Word Count: 450

~ Chapter 15 ~

What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?

The breeze in his hair felt fantastic after being cooped up inside for so long, and Draco never wanted this moment to end. He'd definitely be adding aimless flying to the list of things that still made him happy.

Potter flew close by, occasionally scanning the ground beneath them. He seemed to be enjoying himself, though there was a tensity about him that Draco hadn't seen much of when they were back at the house.

He wondered if it was the safety of the wards that had let Potter relax.

Still holding onto his broom with one hand, Draco fished his question list from his pocket, and grinned at the next question.

"Hey, Potter?"

"Hmm?" Harry looked around, checking the air for any sign of a problem. "What's up?"

Draco waved the paper and asked the question, grinning widely. Harry laughed, clearly as amused as Draco was himself.

Surprisingly, or, perhaps not so surprising given the revelations the questions had brought forth so far, Potter didn't go with the obvious answer.

"I think my biggest accomplishment is making friends," he said instead, after a moment of thought. "Growing up, I didn't have anyone, and knowing that I chose so well… it's definitely up there."

Draco could see that, oddly enough. Potter likely wouldn't have made it through half of his adventures if it hadn't been for his friends, after all, so he supposed it made sense.

"What's yours?" Harry asked.

Frowning, Draco shook his head. "I'm not sure."

"If I might suggest one?" Harry hedged, and Draco nodded, nonplussed.

"You were strong enough to protect your mother to the best of your ability. She's alive and living her best life in France… that's something to be proud of, Draco."

"Look at what I had to do to make that happen though," Draco pointed out. "Attempted murder, regardless of my motivation, isn't the best accomplishment."

"It's not, but I don't think the one has to interfere with the other. You can be proud of keeping your mum safe while being sorry for the actions you were forced to take."

Draco wasn't sure what to say to that. He shook his head. "You're such an optimist, Potter, it's a little sickening."

"Better than being always sad, though, right?"

Draco shrugged. He couldn't deny that Potter had a point. He'd always been somewhat pessimistic, but it amazed him that despite what Potter had been through, he could still find the good in life.

He opened his mouth to ask if Potter wanted to go further out or start heading back, when a flash of light flew past him, missing him by inches.

He heard Potter curse, and followed his gaze to the floor, where three cloaked figures were standing, their silver masks shining.

Fuck it all.