Beta'd by: Bombadilo Baby. (Who gives up part of every weekend to assist. Thank You!)
Soooo, I hope you like this chapter. I like this chapter :-) And any reviews would be brilliant.
Also, if I can fit everything I want in, you'll all be reading the first Hogwarts chapter in two weeks (yay!) I can't wait to write about the castle! And the teachers, and students, and . . . yeah, pretty much everything.
Wishing you all enchanted weekends! (And week days if you're a lucky sod)
-G
Do I own any legal rights to Harry Potter? No. No, I do not. But cheers to J. K Rowling for dreaming it up! I would, very much, miss the Harry Potter sized hole in my life if she hadn't.
"I mean it Harry." He said earnestly, holding his gaze. "You're . . . you're my friend, alright? And I don't know how you got hurt, but I won't let you get hurt again." He said, mouth tight, body rigid.
Harry's heart shuddered inside his chest, and for the first time since he'd woken up, a small wobbly smile inched upon his face.
"Th-Thank you." He whispered, clasping tightly to Draco's hand.
Draco watched him for a moment more, looking closely at the raven's face, then he nodded in satisfaction. Walking close beside each other, steps synchronised, they trailed quietly off to the kitchens.
"D-Draco?" Harry's quiet voice came from behind him.
Draco had been looking around the kitchen in slight puzzlement, but he turned towards Harry when he spoke. As he twisted to face the raven, the tang of healing magic reminded the young Malfoy that there was something wrong.
It was obvious that his parents knew, whatever it was.
He felt a frown tugging at his brow, but quickly smoothed it out. A Malfoy was never jealous, and he refused to become so (mostly because he had every intention of finding out as quickly as possible). The blonde's lips were tempted to just straight up ask Harry right now, but the sad uncertainty that had been in Harry's green eyes ever since he came back to the Manor smothered the impulse.
Draco's mouth twitched. The Malfoy heir wasn't used to waiting! Most things he wanted, he received. Yes, immediately. He was becoming uneasy and restless. Harry's whole subdued demeanour, which Draco agitatedly noted was even worse than in Diagon Alley, made him instinctively want to keep the raven close by. He'd never seen any of his friends with that look in their eyes, and he didn't like it. He didn't like it when the raven was sad, in fact he far preferred a smiling Harry. When the raven smiled, Draco felt a bubble of success swell in his chest.
So, as far as Draco was concerned, Harry should be smiling.
". . . Draco?" Harry's hesitant voice, snapped him quickly out of his thoughts.
He turned back to the raven in apology "Yes, Harry?" he asked, walking back to his side.
Harry's lips twisted "What's wrong?" He asked, his green eyes filled with concern.
Draco almost huffed in frustration. Why was it that Harry could ask the very question that he himself most wanted answered, and so easily? He hummed, glancing back towards the kitchen automatically. "Dotty is usually here in the mornings, she almost never lets us in here unsupervised." He replied, lips twitching into a smile "She's a house elf." He added, seeing Harry curious expression.
"There are elves here?" Harry asked, looking around as though he expected one to pop up from behind a table any moment now. Which, to be fair, wasn't entirely unlikely.
"Yes, we have two that stay with us here at the Manor." Draco replied, absently. "Dotty." He called, waiting expectantly. There was a moment's pause and then suddenly there was a loud pop, and two loudly arguing creatures appeared in front of them.
"No! You is not allowed's out of bed, yet's!" Harry stared in amazement at the two pointy eared small beings, which were currently a violent tangle of limbs.
"You's is being ridiculous! I am's fit as fiddle's!" the smaller on, currently draped in what looked like numerous pieces of colourful silk, squeaked loudly. The smaller one continued to stomp on the other's feet, as it tried to thrash away from restraining arms. "If you's not let's go's, I will make it so's Master Malfoy's puts you's on bed rest's!" a distinctly female voice threatened in a high pitched growl.
During the other ones strangled-sounding whine, the small female elf managed to slip nimbly away, skipping quickly over to the kitchen larder door.
"That's is not fair's!" The male elf piped back up, stomping his foot. "You's is being told to rest's! Dobby's promised Master's that I's look after you's!" he shrilled. "Dotty's was to stay's in bed's until better."
