Chapter 11 – The Engagement Party
Harry sighed. He was cold, wet and tired, and sludging through the grounds of Malfoy Manor in the rain did little to improve his mood.
Several weeks had flown by in the blink of an eye. Harry had been incredibly busy with his job and it seemed he barely had the energy to drag himself home, cook dinner for Teddy and curl up on the couch for an hour with his godson before he was falling into bed. Harry would have previously enjoyed not needing time to think, but lately he found himself discontented with his repetitive lifestyle.
He knew he had been somewhat grumpy towards Teddy, and it was for that reason he had said yes to Teddy spending the Saturday with Scorpius who wanted to show him the latest broom that Draco had indulged him with. Harry had rolled his eyes – it would have been near impossible to say no to those puppy dog eyes – and half-heartedly scolded Draco for spoiling Scorpius. Draco had merely stared at him as if he were an idiot as 'Malfoy's could never be spoiled', and Harry had snorted before dropping the subject.
His newfound friendship with Draco had further served to uproot his life and he wasn't sure quite how to handle his feelings. The Thursday evenings that he had kept a secret to all but himself for so long had somehow become evenings shared with Draco. The two men would wordlessly meet in Harry's corner of his favourite bar, sharing small talk and discussion of their week in the warm corner of the room. Draco hadn't pushed for more, and Harry had found himself becoming increasingly drawn to the sharp wit and dark humour of the other wizard.
However, Harry hadn't allowed himself to dwell on his newfound friendship as he also had another, more pressing issue occupying his thoughts. It had been during dinner a week before that Neville, bursting with excitement, had announced to Harry that he had proposed to Hannah and she had said yes. Harry had pulled his friend in for a hug and congratulations, pleased beyond measure for the gentle man.
Neville had then extended an invite to his engagement party to Harry. He had watched Harry with uncertain eyes, voice nervous as he had told Harry the date, unsurprised when Harry had made an awkward excuse about needing to check his schedule. Neville knew full well the reason for his hesitation – he would need to be in the same room as the Weasley's for the first time in three years, and he didn't know if it was something he could handle even with Teddy also invited.
It had not escaped his notice that Neville had extended a plus one, and Harry steadfastly ignored that implication.
Harry sighed. The party was in a week – he was running out of time to make his decision. Harry also recognised that his own feelings towards the Weasley's had begun changing recently (he refused to put the change down to Draco) and he was beginning to acknowledge the raging anger he had towards his former surrogate family. They had lost a sister yes, but he had also lost his wife as well as the only family he had ever known.
Stupid redhead git.
The unbidden thought sounded so much like Draco that Harry laughed.
Swearing as his foot sunk into a deep puddle, Harry glared at the overcast sky. He was certain the world was conspiring against him in the weeks past. His mood was not improved by the sight of Draco Malfoy leaning against the ornate front door, arms folded and eyes following Harry.
"Good lord, Potter." He drawled. "I invited you to dinner, not to take a swim."
Harry snarled wordlessly at him. Wards around the manor made it impossible to apparate directly indoors, and an impervious charm had done nothing towards preventing the heavy soaking of Harry's clothes. They stuck to him uncomfortably and water sloshed in his boots. He hated having wet feet.
Draco's lip twitched at Harry's reaction. Before Harry could spit profanities at him, he gestured indoors. "Come inside and warm up Potter, before you catch cold. And do take those boots off before you do," he added condescendingly, "or Mother will be most displeased at the mess."
Harry muttered under his breath about where Malfoy's mother could go before kicking off his boots and casting a warming charm on his socks, drying them instantly. The heat radiating upwards made him feel somewhat better, and he felt he was able to maintain some dignity by at least not making squelching noises as he followed Draco though the stone hallway.
His dignity was shattered however, as he entered the sitting room to be met with a curious Teddy Lupin staring at him.
"Uncle Harry, why do you look like someone drowned you?"
Harry ignored Draco's short bark of laughter and chose to sit by the fire, choosing not to acknowledge Teddy's sly grin with an answer.
Thankfully, dinner at the manor was a much more relaxed affair than their previous engagement had been. Draco's offer for Harry to join the children for dinner had been made quickly that morning as Harry had dropped Teddy off at the gates hurriedly, and he had readily accepted. He had nothing better to do, and Draco's promise that Narcissa was otherwise occupied for the evening had made him much more amenable.
