A/N: Argh sorry for any delays.
I have a nasty cold/virus/bug thingy, blocked yet runny nose, earache and dry sore throat – I feel like utter S**T. Not been in any mood to do much of anything really.
PS – Thanks for reading and to anyone who has reviewed.
Chapter 3
Draco was surprised to realise he was actually a good cook. Growing up with house elves and being waited on, he used to think cooking for yourself was common.
Mrs Weasley had shown him how to cook a variety of meals and desserts, he had a natural talent for it and enjoyed following the recipes. In a way, it was similar to brewing a potion, and he got a feeling of satisfaction when he managed to cook a perfect meal. It was very rewarding, and he saw it as one way to pay back Mr and Mrs Weasley.
During a cooking lesson on how to make a Victoria sponge, Draco had a brilliant idea.
"I think you should release a cookbook. Compile a book of homemade, decent- yet easy to cook food." Draco suggested to Molly who was making tea, supervising Draco's attempt.
"You do? I don't know, Draco. Who would want to read a book I have written?" She quietly objected.
Draco smiled, "Lots of people, Molly. There are many families out there that struggle to cook on a budget, to cook for big families or special occasions, where a large group of people are gathered. You could do a section on how to cook on a budget, simple homely food and easy to follow recipes. You could add helpful hints and tips, best spells to clean your oven and shortcuts that help save time. Basically all your knowledge, in a book for others to benefit from. I've learnt so much from you, and I think many people would appreciate a no-nonsense cookbook."
She smiled, "Really. Oh, it does sound like a lovely idea, but still." She tried to reject the idea.
Draco grinned, "At least think about it. I think it is brilliant. You can ask Mr Lovegood across the way if he would print it. He has the equipment as he prints the Quibbler. You can always print one hundred and see how they sell. I'll help you with the layout and presentation. You have all the knowledge, enough to easily fill a cookbook." He complimented.
Draco thought it was perfect really, Molly loved cooking. To publish a book that would help others would be a lovely accomplishment for her.
She looked pensive and patted Draco's arm, "You are such a thoughtful boy. I'll think about it."
Draco continued his baking, happy that he at least planted the seed in Molly's head. Now it was about boosting her confidence enough, she was unsure if anyone would be interested in a cookbook by her. He knew she was wrong, many people would find it helpful.
Later on sat at the kitchen table, Draco was enjoying a slice of his yummy cake. Arthur walked in and smiled at Draco.
"Oh, lovely Victoria sponge." He picked up a slice and took a large bite. "Mmm, tasty."
"Thank you. My first attempt at doing it alone." Draco proudly announced.
"Excellent. Molly is teaching you well." He complimented, as Molly walked into the kitchen to greet her husband.
"Yes, she is," Draco glanced at Molly quickly, "In fact, I was saying earlier that Molly is very talented in the kitchen and others could benefit from her knowledge like I have. I suggested she releases a cookbook, a family cookbook, with simple to follow recipes and helpful tips. I think if we get the layout right it can be a huge hit." He said happily.
"What a marvellous idea. You should do it Molly love." Arthur encouraged.
"I don't know. I'm just a housewife, who cooks boring food." She could not see why anyone would read it. Her husband and Draco were just being nice.
"A housewife who raised seven children, on a low budget and still managed to cook delicious food." Arthur corrected.
Draco nodded, "Your food is amazing, better than we had a Hogwarts. I really think there is a niche in the market for a cookbook that is simple yet homely food. People buy all these fancy cookbooks, realise that half the ingredients are not commonly available, and the recipe is difficult. Most of the time the cookbooks sit on a shelf and are never used. Yours would be – trust me." Draco had a good feeling about it.
Molly blushed at the compliment to her cooking, "Okay I will sort through some recipes, maybe we can put together a draft of the book, and then go from there."
Draco beamed, "Great. You know even if you only sell one hundred copies, you can make a small fortune from it. Especially if Mr Lovegood helps with the printing, save on costs."
Draco could deal with the business side of it, negotiate with the bookstores, and get Molly the best deal. She could stand to make a hefty profit.
