Thank you 'Total Boffin' for your comment, it made me laugh. I agree with your point about football (at least to the extent of their pay and the players) and would like you to suggest and alternative number that you think is more appropriate; and then I will amend the numbers. If you could either suggest the number in pounds or in gallons please as the dollar to sterling exchange rate is really annoying me at the moment!
Harry and Draco were having their final meal together with the family before they left that night to go to the Burrow. Vernon Dursley was sitting at the head of the table as the dinner was set down around them, he looked better than he had the days before, the colour was slowly coming back to his chalk white skin. When they had arrived back from their day out Vernon had nodded at Harry and even seemed quite pleasant to him; this was either because he was worried about what would happen if he pissed off two Wizards in his house, or he had actually been touched that Harry had come to see if he was okay despite their years of differences. The smile that had been on Vernon's face after being taken home from Hospital dropped as he saw the dish that Petunia had placed in front of him.
"What's this?" He grunted poking the food in front of him with his fork.
"It's part of your new diet darling." Petunia said placing her hand on his beefy shoulder. "The doctors recommended changing your diet to reduce your cholesterol."
"What is it? Where's the meat?" Vernon said looking at the plate and only seeing vegetables, and rice.
"The doctor told you to lay off the meat for a while dear." Petunia said biting her lip. "So that you don't have another, you know...heart attack." She whispered the last bit as if it was a nasty word that didn't want to say.
"Nonsense." Marge blurted out her face red from the glass of wine she had already consumed. "A man needs meat and lots of it, it's the same as dogs they just waste away if you don't give them a good portion of steak each day."
"But the doctor said." Petunia repeated looking worriedly at her husband as if she expected him to fall down dead at that moment.
"Petunia you are too trusting, these doctor types are nothing but over confident idiots who tell you to do stuff because they know they can get you to do it, they had no actual idea if it works or not." She paused to take a gulp of wine; Petunia winced as red flecks fell onto her white dining room table as Marge put her glass down. "Take this one here for example." She said pointing at Harry whose jaw tightened. "This one had been in that St. Brutus place for the past seven years and what good has that done?" She snorted. "Nothing! He's still a good for nothing waste of space, and a waste of your money, you would have been better without him. Providing him with clothes, food, and shelter; you are too loving and trusting Petunia but your sister was just the same; walked out on her family and went and married that Potter boy, she was too trusting and looked where it got her, she may have been a good woman now if it wasn't for that husband of hers." Marge brought her wine glass back up to her lips.
Petunia and Vernon were both looking at Harry in fear, waiting for something to happen, they were frozen. Harry sat there jaw tight trying to control his magic that he could feel rising in him, and he knew he was not the only one that could feel it by the look that was plastered on Draco's face who was trying to shift his chair as far away from Harry as possible without being noticed by the others. Dudley fidgeted on his seat for a bit as Marge drank as if he was trying to make up his mind before he stood up pushing his chair away and opened his mouth.
"Shut up." He said defiantly to his aunt who chocked on her mouthful of wine, everyone, including Harry, looked at Dudley in surprise.
"Excuse me?" Marge said after regaining her voice.
"Shut up. If it wasn't for Harry we probably wouldn't be alive, he is not a waste of space and he is not insane." Dudley said looking directly to the woman who was sitting before him her mouth wide open, as was everyone else's.
"How dare you talk to me like that." Marge said looking affronted. "Vernon control your son please he is taking about matters that he know nothing about."
Vernon couldn't say anything he just looked at his son in shock, he had never been this rude to anyone before, and he had never stuck up for Harry as far as he could remember. Dudley scowled. "No you don't understand, Harry is a good person who saved us all, you owe him more than you know."
"Dudley." Harry said looking at his cousin and ignoring Marge's spluttering. Dudley looked at Harry who still looked shocked. "That will do thanks." Dudley nodded and sat back down, everyone continued to stare at the boy who had sat down and started to fill his plate with food from the plates that were in front of him on the table. Draco looked at Harry his eyes wide and fearful, Harry shrugged his confusion and indicated that they should start eating as Dudley had done. Petunia sat down in her seat pale faced and stiff from her son's outburst and started to eat her food too; Vernon did the same so shocked that he didn't even taste the food that was in front of him. Silence filled the room as everyone but Marge ate quietly and quickly, Marge remained sitting there still in shock.
"I think it's time that we should be leaving for the station don't you think." Petunia said looking at Marge nervously, this seemed to shake her out of her state of shock.
"Yes, I believe it is." Marge stood up from the table. "Goodbye Vernon, hope you feel better soon sorry I couldn't stay longer, and Dudley." She said pulling the boy into her arms and giving him a big hug. "Goodbye." Dudley broke away with a 20 pound note clutched in his hand, Marge walked out of the room picked up her bags in the hallway and walked to the car.