An array of finger food was displayed along the long dining table and the boys were delightedly piling their plates with pies, pastries, sausage rolls and anything else they could get their hands on. Timid little Beeky had been most pleased with the reaction to the informal food, which set Draco to rolling his eyes and muttering about house elves and uncouth food. Harry had rolled his eyes and pulled a face at Draco, smiling when a fierce sneer was sent back his way. Instead of commenting he had merely picked up a pastry with his bare hands, causing Draco to stare at him in outrage.
It served him right for his comments about Harry's appearance earlier in the day, he thought to himself with satisfaction, ignoring Draco's ranting about table manners.
Harry was seated in the closest seat to the crackling fire, much happier now that he was dry and warm. Of course, annoying a Malfoy always put him in a pleasant mood as well. There was no heat to their snarking however, and Harry was complaining to the man about muggle London, taking the subway and the inconvenience of public transport when his godson interjected into the conversation.
"Uncle Harry, are you going to take me to Nev's party next weekend?" Harry looked up, startled. "Because if you're not, could I come here instead? Scorpius will let me fly his broom!"
Harry ignored Draco's sudden interest as he frowned at Teddy. "How did you know about that?" He asked, perplexed. Neville had been sure to raise the conversation after Teddy had been put to bed for the night.
"Oh, you're just loud Uncle Harry." The boy looked slightly abashed and began fidgeting with his hands – a tell-tale sign he was lying. Harry narrowed his eyes at Teddy, ignoring Draco's laugh hidden as a cough next to him.
"Teddy, were you listening at the door?" Harry asked, tone low. Teddy knew better than to argue with him when he asked a question in that tone.
"I'm sorry, Uncle Harry." Teddy appeared contrite. "I just heard Nev say party and I wanted to know if I could come."
Harry sighed. He rubbed tiredly at his face, feeling older than his young age suggested. Raising children in his twenties had definitely not been a part of his plan after defeating Voldemort, even if he wouldn't change it for the world. He felt a warm hand pat his shoulder gently and took a deep breath. At least he had help now, if he wanted it.
Harry looked up. "Teddy, what did we agree about eavesdropping on conversations?" As an metamorphmagus, it was important to Harry that Teddy learned the value of others' privacy as he grew older.
"It's bad Uncle Harry, I promise I won't do it again." He looked so sad and embarrassed in front of his friend that Harry decided to discuss the matter further in the privacy of their flat. Harry gave him a look that indicated the discussion wasn't over, but decided to answer Teddy's original question, nonetheless.
"I haven't decided yet," he finally responded to his godson.
"That's cause you don't want to see Mister Ron or Miss Hermione," Teddy said sagely, nodding his head as if he understood. "Because they was mean to you."
Scorpius looked up with interest, now that the scolding was over. "How was they mean?" He asked, his mouth full of food.
"Scorpius, manners!" Draco snapped, and Harry almost smiled at the comical way the boy closed his mouth with an audible snap. He knew that Draco was listening with avid interest and hadn't decided how much to give away. However, his far too perceptive godson – who had most likely heard a conversation between himself and Andromeda or Nev – answered before he could.
"Mister Ron blames Uncle Harry for Aunt Ginny dying," Teddy responded before Harry had the chance, his voice full of outrage. "He beat Uncle Harry up at the funeral!" Harry knew then that Teddy had most definitely overheard someone's conversation as he didn't know what a funeral was, and vowed to do something about that.
"Is that true?" Draco spoke up quietly next to him. Harry didn't look at him, instead focusing on the wizard's long, elegant fingers as they wrapped around his glass.
"Yeah," Harry replied, feeling stupid. "Took his side, the whole lot of them. Haven't spoken in three years."
"Did they ever try to make contact?" Draco asked, his tone offhand. Harry knew better – he was pestering for information.
"Hermione did," Harry allowed, still staring at Draco's hands. "But after the letter I received from Molly telling me not to contact her or her family ever again, I decided that was a lost cause too."
"Hmm." Draco was silent for a moment, his hands stilling. "I ran into her in the Ministry not too long ago you know," he continued conversationally. "She's still married to the filthy git."
Harry snorted. It felt good to have someone on his side, even if it was through mutual dislike. He refrained from asking about Hermione – he didn't want to know.
"So, are we going to go?" Teddy piped up again, his voice bright. Harry groaned internally – he simply didn't know.