Over the next few weeks Draco was getting better at being around other people, well okay maybe not everyone, but he did not run and hide whenever the floo flared and Potter stepped out. He was getting accustomed to Potter's company and actually enjoyed his company.
With encouragement from Mr and Mrs Weasley, Draco was using his wand more and did not shy away from it.
Draco was helping Molly hang the laundry on the washing line when Potter appeared.
"Hello, Harry dear. You look tired, you are looking after yourself?" Mrs Weasley asked accusingly.
Harry looked sheepish, "Sure of course I am."
"Harry!" She scolded.
"It's fine, I'm fine. Auror training is hard work." He tried to placate her.
Draco felt bad, he knew Potter was working on finding his attacker on top of his normal job.
"You can..." Draco started to say.
Potter cut him off with a wave of his hand, "No. I know what you're going to say and no. I will not drop your case, even if it isn't officially a case with the Ministry or the Muggle Police. I wouldn't say no to a cup of tea if you want to help."
Draco huffed, "Do I look like a tea maid?"
"You.."
"I would not finish that Potter. I'll make you a bloody tea, but only because I was going to make Molly and me one." He clarified.
He spun on his heel and strolled back into the house. Harry chuckled and followed Draco, with Mrs Weasley just behind.
Harry noted that the kitchen table had various pieces of parchment sprawled over it.
"What's all this?" He asked as he sat down.
"That is all of Molly's recipes, and we are trying to pick the best ones to put into her cookbook," Draco explained.
"Cookbook?" Harry asked looking at Molly.
"Yes. Draco has convinced me that if I was to make a book, full of tips, shortcuts and simple easy recipes, for homely food, it would sell really well." She said, a bit apprehensive.
Harry grinned, "Brilliant. I always thought your cooking was too good to keep to yourself, it's a shame that none of your kids took an interest in cooking."
Molly tutted, "No. They expect me to do it all. I don't mind, but I won't be here forever. Besides Draco has taken to cooking, so at least one of mine has followed in my footsteps."
Harry smiled, Molly really did see Draco as a surrogate son. Like Harry was a son to her, now Draco was.
Draco stared at her, "One of yours?" He asked.
"Yes, dear. One of mine. I love you like one of my own. I worry about you and I want the best for you. You are like a son to me now, if that's ok with you?" She hesitantly asked, she did not think about it, it was how she felt.
Draco blinked a few times, then in a move that neither, Harry or Molly, was expecting, he stood and hugged Mrs Weasley.
She returned the hug, "Oh well," she said joyful, "at least you're ok with it love."
Draco pulled back, his face slightly pink, "Yes I am. You do not realise how much it means to me to have you and Arthur supporting me, and helping me."
"Don't thank us, it's what parents do. You soon get used to it, Harry has." She replied earnestly.
Harry nodded, "Yep. You wait until Christmas, and other family events. Now you're family no getting out of it."
Draco had returned to his seat, he paled, and groaned, "I know that you, Molly and Arthur have been accepting. But I still think the other Weasleys do not want me here."
Molly placed a plate of biscuits on the table, "They'll come around. They haven't really had a chance to get to know you. Maybe you can eat with us at the next family Sunday dinner, start getting to know them better." she suggested.
Draco nodded reluctantly, he was not avoiding meeting them just because of the history and bad blood between him and many of the Weasley children. He was frightened of being around so many people, mainly males. He was unsure if he could cope.
Harry sensed his unease, "I'll be here this Sunday. If it gets too much we can go hide out in Arthur shed. I'll show you the new Muggle gadget Arthur has snuck in."
Molly pursed her lips, "Harry are you saying my darling husband has added to his junk collection?"
Harry winced, "Um no. Maybe, but he got rid of a few things, so his junk collection hasn't increased." He hoped that would get Arthur off the hook.
"Oh, he's lucky I don't just go in that shed and vanish it all." She complained, "I'm going to clean the upstairs boys. See you soon."
Draco looked at Harry, "I hope on Sunday they do not ask me lots of questions." He was worried, he did not want to feel cornered.