The female harrumphed, crossing her arms, scowling over at Dobby. "And I's did's. Sat around all morning's, not even aloud's to dust's. Dust's!" she squeaked, affronted. "Then Sevvie's sent the potion's, and I's feeling all better's. But what does Dobby's say's?! I'll tell you what Dobby's says." She said, quickly "He say's, Dotty's no work's till tommorow's! So I's be thinking Dobby's being an air head's, and I no's listen to him's any more." She said, turning up her large pointed nose, and disappearing into the larder.
The house elf, Dobby, gave a high anxious moan. He wrung his hands in the green silken pillow sheet he wore, a silver crest embroidered near his left shoulder. "You's is still not's listening to Dobby's. Snapie's and Master's told Dobby's to have you rest's!" he rambled under his breath, before scurrying after Dotty. "What if you's get more ill?"
"Dobby's being silly. Dotty's being fine." They heard Dotty huff.
They barely caught Dobby's reply "Neither Dotty, or Dobby's be fine if'is you being wrong's." the elf's voice wobbled.
Harry turned to Draco, his face creased in confusion and slight concern. The blonde boy was frowning, a small crease visible between his brows as he listened to the two house elves. Harry followed after Draco as he hurried quickly over to the larder entrance.
"Dotty, you've been ill?" Draco asked in concern, about to step through the doorway.
Dotty quickly shoved her armful of food over to Dobby, who squeaked in alarm as he tried to balance the small tower. Small hands instantly turned to shuffle Draco away from the entrance, and olive eyes scowled sternly up into the blonde's. "Don't think I forgot's last time you came in here, little Master, Draco's." she pipped, hands pressed firmly on her small hips.
Harry watched as Draco blushed bright red, spluttering, as the small female bustled past him to the kitchen bench. She hopped up on a small wooden stool, placing her at the perfect height to cook.
Dotty scowled over at the stumbling Dobby, who was slowly inching his way across to her. Brown eyes were fixed with alarm at the dangerously wobbly pile in his arms.
"Hurry's up, Dobby's." the female huffed, impatiently, then clicked her fingers, levitating the bundle over herself. The food flew easily out of Dobby's hands, placing itself in perfect order around Dotty. "Honestly's." she muttered, though her face held an unmistakable hint of fondness. "You's is terrible at the float magic's."
Dobby scrambled over to join her at the bench, measuring out the flour. "Not Dobby's fault's." he complained, ears twitching with embarrassment "Stupid food's is always falling."
Dotty reached over to pat Dobby's shoulder absently, as she briefly kneaded the dough they'd whipped up. "Food's is not the fault."
A smooth voice came from the kitchen doorway, and all four of the room's occupants turned around. "Don't listen to her Dobby." Narcissa said warmly "You are an exceptional house elf." She said, coming to stand beside her son. She absently placed a warm hand on Draco's shoulder as she stepped forward.
Draco looked up towards his mother. "I'm sorry, Mother." He apologised. "I didn't realise Dotty was unwell when I called her."
"Do not worry my Dragon, it was remiss of me not to inform you before now." She said calmly before turning towards the two elves. Dotty was shuffling abashedly on her stool as Dobby stared imploringly up towards their mistress. "I must admit though, I have been quite worried. Are you quite sure you are well enough to be out of bed, Dotty?" Narcissa inquired with concern. "If Snape hadn't come around this morning you might not have even told us in time to do something about it!"
Dotty's eyes widened, but she nodded her head vigorously. "Dobby's gave me Mr Snapie's potion's two hours ago's, and I's been back to normal temperature's and magic level's for over an hour's now. Dobby's wasn't letting me's out of bed!" She piped grumpily.
Narcissa, relieved to hear that, slightly smiled "And Dobby would be correct to do so." She said gently "I insist you rest for the remainder of the day, and allow Dobby or ourselves to attend to any arduous tasks. At the very least until the end of this week." She instructed, causing Dotty's to widen in horror, before Narcissa turned to Dobby. "Are you sure you are feeling well, Dobby? I would hate for you to fall ill as well, whilst looking after Dotty." She inquired with concern.
