Author's Note: This chapter is dedicated to Renee. She knows what she did. Thanks go out to the fabulous beta, Mimi Taylor. She was instrumental in getting this chapter out.
Harry opened his eyes and found two yellow ones staring down at him. "Hi, Hedwig." He said with a smile as he sat up. He was glad to have her back, even though the giver had startled him. Mr. Malfoy had chosen the gift well. It was odd, seeing a different side to the man who had tortured him. He was starting to split up the different versions into "old Malfoy" and "new Mr. Malfoy". It was the only way to retain his sanity.
Harry kicked the blankets off him and got out of bed, petting Hedwig once his feet touched the carpet. She puffed up in pleasure, causing Harry to smile. "I'm going to get a shower, girl." He told her. His quarters with the Malfoys were amazing. He had his own sitting room, bedroom, and bathroom. Draco Malfoy must have thrown a fit when he learned he would have to share living space with other children.
He smirked at the thought and entered his bathroom. He locked the door behind him and started the water. Steam started filling the room as he removed his pajama top. "You're still too skinny, and your hair is still a bird's nest." The mirror said in a slightly peevish voice. Harry knew it was peevish because he had forbidden it to comment on his scars. "You should ask Lord Malfoy for help." The mirror suggested in a bored tone. It must have been tired of repeating itself.
"Thank you." Harry said with a smirk. "I'll consider it." Harry said as he ignored the idea that an actual person could be in the mirror. He had lost his modesty over the years, especially in the last year before he was taken. His teacher had barged into his room at will, causing one or two embarrassing moments for Harry. He had been seventeen, after all, and was no stranger to certain...activities common to his age group. His teacher had thought it hilarious.
Harry had perfected the three minute shower and re-entered his room wrapped in a towel. He spent a few moments studying the wardrobe before deciding on one of his new outfits Mrs. Malfoy had given him. He pulled out the black slacks, green button down shirt, and black robe. All three articles had the runes on them. A quick search produced black dress shoes. His old trainers from the Dursley's had disappeared; he suspected it was Dobby's doings. New socks and underwear had appeared, far better than what Harry had purchased. His workout clothes had not been touched, or his pajamas. Mrs. Malfoy had simply added to them. She's trying to turn me into a duplicate Draco.
He dressed quickly and fed Hedwig. She set to her breakfast, and Harry left his rooms to go to the library. There had been a book he had wanted to read for some time, but he hadn't been able to get to it yet. Draco was rather demanding of Harry's time. He could only study at night, which had turned out to be extremely difficult, since Mrs. Malfoy had started "checking" on him. She had caught him up last night with both Potions' theory and Ancient Runes. So he couldn't sleep last night! In fact, Christmas Eve was the only night Harry had managed to sleep through. School work had filled the time last night...until she had found him.
The book was right where he had left it. He pulled it from the shelf and settled in the biggest chair he could find facing a window. He sat with crossed legs and found that no one would know he was there if they did not look around the chair. He was invisible. He smiled to himself and opened the book. Ancient Dark Arts and Their Uses was a disconcerting read, at the very least. It also held an amazing description of the construction of Horcruxes, which could help him destroy them without the massive power he had used before. He had passed out more than once and had found himself in a coma for about a week after Hufflepuff's cup. He had found Horcruxes to be like the person who had made them. They were powerful and cunning. Pure power could destroy them, but they did not disappear without a fight. Understanding them would give him an edge he would need.
He jumped as he heard voices in the hall directly outside the library. "Lucius, I'm worried about him." Harry froze. It was the Malfoys. "He doesn't sleep at night."
"Draco says that is normal for him." Lucius replied in a mild voice. Harry heard the man open the door.
"Draco also says that Harry has never had a Christmas." Narcissa's tone changed to one Harry had recognized as one Mrs. Weasley used when she was ready to lecture.
"Perhaps the Muggles don't celebrate it." Malfoy said, clearly remaining patient with his wife.
"His mirror says that there are many scars on his back. From lashings." I'm going to shatter that mirror! "Are you trying to tell me that that is normal?"
"Narcissa, there is nothing we can do without more evidence. Unless we catch them in the act or the boy himself steps forward and tells us something...we can't do anything." Was he imagining things? Did Malfoy sound regretful? New Mr. Malfoy, Potter. Get it straight. "I have my suspicions about his home life, but we have no proof."
