Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!

And for all of those asking if this will be a Harmony story, it will not. I've only ever seen Harry and Hermione as siblings and nothing more. So if that is what you are wanting then sorry. And yes, spoiler, it will be a Harry/Daphne pairing. I don't want it to be the main thing, the others have lives I want to follow as well but it will be there. So if that isn't your cup of tea either, then sorry.

Anyway, thank you for all of the reviews! They mean a lot to me, the good and the bad. So thank you! And this chapter is kind of just connecting and building for things and not a ton is happening but I hope you enjoy anyway!

Chapter Twenty

A week after the birthday party found the residents eating breakfast with the comfortable murmur of quiet conversations floating about. Padma, Hermione and Tracey seemed to be in discussion about something, Luna and Astoria were discussing the upcoming school year and what classes they wanted to take. The exams started Monday, leaving only two more days to prepare. Daphne was still receiving howlers, and both he and Daphne were still getting multiple letters a day disapproving of their supposed marriage contract that everyone agreed had to be in the works. Luckily, the Daily Prophet only posted those suspicions in the 'Letter to the Editor' and the Editorial sections. After Harry's conversation with Mr. Cuffe all critiques of his Second Chance plan were gone, except for in those sections where they could get away with it.

The elves had been instructed to throw out all of the negative letters before bringing them to the table and it had saved a lot of sorting. Finishing his bacon and half of his eggs, which was much better than what he had managed at the beginning of the summer, Harry saw Jodkey coming into the room with a handful of letters that had passed the elves tests. "Here Master! Yous letters is here."

"Thank you, Jodkey," Harry said grabbing the letters. The elf bowed and disappeared. Glancing through the letters, he sighed. There were the regulars from Kingsley and Nadrig, a few in response to his Knockturn Alley inquiries, one from Mrs. Weasley inviting him and the non-Slytherins to Sunday dinner.

"Daphne, Theo, Draco, if you could join me in the office to respond after breakfast. Tracey could you also stop by and help Daphne with scheduling some business meetings I need to attend?" Harry asked, not looking up from looking through the small stack of letters. There were murmurs of agreement. "Blaise and Draco, I have word from the Knockturn Alley real estate agents if you want to let me know when you are free to scout out some properties, we can do that around noon." The two nodded. This was becoming a routine of the breakfast table, Harry would sort through the mail and call upon the Slytherins who specialized in those areas of helping him to meet him at a certain time to deal with the reactions to the letters.

"Wizengamot is starting up soon, Harry," Neville spoke, looking up from his own letter. Since he was of age now and no longer in school, Neville's gran had officially signed over the Longbottom house seat to Neville's control. Harry glanced up to see the grimace on Neville's face and felt his own mimicking it. Having just reached that very enveloped containing the letter Neville now had, he groaned and added it to the pile.

"Great, another thing to add to the calend-" Harry stopped. He had landed on the final letter and he froze. His mind struggling to process the reality of the sender.

"Harry?" Hermione asked, a concerned frown on her face as she reached out to touch his arm. Numbly he angled the envelope so she could see the sender as well and her eyes went wide. "Isn't that…" she trailed off as Harry managed a stiff nod. He was oblivious to the inquisitive faces of the rest of the table. His eyes on the sender's name. "You have to read it, Harry. It could be important if he is trying to reach you." Again he just nodded before abruptly standing and leaving the dining room and walking like a ghost to his office. Once there he collapsed in his chair, behind his desk that was fully covered in books and quills and parchment covered in notes and lists and scribbles.

Dudley Dursley, the letter said. His cousin had sent him a letter. His muggle, magic fearing cousin, sent him a letter. Had willingly initiated a conversation with him. How had it even gotten to him? Did Dudley hunt down an owl? Realizing that he wouldn't get an answer until he actually opened the thing, Harry's fingers worked on autopilot as they tore open the envelope. Pulling it out and unfolding the lined muggle paper with the three holes down the side, Harry couldn't help but smirk.

Harry,

I know this is probably a surprise to you to hear from me. But I know it's your birthday tomorrow and I thought this was as good a time as any. I don't really know when you'll get this or even if you will. I sent it through the post but I know your kind don't really do it that way. Anyway, Happy Birthday.

Anyway, I heard your war was over and that you defeated the bad guy. Good on you, I suppose. We got to return home last month. Mum and Dad are still resettling back in and I'm trying to find my own place….

