Harry went and sat on his bed. Malfoy was sat on his, whilst scribbling a letter to his mother. Harry was confused. And slightly worried. Why had Draco said that to Dobby? If Malfoy regretted something, he wouldn't say about it. Especially not if it came to how he had treated his old house elf. But what worried Harry most was that Malfoy had said something bad about his mother. Malfoy had never said anything bad about his mother. What had made him say those things? If anyone else had said it, Harry wouldn't have batted an eyelash. But this was Draco Malfoy. Regretting something, saying something bad about his mother and apologizing, well, that was extremely un-Dracoish.
Harry glanced up. Malfoy was still writing. Then he stood up and left the letter on his bed, as it sounded like Crabbe had just come into the common room and was calling for Malfoy. Harry debated whether or not to read Malfoy's letter. He decided to go for it. Maybe Draco had written why he had acted so out of character. He checked to see where Malfoy was. Good. He was just leaving the common room with Crabbe. Harry picked up the letter.
Dear mother,
As I have told you, Harry Potter has been sorted into Slytherin. Today, during double potions, we both accidentally knocked over our numbing potions. Professor Snape sent us to go and get brooms from the brooms cupboard so we can clear up! You must tell father that. Anyway, when we went into the broom cupboard, we got locked in. We both tried loads of spells, but it was one of those spell-proof cupboards. Nobody knew we were locked in because they were in the Great Hall and they probably thought that we were still cleaning up. Then Potter had the idea to call Dobby, as that house is completely loyal to him since he made him a free elf. Dobby apparated us out. Then I don't know what came over me. I started apologizing to Dobby because of the way I treated him. I don't know why. I guess I just don't want to end like Grandma, because Holly apparated into the Ministry of Magic with her vanishing cabinet. And now she's in Azkaban. Please don't tell father. I think Potter thought I was acting a bit weird, as he was giving me odd looks.
Please write back soon,
Draco.
Harry was no longer confused or worried. He understood why Malfoy had done it. It must be horrible having your grandmother in Azkaban and knowing that your parents could end there too, just because you made the same mistake as he. Harry shook his head. He couldn't start sympathizing with Malfoy. He wouldn't.
Harry heard footsteps coming towards the dorm. Hastily, he threw the letter back onto Malfoy's bed, jumped back onto his own bed, and tried to look like he was making a start on his Charms essay.
Malfoy stormed in. His face went pale as he saw his letter, which was about 5 inches away from where it had been.
``Potter. You haven't read my letter have you? Because it was personal. ``
``No. `` ``Then why is it half a meter away from where it was when I left? `` ``Oh, because one of those nasty flies you get down here landed on my leg so I whacked it with my book. I think it must have wafted it to the side a bit. `` Harry hoped Malfoy wouldn't see through his lie. To his relief, he didn't as he picked up his letter, folded it and put it in an envelope. He then walked out. Harry breathed out. That could have gone wrong.