Chapter 14: Greetings and Meetings

Notes:Heyy Lovelies! it's an actual chapter this time I promise 3 I'm sorry not sorry for the last one being kinda of an advertisement for Discord, but I wanted to get word out about it. It has be amazing meeting some of you! Seeing everyone's writers and enjoying bouncing ideas around. Thank you guys you have been amazing! Before you think it wouldn't help you or that you have to be part of the HP fandom, I would like to say we are not solely HP! We have chat rooms for TV series, movies, books, anime, podcasts! So if you want to join for help in writing or offer your help with being a Beta in different fandoms the link is on my profile.

In other news bunch of love to amandadubose88 for be amazing and reading through this chapter! So thank you 3 There is also a song that I listened to on repeat while I wrote this chapter, amandadubose88 told me it went good with the chapter so if you want to take a listen it's Catch in the Dark by Passenger... Well enough from me on to the chapter!

Nev was the first one to show up; stepping out of the floo properly, not a single smudge or trip. I couldn't help but send a glare his way.

He glanced in my direction, but quickly looked away back towards Draco. I just rolled my eyes, this was probably some pureblood respect thing that I wouldn't understand. I mean both Nev and Draco tried to teach me a thing or two about it, but since I wasn't tutored since birth it was just like learning another foreign language (which Draco has tried to teach me French too).

Nev bowed toward Draco, "Heir Malfoy, it is an honour that you have invited me to your house. Please allow me to present to you a gift from the Longbottom house."

with that, Nev withdrew a plant from his robes. "This is a Venomous Tentacula, may it protect your house and home."

Draco look had the "pureblood" mask on (as I like to call it), "thank you Heir Longbottom. we accept your gift and welcome you into our home."

Draco took the plant and gave it to a waiting house Elf. In an instant that was over Nev was back to his goofy self, smiling over in my direction.

"Honestly, after having you meet each other already over at Nev's place I would think that all the formal introduction and all that would be over." I sighed.

"Har, this is just common courtesy when being invited to a pureblood household for the first time." Nev explained, "I can't tell you how surprised my Gran was at me being invited over here; and she just had to remind me of the formal greetings."

I tilted my head to the side, "but we didn't do that when Draco came over with me to your manor."

"That is because when I invited you over to the Manor, it was not a formal invite therefore not needed, but also since you are my brother and he was your guest that time it's a slightly different rule. Though next time we formally invite you over to the manor; such as for tea or for a party/Ball, Draco will have to do his introduction and greetings along with introducing you as his mate with all of your titles." Nev explained, in his teacher voice that he reserved for me when I was learning something new in the wizarding world.

"All these bloody rules and expectations from purebloods." I grumbled, "I am just going to look like a fool." With that I turned to Draco and gave him the best puppy dog eyes I could. "I am sorry if I ever make a fool of us, you will be expected to make up for that with all the tutoring you've had for the both of us."

Draco just chuckled. "I guess it's a good thing I got a cute mate, or I might have to double think what I am getting myself into."

I froze. I have no idea what came over me, but feelings swept through me. It felt like I was not at the same level as Draco. That I was just a pain to him, and I knew that I wasn't that handsome at all. With all the scars that covered my body, and how little and bony I am. He deserved someone better then me. I deserved to go back to my relatives, and live with them. Like they always said I was just a burden to everyone around me.

"HARRY." I shook myself from the stupor I was put into and plastered a smile on my face. Just hoping that they wouldn't be able to see what I was just thinking. They didn't need to know that.

"Sorry, I had to file that away, so I can at least try to remember that when I need to know the proper rules." I joked so that they wouldn't worry about what just happened.

I heard them both sigh in sync, I guess I failed at my attempt at trying to cover up what just happened. I felt a hand fall upon my head and ruffle my hair.

"I get that even though you are out of that house that you are not completely over what has happened and sometimes believe in what they have said. But please know, you don't have to understand it just yet, but know that that is not true Draco and I are hear to teach you to understand the wrong they have done." Nev said, "but till then if you ever feel down or anything please come straight to one of us we would hate if something was to happen to you."

I was in shock that they did not think that I was a burden and that I was worth their time. I wanted to cry right there, I wanted to be held and comforted, but at that same time I did not think myself worthy. Not yet. Maybe someday like Nev said I would be at that point; but not right now.

"So Harry, I do have a question for you." Gods Nev, you are a true blessing at knowing when to change the topic. Thank you! I cheered internally, happy at the sudden change in topics; because I don't think I would be good if we stayed on that one to long.

"What's that?" I asked curious on what Nev had to ask.

"Why do you still send Hedwig to me, when you could just use the two-way notebook I gave you for your birthday?"

