Revelations
Part Two.
Danny stood at the Station to Hogwarts Express with dozens of youngsters around her, all vying(sp?) for her attention. She gave them the brightest of smiles.
"I'll be here when you return, I promise! I wont go anywhere. Its all Study and hard work for the Baddest Student in Hogwarts!"
A few of the young first years looked teary eyed, for she had been the advocate for the 'underdog' and stood up for all of them, even if they werent in her House...which unfortunately for house Slytherin, resulted in fist fights and points taken for her behavior. This year, Ravenclaw won the House Cup.
"Dont cry, and I cant promise to write you all back, because I know you will probably write to me. But I will keep everyone's letters and when you return there will be something waiting for all who cared to check in on me. Cheer up, its the summer! No School for you! Fun in the Sun. " She gently shooed them away, and saw Malfoy leaning against the train, his goons had loaded the train, and he looked while he thought no one was watching, as if he were going to cry. Suddenly she found herself feeling bad for him. She approached him and called his name, watching as when she did, he schooled his expression into an angry scowl.
She'd been pondering this for days and decided it was time to let it go. "Hey Drake. " She grinned using a nickname she'd given to him privately...he frowned. She smiled winningly at him and he sighed.
"What?" She reached out, gave him a huge hug and kissed his cheek. "Have a good Holiday for me okay? Its going to be dull around here without you. " He stood stunned for the longest time not moving, before the Young Malfoy curled his arms around her and gave her a bone crushing hug. She laughed, coughed and patted his back.
They seperated and she produced a small box for him. "For you. Lets just forget the whole incident from the beginning of the year, and start over...friends?"
Malfoy looked at the simple wooden box in his hands as if it was the strangest thing he'd ever seen, then he looked up at her. Danny had been right all along, breifly in his eyes he saw longing, distrust, and sadness, before it was replaced with bewilderment. "But I didnt get you anything..." She shrugged and smiled. "Dont worry about it. I dont give gifts hoping to get them back. You're friendship is gift enough. " She held her hand out to him.
"Friends?" Slowly a true blue real smile crept upon his face and he shook her hand. "Friends."
Danny chuckled and nodded, giving Malfoy a nudge towards the school. "Its handmade so dont throw it in a washer okay? Handwash only!" He tudged off and into the train with a vacant look on his face, she saw him sitting in a window, starring forlornly at the school...he really didnt want to leave.
She stood there waving at them all until the train was out of her sight, before she felt a warm hand rest on her shoulder...she looked up to see Albus standing beside her, beaming down at her with those shining blue eyes of his.
"That was a wonderful gesture Danielle...especially after the war you and Draco seemed to have had going." She turned into Albus's open arms and embraced him as if he were her father...and for the most part at Hogwarts he was.
"Something is wrong with him Uncle. I cant figure out what, but if i could have kept him here for the summer, I would have." His hand trailed through her hair.
"You'll figure it out Im sure. Its your specialty. " He chuckled softly. She rolled her eyes and released him. "Dont remind me! Ive dried more tears and gotten into more fights this year alone than I ever have in my entire public school life! " She sighed. "I cant help it Uncle. They are sweet children for the most part...and I love them."
He nodded. "Which is precisely why I am still here." He paused. "How are things Progressing with Severus?" He asked just a bit too smuggly, she recoiled and lightly punched him in the arm.
"I dont need you matchmaking for me Uncle! I can handle that just fine on my own..." She made a face, "But to answer your question, eh, so so. "
Dumbledoor chuckled..."I'll leave you to it then, I believe you have to collect your herbs for your Sojurn tonight do you not?"
She nodded with a bright smile. "I do indeed...but I should bathe first and prepare my packs..." She hopped up, kissed his cheek and ran back towards the school.
Severus had watched the entire exchange from afar. The students Adored her, and her strange make up with Malfoy left an uneasy feeling in his stomach.
Even stranger still was her interaction with Dumbledoor. They acted like family, and it both bothered him and pleased him. Dumbledoor seldom had family around, and Danny seemed to brighten his smile, if only a bit. Best return to his Dungeons and prepare her herbs...he was so curious about what she was up too, that perhaps he would follow her, just to satisfy his curiosity.
End Part Two