"I think that's the second time I have to thank you for saving my life," said Draco as he sat down on the corner of Harry's bed, Remus and Sirius having left to give them some privacy.
"No this is the first time," Harry chuckled. He was happy to see Draco, who besides looking slightly tired seemed fine.
Silence surrounded them. Harry didn't know what to say to Draco—well no, he did know what to say. He just didn't know how to bring it up. Draco fidgeted with the sheet, rolling it through his pale thin fingers, his face one of deep thought.
"What are you thinking?" Harry murmured, taking Draco's hand to stop his fidgeting. Draco looked up to their now conjoined hand. He didn't take his hand away, just took a deep breath.
"I'm thinking about how you nearly died and how terrified I still feel." Draco's voice cracked and Harry's chest squeezed.
"Hey, I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere," Harry murmured, feeling the burning prickle of tears begin behind his eyes, and he sniffed.
"You promised me, promised that you wouldn't get into any trouble without me, but this time I caused the trouble. I'm the one that nearly got you killed."
"Draco no, stop! You didn't nearly get me killed, Tom Riddle did, he was stealing your soul and wrapping his enchantments around it. That wasn't your fault." Harry squeezed his hand and Draco sighed even deeper.
"I still shouldn't have used the diary, I knew it had to be something bad since my father planted it, but I couldn't stop myself from being curious and well…I felt so alone when we couldn't show our friendship. You're one of the only true friends I have, Harry, and I felt lost without you."
"Well we have the Shrieking Shack now and the coins." Harry barked a nervous laugh "That is if your father isn't taking you out of school?" Harry didn't want to imagine what school would be like without Draco. He simply couldn't.
"Oh yes, my father, I forgot to mention the conversation we had." Draco looked at him, his eyes shining.
"What? What did you talk about?"
"Mostly he talked," Draco said, his smile going lopsided.
"And?"
"My father was so upset when he heard what had happened to me, then he asked why I had the diary and how stupid I had been. Dumbledore was still there and stopped him before he got to yelling. My father calmed down and Dumbledore heard that you had woken up from one of his portraits and left. That's when I told my father the truth. How I couldn't let him get away with hurting you or the students. I wouldn't allow it. He was furious, Harry. But then something overcame him I think. A sort of epiphany, he looked at me differently and he said he was sorry. I was so shocked, I had never heard my father apologise before."
Draco took a deep breath and Harry squeezed his hand to comfort him. Draco continued, "Then he said that he was only trying to protect us, that the Dark Lord was bound to return, and when he did, he would have to return to his side. If he showed he was still loyal, then we wouldn't be punished for not trying harder to bring him back. I know they were just excuses and he knew I wouldn't forgive him so easily. But he promised that he would be better. To do things differently this time. He wouldn't bring more shame to the Malfoy name. I don't know how he's going to go about doing that, but he's talking with Dumbledore now. I think I get to stay and also continue to be friends with you. He can see now that I won't stop no matter what he does."
"I'm glad he's trying at least," Harry said, feeling speechless.
"Yes, me too." Draco nodded. "Father was a good man Harry, truly he was, but ever since last year and the confirmation that the Dark Lord's soul is still alive, he's changed so drastically. Sure he's always had high expectations for me and will always think of his image more than anything else. He loves my mother and me. However, he is also a coward. A coward that is haunted by the decisions of his past and doesn't know how to stop history from repeating itself."
"True words of a poet," Harry chuckled and Draco smiled a small smile.
"At least we don't have to hide anymore, I refuse to keep our friendship a secret. It's making me go mental."
"Trust me Draco, I know exactly how you feel."
"I'm just glad it's all over now and we have a semester of normalcy to look forward to," Draco sighed, this time it seemed to be out of relief.
"Christmas first, and then a semester of normal school, who knows, maybe something else will come up?" Harry smirked.
Draco slapped him on the arm. "Don't say that Harry, cause something might just!"
Harry laughed.
Sirius and Remus must have taken this as their cue to come back inside at the sound of their laughter. A hand landed on Draco's shoulder and Draco looked up to see Sirius smiling down at him.
"Everything alright?" Sirius said, squeezing his cousin's shoulder.
"Yep, everything is all good now!" Harry smiled, giving an appreciative look to Sirius.
"What about you and your father, Draco? Will you be okay?" Remus asked, a concerned look on his face.
