Chapter Thirty-Four - Wise and Helpful

Two days Harry had been back at Hogwarts, and he was already so far done with it. The summer had been a brilliant escape and healing mechanism, but he had forgotten that the whole wizarding world still either hated or pitied him. Luckily Sirius' copings mechanism of humour and Remus' copings mechanism of sports and chocolate really made a difference.

Harry found Hermione and Ron were really glad to find him less distant again. They had not known what to do with him before. Meaning that Hermione was dragging him to the library daily as she found Harry was ahead of his homework and she was "afraid you'll get bored Harry, you have to keep challenging yourself and perhaps we can do some extra credits for defense against the dark arts. The teacher seemed quite competent right". So perhaps his newly adopted healthy coping mechanisms were not all that great. Luckily Ron found his morning runs inspiring, though it took some time. After a whole week of grunting and throwing pillows, if Harry made too much sound in the morning, Ron decided that if he wanted to get on the Gryffindor quidditch team he should get in shape and start joining Harry's runs. This might have been pointed out by Harry, but he and Hermione wisely didn't tell, letting Ron be proud of his newfound wisdom.

The meditations before sleep were helping against his nightmares, but a lifelong experience of sleepless nights and so much time to think in the quiet and dark weren't helping Harry's thoughts at all. Which is how on the third night Harry figured he had had enough, and the cool summer air might once again do him some good. Yesterday night he had written Draco a letter, but he had not yet had a reply. Not that he expected it, but it was weird seeing Draco every day and not being able to talk to him. He was afraid Draco might not want to be seen with Harry in public, there was a war going on, no matter how hard he tried to forget it.

Which is secretly why Harry decided to go to the lake, hoping to find Draco already sitting under the tree. Not one to disappoint Draco was already there. Staring past the lake over the Scottish mountain views. A tray of two cups and a teapot sitting beside him. Waiting for the company.

It was since Draco's visit to Potter Manor that Harry could distinguish the tiniest smile on Draco's face when he heard Harry's footsteps.

As Harry slowly took his seat under the tree, he placed the still warm Italian delicatesse next to the tea plate. No idea on what it actually was, but Dobby had reassured Harry twenty minutes ago over and over again that this was most definitely Draco's favourite. Harry didn't even know how Dobby got his hands on this Italian whatsnot (nougat truffel chocolate something if he remembered correctly), at least Harry had never seen it at the Gryffindor table. He had actually aimed for a Spannish tappas plate he had seen Draco carefully pick out last year during one of the many feasts, but while Dobby had applauded Harry's knowledge on Draco's likings, he had persuaded Harry into this holy sweet desert.

"Dobby used to make this when I was seven or eight and my father had berated me for playing in the garden too childisly or something alike." Draco softly told. "My father always had the highest expectations, and did not care for my controversial, or childish as he used to call it, actions. I would be hit quite hard and be banished from dessert. Without ever missing it, Dobby would make me this nougat truffle Gianduja to join my evening tea's. He would take the punishment for it later that night, but would tell me that the smile on my face was worth it, always."

Harry was silenced for a long time, Draco had never opened himself this much, not even in their letters. "Dobby persuaded me to bring you this instead of the Spanish tappas I myself thought you would like. But Dobby told me you were in need of this nougat cholatty thing. Apparently he was right though, there must be a reason for not eating anything all day."

Harry was afraid he had pushed the limits, he had never outright asked Draco something personal about his feelings. But he was concerned. And well, Remus and Sirius must have indoctrinated him with all their talk of opening up.

To his surprise, Draco didn't wait long. Only stopping to pour the tea. "Father sent me a letter again this morning. Demanding of me to drop charms and take on extra credits in defense against the dark arts. He wroteI will most definitely need it next year. Which, can only mean something terrible to be honest. Meanwhile, mother hasn't sent me a letter since the start of Hogwarts, meaning she has locked herself up in her room to most likely recover from a wound inflicted on her by our lovely guests."

Alright so better not look at the alarming future that awaited Draco...

"Good I brought you this nougat cholate, too sweet for anyone sane, dessert then, hè", was really all Harry could think of to say after that. Live in the present right? Gosh he could slap himself against his forehead so hard now.

A very unbecoming snort could be heard, "always seeking admiration Scarhead, just drink your tea you stupid." And Harry laughed, Sirius was so right, humour did break the ice, even the dark cold ones apparently.

"Hey Draco, I met your mother this summer and have learnt more than enough about Sirius knowing that the Black blood can definitely survive more than anyone else. She is strong, you know this, and knowing you, she most certainly already has a brilliant plan in the back of her mind to get you and her out of this situation."

"Hmm you're probably right." as a contemplative silence enveloped him for a while, "look at you becoming all wise and helpful for once." Draco smirked, not quite reaching his eyes.

"Yeah yeah, wisdom and talking, my fortees as you well know. Now you listen to me as I am not done. For you better not quit charms. Don't let her know I said this, but you are far better in charms than Hermione, which is saying something. There is a natural talent, and I know you love it. Last year I couldn't identify what it was on your stupid face, but you are smiling during your charms, almost dreamy okay. I don't even see this when you once again succeed in your miserably good potions. Hermione is dragging me to the library daily for extra credits on defense against the dark arts, we can do them together during these nights if you want. Your father can't say anything against that. So uhm yeah..." suddenly lost in inspiration, "thats that right, yeah this should do well. Right, right... oh and Dobby can probably make you this dessert anytime I ask for it, so you better let me know when it's necessary."

Knowing when to shut up really is an art.

Draco just stared at him.

"Being in the presence of a black family member really has done you good hasn't it. Thank you Harry."

He looked back at the lake and fell quiet once again.

"That should work indeed.", Draco nodded to himself and took a bite of his Gianduja. "Now Potty you better start taking a bite of this Gianduja along with your tea, as they too belong together you barbaric. Lucky for you, I chose an Italian tea today."

While this year Harry just needed distraction from the long nights, clearly it was now Draco that needed company more than ever. And so, the next night, Harry would bring the tea, and while Draco kept commenting on his flavour choices, the pot of tea would be finished every morning when the sun rose again.