"What was that about?" Draco said out loud to the shock of Vernon who was still sitting there slightly dazed.
"I erased their memories." Harry muttered to Draco sheepishly.
"You what!" He whispered back eyes popping.
"It wouldn't be something that you would like to remember would it?" Harry whispered back.
"When are you off boy?" Vernon said gruffly to Harry.
"We will be leaving in a few minutes after we have packed up our stuff." Harry answered his uncle ignoring Draco's aghast look.
"Good, good." He said awkwardly. "And where are you off to?"
Harry's forehead creased was his Uncle showing concern for him? "I am going to the Wesley's house and we are going to stay there until after Christmas." Harry said. Him and Draco had decide to go straight to the Burrow after visiting the Dursley's it made more sense than returning straight home.
"Yes I remember them." Harry saw the flash of unconcealed anger and fear cross Vernon's face. "How are you getting there?" He asked his small eyes flicked to the door into the living room.
"We are apperating, not using the fire this time." Harry said trying not to grin at the memory of the time that the Weasley's had tried to get to him through the floo network.
"Good, good." His uncle said again his face relaxing slightly.
"We better get our stuff together." Harry said awkwardly standing up, Draco followed.
When they reached their room Draco shut the door behind them and turned to look accusingly at Harry. "You could have seriously damaged them if you had done that wrong, and what were you thinking placing a memory charm upon them!"
"I did it so that they could still be a family." Harry said running his hands through his hair. "And I do know how to place a memory charm on people properly Draco, I wouldn't have done it otherwise."
"The things that woman said though, about you and your parents, that was out of order what your cousin said was need to be said." Draco said exasperated.
"I know, but it's better for her not to know, I never have to see her again anyway." Harry said sitting down on the corner of the bed.
"The magic inside of you, it was out of control, how did you manage living in this place for so long without letting it loose?" Draco asked the memory of the feel of Harry's magic rising inside of him, unchecked, raw, and powerful.
"I didn't, sometimes it let loose. This one time when I was eleven I was at the zoo, it was Dudley's birthday and I was talking to this snake, I didn't know what I was doing then but my cousin came over and pushed me out of the way, I was angry and somehow I made the glass disappear letting the snake loose." Harry smiled slightly at the memory of that day.
"Yeah because that's normal." Draco muttered under his breath rolling his eyes. Harry chuckled; they looked at each other before bursting out laughing. Harry fell back on to the bed clutching his stomach, tears falling out of his eyes from laughter. "The look on your aunt and uncles faces!" Draco said though his laughter.
"The look on Marge's." Harry said laughing still harder. When they finally stopped Harry sat up and looked at Draco who was sprawled out on the floor. He felt a flurry of emotion fly through him, he smiled warmly at the blonde boy that was still chuckling slightly on the floor, his grey eyes alight with laughter.
"What?" Draco asked as he met Harry's gaze.
"Nothing." Harry said blushing and turning away to look round the room. "We better get packed then." He said looking around at the mess that was strewn around the room.
Draco groaned. "Christmas with the Wesley's!" Harry ignored him and stated magically to pack all the loose items into their bags so that they would ready to leave for the Burrow. Harry just hoped that it was okay brining Draco; he wasn't too sure how sincere Mrs. Weasley had been when she said that he could come.
Ten minutes later they were ready, they were standing in the hall Draco was standing awkwardly behind Harry as Harry said his equally awkward goodbyes.
"Goodbye boy." Vernon nodded to Harry who nodded back.
"Goodbye." Petunia said stiffly, Harry nodded to her too and then turned to Dudley.
"Bye Dudley." Harry said extending his hand for Dudley to shake. Instead Dudley pulled Harry forward into another bone crushing hug; Draco had to hide a snort of laughter at the shocked faces of the other Dursley's and the small scream that Harry had emitted when dragged forward.
"Come back soon." Dudley said finally releasing Harry.
"Okay I'll try." Harry said backing away from his cousin. "We better go, bye." Harry said trying to walk out of the house before anything else could happen.
"Nice meeting you Draco." Dudley said extending his hand to a confused Draco who shook it.
"Goodbye." Draco said looking at the Muggles before him. "Thank you for letting me stay."
Harry gave one last wave to his relatives as they walked out the front door and out into the cool night air. Neither said anything to the other, they were both too wrapped up in their own thoughts. Harry gave a sidelong look towards Draco trying to work out the feelings that were flowing through him for the blonde boy. Were they more than just friends? There was something between them but what was it? Were they really falling for each other? Harry bit his lip; this was going to be more awkward than he had thought. His best friend who hated Draco who could possibly be his new love interest, his ex-girl friend with his possible new love interest who was a boy, and that was not to mention the rest of the Weasley's all of whom hated the Malfoy's. What the hell had he done? Harry sighed, taking Draco's hand to lead him to the Burrow by appiration ignoring Draco's slightly surprised face. Draco's hand was warm and welcoming sending a prickling feeling up to the back of Harry's neck. Harry locked eyes with Draco and he knew that he felt the same sensation. Then they were off, to a Christmas that they would never forget.
