. I am too. It's just so much. Oh, Percy, Hagrid and all the others… I can't believe that we shall never see them again. And Harry! It's just so awful to leave him in the care of Malfoy. We are his friends we are supposed to be looking after him, not that idiot!"
Hermione started to cry even harder, her distressed sobs echoing around the room. Cautiously Ron moved her to the other huge armchair where Hermione sat on Ron's lap and clung to him as if her life depended on it.
"Don't worry Hermione, we will figure something out to get Harry. He won't stay long with that Junior Death Eater…"
"He's not a Death Eater."
Ron completely ignored the muttered objection and continued, " And until he will be with us, we will visit him. And Draco can't stop us. I will hex him into tomorrow if he tries to object. Finally, when he is with us, he will be the old Harry in no time at all. All he needs is a bit of friendship and everything will be o.k. Just remember. We're together and can achieve anything as long as we believe in each other and Harry."
Hermione sighed and snuggled closer to Ron. She felt totally drained, emotionally and physically. She hadn't slept properly in a long time. She felt too sleepy to raise objection, that this might not be as easy as Ron tried to make it look.
Soon afterwards both were soundly asleep in the chair, the recent events having taken much out of them both.
An hour after they had fallen asleep an owl entered through the slightly open window. After it had delivered a piece of parchment on the table it flew to the windowsill, where Hagrid always had kept a bowl with owl treats. One was still there. After she found what she was looking for, she happily left the two sleeping teenagers.
The letter came from Headmaster Dumbledore and was addressed to:
Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley
Hagrid's hut
The Armchair
A few hours later a very sleepy Ronald Weasley opened the letter and started to read.
**************
Dear Hermione and Ron,
These are difficult times for all of us. And I am very sad for your losses. I hope that you don't mind that I arranged for you a meeting with Harry later this afternoon.
I know that you miss your friend and that your animosity with Draco Malfoy does not make you feel better about the fact that he is caring for him and you can't.
But I have to ask you to be polite towards him and be carefully around Harry. He is in a very difficult state.
You may visit at five o'clock. The description of the location of their quarters is enclosed.
Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore (Headmaster and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot)
**************
Now Ron was fully awake at once and started to bounce towards Hermione.
"Hermione, you won't believe it! We are going to see Harry! I told you everything was going to turn out to be alright…."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He actually felt good, incredibly relaxed. From the light shining through the window he could tell that it must be close to lunchtime. He should get up, but he simply felt too comfortable.
It is a wonderful feeling to laze about under the warm blanket, after just waking up. It was a very peaceful feeling.
But suddenly Draco remembered last night and the last few days. He shot upright and groaned. He didn't want to face the world and above all he didn't want to deal with Harry Potter.
'Harry! Oh shit. You're lying in bed with Harry!'
The young Malfoy looked to his left and saw that Harry was still sleeping. He looked stress-free, as if nothing serious had ever happened in his life. Suddenly Draco felt the urgent impulse to stroke his messy hair out of his face and to feel that Harry was real and with that everything that has happened.
His fingers hovered right above one of the dark strands of hair, when a faint plop could be heard throughout the room. Draco jerked when he heard it and looked bewildered around the chamber to find the source of the sound. To his relief, he saw that it was just a trey with food that had appeared on the table. Cautiously he got up from the bed and shook Harry lightly to wake him.
"Wake up Harry, it's time for lunch. You really are a sleepyhead. You have to go in the bathroom and get dressed. Then we will eat."
When Harry had felt the shake he had jerked away from the touch. As soon as he heard Draco's voice he felt reassured and smiled brightly up to him, before he nuzzled happily into the hand that had shaken him.
The young blond was shocked and pulled away from Harry and the bed.
"Um, go on, or all the food will be cold. Be quick."
With this he turned around and headed towards the couch. While arguing with himself, why his voice had sounded so hoarsely, he noticed a letter lying next to the tray. Quickly Draco read to whom it might be addressed.
Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy
Respective Chambers
Harry's bed
Draco turned bright red when he read the last bit of the address, but went on to open it.
************
Dear Harry and Draco,
I hope that you enjoy your new quarters and each other's company.
