A/N: I was going to flesh this chapter out a bit more, but, um, Independence Day was on. . .

The Seventh Year

Chapter 9

The Eavesdropping and the Strange Revelation

Erin almost made it. Almost.

She cursed and stepped back into the supplies closet, praying that whoever it was strolling into Slughorn's office would leave quickly.

"Oh, I wish he were here," came Professor Vector's voice. "He probably would have had at least some sort of idea for you."

"I guess it is alright, Professor," and Erin was almost shocked to hear Malfoy's voice, although she had seen him with Vector before. "I'll just have to come up with matching costumes for Benz and I."

"You could ask her what she thinks, you know," the professor said gently.

Draco snorted. "No, she definitely hates me after the stunt I pulled in her room yesterday.
I have to let her cool off first, and we only have two days before the Halloween Feast."

"If that is one thing you must learn about women, then you must learn it now," Vector told the Head Boy. "A woman who is a friend will be quick to forgive, but a woman who has been made an enemy will hold a grudge for many moons. My Severus learned that the hard way."

There was a brief silence before he spoke and when he did Erin could hear the sorrow in Malfoy's voice. "Professor—"

"Just Pri, if you don't mind dear. You are making me feel old."

"Pri, then. Did my godfather. . .was he ever able to reconcile himself with. . .you know. . ."

"They never spoke again," and Vector's voice held a sorrow just as deep as Malfoy's. "I could never compare to Lily Evans in his mind, but I made do. I understood. No man could match my first love, either. But I will tell you one thing, Draco."

"Yes?"

"Do not be afraid of your emotions. Your godfather told you this, I am sure. His conformity to the male identity of Slytherin cost him his best friend, his love, and ultimately his life. Don't waste the gift he gave you. He spent many years protecting you. Learn from his mistakes."

"But Professor—"

"Trust me," Vector said softly. Erin let out a breath she hadn't known she was holding. Vector and Snape? Who knew? "Severus wanted you to be happy, and safe. Trust your instincts. And remember what I said about women. That is my gift to you."

"Thank you, Pri," he whispered, and Erin could have sworn that the Malfoy heir actually sounded like he meant it. "Knowing that you supported my godfather through everything and that you believe wholeheartedly in what he taught me means more than you could ever know."

"Oh I know," Vector said, a strange sort of amusement entering into her voice. "I know. Let's go whip together a few designs from this magazine, shall we? I don't think Horace will mind if we borrow it."

Erin slumped in relief as the two exited the office as silently as they had come in. She darted from the closet and disappeared up a set of narrow stairs, loping towards her common room as fast as she could. Draco Malfoy was capable of feelings. Well, she had known that. But strong feelings. This was good to know.

This was very good to know. Maybe she would forgive him after all, although that decision might have been influenced by the model pose plastered to her ceiling.

A/N: This was done as a favor to a friend, because I love you girl, and because what awesome dude like Draco Malfoy doesn't need some really fantastic advice from a motherly role model?

That button down there XD