"Neville's your closest friend, from what I can tell." Draco's mild tone interrupted his internal wrestle. "Personally, I would not be letting an uncivilised boor keep me away from something that mattered to me."
Harry scoffed fiercely at him. "Sure, Draco," he responded sarcastically. "If you're so brave, why don't you come with me? Brave the crowd of boors and half bloods with me." Harry's voice was thick with derision. He fully expected the blonde to snap back with some witty comment about how stupid he was, how he wouldn't taint his image with such unrefined company and Harry should man up and deal with it. He was surprised to look up and see Draco staring at his glass, as if seriously considering Harry's offer.
"I'll come with you," Draco finally said, the words slowly rolling off his tongue. Harry's mouth fell open with an audible crack, but for once Draco was silent about his lack of manners or civility.
"What did you just say?"
Draco rolled his eyes. "Are you deaf or something? I said I'd come with you."
"But you hate the Weasleys," Harry responded. "And most of the people that will be there too, to be fair."
"The Weasleys is true," Draco responded. "But time changes people you know." He finally looked at Harry, the light from the fire reflecting off his ashen hair. "I think you'd be surprised by how many families I've worked with that you'd never expect. Besides, I already know Longbottom." His smirked at Harry.
"How?" He asked incredulously. Nev had never mentioned having met Draco in any of their discussions about the man.
"Through his grandmother, before he became betrothed to Abbott," Malfoy said truthfully. "It's always a good idea for purebloods to check breeding lines before marriage you know. Too much interbreeding." He shuddered delicately. "I can assure you Neville was most embarrassed and demanded absolute secrecy."
"Huh." Harry couldn't help but feel slightly betrayed, that his friend hadn't thought to mention his encounter with Draco. As if sensing his thoughts, Draco chuckled. "Don't think anything of it Harry," he assured him. "It was business only."
"Sure," Harry replied. He knew he would raise the matter with his friend at another time.
"So, does that mean we can come?" Teddy interjected once more. He had been following their conversation with curiosity in between taking bites of his dinner. "Please Uncle Harry!"
Harry looked at the boy, and then back at Draco. Green eyes met grey and Draco smirked at him arrogantly, as if daring him to say no. Harry knew what would happen if he did – Draco would call him a coward, and there was nothing he hated more. He'd been roped into a game of adult chicken.
"Whatever," Harry grunted, wincing at the sharp squeal that accompanied his capitulation. Teddy was shrieking and Scorpius was excitedly asking his father if he could come as well, and Harry simply reached for the bottle of wine and poured himself a rather generous glass, which Draco laughed at.
It was going to be a long week, he thought with resignation as he watched Draco wrangle the excited boys. The man really was better at this than he was, he thought distractedly, admiring Draco's swift control over the situation. He shook himself out of his stupor as grey eyes met his own.
"So, it's a date then Potter?" Draco asked cheekily, ignoring Teddy bursting out into guffaws behind him. Harry flushed, but more with pleasure then embarrassment.
"Yes, it's a date."
The expression of absolute delight that flitted across Draco's face before he rearranged his features into a polite smile remained with Harry well into the night.
Harry was pacing. He had no idea why he'd agreed to go to the stupid party. He felt more nervous than he had in his life, infinitely more than when he had faced Voldemort or even on his wedding day. And all over people that he rightly should have wanted nothing to do with.
If Harry had thought Neville might decline when he had asked for Malfoy to accompany him, he had been completely wrong. Neville in fact had been most pleased when Harry had sent him an owl to RSVP and ask if Draco and Scorpius Malfoy might attend with himself and Teddy. He had turned up on Harry's doorstep the following evening with a bottle of whiskey and a great cheesy smile plastered across his face. He only wanted Harry to stay for a bit, he assured him, and he was so very happy that Harry could celebrate the night with him.
Harry had reflected on Nev's words for the week, as he floated through his usual working week. He had closed himself off from the world more than he realised if his only friend for so many years had expected him not to make an appearance at his engagement party. The sadness he had felt had only served to harden his resolve to not allow his past to shape his future, to not care what the Weasley's might throw at him
Unfortunately, the upcoming party and his own creeping anxiety had caused a severe resurgence in his nightmares. Even memories of the war had invaded his thoughts during the night, memories of the eyes of dead friends haunting him. He knew he had bags under his eyes, which even a pepper up potion (which he had stashed in his back cupboard) wasn't able to fix. Nonetheless, he was dressed in fine black robes and had at least attempted to tame his hair to order. There was nothing he could do about his scars without glamouring himself, which he refused to do for anyone.