"Yes, I think so, he said he would try at least." Draco nodded. He didn't know much about Sirius and Remus, well he knew far more about Sirius but not so much about Remus and looked a bit anxious with all the attention.
"Well just so you know, our house is always open to Harry's friends," Remus said with a warm smile.
"Thank you, I'll keep it in mind." Draco nodded.
"Reckon your father will let you out during the holidays? You should come over for a sleepover."
"Hm let's not push it, Harry," Draco said.
Harry laughed. "Fine, but we have to try and meet up at least."
"Alright boys, I think it's time that Draco has to go, you still have some healing to do Harry," Sirius said and Draco gave Harry one last hug before being led out of the infirmary. Harry already missed Draco. At least he knew that he would be seeing him tomorrow.
"Draco's already pretty special to you, huh?" Remus said softly, patting Harry's hand.
"Yeah," murmured Harry, watching the infirmary door shut with a click.
Remus didn't say anything further. He willed Harry to lie back down and tucked his blanket up to his chin.
"See you in the morning," Remus said, kissing Harry on the forehead.
"I'm not a baby anymore," Harry whined, but a smile ghosted his lips.
Remus put on a confused expression. "What do you mean? You'll always be my baby."
"Remus…" Harry grumbled.
"Alright, alright, goodnight Harry."
"Good night, Remus," Harry said, feeling his eyelids grow heavy.
Harry awoke in the morning feeling more refreshed than ever. No one seemed to be around so he took this time to get himself changed into a fresh pair of clothes that must have been left out by Pomfrey or an elf. He checked the time on his watch, only half-past seven.
He knocked on Madam Pomfrey's office door and told her that he was all good to go. After getting one more check-up from her, she discharged him and he made his way to Gryffindor tower. Harry did feel better, but there was still a leftover sluggishness from the potions that he had been taking that caused him to drag up the spiralling stairs of the tower. Eventually, he made it up and gave the password to the Fat Lady who seemed very happy indeed to see him.
"Oh Mr Potter, glad to see you alive!" she sang and Harry gave her an awkward smile, thankfully she seemed to take the hint and swung open to allow him entry.
A few people gasped to see Harry and he was flocked with people wishing him well and glad that he was better. Harry played nice and kept a warm smile on his face. Thankfully it was early in the morning and it wasn't difficult for him to slip away after a couple of thank yous. Ron was snoring away in his bed and Harry jumped on top of him, laying himself flat on Ron's side.
"Argh!" Ron exclaimed, flailing to get Harry off him. "Get off," he grumbled and Harry laughed as Ron attempted to push Harry to the floor.
"But I missed you," Harry whined and Ron grumbled again.
"You saw me yesterday you git!"
"But I loveeee youuu Ron." Harry dug his elbows into Ron's ribs to show just how much he loved him.
"Ouch! Get off Harry before I hex you!"
"Okay, okay, don't have to pull the magic card." Harry slipped off Ron and Ron sat up, his flaming red hair a bird's nest and his eyes bright and alert.
"In a good mood then?"
"Yep," Harry said.
Whilst Ron got himself dressed, Harry talked to his curious dorm mates, each questioning him what he had been up to that got him wound up in the medical wing for three days. He didn't know whether or not he could tell them the truth—that a large serpent had been right under their noses—so he opted to say that he couldn't tell them yet and when he could he would. They deflated slightly in disappointment, but then Neville brought up the topic of Christmas and how they were getting to go home a few days earlier than scheduled, and the mood instantly lifted. Harry sent a grateful smile to Neville.
Ron came out of the bathroom, drying his hair with a towel before throwing it onto his bed. "Ready for breakfast?" he asked and Harry instantly got up. They all left together to go to breakfast, picking up some of the Gryffindor girls along the way. Harry instantly missed Hermione but knew it wouldn't be long now until she would be awake again and bothering him with her talks about schoolwork and books that she had read. He couldn't wait.
"It already feels weird without her, doesn't it?" mused Ron.
"Yeah, it does," Harry replied.
They all walked into the Great Hall and Harry, as always, instantly zeroed in on Draco who was sitting at his table talking to Pansy Parkinson. Harry knew Draco said it was okay to show that they were friends again, but he still wasn't sure about it and hesitated to go and say hello.
"Want me to come too?" Ron asked, noticing where Harry was looking.
"I don't know if I'm allowed to," Harry admitted.
"Well, there's only one way to find out." Ron nudged him towards the Slytherin table and Harry took in a breath, collected his courage and walked towards Draco.
