I know it's been awhile, but my mom just got 2 new puppies and I lovers them very much! Alright, going to be updating Something so Small today as well, I pray that you will read both. I want to thank all the subscriptions, but if you wouldn't mind reviewing, I appreciate all ideas, questions, comments, concerns, etc. etc. If you want to see something happen, I am all ears. I may not use your exact idea, but at the very least the basic outline. Thank you all, I love each one of you so dearly!
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Saw your photo shoot in Witch Weekly. Very nice might I say. It has been so long, and I know both of us are very busy, but if it all possible I'd like to grab lunch with you today. To catch up so to speak. Just send a yes or no back. If yes, meet me at The Leaky Cauldron at 1.
H. Potter
I stare dumbfounded at the memo. It was such a waste of paper. He has done this before, and then something "came up" so to speak. Once again, I scribble a "yes" reply, and send it off. We shall see if he even shows up. The rest of my morning is spent tracking down all the eleven year olds who need their Hogwarts letter this month. As I finish up the roster and send it off to McGonnagal, The clock chimes 1. I step into my fire place and floo my way to The Leaky Cauldron. As I step into the lamp light, Tom greets me, saying Harry has not arrived, but will shortly. I scoff and plop down at the nearest table, ready to once again drink my sorrows away. 1:30 rolls around, and I am on my second bottle of Fire Whiskey, when the fireplace roars to life, revealing Harry.
He is looking very ragged these days. His skin is thin and worn, his hair a mess. The bags under his eyes indicate he hasn't been sleeping, and there is 5 o'clock shadow upon his cheek. I can't even tell when he last ate. His eyes are sunken back and don't shine the way they used to. As he sits down, I can't help but stare at the remains of my love. "Harry," I whisper, "What's happened to you?" He sighs as he lowers himself into the chair across from me. "Working. They are after the old Death Eaters once again. There is a new threat, and the Ministry is convinced your crowd knows something about it." I stare at him in disbelief.
"I thought we were all pardoned after we allowed them to put a trace on our wands," I said as my voice shook. I have done nothing wrong, but it is still unnerving to know that once again my family may be in danger; my father more than myself. "You were, but what they didn't tell you is if another threat appears, you are all guilty until proven innocent. We haven't hit the Malfoys yet, but in a few weeks we will. How is your father?" I order him a hot meal of oatmeal and reply, "Father was released about three weeks ago. I pleaded his case and asked that since he is dying of sickness, if he may do so at home. He is fragile, and upset with me that he does not have a grandson." Harry stiffened and said slowly, "For his sake, I hope he dies before we reach your family, or the shock will kill him." The rest of the meal is spent playing catch up and making promises he will visit me at my flat.
As we stand up to go our separate ways, myself to Hogwarts and he wherever his next interview is, he reaches out to shake my hand. I place mine in his and he pulls me into a hug. He kisses the side of my head and whispers, "I love you," before disapperating. I sigh as I apperate to Hogsmead and begin my walk up to the castle. Clearly the ministry has been keeping ex Death Eaters in the dark, because everyone on the street averted their eyes. The farther I walk, the more I realize it isn't out of fear, but, sadness I suppose. Shrugging, I continue my hike.
Upon entering the castle, I am greeted with the warm feeling of sanctuary. Classes aren't starting for another few months, but already Filch is busy cleaning the castle top to bottom. I head for McGonnagal's office, the gargoyle in front gleaming in the sunlight. I lay my hand on its head and it springs aside, revealing the familiar stone steps. I slowly begin my ascent, fearing returning to this office. Ever since Serverus passed, I have not been able to bring myself to see his portrait hanging in there, beside Dumbledore. I knock on her door, and a stern, "Enter," greets my ears.
There she stood, so small and frail looking, I find it hard to believe she is still alive. She has her back to me, conversing with Professors Dumbledore and Snape. I stiffen as I hear his voice. Approaching carefully so as to not be in his line of sight, I clear my throat. McGonnagal turns on her heel and stares me down. "I got your letter Mr. Malfoy. What more can I do for you? Other than offer you our vacant teaching position for Potions. Professor Slughorn has retired for good at the end of last year." Her weary eyes almost make me accept the position on the spot, but I manage to compose myself and reply, "I will consider it. May I speak with Professor Snape?" She nods and steps aside, revealing a portrait of my old friend. It does not do the man who was more of a father to me than my own any justice.
"Sir, father sends his regards. He is home you see, and wants me to relay a message to you." His face hardened in its frame and he crossed his arms, "What could he possibly have to say to me? Sorry boy, but your father was a coward." I nod in agreement, "But he had his brave moments Sir. All he asks is for your forgiveness, and offers his thanks." Snape nodded and retreated to the back of his portrait. I took this as my signal to leave. I confirmed that I would notify Professor McGonnagal by the end of the month as to whether or not I would be teaching.
As I drug myself upstairs to my flat (my muggle neighbors think I'm shooting a gun if I apperate) my thoughts return to Harry and how bad off he looks. I turn the corner to head down the hall to my flat, when I see a ministry member outside my door, "How may I help you tonight," I question as I approach. He turns to face me and its none other than Ron Weasley. "We need to talk. It's about Harry."
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