Draco, I have to ask the favour of you, to let Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley visit Harry this afternoon around five o'clock. I am sure that you understand that they were very close to each other and that this situation is very difficult for them. It would mean a lot to me to see all of you happy and I am sure that you wouldn't like to see them suffer because of the loss of another friend.
I am convinced that you won't object this little afternoon chat.
I am also confident that you will have much fun and have a nice talk over tea. I let the house elves know to prepare something for you.
Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore (Headmaster and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot)
**************
Draco angrily crumpled the letter. He hated being influenced and the headmaster always knew how to get him to do something that he didn't want to do. He was always appealing to his honour, and if the Malfoy's had one thing then it was honour.
Sighing he rubbed his forehead. A headache was already starting and he was sure it was only going to get worse when the other Gryffindors came, but if this would help Harry to heal faster, he would just have to endure it in order to be free again. Free of having to do what everybody wanted, but never able to do what he would like. Although he had to admit that he didn't want to consider some of the things that he would like to do…
tbc
A/N:
A huge THANK YOU to CuriousDreamWeaver who has proofread this chapter and had to read a lot of rambling from me. (By the way the author's note is not proofread, so don't mind any mistakes.)
I hope that you like this chapter, because it was really difficult to write. Of course we need to know what the other characters are thinking, but it is also much more difficult. The next chapter will deal with the afternoon tea and preparations for it. And I think it is very important that golden trio meets again, so that Ron and Hermione understand how much changed. - Wait and see.
Writing a fanfic in English and publishing is an experiment of mine. I didn't tell anybody of my family or friends, because I don't know if this is any good or if they think that this is stupid. Therefore I don't get encouragement from home.
So please review!
It helps me a lot and I am always interested in helpful criticism.
(Although I think that you should simply laud me into heaven! :-) *giggle*)
Disclaimer: Not mine, as I stated before.
Warning:
Books 1-4
Slash HP/DM, some harsh language, probably violence, great character changes,
character's death
I just started this fic and it will be rated R, although not all the chapters will require this rating. If the story decides to move on in a different direction (I know that I don't have a saying in this.) I will change this warning so keep checking it.
Summary:
The last battle has been fought. Harry survived, but he is not the person he used to be. He forgot everything about his past. The sad things as well as the good things. He has to learn everything again. Almost like a child. But the keyword is ALMOST. The only person he trusts is Draco Malfoy. For Draco it's a difficult time, he has to adjust to a completely different situation. Now he has to care for somebody else. And what happens, when he starts to have certain feelings towards a certain boy?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 6: Portraits
As he heard the swishing of robes approaching him, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore stopped speaking to the portrait in front of him.
"Ah, Minerva how very nice to see you. I was just talking to Sir Walter de Conté about the new developments. I think that we really should start to brief the portraits more thoroughly about the happenings of our world.
They see so much, but still don't get to know a lot about us. After all they are a constant in our lives, however they feel quite ignored and they should know more about their surroundings.
They become quite bored by talking about the same things day, after day."
Professor McGonagall seemed slightly confused and annoyed by the topic, because she had been determined to speak about her problem with the headmaster.
"Erm, good day Sir Walter. Albus may I speak to you in private, please? I deem it rather urgent that we talk about poor Mr. Potter."
"Ah, yes, Harry. I thought that you would come to me to talk about him. Let's walk down the corridors while we chat. A little bit of exercise wont hurt us," they said their goodbyes to Sir Walter before they started to discuss matters. "So, what is bothering you?"
"Albus, I can't believe that you are asking me this! You must know that I am greatly disturbed by the thought of Harry's condition and that he is living with that…" she paused a moment and continued finally, "Slytherin"
It seemed most appropriate and her voice clearly conveyed her dislike for any member of this house and especially Draco.
A black shape came billowing around a corner. Professor Snape halted just before the headmaster and the transfiguration teacher.
Minerva McGonagall seemed frightened by his sudden appearance, whereas the old headmaster was smiling and seemed to be expecting a nice tea party.
"Headmaster, Professor, what a surprise to meet both of you here at such a time of the evening," he looked disgusted as if he had caught them doing something forbidden.