"Hey Draco," Harry said as he approached the Slytherin table. Draco turned around and a smile instantly lit up his face.
"Harry, you've been discharged!" Draco got up and hugged Harry as murmurs erupted from the Slytherin table.
Harry hugged him back, but Draco released him far too quickly.
"Yeah, I wouldn't be able to stand another night in there anyway," Harry chuckled, trying to ignore the fact that he already missed Draco's warmth.
Pansy gave Harry an appraising look, then sniffed and turned away from him. Harry didn't know how to react to that, so he ignored her and turned to Draco who had sat back down at the table. He gestured for Harry to sit, but Harry could feel that hesitation return.
"Are you sure, Draco?" Harry whispered, wavering.
"I told you, I wasn't going to let anyone stop us from being friends, you don't have to sit if you don't want to."
"No, of course, I want to!" Harry rushed, he quickly sat down next to Draco and tried to ignore the glares that he received in doing so.
Draco simply glared back in return, keeping his chin high. The stares quickly stopped.
"Hungry?" asked Draco, putting a few pieces of toast on his plate.
"Famished," Harry replied, spreading jam on his toast.
Parkinson snorted and Draco elbowed her in the side, giving Harry a look of apology.
"Sorry, Pansy can be annoying," Draco said.
"Hey!" Pansy interjected, however, she didn't seem to be offended.
"Come on, you know I'm not wrong."
"It's called having personality," said Pansy and Harry raised his eyebrows at her whilst she received a snort from Draco.
"Sure sure."
"Excited for Christmas, Parkinson?" Harry asked, trying to play nice with Draco's friends. He was glad that Zabini didn't seem to be around however, he wasn't sure if he could play nice with him.
"I'm excited for the parties that my mother is going to hold, but other than that there's not much to look forward to," she replied, taking a bite from her toast.
"The Parkinson's are notorious for their Christmas Eve celebrations, this is the first year that Pansy is allowed to attend," Draco explained and Harry nodded, not really understanding.
"What about you, Harry, excited for Christmas?" asked Draco.
"Of course! We're having Christmas dinner with the Weasleys this year and Mrs Weasley always makes the best roast, plus Charlie and Bill will be there. Charlie always has the best dragon stories."
"Dragon stories?" Parkinson pressed, her interest appearing to be piqued.
"Yeah, he's a dragon trainer in Romania," Harry said.
Parkinson suddenly gained a dreamy look about her.
"Ignore her, she loves men who work dangerous jobs," Draco sighed.
"Oh…" Harry chuckled.
They continued to talk about their Christmas plans. Draco seemed to avoid talking about his plans, but Harry didn't want to push the topic so he didn't press. Harry tried to instead make plans about meeting up with Draco during the holidays, which Draco said he would attempt to persuade his father, but he couldn't make any promises.
The bell rang and Harry got up from the table. Today was the last day of classes and Harry was sad to see Draco, but he knew that they at least had potions together today.
"See you in class Draco, bye Parkinson!" Harry farewelled, waving as he walked away.
Draco waved in return as Harry made his way back to his friends, Ron waiting for him by the entrance.
"See, told you would be alright," Ron said, clapping him on the back.
"There's a first time for everything then," Harry smirked and Ron clipped him over the head.
Harry sat with Draco in Potions and pointedly ignored the warning glares from Snape; it seemed he wasn't happy that they were not hiding their friendship anymore. Harry was still considering Snape's advice, but that didn't mean he had to listen to him. Harry made the best of the last lesson that he would have with Draco for the semester, getting told off multiple times for being too loud and obnoxious, but he didn't mind. It wasn't like he could earn detention anyways.
Draco for the first time sat with him at the Gryffindor table for lunch. He received quite a few glares and confused stares, but after pointed looks from not only Harry but Ron as well, they stopped.
"I thought you and Malfoy weren't friends anymore," someone said and Harry turned to see it was Fred, giving Harry an amused look.
"No…we just…" Harry didn't know what to say, but Draco saved him.
"My father didn't like that I was friends with Harry, but I decided that I didn't want to listen to my father anymore," said Draco and Fred cackled.
"I think I can come to like you Malfoy if you're sticking around that is."
Draco nodded, all serious. "I plan on it."
George chimed in then. "Hey, lay off the kid," George said to Fred, pulling him away from them by the shoulder.