Dobby shook his head, ears flapping. His chest puffed up and his eyes glowed happily as he replied to his mistress "Snapie's sent me though's a potion, as well. He say's it will prevent me falling ill's like Dotty's has." he replied, a slightly smug tone in his voice. Dotty was scowling angrily at the other elf in envy.
Narcissa nodded "Let us know immediately if you need any assistance, or a break, until Dotty is better. I would be happy to ask Lucius' father if your aunt Mildred could also come over."
Now Dobby's eyes widened in horror. "No's!" he squeaked "We's be fine!" he said hurriedly. "Milly should stay with her Master's Abraxas Malfoy's!" he implored.
A sound, suspiciously like a snort, same from where Dotty had started rolling out the dough into scones. Draco and Harry shared a look, Draco's lips twitching in laughter.
Narcissa's face remained deviously blank, bar the gleam in her eyes, as she nodded. "Very well. I shan't request Mildred's presence," she agreed affably, and Dobby gave a sigh of relief "but only if you promise to inform Lucius or myself immediately should either of you feel tired or ill." She compromised sternly.
Dobby wriggled uncomfortably, unwilling to agree, but eventually he nodded in reluctant acceptance, shoulders sagging.
Narcissa turned back to Dotty, who had just popped the first tray of scones into the over, an overly-innocent expression in the elf's large olive eyes as she caught her eye.
"And don't think I haven't noticed what you're doing over there, Dotty dear." Narcissa scolded mildly, causing Dotty to blush abashedly. "As soon as the boys have eaten those, I want you to rest for the rest of the day. I'm sure Dobby would be more than happy to clean of the kitchen afterwards." Dobby vigorously nodded his head in the background, oblivious to the scowl Dotty flicked his way.
"Okay's, Mistress Cissy's." Dotty agreed unhappily, a pout prominent on her face.
Harry suddenly pipped up, his voice quiet "W-would you like to come with us, Dotty?" Harry asked, his unfailingly kind nature rising. "Draco was going to show me the fairies. He said that we have to be really quiet and still for them to come out, which is pretty much resting. You could sit with us, if you like." Harry offered, hesitantly. He glanced uncertainly at the Malfoy's.
Dotty's eyes grew large, shimmering with moisture. Harry was alarmed, thinking he'd somehow upset the elf. The raven had just opened his mouth hastily to apologise, when Dotty gave a happy squeal.
The female elf nodded her head vigorously, dancing happily on her toes. "Yes! Yes, Dotty's want's to come with young master's. Much better's than laying's in bed's all day's!" she exclaimed happily, still jumping around.
Harry, surprised and happy to have brightened up the elf's mood, gave a small in return. "I - I don't like being stuck in my room all day either." Harry told her, honestly.
Narcissa felt her heart pang as she saw the serious expression on Harry's face as he spoke, and glanced down to see the frown marring her son's face as he also registered Harry's comment.
Dotty paused, but Dobby (to everyone's surprise) walked right up to Harry, and peered up closely at his face. The raven shuffled uncomfortably.
Whatever Dobby saw in Harry's face caused brown eyes to flash dangerously for a moment, and Harry stumbled back automatically. Dobby caught Narcissa gaze briefly before focusing back on Harry. The male elf reached out to touch the back of raven's hand softly, before moving away. Harry froze. "Don't worry heir Potter's, Dobby be promising to break you out if'is you's be locked up again." Dobby said seriously. A moment later Dobby's eyes lit up mischievously and he held up both hands, wiggling his fingers. "We's elves be very good's with opening's lock's." he said honestly, causing Harry to let out a startled giggle.
Dotty stepped up beside Dobby, giving her mate a soft glance, before turning to the raven. "And Dotty's be helping Dobby if he does." She said, firmly "Cause's my Dobby be's very bad at sneaking's." she said, nodding seriously.
Draco cautiously watched Harry's overwhelmed expression as the two elves started to argue over who would be better suited to theoretically rescue the raven. He stepped beside Harry. "As if I had any intention of allowing you to be locked up." Draco sniffed, grasping Harry hand. Harry jumped slightly, but relaxed almost immediately into Draco's grasp. Harry glanced up shyly towards the blonde, a tinge of red on his face.