Harry stiffened, "They won't. I'll make sure of it. Molly and Arthur won't allow it anyway. You are doing really well, but you might need to talk about the attack, just so you can move on. I was going to ask you when I catch him, what do you want me to do?" Harry played with the tea cosy, avoiding looking at Draco.
Draco frowned, so much of Harry's statement, was thought provoking. Harry was being protective of him.
"How so?" He questioned.
"I mean you didn't report your attack to the Muggles or the Ministry. So when I catch him I have a few options. I can take him into the Ministry and you can come forward about the attack. I can take him to the Muggle Police, let them arrest him and put him in prison for all his other crimes, not mentioning your attack. Or I could take him to the Muggle Police, and tell them about your attack too. He is wanted by the Muggles, he skipped bail and will go to prison either way, but he will get a longer sentence if we mention your attack." Harry clarified.
"Oh. Um, I'll think about it. I do not think I want the Ministry to know, though. I just want to move on and forget about it. Thank you for doing this, I know it has proven to be a difficult case." Draco sincerely said.
Harry dismissed his thanks, "No worries. Just doing what I can to help."
Harry eyed Draco for a moment, hesitated and then just said what he been meaning to say for a while now, "I know we have not got the best track record. But I've grown up and we have both changed. If you want someone to talk to, you can talk to me. I won't judge and it might help with the panic attacks and nightmares you still have." Harry hoped he had not crossed the line.
Draco looked at his mug of tea, "I cannot even make sense of half the stuff that is going on with me, let alone trying to put it into words for someone else to understand." He quietly said.
Harry did not know why he did it, but he reached across the table and caressed Draco's other hand. He jumped and spilt his tea. Harry cleaned it up and apologised.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. I wasn't thinking, I was trying to offer support and comfort. I didn't think." He rushed out apologetically,
Draco rubbed his forehead, "No, it's okay. You just startled me is all."
"This cookbook idea for Molly is beyond genius." Harry said lightly, knowing Draco would appreciate the change of topic.
They discussed the book, the recipes and they both agreed that with the right marketing and advertising, the book could be a huge success.
"How about you walk over to Mr Lovegoods with me. It's just across the way, it gets you out the house and some fresh air." Harry suggested.
He had the day off and was planning on staying at the Weasleys for dinner, later helping Arthur in the shed.
Draco bit his bottom lip and seemed to be thinking. It was only across a few fields, they were unlikely to bump into anyone and he had Potter as his personal bodyguard.
"Okay. If Mr Lovegood agrees to print Molly's book, then this thing can really get moving." He agreed to go with Harry.
Harry told Mrs Weasley they were going for a walk and that they would be back soon. It felt strange to be going to Mr Lovegoods again, the last time he was there was eventful.
Harry wanted to show Draco that he was willing to talk to Draco about personal issues if it helped Draco feel comfortable enough to talk to him in return.
"The last time I was at Mr Lovegoods, Luna had been taken and Ron, Hermione and I barely escaped. He alerted the death eaters to let them know I was there." Harry confessed.
Draco tensed, "Yes I remember them bringing Luna in, and putting her in the Manor dungeons." He shivered.
"Maybe I should stay at The Burrow. Mr Lovegood might refuse to speak with us if he knows that his only daughter was kidnapped and kept at my home. That I was there and did not release her or help her." Draco had stopped walking and was starting to panic, what with the attack, he had not really thought about the war. But Harry mentioning Mr Lovegood and what happened to Luna, it stirred up that awful year and those awful memories.
Harry turned and faced Draco, placing both his hands on Draco's arms, "Mr Lovegood isn't one to hold a grudge. He is a nice man, strange, eccentric and maybe a bit crazy, but a nice man. He won't treat you any different than he treats any other person. I promise. Trust me." He implored.
Draco met Harry's gaze and knew he trusted Harry completely.
"Okay. But if he objects to my presence then I will wait outside or something." Draco smiled at Harry and they continued to walk on.
The Lovegood house had been repaired since Harry and his friends escape. Harry knocked and was greeted by Mr Lovegood.
