New Beginnings Series by HPFangirl71

Chapter 3: A Tree House for a Potion

It only took three nights for the potion to brew and it was at exactly that time Draco found himself standing at the edge of the forbidden forest waiting for Potter to show up. Draco wrapped his arms tightly around himself, cursing the fact that he hadn't dressed warmer considering that the brisk fall weather was quickly coming upon them. He'd spent the better part of the summer preparing for his classes and worrying that he'd be a failure as a professor. He was still unsure as to what in bloody hell had possessed McGonagall to hire him on in the first place. Although he knew the subject inside and out, he was definitely no Professor Vector. Perhaps the old woman was going barmy in her later years, but Draco wasn't going to complain. Past mistakes in and around the war had left him with few options and he was happy for the opportunity to prove himself worthy.

The crunch of footsteps behind him made him aware of Potter's presence and he instinctively turned to face the man. He watched him walking toward him and for a split second found himself wondering what it would be like to be Potter's friend. The thought was only upon his mind for a moment before he remembered exactly who he was and the fact that he would probably never be Potter's friend, not in the true sense anyway. The man was only coming to meet him here because he had something Potter wanted and Draco was determined to make the most out of it. If Potter wanted his dreamless sleep, then Draco would make him pay dearly to get it.

"Why are we meeting here?" Potter immediately questioned him once he came upon the spot Draco was standing.

Instead of answering the man Draco just stepped into the forest and strode upon a determined path without even bothering to see if he were being followed. Oh but he knew he was, Potter was close at his heels, afraid of not getting the prize that Draco had promised to bring. The Ministry was closely guarding sleep draughts ever since the end of the war because far too many victims of the cause had become addicted. It was a growing problem but not one that Draco had a particular care, he was a Malfoy and he wasn't prone to becoming an addict. They came upon the hidden clearing quite suddenly and it was then that he turned toward Potter.

"Okay Potter, this is it but you have to promise to keep it a secret"

"Keep what a secret Malfoy?" Potter asked out of genuine curiosity.

"Just give me your word!" Draco demanded.

"Fine! But did you bring along the potion?"

Of course, Potter was agreeable; he was too worried about the damned potion to wonder at Draco's motives. Without a word, Draco pointed upward and it was then that Potter's attention was distracted. His emerald eyes rested upon a rather large and fancy tree house.

"Did you build that Malfoy?" he asked with impressed awe evident in his voice.

"Yeah, I figured if things get too tough once the students arrive, it would be nice to have somewhere to hide out."

"It's so large… how's it being held up there?"

Draco gave a huff of irritation. "Magic you imbecile!"

"Of course…" Potter chuckled at his own stupidity.

"How do you get up there?" was Potter's next question and Draco answered by pulling out his wand and waving it in an intricate pattern, whispering a myriad of words he was sure Potter would never remember. It was only moments before they were inside the snug little tree house. Potter was looking around with all the curiosity of a true muggle who'd never known magic and it amused Draco to no end.

"You can get here through the Floo in my room as well," Draco informed him.

"I have to say for once that I'm impressed Malfoy but did you bring the potion?"

Of course, they were back to that.

"Why exactly should I share my potion with the likes of you?" Draco asked in an affected voice of feigned superiority.

"Because we're the only two people our age on staff and we should try to get along and be friends"

Draco looked at Potter, his glare filled with doubt. He knew that wasn't what Potter really wanted but the dream still loomed afar. He'd always wanted the man's friendship, had wanted it from the day they'd first met as boys but the Weasel had put an end to that.

"We're not friends Potter! We never have been…"

"The war's over Malfoy! It's been over a year! We're not on different sides anymore… things could change"

"You think so? Prove it Potter! Meet me here tonight, we'll have a friendly little get together right here, an overnight of sorts."

"A sleepover? That's a bit juvenile, don't you think Malfoy?"

"Yeah well since the war, I've been feeling rather childlike… after all I did build myself a tree house" he said with a playful grin hovering upon his lips.

He could see the war raging in Potter's pea brain. Was spending an evening in Draco's company really worth his precious little potion? Obviously his night terrors were sufficient enough that he felt it was worth the risk and with his next words, he conceded to Draco's wishes.

"Fine Malfoy… you win. I'll meet you back here at eight and we'll have our little 'sleepover'"