I'll get to the main point of my letter, besides wishing you a Happy Birthday. Do you think it's possible for us to meet up somewhere? For drinks or something. I know you don't owe me anything, the way you were treated here would be more than enough reason to stay away from me. But I'd really appreciate meeting up with you. I need like to talk to you.

-Dudley

Dudley wanted to talk? Harry wasn't sure how to feel about that. Did he really want to see his cousin again? It's true that when they parted it had been slightly amicably, at least compared to their other encounters. Dudley had known and remembered his birthday? That was surprising. Despite his reservations regarding the whole situation, his curiosity was becoming more prevalent.

Quickly, and before he could talk himself out of it, Harry grabbed a spare piece of parchment and started to scratch out a reply.

Dudley,

You're right. Your letter did catch me by surprise. But I'm intrigued. Yeah, we can meet to talk. Do you know any places in muggle London that you want to meet at? Does next weekend sound good? Just use this owl to respond, it'll reach me quicker. The birds' name is Hermes. Just give it a bit of toast or a scrap of bacon or something and he'll be happy.

-Harry

P.S. Thanks for the birthday wishes.

The letter written and signed, Harry put it on the stack to deliver before leaning back in his chair and running his hands over his face. What was he doing?

However he didn't have much time to dwell on it because soon his office was being filled with Daphne, Theo and Draco and the written correspondence was starting. Tracey stopped by towards the end to help with the scheduling, as did Blaise to decide on a day to go scout the storefronts. Harry stared at his calendar on the wall as it got more and more filled and couldn't help but feel exhausted just looking at it. He had a meeting with Nadrig and another with Kingsley in two weeks time. There were the typical political parties that were starting to get underway with the new political season starting up. And of course he had been invited to each and every one. Harry couldn't help but groan at the invites. He was scheduled to meet with Knockturn Alley the week after next, while Daphne, Tracey and Greg were wanting to tour their chosen sights soon too, so that was scheduled as well.

Finally another calendar was created and placed in the main entrance room with the colorful chairs to keep track of every resident in the houses schedule, color coordinated for each person. At the moment it just contained the various days that each person needed to take their exams next week as well as group outings, which was marked by its own color. And then the Wizengamot requirements Neville and Harry had to start. All of the meetings Harry had, including all of the real estate scouting that the Slytherins needed to do. Important Hogwarts dates for Luna and Astoria were added to the calendar too. Needless to say that particular calendar filled up fast and was very colorful, containing the sixteen different colors needed to keep track of everyone.

It was daunting but without having to do the restorations anymore and the exam studying winding to a close it was interesting to see the days and weeks playing out in front of him. Harry had never really needed to plan so far in advance before. At Hogwarts it was just making it week by week, doing the daily homework requirements and Quidditch practices, and counting down the days till he was forced back to the Dursleys or got to go to the Burrow during his holiday. Besides exams and Quidditch matches, he hadn't bothered really with scheduling anything. The fact that he had a full calendar made him feel incredibly adult like and he wasn't sure how to feel about that.

After the morning was finished and Harry had been able to send everyone out, he slunk down into his chair and sighed, eyes closed and wishing for a brief nap or at least two glasses of whiskey...or vodka. He had found during his nightly drinks with Draco and Tracey that he was starting to enjoy the clear liquor. Plus with it he could pretend he was drinking water all day long and no one was the wiser. Especially since he had come across a spell to freshen his mouth to erase any traces of the smell from his breath.

Just as he was beginning to debate the merits of requesting a pitcher of vodka infused lemonade versus a simple glass with his lunchtime sandwich, a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Master, is Master wanting anything to eat?"

"Thanks, Lopsy, but I think I'm going to stretch my legs before lunch. Actually, do you think you could go grab me a glass of my special lemonade and bring it outside for me?"

"Of course, Master! Lopsy will be gettings your drink and meeting yous outside!" The tiny elf disappeared with a low bow and Harry was alone in his office. Standing up and stretching, he wandered out of his office and into the library. He spied Hermione and Theo sitting on opposite sides of the same couch, noses buried in a book. They occasionally made a comment, Harry assumed about what they were reading but couldn't be sure, but they both seemed content in the silence of the library. Astoria and Luna were in a farther into the library claiming a table with all of their books, cramming for the upcoming exams.

A slight smirk on his lips he left the library and turned to head outside. Stepping outside he took a deep breath, breathing in the warmth of the August air and enjoying the sun lighting up the grounds, the pond and the flowers. Harry could see Neville and Tracey working in the greenhouse with Hannah handing them their needed supplies. He couldn't see where Draco and Blaise were but Daphne, Pansy and Padma were lounging on the patio near the pond. Closing his eyes, he soaked in the warmth of the sun and scent of the flowers, it was incredibly relaxing. He needed to take breaks out here more often.