"Mr Potter how wonderful." He beamed at Harry, turning his attention to Draco he added, "Oh, and Mr Malfoy brilliant. Do come in. I have a new blend of tea I was about to try. It is made from dirigible plums, helps dispel Nargles." He said brightly as he showed them in.
Harry held in his laugh, Draco's face was comical. He leant in and whispered, "Where do you think Luna learns it all from? You've read the Quibbler right? I told you he was eccentric." Harry jovially said.
Turning to face Mr Lovegood, "The tea sounds delightful. I thought I had a Nargle infestation." Harry grinned.
Draco snorted and accepted the offered tea.
"How is Luna, Mr Lovegood?" Harry politely enquired.
"Oh, wonderful. She is currently globetrotting with young master Scamander, looking for weird and exotic creatures. I am very envious, but hopefully, I can join them soon. Rolf is a delightful boy and I suspect that lovely Luna will become his wife one day." He said proudly.
Harry smiled, "Sounds wonderful. I am happy for her, glad she has found someone to share her...hobbies and love of creatures."
"Yes indeed. How may I help you then dear boy?" He asked, knowing Harry would not have come for a general chat.
Draco cleared his throat, "Well you know the Weasleys of course."
"Yes, a lovely family blessed with red hair." He complimented.
Draco would not see that as a blessing, but he was not about to admit that.
"Yes. Well Mrs Weasley was thinking about publishing a cookbook, and we were wondering for a small fee, would you print a few copies for her. Just the pages, we will use a spell to bind them to a book cover." Draco got straight to the point.
"A cookbook, how delightful. I do have the printing press and other such equipment, I still print the Quibbler. Luna had been sending me some wonderful stories about her adventures and discoveries, so I have had plenty to publish." He sipped his tea and took a moment to think.
"I wouldn't want to charge Mrs Weasley for the printing. See it as a favour between neighbours. Maybe she can water my plants when I am away visiting Luna and Rolf, see that as her payment." He offered.
Harry and Draco glanced around at the indoor plants and wondered if it was safe for Mrs Weasley to be near them.
"Yes, I am sure someone will make sure that the plants are looked after." Harry knew it would most likely be him, or one of the Weasley children, not wanting to put Mrs Weasley at risk of the strange plants. Maybe he would ask Neville to take a look at them.
"Excellent. I would prefer that she get her pages to me soon, as I will be leaving in a few weeks to join my daughter, and I won't be back for some time." He informed them.
Draco nodded, "That's fine, we can get the finished book to you by then. Thank you, Mr Lovegood, Molly and I really appreciate this."
They said their goodbyes and Mr Lovegood gave them a bag of the special blend tea. Walking back towards The Burrow, Harry laughed.
"Nargles."
Draco laughed too, "I know right. The tea tasted good, though, I hope it's not poisonous or you know..."
Harry frowned, "Um no."
"You know, when some things you eat or drink affects you and you get..." Draco made a vague gesture with his hands.
"The squits." Harry finished.
Draco looked disgusted, "Yes, but I would not have been that crude."
Harry laughed. They were laughing and joking as they walked back, Draco could not remember the last time he had smiled and laughed so much.
They gave Molly the good news that Mr Lovegood was willing to print her cookbooks, for no fee. She was ecstatic and set about cooking something special for dinner. Draco offered to help, but she waved him off and told him to go relax in the garden with Harry.
Draco took her advice, taking two drinks of lemonade out with him. He joined Harry at the picnic table, sitting opposite him.
Draco looked down at the tabletop, tracing the pattern of the wood grain with his index finger. He wanted to talk to Harry, hell he wanted to just talk about his attack in general. Ease his suffering. He did not look up, and he spoke in a low flat voice.
"I feel as if the attack was my fault somehow." He admitted.
Harry frowned, "If you didn't consent then it is rape, and it is not your fault." Harry strongly replied, getting angry, not at Draco but at the attacker, for making Draco feel he deserved it.
"You don't understand. I..I was on the streets, hungry and desperate. He...he offered me money for a sexual favour. Not sex, just oral. I was stupid and agreed. He then forced me to have sex. By accepting his offer I was...asking for it." He honestly thought that was the truth.