"Come on." Draco said, pulling him towards a nearby seated counter. Draco sat beside the raven.
Narcissa smiled "Well, if Dotty is going to be keeping you boys out of mischief for the day, I shall go and assist Lucius. Draco, we will likely have someone come to talk to Harry later today, so don't wander too far from the manor." She told Draco, who readily nodded. Lady Malfoy turned to Dotty "If you could let me know immediately if any of you are feeling poorly, or you need a break, I would be appreciative."
Dotty nodded quickly "Of course, Mistress Cisssa." Dotty said willingly.
Narcissa smiled once more at the boys (though Draco noted a tense tone in her shoulders), before walking gracefully from the room, lavender gown brushing gently against her ankles.
Draco turned back, immediately noting Harry's stiff posture, and tense eyes.
"Draco . . .w-what did your mother mean? Who's coming to talk with me?" Harry asked quietly.
Before Draco could respond, a soft chime came from the oven and Dotty popped over to levitate the freshly baked scones out as she spoke. "Don't frowns." Dotty said, turning to stare seriously up at Harry. "I'm's sure Mistress Cisssy would keep away anyone heir Potter's don't likes." She said filling a plate with scones and sweeping it across to rest in front of Harry and Draco. "Malfoy's is good at that's"
Harry paused startled, thinking over what she'd said. He glanced across at Draco, who nodded, grinning smugly in confirmation. Harry turned back. After a moment he said "Y-you can call me Harry, Dotty." He offered shyly to the elf, not looking up from the plate.
The raven didn't see as Dotty beamed. "Harry's be hungry. You should eat's them now, they always taste's better fresh." Dotty advised, unable to deny the shy raven-haired boy request.
Draco was excited to see Harry's reaction to their Manor's fairy-made raspberry jam. The blonde reached across to grasp the crystal jar, filled with rich dewy jam. "Harry" he said quietly, gently nudging Harry side "Here." He said offering the jar to the dark haired boy, along with a small spreading knife.
Harry's eyes widened as he took the small, surprisingly heavy crystal jar. He peered curiously at the dappled red jam, a mixture of hues from dark to vibrant red. Cautiously he twisted the lid, almost dropping it in surprise as it suddenly popped open. Harry had never eaten jam before, his relatives never having been inclined to share the sweat treat with him. With a glance towards Draco, Harry dipped in the knife and carefully spread a layer of jam across one half of a still warm scone. Dotty quickly reached across and placed a dollop of freshly whipped cream atop his scone. Feeling slightly awkward with his audience, Harry clumsily brought the scone up to his mouth and took a small bite, smudging cream on his upper lip.
Harry's eyes widened and a quiet surprised sound slipped from his mouth. His tongue was bursting with the taste that he could only describe as, well . . . summer. His mouth was filled the sweet taste as something akin to memories flickered through his mind; the sensation of hot lazy days, rich ripe fruit, bright blue skies, and a warm dry breeze wafted over him. There was also the heady tingle of (what he instinctively knew to be) the old magic of the Malfoy Manor. Though Harry didn't consciously realise it, the fairy magic had caused the jam to become imbued with the season and the land where it had been harvested.
Draco's chuckle and smug grin was what eventually drew Harry's attention back to the room. He blushed brightly at the other three's grinning faces, and hastily wiped the cream from his face.
"You should taste the berries fresh from the field." Draco mused, happy to just watch Harry's reaction as he savoured the last bites of his first scone. He saw Harry glance at the other scones. "Go one, I've already had my breakfast." Draco said, after plucking one scone from the plate. The blonde pushed the remainder of the food across to Harry.
They ate in happy silence, listening absently to Dotty and Dobby argue over who would wash the dishes. Dobby had to practically ward her away in the end.
Eventually Draco, Harry and Dotty traipsed out one of the kitchen side doors into the eastern garden. Harry watched in fascination as one of the trees, filled with auburn leaves (shaped like a huge mass of butterfly's wings) gently fluttered. Through the ferns on the ground, soft dainty blue flowers were somehow drifting across the garden beds, parading like a row of ants. Harry asked Draco curiously how they were able to move, not taking his eyes off the spectacle, and the blonde explained how they were magically attached to an underground root system that spanned throughout the whole eastern garden. They liked to move more in the warm summer months, but settled down almost permanently during winter. Harry was fascinated.