"Master!" Lopsy squeaked popping in front of him with a large glass of his special lemonade in hand. Drawing the other patio occupants attention to him. "Yous drink, Master!"

"Thank you, Lopsy," he said, accepting the drink as casually as possible without seeming too eager to relieve his desire for the burn of the drink or to relieve the headache that was starting to form since he hadn't had anything to drink since last night. "I'll probably need another soon, if you don't mind going to get a replacement?"

"Of course, Master!" Lopsy cried out before disappearing again.

It probably should concern him that only going half a day without a stiff drink was affecting him at all but as he brought his special lemonade to his lips, he found that he would worry about that later. He had enough on his plate after all. Eyes closed, he took a long savoring gulp from the refreshing drink. The sweet tang of the lemonade blended rather nicely with Vodka he thought absently.

"Harry."

Harry sighed but smirked and without even opening his eyes, replied, "Daphne." Over the past week they had shared a glass of wine in her sitting room twice more but Harry had enjoyed it immensely, despite the fact that they hadn't talked about a lot, everything was still surface level and fully planned on continuing it as a weekly tradition. Finally blinking his eyes open and squinting slightly at the sunshine, he looked at the blonde sitting lounging in a chair. Her hair was piled on top of her head and she was wearing a swimsuit coverup that reminded him of the ones in his aunts magazine. Padma and Pansy were dressed the same but Pansy was also sporting sunglasses and her cigarettes. "Padma. Pansy." He greeted the other two. Padma gave him a pleasant nod but Pansy just snorted and he could imagine her rolling her eyes, as she flicked her cigarette ash into a nearby ash tray.

"Come join us, Harry," Padma offered, gesturing to another seat nearby. With a shrug, Harry pulled up the chair.

"You ladies enjoying yourself?"

"No, Potter, of course not. Can three witches not sit out in the sun eating lunch in misery? How rude of you to intrude," Pansy drawled.

"Well since every moment for you is one of misery, I can hardly be intruding," Harry sniped back, getting comfortable in his seat and finishing off his lemonade, just in time for Lopsy to return with his next one. After sending a request for another, Harry thanked the elf and turned back to the three women.

"What are you drinking, Harry?" Padma asked, her scars seemed to glow in the sun.

"Lemonade," he said, hoping the waver in his voice wasn't noticeable. "What are you all having for lunch?" he pressed on, glancing at the plates resting on the side tables near them.

"Salad, seems to be one of the few things your elves can't mess up," Pansy sniffed, moving her fork listlessly through the few remaining leaves and nuts left in her bowl.

"So sorry, for your suffering," Harry replied dryly.

"I just got a sandwich and chips," Padma shrugged, gesturing to her plate now covered in crumbs. "Perfectly delicious and not messed up in the slightest," she added with a cheeky grin. "Have you eaten yet?"

"Not yet, just escaped the office for a bit."

"Well I'm full, the elves always bring me too much if you want anything," Daphne offered, gesturing to her half eaten plate.

"What is it?" he asked eyeing it warily. Sure he had sampled her vegan breakfast foods but that had been it.

"Why don't I just tell you after you've finished it?" she replied with a smirk that immediately set him on edge.

"Yeah, right. Tell me first."

"What's wrong Potter, don't you trust her?" Pansy simpered maliciously.

"Are you a Gryffindor or aren't you? I mean I already ate half of it so you know it can't be that bad," Daphne egged on.

"I'm a Gryffindor sure, but that doesn't mean I'm stupid," Harry countered with narrow eyes. Avoiding Pansys' question entirely. He wasn't sure what his answer would be.

"No, doesn't mean your stupid. But where is your sense of daring? I mean it's just a sandwich and a couple spoonfuls of soup. Can't be too terrible," Padma joined the other witches.

Harry was tempted to tell Padma that his daring left him once the war finished but felt like that would put a damper on a rather nice day. "Yeah, you have more of a risk when you eat Bertie Botts," Pansy agreed.

"Just try it," Daphne said pushing her unfinished food towards him. Harry eyed it warily but it smelled delicious and he didn't want to lose face in front of Slytherins, and Padma was vouching for it too so it couldn't be that bad, right?