"What further proof do we need?" Narcissa demanded in a harsh whisper. "He flinches at human contact, his nightmares are worse than any normal childhood fears, he's not had a Christmas, his clothing was deplorable (She should have seen my clothing before I went shopping), he is severely underweight, and he has scars on his back. He said he's 'had much worse' the evening MacNair attacked him." Harry almost dropped his book. I did? Not good. "He is defensive, quiet, and enjoys being considered invisible. What does that tell you, Lucius?" Narcissa snapped at her husband.
"That you are utterly taken with the boy." He said with understanding in his voice. "I know you're upset, Nari, but the next step is the boy's to take. Let him know that he can talk to either of us whenever he needs to. That may be the reassurance he needs to confide in us." That is the most laughable idea I have ever heard! Harry heard the door shut. He relaxed back into his chair and sighed. He had been afraid that Mr. Malfoy would enter the library. That would have been a difficult situation.
Harry left the library after replacing the book on the shelves. It was too risky to read it during the day, especially with the Malfoys concerned over him. He wondered if he could manage to copy it so that he could read it on his own time, away from the Malfoy house. He retreated to his room and curled up in the window seat with his Moste Potente Potions. Hedwig flew over to him and settled on his knee. He smiled and started petting her, feeling the tension from the conversation he had heard drain away from him. It was either the runes or the pet. Hedwig was one of those loose ends he had never found before. She had just disappeared one day right before his teacher had appeared. Harry hadn't seen her again. He had missed his pet more than he realized. He was still in the seat an hour later when the breakfast bell rang. He closed his book, patted Hedwig on the head once more, and left his room for the dining room.
"Mr. Potter?" Harry heard Mr. Malfoy say as he left the dining room. Harry stopped at the door and turned around. "May I speak to you for a moment?" Mr. Malfoy asked in a soft voice.
"Yes, sir." Harry answered as he followed Mr. Malfoy's gesture to leave the room. Mr. Malfoy took him to the study he had first called Harry into after his nightmares.
"Please have a seat." Mr. Malfoy said once he had shut the door behind him. Harry chose the same seat he had had the first time around and waited for Mr. Malfoy to get to the reason the Malfoy patriarch brought him here.
"Have I done something wrong, sir?" Harry asked, just to be sure.
"No, lad." Mr. Malfoy said as he took his own seat. "I wanted to apologize for the experience you had in my home." Malfoy said with a voice full of regret.
Harry's mind skittered to a stop and died. "Pardon?" He choked out. He's not talking about that, idiot!
"Forgive me. I tend to jump ahead without explanation. I'm referring to Christmas Eve, when my associate attacked you on the verandah." Malfoy explained. "He was severely intoxicated, though that does not excuse what he did." Malfoy said.
"That's alright. I mean, I know people can do stupid things when they're drunk." Harry fought to keep from stammering. He'd enough experience with his uncle when he was drunk. Vernon never mentioned what he had done while drunk, but Harry felt that he would have apologized...if he hadn't hated Harry so much.
"No, it's not." Malfoy said patiently. "Are you familiar with the concept of wergild, Mr. Potter?" Malfoy asked, moving forward to lean his elbows on his knees. It forced Harry to look him straight in the face.
"No, sir." Harry responded. That didn't even sound familiar.
"Wergild is an ancient tradition dating back to before the Founders." Malfoy explained. "It is a tradition of compensation. It was once used for the loss of life, but now it is more for injury." Malfoy said with a funny expression on his face. "When I invited you here, ancient traditions were invoked. Traditions of hospitality and fostering." He smiled at Harry.
Harry felt his stomach twist. Fostering? Does that mean...? "I don't understand, sir." He said, shaking his head just the slightest bit.
"When MacNair attacked you on Christmas Eve, he may as well have attacked me personally. The injury is the same." Malfoy explained. Harry couldn't believe the man was so patient with him. "So long as you are in my home, Mr. Potter, under my protection, you are my child."
"Pardon?" Harry squeaked. Snape had threatened Harry's previous "huh" habits with detention for life. That would have put his Horcrux work in jeopardy.
"It's nothing official, nothing on paper. It only means that so long as you are in my house and under my protection, you are my son de facto." Malfoy looked at Harry and frowned the slightest bit. "I've confused you. You do not understand Latin?"
"Only my spells, sir." Harry answered.
"Very well. I'll be sure to give you some books about it. What I am trying to say is that you are my foster child while here. MacNair attacking you is the same as attacking any other member of the Malfoy family." Malfoy studied him for a moment. "Do you understand now?" He asked.