Soon, Draco was excitedly tugged Harry off the path, and through the bows of a thick plant. Dotty following close behind.
"It's just through here. When we enter, keep quiet as possible, okay?" Draco whispered, leading Harry through. Eventually they entered a small green field, surrounded by tall oaks and a quietly trickling creek bed. The ground was lush with rich green grass, and a lazy harmony of (literally) whistling reeds.
Harry glanced across at Draco, hesitant to break the peaceful chorus. Draco, understanding Harry's silent question, softly shook his head, blonde hair falling across even paler eyelashes.
Harry, holding his questions for later, glanced around carefully before he lowered himself quietly onto the grassy slope. Draco settled down closely beside him, their sides touching as they simultaneously leaned against one another. Dotty relaxed down on the other side of the young Malfoy.
And they waited.
Harry had never felt so peaceful. He basked in the silent presence of his companions, content to forget Privet drive, and his so-called family. He absently wished that he could just stay here, with Draco and Dotty, in the grassy field. He didn't care if they never saw a fairy. The moments that he spent at the Manor felt like the jam. An almost too sweet summer daydream. Too perfect. Too good to feel real. Harry pressed closer to Draco, resting his head timidly against the blondes shoulder. A warm glow filling his chest when he wasn't pushed away. Harry sat there in contented silence and soaked everything in.
Harry knew that this day would inevitably end and he would have to leave. So he was determined to enjoy it fully. . . before the Malfoy's (like his family) decided that they didn't want him there anymore.
Draco's hand urgently shaking his knee, over half an hour later, brought Harry back to his surroundings.
He glanced towards the blonde, noting the excited grey eyes, fixated on something just off to their left. Harry followed Draco's gaze, his eyes going wide with shock as he saw what had captured the Malfoy's attention. At first he though they were tiny falling leaves, caught in a breeze. But then his eyes sharpened and he saw the delicate trail of golden dust shimmering to the ground behind the creatures, the gossamer wings fluttering through the air, tiny green-tinted faces alight with joy as they danced through the reeds, the short wisps of hair floating and wrapping around pointed ears.
Eventually some migrated away from the musical reeds, dancing in large loops across the clearing. Though they had obviously spotted the quiet group, for none of the fifty or so creatures ventured close to their small area, they were unconcerned by the company. The gathering lasted until the midday sun started to stream down into the clearing, and then they drifted away back into the surrounding trees, seeking somewhere cooler to continue.
Harry desperately wanted to ask some questions, but Dotty gestured for him to remain silent. Draco stood gracefully before reaching down to grasp Harry's hand, carefully pulling him up from the ground. Within a minute, they had quietly departed the clearing.
They paused a few minutes away in a flower grove, a sea of tall blue Agastache and the smaller forget-me-nots spread around them, swaying gently in the breeze.
Dotty smiled up at Harry and Draco "Dotty thank's the young master's for inviting her." She said happily, bouncing on her toes "Dotty's be going back to the house, but Mistress Cissy be needing to see Harry soon's." she informed them both, before quietly popping away.
Harry thought he would immediately want to ask questions, but instead he found himself content to walk quietly beside the blonde. A warm glow, that he realised was happiness, in his chest. Harry and Draco both wandered slowly towards the other end of the grove, following the delicate pathway that trailed through the flowers.
"Harry," Draco paused, taking a small breath "Please, will you tell me what happened?" Draco asked.
The Malfoy heir immediately regretted the words that had slipped from his mouth as he felt Harry freeze beside him, his stride stumbling "Nothing." Harry replied "I'm fi-"
Draco's hand tightened convulsively around Harry's, and he interrupted, voice jagged "I know you're hurt." Draco winced as his voice came out in a snap, but he was upset that Harry would try to lie to him and say that he was fine. The raven wasn't fine, one glance into his green eyes and anyone could see that. "You've been covered in healing magic since you came back." He said stiffly.
Harry turned wide eyes towards Draco, swallowing nervously, as tears started to well up. "I - I" the words were garbled and uneven.