He was styling Teddy's hair (which was currently black like Harry's) when a knock sounded on his front door. Smiling, he allowed Teddy to tear into the living area, crowing his pleasure as his friend arrived.
Harry followed shortly after, ducking out of the way as two excited boys ran headlong into Teddy's room. It didn't compare to Scorpius' of course, but he doubted the near four-year-old cared about the size of the space at his age – he'd be more interested in playing with Teddy's toys. When it was safe to move into the hall without tripping over, he moved into the kitchen and came face to face with Draco.
Harry couldn't help it – his mouth went dry when he saw the other man. Draco looked every inch a prince in his dark green robes with silver embroidery, his long blonde hair styled to his shoulders. He stood proudly, high cheekbones and chiselled jaw giving him an uncaring and haughty appearance. He was beautiful and cold – if it wasn't for the warmth in his eyes as he looked at Harry, he could have passed for a younger version of his father.
Lucius Malfoy would have never smiled at Harry though, not the way Draco did with that half-quirked lip as his grey eyes studied him.
"Nice robes, Potter," he drawled. "You could do without the half-asleep look though."
Harry sneered at him half-heartedly. "Tired," he offered.
"Nightmares?" Draco's voice held no contempt, only question.
"Yeah," Harry replied. "I just want tonight to be over with."
"Well then," Draco proclaimed, sweeping past Harry in a very Snape-like manner. "Let's collect our brats and get it over with then!" His voice was loud enough to cause Teddy to begin protesting loudly from his room about being called a brat, and Harry laughed. Perhaps that had been Draco's intention all along.
Harry and Draco arrived at Charleston Manor, the home of the Longbottom family, earlier than most other guests. Their decision had been calculated, to both be able to spend some extra time with Nev before his attention was taken and to enable them to leave early if needed.
Although Neville was currently residing in a small house near Godric's Hollow, his grandmother wouldn't hear of their engagement party being held anywhere other than his ancestral home. As Harry and Draco walked up the expansive grounds herding the boys before them, Harry acknowledged that it had been a good choice. The castle ahead of them was imposing and ancient, grand turrets rising imposingly into the sky. Lanterns had been spelled to light the path, and blazing light shining from each of the windows gave a welcoming and overall warm first impression.
As they drew closer to the entrance, Harry took a steadying breath. He wouldn't allow this night to be ruined for him. He would be pleasant and polite and stand his ground. Teddy, having gone uncharacteristically silent, fell back to fall into step with him and reached his small hand out to capture Harry's larger one in his own as if feeling his anxiety. Harry smiled at Teddy, watching as his godson lit up. He squeezed Teddy's hand for reassurance as the younger boy led him into the castle.
Harry ignored the stares of the few guests that were present as they entered the large foyer, which along with the dining area had been rearranged to form an open plan space. Sparkling lights were spelled into the spacious ceiling giving the appearance of sparking fairy lights, and chairs had been arranged around the walls so guests could sit and mingle. Through the door into the dining area, Harry could see long tables ladled with food and a multi-tiered cake sitting proudly on display. Before he could take in any more of the space, he was pulled into a rough hug.
"Harry, I'm so glad you came!" Neville was absolutely delighted, a silly grin plastered across his face. He reached behind Harry to pump Draco's hand enthusiastically much to Draco's obvious confusion, beaming at him as though they were only meeting for the first time. "And you too Draco, thanks for convincing Harry to come." To Harry's shock, Neville winked at Malfoy.
"I'm sure Potter could have summoned some form of Gryffindor courage if he needed to," Draco responded drily, staring at Neville as if he had grown a second head. "He's known for doing stupid things."
To Harry's chagrin, Neville laughed loudly, causing several of the guests that Harry didn't recognise to stare. He ignored them. "Stupid enough to come here tonight," he agreed amicably. "But I'd wager that has a lot to do with you daring him to come." Harry had told Neville about how he had been convinced to come, and Draco raised an eyebrow in response.
