The Great Game Chapter Four
To all my readers, I am sorry for my prolonged absence. Life has a funny way of getting away from you.
"Huh" Seemed to be the only words that Harry could think of. While he was trying to sort figure out what he should do in the whole situation, the floo sprang to life. In the floo, out popped Ginny's head; Harry felt a migraine growing already. He resisted rubbed his temples.
"What is it that you want, Ginny? I thought we discussed all that we needed to earlier today." Harry stated. Ginny's eyes were locked on Draco's form. "Ginny. Ginny!" Harry had to repeat several times before she acknowledged his voice.
"Harry! What is…he doing here?" Her scandalized voice asked. Harry, found himself further disliking Ginny even more. How was it her place to say who could and could not be around his place? Harry stopped himself from saying what he really wanted to say before he calmly spoke,
"Ginny, what is it you need." Ginny huffed.
"Harry. We need to discuss when I am moving back in. Also, about you moving to a…. better place." Harry rarely felt himself so angered as he did at that moment. If it was not for Draco's restraining hand on his arm, he might have launched himself at Ginny through the fire. Harry remained quiet. He wasn't sure that if he spoke he would not be yelling. Through the dull roar in his ears he heard Draco say,
"Didn't you hear, Wench?" Ginny mouthed the word 'Wench' and made a face before saying,
"Did I hear what?" Draco smiled smugly before continuing,
"Well, that Harry is selling this flat of course. He is moving in with Severus and I." At this point Draco wrapped his arm around Harry's waist pulling him in close. "Of course, Ron will be staying with us for a little while until he regains footing. It is rather tragic when one loses a soul bonded." Ginny's mouth was opening and closing, but nothing was coming out. For once, she was speechless. Then she managed to splutter out,
"Why didn't you tell me Harry? Why are you leaving me for…..that!" Harry wanted to smack her hard across the face but he resisted the temptation.
"Severus is an intensely private person. He would not want everyone to know about who was living with him. Ginny, you left me ages for other, better chap. Now, kindly shut the floo down. I do believe Severus is trying to floo through." Ginny was still trying to persuade Harry to her way of thinking as he shut the floo down.
Harry took a deep breath and turned to look at Draco. Draco hurriedly began speaking before Harry got the chance,
"Harry, please hear me out…" Harry put his hand,
"I understand, Draco. We were put in a tough situation. However, I get the feeling you enjoyed maneuvering it so that I was living with you. I do not know what Ron is going to say about living with you, though. He might kill you with his snoring, or sleeping habits, or washing habits…or perhaps his general overall way of living." A corner of Draco's mouth had curved upwards during Harry rambling oeuvre about Ron's living habits. Draco responded,
"Severus and I could put up with him if he lived in the West Wing." Harry paused for a moment, then burst out laughing. In which, Draco joined him a moment later. This was how Ron caught them.
"What's got you to laughing about?" Ron asked as he came through the door. Draco and Harry turned to look at Ron. Draco replied,
"We are placing you in the West Wing of the Manor. Far from Severus and I, so we do not have to deal with your living habits" Ron's eyebrow's curled into a furrow as he sorted out what Draco was saying.
"What does he mean, Harry? Are we living with him? Wait, why are we living with him?" Ron asked Harry. Harry explained to Ron what had transpired whilst he was gone. Ron let out a long sigh,
"Merlin. Why is it that my sister is always the one causing all the trouble around here lately? Draco did you really call my sister a wench?" Draco smirked and answered,
"What else would I call her? Weaselette wouldn't work anymore." Ron looked at Draco questioningly. "It is only her who is against Harry. Severus and I are friends with whomever is friends with Harry." Ron looked at Draco for a moment then murmured,
"I see. Soul bond." Harry spluttered. "Harry. Shut up. Now are we gonna pack or what?"
After deciding to rent the flat as furnished to some university student who could not afford to furnish a place, Ron and Harry quickly packed all their possessions the wizarding way. This was quickly and lightly. At this point, all three took a portkey to the Malfoy property. Harry had to admit it, he was nervous.
As they entered the front foyer Harry fought to keep his mouth from dropping. The place oozed luxury and wealth. Also, lots of accidents waiting to happen if you were a kid; Harry imagined the title of the book. How to Guard Your Heirlooms From Your Monsters or something like that. His eyes fell upon Severus who was standing at the top of the grand staircase watching them enter.
"Welcome, Harry Potter and Ronald Weasely." His rich timber filled the room.