"Aw, I was just asking him something," Fred protested, but he was dragged away nonetheless.
"Sorry about that," said Harry to Draco, but Draco had an amused glint in his eye.
"No, it's okay, they were just curious," Draco replied.
Lunch ended too quickly and Harry had Charms to end the day. Flitwick pretty much let them do what they wanted to; with it being the last day of the semester, no one was particularly interested in learning. Harry practised the charms that they had learnt throughout the year, however, Seamus who had been present at the Duelling Club, was showing off the disarming spell and Harry became curious. Harry, after watching Seamus demonstrate for a few times, quickly gathered up Ron and practised duelling with him. He adapted to the charm very quickly and, only after about half an hour of practice, Ron could no longer disarm him.
"Expelliarmus!" Harry said way before Ron and Ron's wand flew into the air, Harry caught it with ease.
"My my, Mr Potter, quite a knack you have there for the Disarming Charm," Professor Flitwick said.
"Yeah, it's pretty easy, just have to have fast reflexes," Harry said, lowering his wand, he returned Ron's wand to him.
"For a second year, that is exceptionally quick learning," Flitwick praised and Harry gave his professor a polite smile.
"Thank you, Professor," Harry said.
"What about me?" whined Ron, having received no praise.
"Keep it up, Mr Weasley, after a bit more practice I'm sure you will be almost as fast as Mr Potter."
"Thanks," Ron grumbled and Flitwick strode away to observe other students.
"Wanna keep practising?" Harry asked Ron, who was now looking slightly dejected.
"Nah, I think I've had enough," he replied, going back to his table. Harry was still itching to practice however.
Neville came up to him. "I'll practice with you Harry, although I'm rubbish at the disarming charm."
"Thanks, Neville, you don't have to though." Harry smiled, thankful for his friend's generosity.
"But I want to," Neville said determinedly.
"Okay then."
Harry and Neville duelled for the rest of the lesson with the disarming charm. Neville never managed to disarm him, but he came quite close one time which he seemed to be proud of.
The end of the day came quicker than Harry had thought it would, and he was soon shoving all of his belongings into his trunk, squashing it all so that it would fit. Ron was also rushing around and packing, grumbling about missing socks and ties. After they had packed they went down to see Hermione, she was still as motionless as before and Harry squeezed her hand in his own. Ron did the same, giving her a look that Harry pretended that he hadn't seen—for the sake of Ron's privacy.
When Harry boarded the Hogwarts Express, he quickly found the compartment that Draco had already saved for them. Harry plopped himself down next to Draco, a wide smile on his face. Ron sat on the opposite seats and got himself comfortable. They had a long trip ahead of them.
After about the fourth hour of travel, Harry could feel the rocking of the train begin to lull him into sleep. Draco, who was sitting by the window, noticed this and shuffled closer to Harry so that Harry could put his head on his shoulder.
"Don't let me sleep the whole time," Harry yawned. He didn't want to miss out on his last precious hours with Draco.
"I won't," Draco whispered. Harry settled then onto Draco's shoulder and soon fell asleep. When Harry awoke, Draco was talking quietly with Ron about something that took him a moment to focus on.
"We always have a new year's Quidditch match, maybe you should come?" asked Ron. Both Draco and Harry were slightly taken aback that Ron had offered.
"Oh I don't know, I would have to convince my parents pretty thoroughly to excuse myself from the new year's party that they always throw," said Draco, sounding disappointed.
"I'm sure you can convince them, you managed to convince me that you're an alright bloke and I heard that I can be pretty stubborn," Ron chuckled, Harry slowly opened his eyes then and found Ron kindly smiling at Draco.
"Does that mean we're friends then?" Draco asked with amusement.
"I suppose." Ron shrugged, but his lips were curled up in a small smile.
"My friends call me Draco."
"Likewise," said Ron.
They both laughed then and Harry felt an overwhelming pride for them. He sat up now, the moment between Ron and Draco having ended and he no longer felt that he would be imposing.
"You're awake." Draco smiled, dazzling Harry.
"Yeah, thanks for being my pillow," said Harry.
"Anytime."
"Man, I miss Hermione," Ron sighed, looking out the window at the scenery blurring by.
"The first word that I get that she's okay, I'm rushing to see her," Harry said. He was missing Hermione too.
"You can bet that I'm going to be there first," Ron challenged and Harry quickly accepted.
