3/ An Understanding

Draco really didn't understand why Harry had just saved him from a life in Azkaban. Just the fact that he didn't turn Harry over to his aunt couldn't possibly be the only motive Harry had for saving him. Draco pondered this for days after his trial but for the time being he didn't have much time to think of anything as he had started his Healer Training Course at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. He had time-out from his training today in order to buy ingredients for his practical examinations. As soon as they had said this, Draco's stomach dropped, he thought his NEWTS would have been his last exams, but he didn't worry too much as he had always had an aptitude for potions. 'Second only to Hermione Granger' he thought to himself. He stopped in his tracks – he hadn't thought about her in what seemed like forever. Still had the wild bushy hair and slightly bucked teeth. He smirked to himself as he remembered the time he hexed her and her teeth grew ridiculously long. 'Changed ways now though' he thought with a small smile.

Draco enjoyed walking, especially through Muggle London, he enjoyed 'people watching' too, and as he made his way to the Leaky Cauldron he once again let his mind wander to his trial and the moment of relief when Harry spoke in his defence. That was the moment he knew that he was a free man. He was the 'typical good guy' mused Draco 'but insanely attractive at the same time' his thoughts added. Draco's eyes widened as this revelation sank in. Draco knew he was gay of course, but being infatuated with Harry Potter of all people? No, surely not. 'Honestly' he thought 'get a grip, this is stupid... all the same' his brain helpfully supplied 'he's still good looking'. At this, Draco shook his head as if to clear it from all thoughts of the Boy Wonder.

He walked through the Leaky Cauldron trying his best to ignore the stares and hushed whispers that, nowadays, seemed to follow him everywhere. The people knew of course, exactly what happened at Draco's trial. As if the Ministry could keep that information out of the Daily Prophet! And yet, people still regarded his as a criminal. Draco stepped out into Diagon Alley and was momentarily blinded by the setting sun. He wasn't worried about the time though. In fact he always thought that Diagon Alley was as it's busiest during the night and twilight hours. He passed Weasley's Wizard Wheezes and was sorely tempted to go in and purchase an edible Dark Mark. He smiled inwardly – oh what would the papers say!? "Ex- Death Eater Buys Dark Mark" 'Oh yes' he thought 'that would be a good one!' He carried on down the alley until he came to Slug & Jiggers, the best apothecary in Britain. As he entered the smell of rotten cabbage and Horklump juice was almost unbearable, but nevertheless Draco continued into the shop almost upending a basket of Valerian Sprigs as his eyes adjusted to the dim lighting. As they did so he noticed another customer rummaging around near the rear of the shop, his arse in the air and muttering quietly to himself. Before he could stop, Draco found himself admiring the arse that was waving in front of him. It seemed almost mocking. Draco moved around the shop collecting the ingredients from the list the Healers had given him. He was just marvelling at how expensive Bezoars were whilst adding 11 to his already over-flowing basket. As he picked up his last one he heard the other customer buying his ingredients (Draco assumed). He supposed he should be more surprised but it was inevitable. The other man, was Harry Potter, who had been unaware of Draco admiring his arse only minutes before. He approached Harry wearily. Harry turned suddenly and catching Draco's eyes gave him a quick, but genuine, smile that although didn't quite touch his eyes, it was better than nothing.

"Potter" Draco said formally.
"Malfoy" Harry replied as he turned back to finish buying his golden scaled. Draco wasn't sure if he had imagined it, but he was sure that there was a glint of something in Harry's eyes. Ridding himself of such a ridiculous thought he watched Harry leave the shop with a small smile and turned to pay for his ingredients. He didn't need any more distractions he had to concentrate on his Healer exams. He made his way out of the shop, his mind on the upcoming work and potions when he walked straight into a passerby.

"Sorry" he mumbled and looked up into brilliant green eyes that were dancing with humour.
"That's okay" said Harry with a half smile.
"What's so funny, Potter?" Draco asked, scowling.

"Oh, nothing nothing. It's just I never thought I would see the say when Draco Malfoy apologised to someone"
"Shut up Potter, it's not like you know anything about me, or my life"
"Ah" sighed Harry "that's where you're wrong I'm afraid. You see, I know everything and that's not just me being big-headed" he laughed softly.
"Not much" murmured Draco.
Harry ignored him and continued "It comes with the territory so to speak, being an Auror it's kind of my job to know everything about everyone. You are a very interesting case if I do say so myself."

Draco snorted "I've changed now, Potter"
"Yeah" Harry almost whispered "haven't we all?"

An uncomfortable silenced followed until Draco broke it and asked "That day... at the Ministry. Why were you trying to avoid me?"
"Avoid you? Why on earth would you think I would do that?" Harry retorted slightly too fast Draco thought, but he let it go.

"Because I was trying to follow you. I wanted to ask what the hell you thought you were doing, when you know very well that Azkaban is where I belong, so why, why speak in my defence?" Draco finished, slightly out of breath and looking expectantly at Harry. Truth be told, Harry was trying to avoid Draco for this very reason, because he had no idea, then or now, why he had done it.

"I..." he stalled "I supposed it's because I felt sorry for you" he winced "I mean, you never killed, not even under Voldemort's orders. You got dragged in by your father – not of your own free choice – you didn't want to be a part of it all. But I was too blind to see that until that night on the Astronomy Tower. You lowered your wand and that is when I realised that you were just like us. Forced into a war that you didn't really want to fight in but had to because your decisions were made for you. And you know, after all that, if you'd have gone to Azkaban, I would have felt guilty. The war is long gone and yet memories are still fresh and raw, I couldn't see another life wasted because of it."

As he finished he looked up into Draco's face etched with surprise. Draco didn't know why Harry would feel guilty, it didn't make much sense, they'd been enemies for years, but now, that all seemed to be changing and as he looked at Harry who was staring out and the bustle of Diagon Alley he looked like the weight of the world still rested on his shoulders and Draco felt sorry for him. Being utterly bewildered by this sensation he was at a loss of what to do, and so, without thinking he said,

"Come on, Potter. It won't do for the Prophet to get a picture of us being civil now, will it?" Harry, coming out of his revive, smiled weakly.
"Sure" he said.
"Where to?" asked Draco, he had no desire to walk up the Alley and wanted to avoid the public all together.
"My place? I'll make you some tea or something; besides I need to get my Bat Blood into storage"
Draco grimaced, but stepped closer to Harry
"Lead the way."