Granger's Café

Pairing: Draco/Harry.

Disclaimer: Hermione decides that the drama in the wizarding world is growing too much. She decides to open up a café in the muggle world, so as to enjoy simplicity during the day. Little does she know that one of the applicants for a job there, will cause a whole new circle of drama for her. And how exactly will her little café benefit Harry and Draco's lives, and how will it banish the drama from both worlds they live in? You know what they say, about Granger's café; her food is like magic, that's what they say, because it keeps all your problems and troubles at bay.

Chapter Nine: Bad News

"Al? AL! Come on Albus, wake up!"

The sleeping eleven-year-old whined and puled the cover's higher over his brunette hair. "Leave me alone ... I'm sleeping" he buried himself deeper into the soft sheets of his four-poster bed, clinging onto the warm haze of sleep. The emerald green blankets were ripped from his body exposing his pyjama clad limbs to the cool morning air. Albus groaned and rolled onto his back to see who was annoying him at this early hour. A small smile treated his pink lips when he caught sight of a finely dressed Scorpius Malfoy at the side of his bed. They had befriended one another one the train. Albus was the only one with a lone compartment and Scorpius had nowhere else to seek solace. So Albus had gladly shared the apartment with the blonde boy, and soon they had started talking about their holidays, their parents and other such nonsense that seemed relevant to young boys. "Oh Morning Scorp" he mumbled, rubbing at his bleary green eyes. "What time is it?"

"Almost eight o'clock, sleepy, you missed breakfast but I scavenged some toast and bacon for you. It's still warm" Albus looked up at Scorpius as the blonde emptied out a serviette onto his blanket, placing the food upon it. Scorpius sat down on the end of Albus' bed and watched as Albus started to eat the cooling breakfast. "Is it any good?"

Albus looked up at the hopeful eyes from the blonde boy and smiled, nodding as he had a mouthful of bacon. He swallowed. "Lovely" Scorpius smiled with relief before turning and digging something else out of his pocket.

"A letter arrived for you down at breakfast. I don't know why it did not come up here instead, but the owl looked a little deluded in all retrospect"

Albus smiled and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He polished off the rest of the food before reaching out for the letter Scorpius was holding in his delicate pale white hands. Albus sometimes thoughts Scorpius lacked in some protein or calcium as his skin was unnaturally white. Scorpius flashed him a smile and handed over the letter. Albus inspected the handwriting and smiled, "it's from my dad" Scorpius nodded with a small smile and waited for Albus to read the letter before asking any questions. He watched as Albus; face swam through many emotions; delighted, confused, horrified and then stunned disbelief. Scorpius felt his heart sink a little.

Scorpius swallowed thickly, "what's wrong?" Albus felt numb. So numb he was unable to speak. He tried to clear his throat but was unable to speak. With shaking hands he handed the letter over the napkin for Scorpius to read. Frowning Scorpius took the letter and proceeded to read it.

My Darling Albus,

I am currently writing two letters, one to you and one to your brother. I am sorry that the first letter I write to you when you have barely started school brings bad news but it is better that you know now rather than later.

Once you left the platform on the train, I am sad to say your mother's irrational behaviour rose out of control and ... it became clear to me that we could not live with her any more. I moved out a few days later with Lily when the arguments grew worse. We are now living at Remus and Sirius' for the time being at least, until we can find a suitable place.

I know you will want more answers but just reply to me, I will give you all the information you need. I know this is a lot to absorb in such a blunt letter but- I hope you can forgive me. I know you must hate me for springing all of this on you, only adding to the stress of school.

Write me back as soon as you can,

All my love,

Dad x

Scorpius felt the blood thumping in his head. He looked up at Albus who had begun to dress himself mechanically. "Albus I am so sorry" he really was. He knew Albus adored his family, though he was vague when it came to his mother. Albus shook his head and continued straightening up his tie in the mirror. A heavy silence washed over them. Scorpius stood up and came to a stop behind Albus. He hesitated a brief moment before wrapping his arms around the half-dressed boy in front of him. Albus froze as he felt Scorpius rest his head between his shoulder blades. "How do you feel about it all, Al?"

"Mother had always been a bitch to Lily and to dad. She spoilt James and I since we were small" Albus sighed, "I guess I don't care it'll just be weird not smelling her stifling perfume, not that that's such a loss"

Scorpius managed a stiff smile before giving one last squeeze and releasing his friend, a faint blush tinting his cheeks, "you'd best get dressed, classes start in fifteen minutes" Albus nodded and had to admit that he was feeling a lot better. Scorpius had magical hugs, he was sure of it.

"Scorpius" the blonde looked up as he was about to reach for the door handle to leave the dorms. He cocked a sleek blonde eyebrow waiting for what Albus had to say. "Thank you" The blonde Slytherin grinned brightly, making the room suddenly lighter. Albus felt himself flush and ran a hand through his hair, instantly messing it up. Scorpius smiled, shaking his head.