"Five sickles for who can get there first," Harry said.
"It's a deal."
"You two are ridiculous," said Draco, shaking his head.
"This is what you signed up for," Harry teased, nudging him in the side.
"Indeed it is," Draco sighed, but his eyes were filled with nothing but warmth.
The rest of the train ride passed with an idle conversation held between the trio, which was sorely missing a fourth member. Neville dropped in towards the end of the train ride, saying that he was sick of talking about Quidditch with Seamus and Dean. Draco and Neville found a common topic of gardening to talk about. Harry didn't know that Draco was into gardening, and when asked, he said that he liked to grow his potion ingredients where he could—for his private laboratory that Snape had helped him create. Harry quickly felt out of depth in the conversation and let Draco and Neville talk amongst themselves.
When they arrived in London at King's Cross station, Harry delayed as much as he could to get off the train. He didn't want to see Draco go yet.
"Harry, I promise I'll try to see you over the holidays and I will write you a letter every day."
"Every day?" Harry said, still feeling sad that they had to go.
"Well, I'll try."
Harry pouted.
"Come on Harry or they're going to kick us off," Ron said, still waiting at the compartment door.
"Fine." Harry sighed and grabbed his bag, walking out with Ron with Draco trailing behind.
"We'll see each other soon, Harry, it's not like we're going to be separated forever," Draco said, attempting to comfort Harry who was still pouting as they disembarked the train.
"Yeah I know, I know, but it feels like I just got you back and I'm losing you again."
"Harry, I'll write every day that I can and beg my parents to let me visit you okay? I'll even run away if I have to."
"Please don't run away, I've caused you enough trouble," Harry laughed and seemed to brighten up a bit. "Okay, you can stop consoling me now, I'll be okay."
"You sure?" said Draco.
"Yes," Harry nodded, smiling at Draco.
The station was still crowded with parents picking up their children and it took a moment for Harry to find his uncles through the crowds. Ron, being taller, spotted them first.
"There they are!" Ron said, and they pushed through to find Harry's uncles waiting with Ron's family.
Draco followed, still not having spotted his parents. Then came to a dead stop to find his father talking with Sirius.
"Father?" Draco said, walking up to his father.
"Oh hello, Draco, I'll be just a moment. Your mother is waiting for you outside the station if you would like to go and wait with her."
"Oh, okay," Draco said then he turned to Harry who was giving him a puzzled look that Draco reciprocated.
Harry stepped closer to Draco to murmur in his ear.
"Any idea why your father is talking to my uncle like they're old friends?" Harry asked and Draco shrugged.
"I have no idea," he replied.
"Hey Harry," said Remus as he approached Harry, wrapping him up in a side hug.
After fussing over Ron, Molly Weasley came over and wrapped Harry in a hug right against her bosom.
"Hello, Mrs Weasley," Harry said, squishing against her chest.
"Now Harry, I want no more shenanigans for the rest of the year, you hear?" she said as she released him.
Harry quickly nodded. "Yes, Mrs Weasley."
"Good." Then she smiled wide with that motherly smile of hers and turned to an awkward looking Draco.
"Hello Draco, it's nice to see you, dear."
"Hello, Mrs Weasley," Draco quietly said, perhaps overwhelmed with the sudden attention he was receiving from her.
"I'm glad you are okay dear, horrible thing that happened to you."
Draco swallowed and nodded, not replying. Mrs Weasley gave Harry a questioning look.
"Draco come, it's time to go," Mr Malfoy suddenly ordered. Draco quickly straightened his back and turned to Harry, giving him one last quick hug.
"Bye, Harry," he said into his ear, his hot breath fanning against his neck.
"Bye," Harry said back, choking up a bit.
"Wanker," Draco said as he stepped back, his grey eyes shining in the evening light.
"Tosser," Harry returned, wiping at the corner of his eye.
Draco walked away with his father and Harry memorised his back, from the stiff line of his shoulders to the small curve of his lower back hoping that the next thing that he memorised of Draco would be his smiling face.
A/NWell, that's it for book 2! Thank you all for the favourites and comments thus far its the best source of encouragement for me! There is still a long way to go and I couldn't be more excited. As I already said Book 3 (taking place year 4) will be drafted first before I begin posting (I wasn't doing this before lol) which means there will be a short period (about a month or so) of no posts as I write this. I'm also going back to university soon so my schedule is going to begin looking pretty hectic.
See ya soon!