Before he could respond, their discussion was interrupted by a high squeal coming from Harry's right. "Miss Hannah!" Teddy cried as he flung himself into the arms of his tutor. Harry disentangled himself from Neville as he fondly stared at the witch embracing his godson. Hannah had grown to be a rather pretty witch, he mused as he watched them. Her blonde hair and pale skin were by no means unattractive, but the warmth and love she exuded for those around her made her truly beautiful. It had been that very warmth that had initially convinced Harry to trust Hannah with Teddy – he knew she would protect him as well as Harry could.
As Teddy reached back to pull Scorpius towards her, Hannah's eyes flicked up in obvious recognition. Harry was sure that Neville had told Hannah he would be bringing a Malfoy, but she couldn't help the slight hint of hesitation in her eyes as she met Draco's grey ones. It only lasted an instant though as her eyes turned back to Scorpius and she smiled warmly at him, but Harry felt Malfoy tense next to him. Only time and exposure would heal old views, he already knew this.
Fortunately, Harry and Draco were interrupted by the arrival of Blaise Zabini and a very attractive witch with dark red hair. Harry huffed under his breath, remembering that Blaise had at one point found Ginny attractive. Draco merely glanced at him sideways before they began exchanging friendly barbs, with Blaise merely staring at Harry with interest. Harry knew that Blaise and Neville had a shared interest in herbology, and they had formed a friendship of sorts over the past years.
Harry was exchanging small talk with the witch – Mandy, he learned – when a ball of energy nearly bowled him over from behind. "Hello Harry!" Through the sudden mouthful of ashy hair, Harry laughed as he pulled Luna Lovegood close, his throat suddenly clogged. It had been many years since he had last seen Luna – he had received owls over the past few years, but her own travels and his own self-imposed exile meant he had a lot of catching up to do with his friend.
"Luna," he said fondly, disentangling himself slightly from her. He pulled her back by the shoulders to examine her tenderly. "You look wonderful!" And she truly did, in her own way. Her eyes were sparkling with life, her blonde hair gleaming and curling slightly at the tips and clashing horribly with the bright pink robes she wore. Some things never changed.
He noticed her eyes roving his face, settling on his scars with pity in her eyes. His own eyes flashed in warning – he didn't want her pity. She must have picked up on his discomfort, as she moved her eyes back to meet his own quickly. "Oh yes, I've been travelling the world you know," she responded serenely. "Learning all about the magical properties of nargles and the like." He ignored Draco's garbled cough from his left as Luna reached out to run a soft hand over his scars. He flinched slightly but he let her – she was one of the few he trusted enough to do that. "Oh Harry," she said softly. "They could never be removed could they."
Harry smiled grimly at her, pulling away from her gentle touch. He could never get used to the feeling of the thick ridges being touched, despite Teddy having done so over the years. They didn't hurt, but at the same time it wasn't a pleasant feeling. Luna withdrew her hand immediately – she had been at Ginny's funeral, and knew the story behind that scar. "Dark magic," he responded lightly, not wanting to dampen the party. "Can't ever be removed unfortunately."
"Oh Harry." Luna pulled him in for another hug, and her soft acceptance soothed his frayed emotions. "But how is Teddy?" She asked suddenly, as if remembering he had a godson. Harry laughed at her, ignoring as she frowned lightly at him. She was still as scatterbrained as ever.
"Over there," he pointed to where Hannah was currently entertaining Teddy and Scorpius, who were competing to see how many curry puffs they could shove in their mouths. Harry and Luna laughed at the sight, which must have drawn Draco's attention as he swore once, sharply under his breath as he caught sight of the two boys. Harry could imagine his expression of indignation as his son behaved like, well, a child in public.
His hastily concealed swearing caught Luna's attention however, and she spun sharply to stare at Draco. "Oh," she muttered in surprise, before bestowing Draco with a bright smile. Harry guffawed at the difference between them – they looked enough alike to be siblings, but Luna's bright smile and Draco's scowl were completely irreconcilable.
"Hello, Malfoy." Luna was respectful but clear interest shone in her eyes as she glanced between Scorpius and back at Draco, clearly noting the familial similarity. "Your son is beautiful," she told him serenely.
Draco's scowl turned to a small smile as she complimented his son. His entire demeanour changed, and Luna visibly relaxed at the difference. "Thank you," he replied politely. "Although I'd much prefer if he stopped acting like a total hooligan." Scorpius merely poked his tongue at his father's glare, which made Luna laugh in sheer delight. Harry smiled. Although far from being liked, he couldn't help but feel relieved that his friends were willing to give Draco a chance.