Harry stumbled slightly as he arrived at the Burrow tripping up slightly on a stone that lay on the ground where he landed; Draco quickly took hold of his upper arm to steady him they ended up inches apart hands still clasped together. Draco's heart started beating hard as he let forward slightly; Harry leaned forward too his eyes closing, but they were interrupted by a voice sounding behind them.
"Harry there you are I was wondering when you would be arriving." It was Mrs. Weasley making her way over the gravel in her slippers and kitchen apron to greet them. Draco took a step back from Harry dropping his hand quickly and looking down at the ground as Mrs. Weasley took Harry into her arms in a motherly hug. If Draco thought it was awkward living with Harry's aunt and uncle it would be nothing like living here with the Weasley's who were Harry's real loving family. "How's your uncle all better?" She asked worry filling her face.
"Yeah, he's out of hospital now all he has to do it take care of himself and take his medicine then he should be okay." Harry said grinning at the Weasley mother warmly.
"How are you Draco?" She asked turning to look at Draco who's head shot up in surprise at being addressed.
"I'm fine thank you." He said placing his Malfoy mask to hide the warmth that he felt for the woman who was able to welcome him into her home no matter what their family differences were.
"No you're not!" She said placing her hands on her hips and frowning running her eyes over the blonde boy before her. "You haven't been eating properly, come one let's get some food into you." She said leading the way towards the house. "The others will be so pleased to see you but first you must have something to eat."
"But Mrs. Weasley we have already had dinner." Harry said as they entered the kitchen.
"Nonsense Harry, I know what those muggles feed you and it is not dinner." Mrs. Weasley said as she started to bustle round the kitchen making pans fly. Harry had to agree with her; though he had been given more food than usual it still was a pitiful amount.
Harry looked over at Draco and watched him tap his fingers on the table his head hung slightly making his hair fall over his face shielding him from Harry's state. Now that Mrs. Weasley mentioned it Draco did look thinner, too thin. Harry watched as he saw Draco's bony fingers move, how had he not noticed, he had shared a bed with the boy, he had held his hand. Harry blushed, had he been too caught up in the moment to realise?
"Eat up dears." Mrs. Weasley said placing two plates filled with sausages, scrambled egg and bacon in front of them, suddenly Harry was starving. "I'll tell the others you are here." She said walking out of the kitchen and up the rickety stairs.
"Draco are you okay, you do look a little thin." Harry said as he took a mouthful of food, watching as Draco mealy played with the plate of food in front of him, suddenly realising that he hadn't seen Draco eat much the whole time that he had been staying with him except for the muggle food that was later thrown up because of the sheer amount that he had eaten.
"I don't have much of an appetite." Draco murmured.
"Why?" Harry asked putting down his fork. Draco looked up into Harry's eyes then looked back down at the table. "Draco you can't punish yourself forever." Harry said realising what Draco was doing. He knew what it was like to feel pain but not be able to express it, to know that you had caused others pain but was fine yourself; it hurt more than anything and Draco right now was punishing himself for the pain that he had caused.
"Why not?" Draco said his voice hard but underneath Harry could hear the sorrow of someone that felt like they had no way out.
"Because it doesn't help, and it will cause more people pain if you continue to do so." Harry said biting his lip.
"Like who?" Draco snorted.
"Me." Draco looked up into Harry's green eyes seeing the worry that was in them, he felt ashamed.
"Hey how are you, how were the muggles." Ron said cheerfully coming down the stairs and inadvertently breaking the mood that had been filling the kitchen at that moment.
Harry pulled his eyes away from Draco as he saw Draco lower his head over his food and start to eat, he saw the hunger there and was amazed that Draco managed to control himself and eat with more manners than he could have ever done. "They were fine thanks." Harry smiling at his best friend who proceeded to sit in the empty chair next to Harry and grab a piece of bacon and eat it. "How's everything here?"
"Good, Charlie is coming tomorrow, Bill and Fleur are coming on Christmas Day and George is already here as is Percy." Ron explained to Harry.
"Harry you're here!" Ginny exclaimed bounding down the stairs and pulling into a hug kissing him on the cheek. Draco felt a fire erupt inside of him resulting him in having to try and not shout at the red headed girl to leave well alone; instead he went back to his food keeping his head down. "How is everything?" She asked dropping into the empty chair on Harry's other side giving a quick look to Draco before returning her eyes to Harry.