"I'll wait for you in the common room"

Albus smiled, "you don't have to Scorp, I'll be fine"

"Albus I said I'd wait. Don't make me change my mind" they both laughed and Albus watched as Scorpius left him to finish getting dressed. Albus felt like he was the luckiest boy in the world, to have Scorpius as a friend.

~0000~

Tick ... tock ... tick ... tock ...

It was almost like his time-line was fading away. It made him feel awful, like a stone had settled in the pit of his stomach. His chest was unbearably tight making it harder and harder for him to breathe. He ran a hand through his hair and felt that his forehead was sweaty. He could not do this. He loved working for Hermione, albeit she was fairly bossy when tense, but he adored making small cakes and serving people who tipped him gratefully for his customs. So why was he feeling this ... useless? "I need my son" he managed to choke with a razor dry throat. It hurt to talk or even breathe. He knew he should probably get some help but he convinced himself it was just one of those muggle 24-hour bugs. They came and went. He sighed and decided to run himself a nice warm bath. He decided that after the bath, he would write to Scorpius. Even if it was just to say 'hello' to his son. He blanched. He didn't even know what house he had been sorted into.

~00000~

Harry had returned that afternoon to Hermione's thriving little café and was impressed with the way customer's continuously came in along with a group of friends' often saying, "the cakes are great here" and "wait until you try the sandwiches!" It made Harry smile as he walked inside and ordered a plate of sandwiches at a small table by the windows that over looked onto the garden. He still had not heard back from the University but he had already began jotting down ideas. He had no idea what they were for but he flipped through them in various orders and found that in several different order's, they made a fairly intriguing story. He paused and gnawed on his lip as he drummed his fingertips on the tabletop. "Maybe I could write a random Muggle book and see if I get any spare money if it sells" he mused at himself as his drink arrived. "Thank you Mon-" he blinked in confusion before looking around. Where was Mona? Come to that, where was Malfoy? Not that he cared, but he had assumed that this was 'all Malfoy had' so why was he letting go of it already? When his food came he suddenly realised that he had no appetite for the three sandwiches on the plate. He pursed his lips before stuffing his stomach full of the sandwiches and then stretched. Walking up to the counter, he paid for the food and left. Once outside he did not turn left in the direction of the subway. Instead, he turned right, to the direction of the alley that ran along the back of Hermione's café.

The alley was long and narrow and crammed with the neighbouring buildings trash cans that were over-flowing with the weeks garbage. The cobblestones felt awkward beneath his feet as he walked. He slid alongside the alleyway and kept his eyes trained alongside the wall of Hermione's building. Where was the bloody door? To the back entrance? He was sure it was down this alley. Then he found it. A small wood work door with a brass lock set into it looked out of place in the grey side of the building. It was a dribble of summer in the midst of winter. He knew what would be on the other side of the door; a small 4x4 area with a small welcome mat, then a white-washed staircase that led up to the first landing, which had two bedrooms on either side of the small aisle that separated the rooms. Directly opposite on the other side of the landing, was another staircase leading down the small aisle between the toilets and the kitchen.

He knew Malfoy's room would be the one on the left, turning a corner and walking down a narrow hallway. All of the floor is covered in thick fluffy carpet. In the winter it would get extremely cold in the winter and would only be worse if they all had hardwood floors. He drew in a deep breath before closing the door against the sunlight and making his way up the cool staircase. A surge of anxiety trembled through his veins as he found Malfoy's sapphire blue apartment door standing ajar. He held his breath and drew out his wand as he slowly entered the apartment.

Draco, who had run a warm bath and had began his calming techniques; holding his breath, closing his eyes and sliding under the water for a minute at a time before resurfacing for air. He had been under the water when Harry entered his apartment and so did not hear a sound. It did not take Harry long to detect where Draco actually was. He unlocked the door with a silent spell and stepped inside. He blanched and felt his heart stop. "Malfoy?" No answer. Not even a bubble. "Malfoy? Get up!" throwing his want to one side, Harry fell to his knees, plunged his hands into the cooling water and wrenched Draco out into the fresh air. The blonde gasped and spluttered for air, wet arms grabbing onto Harry's neck as water ran into his red, sleepless eyes. Harry leant over and grabbed a towel wrapping it around the blonde's body as he convulsed and choked on the air as though he had forgotten how to breathe.

He pushed his back against the wall in a sitting position and held Draco against his chest in a tight grip, waiting calmly for Draco's pale body to settle down. His skin was freezing cold. "Come on, Malfoy, breathe"

"I -was breathing -you twat!" the blonde gasped, jerking slightly out of Harry's firm hold, and not managing to move much further away. Harry loosened his grip and watched as Malfoy wriggled closed to a radiator beneath the towel rack. He watched the blonde huddle up, drawing her knees up to his chin and rocking slightly. Deciding to leave Malfoy where he was, Harry went into the bedroom and was not surprised to find it immaculately tidy. Did Draco suffer from O.C.D.? After opening a few drawers he managed to locate a pair of clean, winter pyjamas. He placed the garments on the radiator in the hallway just outside the bathroom door. He waited for what he felt like was twenty minutes before gathering the pyjamas in his arms. He quickly man-handled Malfoy in the garments and was satisfied when the blonde shivered against the warmth that brushed against his pale, luminous skin.

