Narcissa is surprised to see Harry and Draco chatting quietly on the patio. An assortment of eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit sits beneath the umbrella. When they catch sight of her, Draco pours a cup of tea and Harry piles some of her favorites on her plate. One side of her mouth quirks at their actions, coordinated after several attempts over the last week.
"Good morning," she offers.
"Mother."
"Narcissa."
"What are you up to today?" she wonders aloud.
Draco looks to Harry, but he knows the answer will be the same as it always is. Draco rolls his eyes and turns to his mother.
"I was hoping to get Potter out of his room long enough to play a seeker's game."
Harry's eyes are alight with excitement and he sets his glass down a bit too hard, nearly toppling it.
"Do you mean it?"
"Of course, you idiot."
He blushes like a child beneath Draco's laughter and Narcissa chides her son. "Go easy on him, love." Now to Harry, she asks, "How long has it been since you've flown?"
"Ages." His shoulders slump and he turns the last bit of egg fluff over on his plate before stuffing it in his mouth.
"Well we have a professional pitch on the grounds, so you're welcome to fly any time you like."
Harry smiles again and this time, it's just for her. "Thank you."
"Mother, what do you have planned for today?"
"My hearing is this morning, Draco."
Draco nods, but Harry looks between them, confused. "What hearing?"
"To lift my house arrest, Harry."
"Oh," is all he can say.
"I should return by ten at the latest." She wipes her mouth with the cloth napkin and stands. Draco does also, moving between her and the door.
To her surprise, he leans in close, whispering, "Good luck," and gives her a chaste kiss before pulling back.
She reaches up with one hand, touches her cheek where he kissed her, and nods before leaving.
"Are you ready for that game?" Draco's leaning back in his chair, flicking his fork between thumb and forefinger.
"Well… it's been a while, but I'd love to fly."
"Scared, Potter?" Draco's grin is maniacal and Harry looks up before the laughter starts. Draco chucks him on the shoulder, then runs inside to get changed. "See you outside in five!"
Harry scrambles to his room, throwing clothes everywhere. When he's got on clothes he doesn't care about getting filthy, he rushes back down the staircase and looks around for Draco. He's met instead with Tovo's giddy gestures. She's pointing outside.
"Master Draco went to the pitch already, Mr. Harry Potter, sir. He said to take you there. Are you ready?" Harry nods and before he's ready, Tovo takes his arm and side-alongs them both.
The Manor's Quidditch pitch is more than Harry expected. He looks at the stands, which are constructed of dark wood and rise on both sides like demonic cheerleaders. The green is immaculate and the goal baskets are silver and green, both gleaming in the early-morning sunlight.
Draco hovers well above the pitch with something in his hand; Harry can only guess it's the snitch. After watching for a moment, Harry looks around for a broomstick and finds one leaning against the stands. He calls it to him and flies up to meet his opponent.
"What are the rules?"
"First to catch it wins." Draco tosses the unopened snitch up once, swiping it easily out of the air. "Count to ten before chasing. No rules for the chase."
"O-okay."
Harry is a little uncomfortable on a broom he's never flown, without his Quidditch gear and on a pitch he's never seen, but he swallows his fear. Draco releases the snitch and they both count to ten before flying in different directions, eyeing each other.
The snitch makes an appearance in front of Draco and he watches it for a moment before diving down. He'd seen it fly up, but he wants to throw Harry off, so he delivers a perfect Wronski feint. The maneuver backfires and he loses track of it. It does pull Harry in closer and Draco ends up circling around him several times before drifting away.
It's an easy sort of drift and chase, laugh and sigh at the thrill of the wind. The first time one of them catches the snitch, it's Draco and Harry blames it on lack of practice.
"Best two of three then, Potter?"
"Done."
Harry shoots up away from Draco to watch for the release, but is lost in thought when Draco rocks his shoulder hard. This topples Harry over and he's clinging upside down to his broom, managing to scramble back on before seeing the familiar glint of gold and ducking low. Draco also manages to spot it, but he's a fraction too slow as Harry's fingers wrap around it.
"Tied, now. What's the prize?" Draco asks.
"Winner buys drinks?" Harry offers, laughing at the fluttering in his palm, the lightness in his chest.
"I'll take that bet." Draco moves off and waits. "Release it, Potter."
Draco's eyes narrow, but Harry takes his time. He closes his eyes, breathes in the magic around the snitch. Feels the weight in his hand, kisses the cold metal. When he activates the charm, he can practically follow the magic in the air and he strains to wait the agreed-upon ten seconds. His toes are rocking on the broom and it's everything he's got not to go rocketing off after it.
He feints first, trying to put Draco off the trail, but they end up broom to broom as the snitch darts and whirls in front of them. Draco's laughing, but Harry's holding his breath in concentration. As it turns out, that's Harry's downfall when he starts heaving for lack of oxygen. Draco looks back to be sure Harry's okay, but only once the snitch is securely in his hand.
"You know, Potter," Draco starts. "It's typically easier to accomplish things if you're still breathing."
"Fuck off, Draco."
"Ouch. He does bite."
Harry laughs and drifts down to the green, allowing himself to sprawl on his back, broom at his side. Draco joins him, but sits upright instead of laying down.
"I haven't felt this good in a long time."
"Try wanking. Takes a load off."
Harry's laughter fills the stands and Draco just smirks at him. "It wasn't that funny."
"Takes-a-load-off." Harry emphasizes each word slowly. "LOAD, Draco." He slaps the ground as if it's the funniest thing he's ever heard.
Draco joins him in laughter, but more so because it's contagious.
This is how Narcissa finds them.
"Am I interrupting something?"
Harry sits upright, cheeks tinged a bright red. "No, ma'am. We were just finishing our load—oh, I mean our game."
"Oh, Merlin, Potter. Get it right. We just finished three seeker's games. I think he's a bit light-headed." Draco makes a vague gesture with his hand toward Harry, who cannot look at either of them.
"I see." She waits, wondering if Harry will get over himself. "Well, my house arrest was lifted." At this, Draco lurches to his feet and hugs his mother.
"That's wonderful news!"
"Yes. I thought I would celebrate with a trip to Diagon Alley. There are a few things I'm in desperate need of. I thought I might enjoy a visit to Twilfitt and Tattings."
"Let me get changed and I'll accompany you." Draco offers.
"No, Draco. I am not a child. I am finally free and I should like to be devoid of babysitters and chaperones. I've had enough over the last five years." At his downtrodden look, she continues, "Thank you for offering. Maybe another time." He nods. "I will see you two later. Make sure you shower before dinner." Her nose wrinkles before turning heel and heading back to the Manor.