Harry clenched his fists, he was pleased that Draco was opening up to him. So he had to calm down, he did not want to frighten Draco. But Draco was speaking nonsense.
"No. It is not like that. No, means no, Draco. If you didn't want sex, then that should have been the end of it." He firmly replied, getting annoyed at Draco, he was still looking down at the table.
"I know. It's just a small part of me that feels it's my fault somehow." Draco tried to explain.
"There are many common myths about rape and male rape especially. Us Aurors have been trained in this slightly, you should not blame yourself. No one deserves to be raped. It is important to remember that you have done nothing wrong and that the offender is responsible for the assault." Harry protested.
Draco glanced up at Harry and nodded, returning his attention to the table top once again.
"I did not fight him off. I tried, but he was stronger than me." Draco sounded ashamed.
"It's not as simple as that." Harry kindly replied.
"No, I guess not. I was frozen in fear. I could not do anything. He locked the doors on the car and I did not know how to unlock them." His voice sounded more panicked as he spoke of the attack.
Harry reached out and touched Draco's hand, and this time, he did not jump or flinch away.
"He got a call on one of those weird muggle devices and he left after beating me. I honestly believe if he was not interrupted he would have killed me." He choked out.
Harry squeezed his hand, hoping it was reassuring him.
"I just have a sense of shock and a general feeling of numbness. So numb Harry." He said lifelessly.
Harry stood and walked around the picnic bench to sit down next to Draco. He wrapped an arm around him and pulled him down so his head was resting against his shoulder.
Draco just sat leaning on Harry, drawing on his warmth and the comfort he offered. If he thought about it, he would realise that being next to Harry like this, dulled the numbness. He could feel the tingles of sensation and emotions, and not a bleak blank and depressive numb nothingness.
"I think you have come a long way. To open up to me and talk to me about this. It's a step in the right direction." Harry encouraged.
"You think?" He sounded hopeful.
"Yes. More talking, more time around other people, and just more time, in general, you'll be back to yourself in no time." Harry confidently told Draco.
Draco shifted to lean further against Harry, "It was a life-threatening experience. I find that I am more afraid of people, afraid of being alone, afraid that the offender will return. Things which seemed safe before no longer seem that way." He admitted. It was easier saying all of this without looking at Harry.
Harry could not believe how open and honest Draco was being, with him of all people. Not like he minded, it was just surprising. He was also happy that Draco obviously trusted him, he was talking about being afraid of people, yet he was leaning against him and taking comfort from his touch. It was nice to feel like you could help someone and be needed like that.
"This fear you feel is normal and may mean that you have become more conscious of your safety. Looking after yourself and being cautious is okay. You have your wand back now. You have the protective wards around The Burrow, and you have people in your life that care for your well-being." Harry soothed.
Draco smiled, "Yeah I do," he replied agreeing with Harry. Not only did he feel connected to Harry somehow, he had Arthur and Molly. He was very blessed.
"Are you worried about Sunday dinner? The other Weasleys do not know the details of your attack. Just that you were found in a bad way and attacked. You don't have to worry about them knowing you were raped." Harry comforted.
Draco pulled away from Harry's solid chest and sat up to look at him, "I know. Thanks for this. I just... I have not been around a large group of mainly male people. I think I should at least try and stay, even if I only manage an hour." He wanted to move past the awful fear and get on with his life.
"I'll be there." He stated for reassurance, "Let's go in, dinner will be ready soon." Harry did not want to dwell on the attack, he did not want Draco to get into a funk, and start feeling depressed.
Dinner was delicious as always, and Harry and Draco were spared from trying to think of a topic of conversation. As they all talked about Mr Lovegoods generous offer and Molly's genuine happiness that she may actually publish her own book.
Harry disappeared with Arthur to his shed, and Draco retreated to his room. He was emotionally drained and needed to reflect in silence in the quiet of his room.
- TBC -
A/N: Sorry for the shortness of the chapter – I feel like death warmed up.