Without waiting for protests Harry gathered Malfoy's thin body in his arms and carried him into the living room. He placed the young man on the sofa and pulled a blue blanket out onto his shoulders. "How do you feel Malfoy?"

"Worse than I did before"

Harry frowned taking a seat onto the sofa. Malfoy drew his feet away slightly. "What were you doing in there?"

Malfoy glared at him, "that, you idiot, was what I do to relax" he sighed and shrugged his shoulder, "doesn't matter. Would you like something to drink?"

Harry frowned, "uh no ..."

"It's not poisoned, Potter, for once in your life you can accept a beverage from me" Malfoy snapped tiredly.

"I have my reasons for not particularly trusting you, you know that Malfoy, so why all of a sudden do you want me to change that?"

"I don't" Malfoy stated with cold eyes, "but for some reason you keep showing up here and I can only be civil for you for so long before you thoroughly piss me the hell off"

"This is you being 'civil'?" Harry snorted, "you're lucky your customers like the food here" Malfoy glared at Harry's head. Harry ignored him. "Well as you're alive I might as well go now"

"You were not welcome up here in the first place" Malfoy growled, burrowing deeper into the blanket. "Stop trying to act like the fucking hero Potter. For once in your pathetic little life be HUMAN!"

Harry whirled around just as he reached the door. Malfoy's words had hit a spot, but he could not fathom why? "HERO? YOU THINK I WANTED TO BE THIS?"

"Oh here we go!" Malfoy yelled, thrusting himself onto his feet and sneering up. Harry frowned but barely had a chance to open his mouth to speak Malfoy jumped down his throat once again, "it's always 'I never wanted this', 'I'm so full of tragedy worship the ground I walk on because I'm a Saint'! Fucking Hell Potter do you realise how boring that broken record of yours is? Everyone knows the Weaslette was a how, before after and during your twisted disease of a marriage! DEAL WITH IT! AND GET THE HELL OUT OF MY LIFE!"

Harry was about to retort to everything when Malfoy grabbed the front of his shirt and pushed him further and further away. The next thing he knew was the apartment door slamming shut in his face and the contacts of the rooms beyond was being destroyed.

~0000~

Scorpius flinched as he settled down in Potions beside Albus. A sudden migraine had appeared but it felt worse, like it was someone else's pain. His frown deepened and he leant forward, rubbing his temples. He felt this way before, when his father had been thrown into the dungeons of their Manor. He wished he knew what had happened to him. He missed his father so much, there was only so much that his peers could do to distract him. He jumped slightly when he felt a hand en-lace with his own. He looked down and saw Albus' hand sliding slightly in his own. "Al, what are you-?"

"Is everything okay, you look paler than normal?" Scorpius smiled slightly at that but said nothing else. "Do you want me to take you to the infirmary?"

Scorpius shook his head, "no I will be alright, just catch me if I fall over, okay?"

Albus' worried green eyes melted into adoration, "of course I will. I wouldn't want you to mess that pretty blonde hair of yours up" Scorpius blushed as he turned his attention to the blackboard. It would not do to have his Professor angry at him.

Later that night Scorpius watched from across the room as Albus dressed and climbed into bed. He had arrive late at the dorms as he had written a letter to his father. Scorpius gnawed his bottom lips. He wished he could write to his Father but he had no idea what to say. What if he was still under the Manor? How would he write back to him? He ran a hand through his hair. "Al?"

Albus startled, half-way into bed. He was not aware that Scorpius was awake. "Yes?"

"I'm scared"

"Of what?"

"My Father" he paused "I do not know where he is and I am scared to find out"

Albus sympathised with his friend. He understood. "I know how you feel, Scorp, and if you want I can help you find him?"

Scorpius felt his stomach drop. He did not want Albus to get in trouble for what his family was possibly plotting. "You're sweet to offer"

Albus smiled through the gloom. The mattress squeaked as he climbed into bed. Before he switched off the light he looked over at the blonde boy and frowned. He really did look ill, especially the solemn look buried their in the pits of his silvery-blue eyes. "Scorp?"

"Yes?"

"Would you like to come in and sleep with me?"

"Sleep as in sleep?"

"Of course as in sleep" Albus was glad it was dark so that Scorpius would not be able to see him blush. "Well are you coming or what?"

Scorpius only too happily left the safety of his own bed, padded across the room and slid into the cool covers and waited for Albus to wriggle down beside him before casting 'nox' on the bedside lamp. "Thanks you Albus"

"For what?" his breath ghosted against the cool tip of Scorpius' nose.

"Being here for me. You don't have to help me find my father"

"Nonesense. I want to. Besides it's an adventure"

Scorpius nodded and grinned sleepily at his friends' enthusiasm. "Adventure" he breathed allowing Albus to wrap his arms around him, "I just hope we find him before my family do" Albus merely nuzzled his forehead as he drifted off into sleep.

A/N: Well here is chapter nine at long last. Sorry I have been severely ill these past few weeks and I hope this makes up for the wait.