"Is it permanent?" Harry asked. He couldn't let it happen. There was no way he was going to be in Malfoy's power. No way in the world.
"No, Mr. Potter." Mr. Malfoy said with a tiny chuckle. "No, it is not permanent, unless you want it to be?" Harry's eyes shifted to meet Mr. Malfoy's in shock. The Dark Lord will have a fit. It'd almost be worth it.
"I think my aunt would miss me a little too much." Harry said calmly. Mr. Malfoy studied him for a few minutes before nodding.
"Very well. MacNair is here to apologize for his behavior the other evening." Mr. Malfoy said as he stood up.
"Oh." Harry hadn't known he would have to see the man again. He felt his wand under his sleeve. "That's nice of him." He commented. He didn't understand the odd little smile Malfoy had.
"Yes, it is." Mr. Malfoy said as he led Harry from the study and down the hall. "He is in the formal sitting room." Mr. Malfoy said. "I'll be there with you the entire time." Harry thought that Malfoy was trying to sound reassuring.
Mr. Malfoy opened the door and went in before Harry, his wand in hand and on display for the other adult wizard. MacNair was standing in the center of the room with a box in his hands. Harry had to applaud the man; he hid his nervousness well. Mr. Malfoy always presented an intimidating picture, and he was apparently taking MacNair's actions as a personal insult. This was interesting.
Harry stopped as soon as he was in the room and waited for whatever was supposed to happen. Malfoy cleared his throat from beside him, and MacNair took one step forward. "Mr. Potter." MacNair said slowly. "I wish to apologize for my abhorrent behavior on Christmas Eve." He said as he drew himself up to his full height. "I have no explanation for my actions, save my own stupidity, and that I was not myself that evening." Harry could only stare at the man. MacNair was throwing his pride down in front of Harry and stomping on it. "I know there is no excuse for my actions." Harry nodded at that statement. Attacking Harry Potter when he was nineteen years old and trained for battle was one thing; attacking a defenseless (so they thought) eleven year old was another. "I hope that the gift I bring in compensation will help to efface my foolishness from your memories." MacNair placed the box down on the table.
Mr. Malfoy approached the table (between MacNair and Harry) and motioned Harry over. "Open it, Mr. Potter." Mr. Malfoy said, gesturing for Harry to come closer.
Harry kept one eye on MacNair and one eye on Malfoy as he stepped up to the table. He reached out a tentative hand and pulled the string away from the box. The flaps on the box fell open to reveal a stone pensieve. Harry studied the odd symbols on the edge of the basin for a moment before shifting his eyes up to meet Mr. Malfoy's own gaze. "It's a pensieve." He said unnecessarily. He reached out a finger and ran it along the edge, his mind already racing with how useful this thing could be for him. He wouldn't have to remember everything at once. He could find some reprieve from the ghosts of his past.
"Yes." Mr. Malfoy said calmly. "Do you accept?" he prodded Harry. Harry realized that the two men were waiting for him to say something.
"I accept." Harry said calmly.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter." MacNair said with blatant relief in his voice. "I pray that I did not ruin your holidays." He said in question.
"No, Mr. MacNair. This holiday has been very enjoyable, for the most part." MacNair ducked his head. "Thank you for the apology."
"Thank you for accepting." MacNair said as he stepped backward.
"Mr. Potter, would you wait out in the hallway, please?" Mr. Malfoy said with a slight smile as he picked up the pensieve and handed it to Harry.
"Yes, sir." Harry answered as he accepted the pensieve. He nodded to MacNair and turned on his heel. He stood just outside the door, wondering if Malfoy was going to add homicide to his holiday activities. Harry could see the rage at MacNair just beneath the surface, and if the way he had explained things earlier was any indication of his feelings, well, Harry didn't want to see a corpse during Christmas holidays.
He heard the sound of the Floo being used and relaxed. No corpses today. Mr. Malfoy came out into the hallway and nodded at Harry. "Come along, Mr. Potter." He said politely. Harry followed him back to the man's study and took his seat again when motioned to. "Dare I ask how you know of pensieves?" Malfoy asked as he stood with his back to the fireplace, his hands folded behind him and his head tilted in Harry's direction.
"I read about them." Harry answered calmly.
"Ah, yes. You read about them." Harry nearly laughed at the expression of chagrin on Malfoy's face. "I should have remembered that you are a Ravenclaw." Harry dropped his eyes down to the pensieve and smirked. "I am to guess that you read about how to use one as well?" Malfoy asked with a quirked eyebrow.