"Is it possible that you just mentioned my house, Professor? That would make the conversation of my concern.
Am I guessing right that this is about poor Mr. Malfoy who is stuck with our helpless hero?
Headmaster, I must say that I am really not happy about this situation at all. You can't ask Mr. Malfoy to do this. He has already done enough for us."
Albus sighed and answered:
"Yes, Severus this is about Harry and Draco. Join us walking the corridors and we will discuss this topic."
Dumbledore waited until they reached the next corner, to continue their talk.
"Let me tell you something, I am not going to change the arrangements that were made. I think it is for the best of both of them.
Mr. Malfoy agreed with me that this is something that he has to do. He didn't look uncomfortable with the thought of spending time with Harry.
And when it comes to Harry it is obvious that he enjoys the company of his Slytherin friend very much.
As it is, I can't possibly place him somewhere else even if I wanted. He doesn't trust anybody else. And we can't let him go too St. Mungo's. It wouldn't be save, there are still Death Eaters around and Lucius Malfoy is just one of them.
There will be not further discussion of the topic.
But dear Severus, I was just talking with Minerva about the portraits and that they don't become updated of the daily news. Imagine it! Sir Patrick de Conté thought that we were still at war and that I was a Death Eater approaching him. He even started to scream for help until I could reassure him that I am really the headmaster of this school."
Severus looked at him as if he had finally lost his marbles. Then he turned to Minerva.
"Tell me, Professor McGonagall. Why do Gryffindors always need help from my house?
I understand the necessity of helping you out in normal situations.
Otherwise the school would surely end up in total chaos, but sometimes, enough is enough.
You must get Potter to trust somebody else. I wont allow you to take advantage of Mr. Malfoy."
"Taking advantage of Mr. Malfoy? He is taking Harry away from us! The headmaster told me, that if I want to meet Harry I have to make an appointment with Mr. Malfoy! Who does he think he is?"
"Without him, we would still be at war! How dare you to insult his honour…"
The screaming continued for quite some time until both of them didn't know what else they could accuse each other of. They finally stopped when they couldn't find a solution that they could possibly agree on.
"Professor Snape, do you know where the headmaster is?" her bewilderment was obvious in her voice.
"No, he must have disappeared while we were occupied."
"Humph, this is typical. Probably he wanted us to argue, so we couldn't disagree with him. I'll see you in the morning. It's time to turn in."
And with this a very agitated transfiguration teacher left an equally angry potion's teacher standing alone in the hallway.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
After entering the Great Hall, Ron started to look for his best friends. He knew it was silly to look out for Harry, but he couldn't give up hope that his dark haired friend would return to them and be the same person as before.
But one thing was really surprising to Ron. Where was Hermione? Normally she would be the first one to be at breakfast to having a head start on today's work by reading something while eating her breakfast.
However in the moment Ron couldn't find her. Therefore he moved to the Gryffindor table and approached Neville who always was an early bird and was currently talking to Justin Finch-Fletchley.
Since the war had begun in earnest, nobody cared really much about the different houses anymore. With the exception of Professor McGonagall and Snape.
Hence the old house tables were always a little bit mixed nowadays. Quickly it had become obvious who sided with which party in the war. Everybody connected to the dark-arts disappeared within a week after the first open battle between the Order of Phoenix and the Death Eaters, which took place a month into the sixth school year.
A few other students were taken from the school by their parents as well because they feared that they wouldn't be safe there. The remaining students had become more familiar with the other students from different houses and they were all a big family now. Of course there would be still some arguments and competition, but that was not unusual at all for friends.
"Morning Neville, Justin. Have you seen Hermione? I am worried, because she isn't here and reading a bit, before I come to disturb her."
"She was here earlier. She didn't look very happy. She only ate a little bit of toast and mumbled something about looking after Fang, because he has nobody to care for him anymore."
"Oh, then I'll go find her. It's really hard. I wish… never mind. I'm off then. See you later."
"Yeah, sure. Take care. It's a tough time."