"The house is all done and it looks amazing, Kreature really did well, my uncle is out of hospital and is back at home and Dudley is still as bad as always but seems to have forgottern the childhood we spent together with him and his gang chasing me round and using me as their punch bag." Harry said laughing. "Marge was there also, remember her?"
"You didn't blow her up this time?" A voice asked from the entrance into the kitchen, there in the door way was George who stood leaning against the door frame. The others laughed, Draco stopped eating and looked confused.
"No I didn't blow her up. Dudley came to my rescue before I could do anything of the sort." Harry said laughing.
"I would have liked to see that." Ron said smirking. "I can't believe that you are only staying here until boxing day!" Ron complained.
"Yeah, we still have Christmas." Harry yawned widely and pushed his empty plate away from him. "I think I better get to bed. Where are we staying in your room?" Harry asked Ron.
Ron shook his head. "Mum thought that it would be best if you and Draco had your own room." Ron explained shooting a glance towards the Slytherin.
"For some reason she's doesn't trust us not to harm him." George said grinning.
"Really I wonder why." Harry said laughing. "So where are we sleeping?"
"You and Malfoy are in my room." George said a small grimace flickered on his face. "I'm in Ron's when Charlie gets here she didn't seem to trust me with Percy either." He winked at Harry who laughed again.
"I'll see you tomorrow." Harry said picking up his bag and walking towards the exit to the kitchen.
"Yeah will do, night." The other's called. Harry sent the plates over to the sink by a wave of his wand Draco walked behind Harry.
"Goodnight Malfoy." They said half-heartedly, Draco turned towards them inclined his head in response and followed Harry up the stairs for his first night in the Burrow.
Draco woke up with a start, the sky outside was still pitch black, he looked at his watch; it was three in the morning, what could have possibly woke him up so early. He rolled over and was just about to go back to sleep before he heard a moan. He looked at the canopy above him where the boy-who-lived was sleeping above him in the bunk beds. Draco turned red; he was used to this at some point during the time at Hogwarts when sharing a room with four hormone charged boys this had to occur, but by third year most had managed to create silencing charms around their beds to keep their dreams to themselves. Harry moaned again. Having Harry laying above him sounding as if he was enjoying himself was too much for Draco, he could not deny that he felt something for Harry anymore he was finding it hard to keep control of himself as he tried not to hope that Harry was dreaming about him.
"Draco." Harry muttered. That did it for Draco he reached for his wand, he could not lay there and listen to Harry dream of him; he had two choices either block it out or waken Harry up and help him out with his 'problem'. Draco didn't know exactly where they stood with one another but did not really want to find out in the early hours of this morning. Just as Draco got hold of his wand to create a silencing spell around his bed Harry yelled out. Draco bolted up right and got out his bed, standing up he could see Harry thrashing about on the bed above him, covered in cold sweat, with a pained expression. "Don't no!" Harry called out. "No, take me instead."
Draco stood there in shock watching as Harry twisted and tuned obviously not having the dream Draco though that he was having. Harry yelled out again. Draco couldn't allow Harry to continue like this; he looked as if he was in pain. Draco shook Harry.
"Harry wake up!" Draco said urgently, feeling Harry's hot skin covered in sweat beneath his hand. "Harry, wake up!" Draco said more forcefully. Harry's green eyes flew open, his pupils dilated making the green of his iris a small frame around the black. He was breathing hard and shaking. "Harry you okay?" Draco asked worriedly looking at Harry as he looked around the room scanning the dark corners.
"It was a dream?" Harry asked looking at Draco, sitting up on the side on the bed his feet dangling off the edge.
"Yeah." Draco said watching as Harry ran his hands through his hair in a motion that Draco found to be a rather amusing awkward habit of Harry's.
"Good for a second I thought..." Harry trailed off looking into Draco's orbs of silver. "Nothing, it was just a bad dream. We best get to bed." Draco nodded placing his wand on the bed side table and starting to stoop down to get back into the lower bunk. "Draco." Harry said, Draco stood back up and looked up at Harry who was still sitting on the bed.
"Yes."
"Goodnight." Harry smiled at him and lay back down to sleep. Draco looked confused for a few moments before lying back down in his bed.
"Goodnight." He murmured to Harry before he fell to sleep. Harry however laid there eyes open staring at the ceiling trying to get the image of Voldemort killing Draco in the department of mysteries out of his head, but he couldn't he was so fearful; when he found it was only a dream he was filled with relief like nothing that he had ever felt, could it be that Harry Potter had fallen for Draco Malfoy, could he be in love with his rival?
I know Dudley was a bit off character but like everyone else they have be changed by the war. Christmas should be coming soon. Thanks for reading.