"Yes, sir." Harry said. "I use my wand." He shrugged. "It seemed easy enough." Harry toyed with the edge of the box and caught his bottom lip between his teeth, a habit he had picked up from Hermione some years ago of which he couldn't rid himself.
"Alright, then. Please let me know if you need any help using that." Malfoy told Harry before moving to his desk. "The family is going to St. Mungo's after lunch." Malfoy said. "You're welcome to come along."
Harry felt an odd sensation settle in his stomach. "Why?" he asked. He certainly didn't like hospitals at all and disliked the magical one even more. Too many people...
"Have you ever heard of the term 'noblesse oblige'?" Malfoy asked as he folded his hands and placed them on his stomach.
Harry cocked his head to the side. "I've heard of the term, sir. Something to do with obligations of the noble." Harry admitted as his lessons kicked in from some time ago. French was not his language.
"You're exactly right." Malfoy praised. Harry wondered if he was supposed to feel proud. "The Malfoy family donates a lot to St. Mungo's and we visit each year on Boxing Day. It's more of a 'seen and be seen' event, but I do like to keep an eye on how my investment is doing. Narcissa and Draco accompany me every year. You're welcome to join us as our guest." Mr. Malfoy offered. "I know Draco will welcome someone his age, as he finds St. Mungo's very trying."
Stupid guilt complex making me feel I have to go. Still, it might be nice to get out for a while. I can even slip down to Knockturn Alley and make arrangements for this summer. They won't miss me too much. "I'd like that, sir." Harry said.
"Very well. Narcissa will help you pick out something to wear later on." Mr. Malfoy said. "Now, go do something fun." He told Harry.
Does reading a book about the Dark Arts count? Harry wondered as he left the study and went up to his room. Some things depended solely on definition and those definitions often clashed when compared between two people. Still, he had access to it...
Harry crept out of Knockturn Alley and ignored the very real need to shudder. Knockturn Alley never changed; it still reeked of Dark Magic and the fringes of legality. He felt...sullied. He cast a Scourgify charm on himself, glad that the Ministry didn't seem to notice magic with adults around. He had a feeling Mr. Malfoy would detect something on him without the charm. It was worth the risk.
He returned to St. Mungo's and crept in behind a frantic mother whose child had extremely large hands. He had told the Malfoys he was going to the bathroom; now he hoped they thought he got lost. He had been away longer than expected. The boarding house he had used before still had the same surly manager who didn't "take kindly to little people". Harry had needed to convince him that he wasn't there to cause problems by requesting a room that could be available on a moment's notice.
He passed through the children's ward and stopped when he saw the playroom. Small children were gathered around various activities. Harry paused when he saw no matron in sight. What if something happened to one of the kids while she was gone? That decided him. He opened the door and entered the playroom. Few of the children looked up and those who did returned to their games. Visitors must be common enough for the children to ignore them.
Another look around revealed a small girl about the age of seven in the corner by herself. She was wearing actual pajamas instead of a hospital gown. Her hair was brown, but it did nothing to hide the tears on her face…or the cat ears on her head. Harry went over to her and smiled. "Is this seat taken?" he asked, gesturing to the overly large pillow next to her. She shook her and Harry sat down. "My name's Harry." He introduced himself. "What's yours?"
"Natale." She whispered.
"That's a pretty name." Harry told her.
It's Italian for 'Noel'." She said. "My mummy's Italian." Natale explained, still in a whisper.
"I see. Why are you over here by yourself?" he asked. "Don't you want to play with the others?" The look Harry earned from that question could have destroyed Voldemort.
"They don't like me because I'm a Mug." She snapped.
"Do you mean 'Muggle'?" Harry asked.
"Yes!" Natale told him with the most exasperated tone Harry had ever heard a child use.
"You're not a Muggle." He said. "You have the ears to prove. It." He pointed. Her hands flew up to her head to cover the ears. "How'd that happen?" He asked,, trying to control his curiosity.
"I wanted to be a kitty. I only got the ears." She said.
"They're very nice ears." Harry told her. "Some wizards spend their whole lives trying to turn into an animal. You've already managed more than most full-grown wizards."
"So they're a good thing?" She asked, a small bit of hope creeping into her voice.
"Yes. They're a very good thing. You'll be a strong witch someday." He promised.
"I don't want to be a witch. You-Know-Who doesn't like Muggle witches." She said.
"Oh." Harry ran a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry, but I don't know who."
"The evil wizard who attacked Harry Potter." She said. "One of the other kids told me all about him."