Harry tried again. "My uncle, he-" Harry choked, struggling to force the words from his throat "he h-hates me." Harry whispered, averting his eyes away from Draco as tears slipped down his face. A painful lump lodged in his throat. He didn't want Draco to know. Didn't want anyone to know the extent to which his family hated him.
Draco's eyes widened as he guessed what Harry was trying to say. He had to repress the fury that suddenly burst in his chest for this man who had hurt his friend, even as he quickly pulled Harry into a hug. "Hey." He whispered, rubbing his hand up and down the small boys back. Hoping to reassure, but unaccustomed to the action. "Hey, I'm - I'm sorry." Draco stammered, in alarm. "Shhh." He soothed "You're here, and you don't have to go anywhere." He said "I'm sorry Harry, you don't have to tell me anything." Draco said, feeling horrible and wishing Harry could stop crying.
Harry let out a choked laugh "You'd let me stay forever in your garden?" Harry asked shakily, amused despite his tears. Wasn't that what he'd been thinking, just minutes ago.
"Of course, Harry." Draco said, smiling slightly at that image "I'd even help you build a hut to keep the gnomes out and everything." Draco promised, squeezing Harry tighter, tucking his head in raven hair.
Harry smiled wistfully, burrowing further into Draco's embrace "I wish I could." Harry voice drifted up to Draco, barely above a whisper.
"And live with our fairies? Did you like them?" Draco asked, his grey eyes unusually luminescent (a pale silver) in contrast against the black of Harry's hair.
Harry's glanced up, dislodging Draco's head, and dipped his head. A wobbly, but wondrous, smile creeping across the raven's face as he recalled the fairy glade.
Draco grinned, mostly relieved that Harry was smiling again, a sliver of his teeth gleaming in the midday sun. "It's beautiful." He agreed, arms tightening around Harry briefly. Gently, he pulled away, keeping a hold of Harry's hand. In silence, they walked together back towards the Manor.
Narcissa was waiting for them on the patio, and stood up from one of the delicate gleaming metal chairs which surrounded a short table setting. She placed her book gently down beside her. Lady Malfoy walked over towards the boys, slightly concerned to see their pale faces.
"Did you have a pleasant time, then?" she inquired, somewhat worriedly.
"The fairies gave us quite a show today, Mother." Draco replied. Narcissa turned expectantly towards Harry, who spoke quietly.
"Your garden is beautiful. I - I think that fairies like it here." He told her earnestly.
Narcissa beamed, her hair softly framing her face "They do seem rather fond of it." She nodded "I must admit, they are not the only ones." She said, looking out over the garden with content, missing how Harry's lip wobbled.
She turned back to the boys, plucking her book from the table. "We've just had a visitor arrive that would like to talk with you for a while Harry, if you don't mind." She told the raven.
Harry shifted uncomfortably, wishing he could say no, but not wanting to upset Narcissa. He nodded in confirmation, both boys trailing behind Lady Malfoy as she turned back towards the house.
"She's from the Child Services Board for Hogwarts students," Narcissa told Harry, "You're not in trouble, she just wants to clarify a few things with you." She said, wishing she could reassure the boy, who she was sad to notice seemed rather pale and quiet.
When they reached the door, Narcissa turned to Draco. "You had better stay here, my Dragon." She said softly, brushing her hand through her son's fringe.
She could see the burning questions in Draco's eyes, but now was not the time to answer them. She looked to Harry, who was clutching Draco's hand in his own, and had unconsciously moved to stand slightly behind her son from the doorway.
"Myself and Lucius will be with you the entire time, Harry dear." She said softly "If you need to stop at any time, please tell us and we will ensure Mrs. Bones complies." She told him. Slowly, reluctantly, Harry released Draco's hand. The raven inched away from Draco, eyes flickering with anxiety back to the blonde boy behind him as he stepped forward.
"We won't be longer than an hour, Dragon." Narcissa said, before calmly leading Harry through the door and closing it quietly behind them.
Draco stared in frustration at the closed door; the hand that had previously been in Harry's curled in anxious protectiveness. He spun away, walked a few steps, and then slid his back down the nearby wall. Seated on the floor, Draco's grey eyes remained fixed on the closed door as he waited for Harry to come back out.