"Fine," Harry sighed, conceding defeat and grabbing the sandwich, assurances on a loop that they hadn't had time to stuff any Wizard Wheezes between the slices since he had arrived and they couldn't have jinxed it because he had been here the whole time, and taking a bite. And Pansy and Daphne literally couldn't cause him harm. Fuck them, it was delicious, and no side effects. Damn. "Alright, it's good. Now what is it?"

"It's a creamy Thai carrot soup and bulgogi steakless sandwiches," Daphne replied with a smirk.

"Steakless?" Harry questioned, eyeing the stuffing in the last few bites of the sandwich. "Impressive."

"Do you expect anything less?" Daphne questioned airily.

"Daph, you should know not to take anything Potter says to highly. I mean his standards aren't great to begin with, a flobberworm could impress him," Pansy sighed, examining her nails.

"At least I have standards that are attainable. Because of yours, your going to end up alone and shriveled up like a flobberworm," Harry retorted, finishing off the soup.

"Please, like a Parkinson would ever shrivel," Pansy scoffed. Harry noticed she didn't deny she would end up alone but didn't feel like opening that can of worms right now.

The three fell into a rather comfortable silence, enjoying the sun, though Harry was realizing with some discomfort that he wasn't as dressed for the sunny weather as the girls were. He had dressed for a day indoors, not sunbathing. Finishing his fourth vodka lemonade, he was just debating whether he should go in and start working or maybe request a fifth when he noticed the looks the witches were exchanging.

"Something on your minds?" Harry asked pleasantly, deciding that a fifth certainly couldn't hurt.

Daphne cleared her throat, cheeks pinking at being caught or it could have been the sun exposure. "So who was that letter from this morning?" So that was what they wanted to talk about, Harry thought miserably.

"Just a letter," he replied casually, eyes remaining on the pond and watching the koi fish swim about lazily. He hadn't noticed the fish before, they were rather graceful moving about in lazy figure eights.

"Really? I don't recall just any letter causing that sort of reaction," Padma commented. "And Hermione seemed to recognize the sender and was just as shocked and speechless."

"Which is saying something," Pansy snorted.

"So, want to try that answer again?" Padma continued with a smirk that scrunched her scars up tight, making them more prominent.

Harry glared at the women and clenched his jaw. "What does it matter who it was from? It's personal business."

Padma seemed to mull that over and Pansy scoffed but said nothing, Daphne just watched him curiously. As Pansy spoke again, "Well, we should have a right to know. Merely because it obviously affects you and if something affects you to such a degree it would indirectly affect us. It's only smart to prepare us for anything that might occur."

"Well this doesn't concern you at all," he snapped back rather rudely, he thought belatedly but there wasn't a chance that he was going to apologize now.

"See your not making a good case for yourself," Padma took up the mantle. "By merely denying it does nothing to waylay the worry and concern. Explaining why would be far better and give your argument a better standing."

"You have been hanging out with these two for too long," he grumbled, draining the last of his lemonade. Deciding against ordering another because he would be working again soon.

"That's not an answer, Harry. One could even say, avoiding it entirely which is just proving our point that it concerns us," Daphne pressed teasingly.

Harry growled, clenching his fists, he stood roughly causing the chair to bounce backwards. "It's just a letter from my bloody fucking cousin. Happy? No threats to you lot. No concern of yours. Just like I fucking said. My life doesn't just concern you lot. Get over yourselves!" Restraining himself with all his might to not stomp away, Harry merely stalked off which was only a slight satisfaction.

Seething at the audacity of that lot, honestly, sure they were getting on now and they had been living together for about two and a half months now, but that didn't mean they were privy to every detail of his life. "Damn bloody witches," he muttered to himself as he entered the library but soon fell silent when he heard voices.

"Are you saying that you think the Werewolf Code of Conduct would have actually worked if anyone had shown up?" Theo had spoken. Both he and Hermione had shut their books and while they still sat on opposite ends they were leaning towards each other in the heat of the debate. A platter of tea and sandwiches was left picked at between them on the coffee table but was mainly untouched.

"Yes. Well, no. It wouldn't have worked back in 1637 when it was first introduced. The concept was on the right track but the mindset had to be fixed first. That's why I'm saying that if something like that were to happen now it would go over better," Hermione insisted.

Hermione was talking about werewolf rights. It sent a pang through his chest at how much she was reminding him of the way she used to be before the war. Full of life and passion, fighting for the underdog. He wished Ron was there to share in this moment of progress with him.

"It wouldn't go over any better than if it had happened back then. No one will admit to being a werewolf," Theo countered, waving his hand dismissively.