Ron turned around and headed out of the Great Hall and out of the castle. He didn't know what to expect when reaching Hagrid's hut. The young Gryffindor still couldn't believe that they would never see their friend again or the other people that died. He still couldn't believe that Percy was gone.
Ron sighed and rubbed his temples. He didn't like to think about the lost loved ones. The youngest Weasley son always hoped that everything except Voldemort's death was a nightmare.
But this was not a good time for mourning. He had to find Hermione and talk to her. And that wasn't an easy task at all, because she was a girl and if he didn't understand one thing then it was girls.
And they had to care for Harry; they simply had to get him away from that Malfoy brat. It was hard to know what that git was planning to do. He was evil, even if Dumbledore was denying it.
Nope, it was definitely not the right time to mourn.
Ron strode on towards Hagrid's hut, even before he opened the door he could hear Hermione's voice and that she was tidying the small home. Slowly he opened the door.
Hermione was trying to bring some order in the chaos of Hagrid's cupboard while talking to Fang who was laying in Hagrid's enormous armchair with a sad impression on it's face as far as one could tell by all the wrinkles of his skin.
"Hey Hermione, how are you?"
Hermione jumped a little and squeaked, because she hadn't noticed that somebody was approaching.
"Oh, Ron it's you! You scared me a little. Who thought that you could be so quiet? I am just cleaning the hut a little, so Fang will feel comfortable. I have fed him too, and he kind of looks a little bit better, doesn't he? We will have to come here everyday, so he won't starve and he will also need some company. He is so alone because Hagrid is away…"
Ron hadn't had the possibility of stopping her flow of words. It was always that way when Hermione was nervous, afraid or close to loosing it. He couldn't stand it any longer.
"Hermione, please stop. There is no point in hyperventilating! You have to face the reality. Hagrid isn't just away! He is dead! He is not coming back! And Harry…"
Ron stopped when he saw that she was looking at him with big, fearful eyes and a trembling bottom lip.
He sighed. He was really trying to suppress his temper, but he was stressed himself and hadn't been able to hold it back. But the least thing what he had wanted was making Hermione cry.
He moved forward and embraced his friend. He could feel her tears, although there was no other sign for her desperation.
"I am sorry Hermione, you know me. I am a complete idiot when it comes to situations like this. You know, old Ron Weasley always up to drop a brick. I know that you are sad and desperate. I am too. It's just so much. Oh, Percy, Hagrid and all the others… I can't believe that we shall never see them again. And Harry! It's just so awful to leave him in the care of Malfoy. We are his friends we are supposed to be looking after him, not that idiot!"
Hermione started to cry even harder, her distressed sobs echoing around the room. Cautiously Ron moved her to the other huge armchair where Hermione sat on Ron's lap and clung to him as if her life depended on it.
"Don't worry Hermione, we will figure something out to get Harry. He won't stay long with that Junior Death Eater…"
"He's not a Death Eater."
Ron completely ignored the muttered objection and continued, " And until he will be with us, we will visit him. And Draco can't stop us. I will hex him into tomorrow if he tries to object. Finally, when he is with us, he will be the old Harry in no time at all. All he needs is a bit of friendship and everything will be o.k. Just remember. We're together and can achieve anything as long as we believe in each other and Harry."
Hermione sighed and snuggled closer to Ron. She felt totally drained, emotionally and physically. She hadn't slept properly in a long time. She felt too sleepy to raise objection, that this might not be as easy as Ron tried to make it look.
Soon afterwards both were soundly asleep in the chair, the recent events having taken much out of them both.
An hour after they had fallen asleep an owl entered through the slightly open window. After it had delivered a piece of parchment on the table it flew to the windowsill, where Hagrid always had kept a bowl with owl treats. One was still there. After she found what she was looking for, she happily left the two sleeping teenagers.
The letter came from Headmaster Dumbledore and was addressed to:
Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley
Hagrid's hut
The Armchair
A few hours later a very sleepy Ronald Weasley opened the letter and started to read.
**************
Dear Hermione and Ron,
These are difficult times for all of us. And I am very sad for your losses. I hope that you don't mind that I arranged for you a meeting with Harry later this afternoon.