I could not help the blush that came over my face. "I-I might have forgotten about it in recent days."

Nev just chuckled at the admission.

"but also you know how Hedwig gets!" I tried to defend myself. "If I as much as think about using that during the Holiday; I think Hedwig will nip my ear and steal the notebook and dump it somewhere we would never find it. She is a bloody mother hen!"

As soon as those words left my mouth; it was like she knew (I swear she knows when I'm talking about her!) She flew into the room and sent a glare my way before settling before Draco with a letter. I gulped a little in fear of my own owl, I sent Nev a look in desperation, and mouthed "See!"

He actually chuckled at me. "you are the only person I could ever see getting an owl that treated their owners like their own nestling."

Hedwig then turned her eyes towards Neville and hooted as if she was saying "yes, he is my nestling."

I swear I could see Nev get nervous at that.

As soon as Hedwig was free of the letter she flew over and landed on my head and gave me a good nip on my ear for my earlier comment. I yelped at the suddenness.

"I am sorry! I swear it was a compliment and that I love you!" I could feel her glare even though I couldn't see her; before she trilled at me and flew away.

I let out a sigh as I saw the snowy owl fly away. I knew I would have to get her favourite treats from our little outing to make up for today.

The floo roared to life once again and out stepped Theodore Nott. I've never really seen him up close before, or really at all. He was not a part of the usual crowd of Slytherins that used to taunt me. He was on the lean side; making him appear tall and lanky. His brown hair just brushed the top of his shoulders. He had some muscle build to him, almost hidden beneath his baggy clothes, and his warm brown eyes held curiosity, but at the same time had an aloofness to them. He was kind of handsome in a cute nerdy way. All and all he seemed like the type to be a bookworm, and knew what he was talking about, but not show it off.

I saw Draco's face light up in a smile as he looked at Nott. "Theo! I am so glad that you could make it. I was kind of worried with everything that has been going on in your home."

Theodore sighed, "Yeah it hasn't been an easy summer with Father almost being thrown in jail over what happened at the ministry."

Draco winced, "I can understand that. Father was in the same boat. We are lucky that both Father and Mr. Nott left when they did, or they would have been in trouble."

I stiffened, it is so easy to forget that Draco's father was there that night. The night that Siri died. My fault that it happened. If I wasn't so foolish! I felt a hand settle on my shoulder and give a gentle squeeze. I jolted from my thoughts and looked up to see Nev. He gave me a sad smile; understanding that I was still in pain over losing my Godfather. Even though I had very little time in getting to know the man, I knew that he loved me for who I was and not what I represented and that is all I could ever ask for out of someone.

"Yeah, if it wasn't for your father's quick action both of them would be sitting in Azkaban." I caught the end of their conversation, and saw Draco give me a quick glance out of the corner of his eye, sympathy radiating from him. I gave him a small tight lipped smile, trying to convey that I was okay and that I was healing.

"Theo, I know what has happened through the years, but I would like to introduce you to my mate." Draco said pulling us all from those dark thoughts. I tensed up, unsure how Nott would react. Not only was I the golden boy, I was a Gryffindor, and I was also the main reason why his (and Draco's) Father almost went to jail that night. I will never know why Mr. Malfoy let me into his house after all that I have done to him. I will have to have a talk with Draco about that. I felt eyes upon me and saw that Draco made the introduction and they were waiting for me to speak or do something.

I froze, not knowing what to do, I gave a small wave and proceeded to hide behind Nev. I didn't like to be the centre of attention; no matter what people say about me. I hated the way peoples gaze tore through my person. As I tried not to make myself a laughingstock.

"Y-Your mate is Harry Potter?" I heard Theo ask in what sounded like surprise and shock. I shut my eyes waiting for the yelling and the cursing to start. I just ruined one of Draco's friendships….

Wait a moment, I paused as the room filled with… Laughter.

I blinked in surprise, and slowly moved to peak around Nev, who was also chuckling. There in the middle of the sitting room was Theo dying from laughter.

"I-I am sorry Draco, I am happy that you found your mate, but it is kind of funny that it's Harry Potter! The same person who you've been jealous of since school started!" Theo was just dying of laughter and I kind of smiled too. I have been saying that this whole entire time I've been here. We are one of the most unlikely pairs to be mated.

Draco just rolled his eyes, his lips twitching, trying not to smile. "You know you are just about the 5th person to point that out. Mother and Father had a good laugh about it as well; after getting over the shock. Of course, Harry said the same thing and Longbottom."

We were so busy laughing at this that we didn't hear the floo roar to life. We didn't see the flames turn to emerald; nor did we see anyone step out from the fireplace. All we heard was a croon and a growl.