"You mean 'Voldemort'?" he asked.
"You're not supposed to say his name!" Natale gasped. She hid her face in her hands. "Now he'll come get us!"
"I've been saying his name for years." Harry told her as he drew her hands away from her face. Natale's eyes studied him and they went wide.
"You're Harry Potter!" She gasped quietly.
Harry smiled at her. "Yes, I am." He told her. "I won't let Voldemort hurt you." He promised. "You'll never have to worry about him."
"Oh." Natale toyed with one of the buttons on her top and sighed. "Okay." She said with all the nonchalance only a seven year old can manage. "Harry?"
"Yes, Natale?" Harry asked when she hesitated. This is the reason I came back. I came back to protect people like her. I failed before. I won't make the same mistakes twice.
"Will you read me a story?" Natale asked, holding up a bright child's book titled Merlin's Busy Day.
"Sure." He said as he took the book from her. He started off with Natale sitting next to him. She had crept into his lap before the fourth page and Harry found that the rest of the children had gathered around them by the end of the book. "The end." He announced.
"This one next!" A boy with some kind of spots said. Harry took the book and nearly laughed at the illustration on the cover. A very worried kid-sized mummy was rolling up gauze. The title said it all: Little Mummy Unravels
"Oh, this looks good." Harry said as he opened the book. "Little Mummy was a happy mummy…" He started. He read through that one, laughing just as much as the kids when Little Mummy saw a bit of bandage in the hallway of the tomb and thought he was unraveling. "Oh, no! What will I do?" Harry read in a high squeaky voice. Natale giggled next to him.
"I invite the boy to come along and then I lose him! Some host I am!" Mr. Malfoy said to his wife.
"Harry said he was gong to the bathroom." Draco said.
"We've had them all checked, as well as the hallways and waiting rooms." Mr. Malfoy said. "He's not in the bathroom, Draco."
"Mr. Malfoy!" A breathless secretary came into the waiting room. "We think we found him." She gasped out.
"Well, where is the boy?" Malfoy snapped. A good Crucio would get better results than this 'patient understanding' look he had at the moment. The secretary motioned Mr. Malfoy to follow and left the waiting room. Mr. Malfoy grasped his cane tighter and stormed after the woman, muttering curses under his breath. She guided the entire family down a stairwell and onto the pediatric ward. They stopped at the playroom.
"Is that him?" She asked, pointing towards the room. Mr. Malfoy looked into the room and studied the children, looking for the typical stoic face. He heard Narcissa gasp beside him and turned.
"Lucius, he's laughing!" Narcissa said, her face showing her surprise.
Draco frowned as he studied his friend. "I've never seen him laugh like that." He told his parents. Harry was close to tears over a child's book of some kind.
"He's reading to them, Lucius." Narcissa said, reaching out and taking her husband's hand. "He looks so happy."
"…and Little Mummy learned that mummies can't unravel." He paused for a second to see the children hanging on his every word. "The end." A chorus of groans met his announcement. "Sorry, that's all of the Little Mummy." He said.
"Can you read another?" a boy asked, holding a stack of six or seven books.
"No, I'm afraid I can't." Harry answered. "I would love to, but I need to leave." Natale gave him a quick squeeze around his middle as he started to stand.
"Harry?" she whispered as the other children started to drift back to their activities.
"Hmm?" He asked.
"Can I have your autograph?" she asked shyly.
Harry could only smile down at her. She had to have worked herself up to asking. "Sure." He told her. Natale let out an excited squeak and dashed for some parchment and crayons. Harry took it from her with a smile and went over to the table. He jotted a quick message and signed his name.
"Thank you!" Natale looked down at the parchment. "What does it say?" she asked as she turned it as though to find some meaning.
"It says: Natale, be the best witch you can be. I'll take care of Voldemort. Your friend, Harry Potter." He told her.
"Okay, Harry." She said. "I'll do the best I can!"
"That's all I ask." He told her, accepting one final hug from her. He watched her leave with a small smile on his face. Children were so…resilient. He turned towards the door and saw the entire Malfoy family just outside. He paled, ducked his head, and left the room.
He entered the hallway and looked up at Lucius Malfoy. The man's face was not giving any thing away, which caused Harry's nervousness to go up just a little bit. "I'm sorry. I was lost and the children-"
"Are you under the impression that we are angry with you?" Mr. Malfoy asked. This is the man that happily dislocated your arms. NO. This is new Mr. Malfoy.