I know that you miss your friend and that your animosity with Draco Malfoy does not make you feel better about the fact that he is caring for him and you can't.
But I have to ask you to be polite towards him and be carefully around Harry. He is in a very difficult state.
You may visit at five o'clock. The description of the location of their quarters is enclosed.
Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore (Headmaster and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot)
**************
Now Ron was fully awake at once and started to bounce towards Hermione.
"Hermione, you won't believe it! We are going to see Harry! I told you everything was going to turn out to be alright…."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
He actually felt good, incredibly relaxed. From the light shining through the window he could tell that it must be close to lunchtime. He should get up, but he simply felt too comfortable.
It is a wonderful feeling to laze about under the warm blanket, after just waking up. It was a very peaceful feeling.
But suddenly Draco remembered last night and the last few days. He shot upright and groaned. He didn't want to face the world and above all he didn't want to deal with Harry Potter.
'Harry! Oh shit. You're lying in bed with Harry!'
The young Malfoy looked to his left and saw that Harry was still sleeping. He looked stress-free, as if nothing serious had ever happened in his life. Suddenly Draco felt the urgent impulse to stroke his messy hair out of his face and to feel that Harry was real and with that everything that has happened.
His fingers hovered right above one of the dark strands of hair, when a faint plop could be heard throughout the room. Draco jerked when he heard it and looked bewildered around the chamber to find the source of the sound. To his relief, he saw that it was just a trey with food that had appeared on the table. Cautiously he got up from the bed and shook Harry lightly to wake him.
"Wake up Harry, it's time for lunch. You really are a sleepyhead. You have to go in the bathroom and get dressed. Then we will eat."
When Harry had felt the shake he had jerked away from the touch. As soon as he heard Draco's voice he felt reassured and smiled brightly up to him, before he nuzzled happily into the hand that had shaken him.
The young blond was shocked and pulled away from Harry and the bed.
"Um, go on, or all the food will be cold. Be quick."
With this he turned around and headed towards the couch. While arguing with himself, why his voice had sounded so hoarsely, he noticed a letter lying next to the tray. Quickly Draco read to whom it might be addressed.
Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy
Respective Chambers
Harry's bed
Draco turned bright red when he read the last bit of the address, but went on to open it.
************
Dear Harry and Draco,
I hope that you enjoy your new quarters and each other's company.
Draco, I have to ask the favour of you, to let Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley visit Harry this afternoon around five o'clock. I am sure that you understand that they were very close to each other and that this situation is very difficult for them. It would mean a lot to me to see all of you happy and I am sure that you wouldn't like to see them suffer because of the loss of another friend.
I am convinced that you won't object this little afternoon chat.
I am also confident that you will have much fun and have a nice talk over tea. I let the house elves know to prepare something for you.
Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore (Headmaster and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot)
**************
Draco angrily crumpled the letter. He hated being influenced and the headmaster always knew how to get him to do something that he didn't want to do. He was always appealing to his honour, and if the Malfoy's had one thing then it was honour.
Sighing he rubbed his forehead. A headache was already starting and he was sure it was only going to get worse when the other Gryffindors came, but if this would help Harry to heal faster, he would just have to endure it in order to be free again. Free of having to do what everybody wanted, but never able to do what he would like. Although he had to admit that he didn't want to consider some of the things that he would like to do…
tbc
A/N:
A huge THANK YOU to CuriousDreamWeaver who has proofread this chapter and had to read a lot of rambling from me. (By the way the author's note is not proofread, so don't mind any mistakes.)
I hope that you like this chapter, because it was really difficult to write. Of course we need to know what the other characters are thinking, but it is also much more difficult. The next chapter will deal with the afternoon tea and preparations for it. And I think it is very important that golden trio meets again, so that Ron and Hermione understand how much changed. - Wait and see.
Writing a fanfic in English and publishing is an experiment of mine. I didn't tell anybody of my family or friends, because I don't know if this is any good or if they think that this is stupid. Therefore I don't get encouragement from home.
So please review!
It helps me a lot and I am always interested in helpful criticism.
(Although I think that you should simply laud me into heaven! :-) *giggle*)