He had been so busy with Luna, that he had failed to see the Weasley family enter from behind him. It was Draco's sudden stiffening next to him and Teddy's vicious glare that tipped him off – his godson never pulled that face at anyone except Harry, when he'd been punished or told off for one thing or another.
It was Molly Weasley who Harry first noticed. She hadn't changed, he noted, from when he had last seen her. Her red hair was as red as ever and she wore a brown knitted blouse with a skirt that fell to the floor. She froze briefly as her eyes met Harry's and her face, so warm and open usually, swept over him quickly. She looked rather as if she might cry, and Harry snorted before turning back to Draco. Her barbs he could handle, her tears he had no time for.
He had noted George and Arthur enter behind her, with Angelina Johnson hanging onto George's arm. Good for George, Harry thought bitterly, ignoring them. He had also caught Hermione's brown hair move in the breeze from somewhere behind Arthur, but he refused to look at his former best friend. She didn't deserve his time. Ron was not with them, he noticed with savage satisfaction.
He felt their eyes over him as they moved into the room, Neville moving forward to greet them. Nev's voice was low, but even Harry caught the warning in his words as he welcomed them into his home. Harry caught Draco's eyes briefly and grinned slightly as the other man rolled his eyes. He could only imagine the sarcastic thoughts running through his head in that moment.
Although Molly and the other Weasley's gave Harry and Draco a wide berth (with a few vile looks thrown at Draco for good measure), they made a beeline for Teddy and Scorpius as they saw them. From across the room, Harry watched with thinly veiled concern, prepared to jump in if needed. Draco's hand came to rest on his elbow and Harry jerked, withdrawing the hand he hadn't realised was reaching into his robes for his wand. He needn't have worried, he realised, as he watched Teddy's brown hair change abruptly to a bright red, making him look unnecessarily like a Weasley.
Whilst Molly's face broke into a wide, maternal smile as she saw the change, Harry exchanged a grim glance with Draco. They both knew what red hair meant on the spitfire metamorphmagus.
"Oh Teddy," Molly gushed, reaching down to pull Teddy into a hug. "Look at how much you've grown."
"Don't touch me," Teddy responded aggressively, pushing her away. "I only give hugs to people I like. And you were mean to Uncle Harry." Harry felt a rush of pride and love towards the boy, not at all concerned with his treatment of the witch. In fact, it was almost comical how when Teddy folded his arms across his chest in childish anger, Scorpius scowled and followed suit. Harry snorted – those two were becoming far too alike.
Molly's face crumpled, and she turned away to the comfort of her husband who stared for a second at the two boys before he shot an unfathomable look at Harry. He flinched as Harry met his eyes – hard and unforgiving, Harry's scars giving him a fierce, wild look. If Arthur wanted Harry to step in and scold his godson, he would be waiting a long time.
It was then that Hermione caught Harry's eye, standing behind Molly. She looked at him sadly, her eyes pleading. She'd grown into a stunning woman, Harry noted indifferently. Her long brown hair was curled in gentle waves, her slender frame cloaked in deep blue robes. He ignored the pleading in her brown eyes, beckoning Teddy over who happily ran into his arms. He ignored Hermione's sad look as he ruffled the boy's hair – smiling slightly as Teddy wrapped his arms around Harry's waist. With Draco's hand on his elbow and Teddy in his arms, he didn't care what Hermione might be thinking right now. With one last hostile look, he turned his attention back to Luna, who was watching him and Draco very closely.
With no imminent risk of a fight, Neville and Hannah relaxed and the party continued without any issues. Harry kept a wide berth from the Weasleys, instead choosing to converse with old school friends and Draco's acquaintances. He had been surprised to see Daphne Greengrass in attendance, and even more shocked when she appeared somewhat friendly towards Draco and smitten with her nephew. Draco's divorce had been one of those awkward topics, and therefore he and Harry had never discussed it. It had been amicable though, from what Harry could tell.
Indeed, Harry was beginning to relax and rather enjoy himself when a lanky figure slunk into the room. Covered in red auror robes that clashed horribly with his hair, Ron Weasley didn't make much of an entrance. In fact, Harry didn't notice he was there until Daphne Greengrass sniffed haughtily and turned on her heel, muttering about blood traitors before flouncing off. Harry turned to see who she was referring to, and came face to face with his former best friend.