Harry blinked and wondered if he should pick his jaw up from the floor before or after his brain started to accept that he was not in trouble. "Aren't you?" he asked hesitantly. He looked at the various family members and nearly reacted with violence when Mrs. Malfoy pulled him into a hug.
"We're just glad you're okay." She told him as she smoothed his hair back.
"Oh." Harry said flatly. Nothing was making sense anymore. He just wanted to go back to his bunk-oops. You're no longer there, Harry.
"I think it's time to go home." Mrs. Malfoy said as she straightened. She dropped a light hand on the back of Harry's neck and guided him away from the children's ward. He allowed it and fell into step beside her. He understood this touching thing. Mrs. Weasley couldn't stop herself from touching Harry in some fashion after he had returned from training, never mind that he was extremely uncomfortable with the idea of touch. He would hide in his quarters when they returned to the manor. He needed some time alone.
Dinner had been a trying affair for Harry. Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy had chattered on about Malfoy family business. Harry could tell what they were really doing. They were ignoring him. He was fine with that. He wanted to be ignored. He didn't want them to focus on him any more than they already had in the past few days. This was the first time he felt comfortable in the dining room since arriving from Hogwarts.
He had declined after dinner games with everyone, stating that he was tired. Draco had put up a protest at Harry wanting to go to bed early, but Mrs. Malfoy had practically rushed Harry up the stairs. Harry had no trouble realizing that Mrs. Malfoy wanted him to get as much rest as possible. He didn't argue with her, but had wished everyone in the sitting room a good evening and disappeared into his room.
He had greeted Hedwig with much patting and praises for her good nature and beauty that surpassed all other owls. He had missed his owl more than he had thought. Hedwig seemed extremely pleased with him, and she gave him an affectionate head butt to let him know how she felt. Harry smiled and patted her head again.
He worked out after he lavished Hedwig with all the affection anyone could desire. He kept his workout short but intense. He missed his freedom in the Room of Requirement. No one ever disturbed him there. He didn't have to worry about anyone thinking about what he was doing and asking awkward questions. He had no answers for them.
Schoolwork came after he cooled down from his workout. He had not taken Ancient Runes at Hogwarts the first time around, but he knew the class would be more useful to him than Divination. That class had been nothing more than a waste of his time...and talents.
He was startled nearly five hours later by a soft voice at the door. "Why are you still awake?" He dropped his quill and glanced over at the clock. 'Past Midnight'. He turned to the door of his room and saw Mrs. Malfoy standing there.
"Couldn't sleep." He said. He nearly hit himself when he realized that he was still dressed from earlier.
"It is very difficult to sleep at a desk, isn't it?" She asked with a smile Harry was sure had contagious qualities. He almost smiled back at her. "Let's get you to bed." She said.
"I can do it." He told her, aghast at the implications her voice held about 'getting him to bed'.
"Alright. I'll just wait while you change into pajamas." Harry could only stare as she turned her back to him. Wait, was she just going to stand there? While he changed? Harry pulled out a pair of his new pajamas and dashed into the bathroom. No way was he going to change in full view of Mrs. Malfoy, even with her back turned.
He came out a few minutes later and cleared his throat to get her attention. She turned and smiled at him. "Good night, Mrs. Malfoy." He said.
She only smiled at him, crossed to his bed, and pulled back the covers. She motioned for Harry to get in. She's going to do the thing properly, isn't she? There better be no good-night kiss! Harry crawled into his bed, and Mrs. Malfoy pulled the covers over him. Her hand hunted out the fuzzy object from before, and Harry took it when she handed it to him. "Thank you." He said.
"Everyone needs a stuffed friend once in a while." She confided with a wink. "Don't tell Lucius, but I still have mine from when I was a girl, and Draco still has his dragon hidden under his bed." Oh, if Harry had known that the first time around! He could have used that knowledge before. He didn't know why, but he found that he didn't mind having a teddy bear. He had never had one as a child and now...well, he couldn't place his feelings. He knew what Snape would say. He also had a feeling his teacher was rolling in his grave somewhere. He didn't care.
Mrs. Malfoy sat on the edge of the bed. Harry regarded her for a few minutes. She took out her wand and lowered the lights down to dim fairy lights. The fireplace still contained a fire, and the light danced off the contours of Mrs. Malfoy's face. She smiled down at him and started to play with his hair. She talked in a steady voice about the Malfoy Manor, and Harry dropped off to sleep to the story of a secret passage somewhere in the east wing of the house.
Author's Note: Thanks for reading.