"They will if the mindset is changed." Her eyes were alight with fire and he could almost see her mind working at a rapid speed, gathering up her knowledge and forming her points to fire out at a moments notice.

"And how do you propose that happens?" Theo scoffed, Harry could almost picture him rolling his eyes but the boys back was to him.

"We tell the people that lycanthropy is nothing to be ashamed of," Hermione shrugged with a childish smirk.

"That's it? I would have expected something better from the Brightest Witch of Her Age. It is going to take more than a pamphlet to change centuries of thought. Especially amongst the more traditional families."

"Hardly. That is just the general concept. We start with the literature, that will be the quickest way to effect change, especially with the schoolage generation because it will be in their text books and they are the ones that need to change in order for a future progressive society."

Harry's anger abated quickly at the sight of his best friend acting more like herself than he had seen in months soothing any self-righteous anger he had built up. A small smile twerked at his lips as he quietly moved towards his office. But he kept his door cracked so he could listen to the two scholars continue to debate. Which they did, passionately and consistently until dinner. Harry did end up having to shut his door though because it grew to be incredibly distracting.

"Oi, you two," Harry finally said interrupting the two as he left the office. "You want to eat tonight?" he joked. Hermione flushed a bright red but her eyes were still bright and she seemed to be failing at hiding a grin. Theo looked unruffled at the interruption but his eyes were soft yet excited, a complete contrast to the rest of his countenance.

"Right, of course," Hermione replied, shutting the newest book she had pulled out. Apparently while they debated the two had went in search of textual evidence to support their claims. Theo stood and stretched before offering a hand to Hermione to help her up off the couch. Harry wasn't sure if it was because it was the mans' pureblood manners kicking in or if he was just trying to do something nice. Harry doubted he would ever know.

Falling into step beside the two, he walked with them out of the library. "So, Theo, any thoughts on your business?"

"Actually I think I might be narrowing down my proposal," the man replied, walking back straight and practically gliding as he walked.

"Great! Do I get to get a clue?" he joked but was actually curious and hopeful.

"Now, where would be the fun in that?" the man smirked. "No, no, you'll get to wait and hear the full thing when it's ready."

Having expected no less, Harry sighed playfully but didn't say anything more. "What did Dudley want, Harry?" Hermione asked quietly, pulling him back so that Theo was ahead of them.

"Wanted to meet up and talk," Harry replied softly. Hermione raised her eyebrows in surprise and tilted her head in a question. "I said, OK. Merlin, I don't know what I was thinking. But I guess I was mostly just curious. I mean, it must be something important if he took the time to write to me at all. He even wished me a Happy Birthday. Can you believe it?" Harry almost chortled but it died in his throat.

"Not really, but maybe this is good. Maybe he has changed?" she said hopefully.

Harry made a noncommittal noise at that and shrugged, they had reached the dining room now and their conversation died off as Theo stood waiting with the door open. Giving the man a thanks, he moved into his seat. Daphne was already sitting in her seat and she tried to catch his eye but he avoided it and didn't even try to be subtle about it. While he wasn't angry anymore like he had been at lunch, he was still rightfully pissed at the witches for their pressing.

Draco and Blaise were the last to arrive, Narcissa was off with Andromeda for a sister dinner. Draco had his hair sticking up at odd angles hardened with sweat and his sleeves were fully rolled up. His mark seemed to carry a banner it stuck out so harshly against his pale skin. But Harry supposed it counted favorably towards his efforts that Draco felt comfortable enough to walk about with his sleeves rolled up. Everyone noticed it but no one commented on it. Hermione did turn noticeably paler at the sight though and sat rather rigidly in her seat. Blaise had grease smudges all over his hands and a few on his forehead and cheeks, it was the most un put together Harry had ever seen either Slytherin but they seemed to be happy about something.

"Good work today in the labs?" Harry asked the two, nodding to their appearances.

Blaise nodded. "Yes, actually. I'm almost there with the magical phones. I can feel it. I should have it by the time a store front is chosen and so I can start work on a few other products next."

"I'm just brewing a lot of the more common place potions so that I can stock the store and get a bundle ready to offer to St. Mungo's when the time comes. I want to give them a large bundle all ready prepared to help gain their trust as a business partner."

"Sounds great. We should be able to go tour the stores week after next. Same with the mansion estates," Harry added but he just looked at Tracey and Greg as he said that, ignoring Daphne. He could practically feel her eyes boring holes into his skull.

"Hey, Harry," Astoria began catching his attention, "after the exams this week can we go to Diagon Alley for supplies. School starts in only a couple of weeks and we need our things."

"Yeah, sure, we can go this weekend as a reward for finishing the exams too," Harry agreed readily as the food appeared. Some kind of pasta with sausages but it smelled good.

"It will be like a House field trip," Luna said pleasantly, scooping herself a helping of the creamy pasta.

"Yeah," Harry shrugged but didn't say any more as he began to eat. But the wine called his attention more, his headache was back from his lack of drink since lunch.

"Potter," Pansy suddenly broke through the quiet hum of eating and all eyes went to her. Harry quirked an eyebrow. "I would like to-ap-apologize- on behalf of myself, Padma, and Daphne, for our questioning earlier. You are quite right, you deserve your privacy and it was rude of us to presume otherwise."

Harry blinked multiple times. While her discomfort was incredibly obvious, he appreciated the effort. "Thank you," he said graciously, looking at Padma and finally Daphne who each looked appropriately meek and contrite. "I didn't handle it well either on my end, my temper got away from me and I do apologize for my part, as well," he continued diplomatically. The three women nodded their heads and said no more leaving the rest of the table in obvious confusion and curiosity. Hermione nudged his knee with hers to draw his attention and she raised an eyebrow. "They were asking about my letter," he answered her unspoken question but apparently not quietly enough because the rest of the table heard.

"Oh, yeah, I wondered about that. Who was it from?" Blaise asked casually, eyes on his plate as he flicked the last few pieces of sausage about on his plate.

"His bloody fucking cousin," Pansy answered, mirth evident in her voice as she fought back a grin. Padma snorted at that but tried to hold in her giggles but failed and so covered her hand with her mouth. And Daphnes' lips were twitching in amusement. The rest of the table remained confused but the atmosphere was infectious apparently and soon the rest of the table, Harry included, were attempting to smother their grins and giggles. Harry appreciated the fact that they could joke about their argument from earlier and counted it even higher since this was turning into an incredibly pleasant day over all.

Around midnight that night, Harry padded out of his room and headed down the stairs towards the kitchen. It was clockwork by now really. Every night he did this. It was practically tradition by this point. Tracey was there already and was grabbing their drink of the night. It was an unspoken rule that whoever got there first chose the liquor. Draco arrived about five minutes after Harry did and silently the three drank. Much like the first night it wasn't until after the third glass that they attempted to speak.

"So what is really the deal with that letter, Potter?" Draco asked in the silence of the kitchen.

Sighing, Harry rubbed a hand through his hair as he accepted his newly refilled glass. Tonight was rum, it wasn't his favorite but he couldn't deny its effects. "It was from Dudley, my cousin."

"So why the big deal then?" Tracey asked innocently. Their voices were soft and never breaking higher than normal volume.

"He and his parents, my aunt and uncle, they raised me," Harry replied, his mouth twisting at the word raise. "Though that is just putting it loosely. They allowed my presence to besmirch their home when I wasn't in school is more accurate."

Draco snorted as Harry poured the next round. "Please, your Harry Potter, it can't have been that bad."

"I lived in the cupboard under their stairs until I was eleven," Harry replied bluntly. Why he was even telling them this he didn't know but at this point he was too tired to care. What the fuck did it matter if they knew? Who were they going to tell?

Tracey coughed on her drink. "What!" she cried out aghast, still not breaking their unspoken volume rule though.

Harry just shrugged. "When I did accidental magicI would be punished to my cupboard for days sometimes without food. When my letters arrived I got to move into Dudley's second bedroom but after my first year my uncle put bars on the window. Ron and the twins had to come into their flying car to rescue me one night."

"Bloody hell," Draco whispered into his glass.

There was silence as they each drank another round before Tracey tried again, "So what did your cousin want?"

"To talk," Harry said simply, passing the bottle to her to pour the next round. He was pretty sure they were on their tenth round now but he had long since given up actually caring to count. What did it matter anyway?

"And are you going to?" Draco asked quietly, eyeing Harry like he was some fragile puzzle that might shatter if put together wrong.

"Yeah, I guess I am. Curious, I suppose, about what the kid who used to use me as a living punching bag could possibly want to say to me. Guess I'll find out," Harry muttered darkly. Conversation ended with that and after another hour and another bottle, the three parted ways.

Harry's sleep that night was filled with memories of the Dursleys and their sneering faces and Dudley's gang playing Harry Hunting. It was a pleasant change from the faces of those he loved dying in front of him, blaming him for their deaths, he supposed when he woke the next morning.