Matilda didn't know what she was expecting when she walked into Myrtle's bathroom that evening. She felt disgustingly relieved when she saw Draco there. He wasn't upset like he'd been last time. He looked pleased like he'd been waiting for her.
Class had been oppressively normal since their tryst in the bathroom. They ignored each other. But they'd both ended up back here.
"We should talk," Matilda said.
"By all means talk away, Cerbus," he said.
Matilda rolled her eyes. "You're goddamn annoying."
"You think you aren't? Have you ever had a thought you didn't speak aloud?" Draco asked.
"I'm having a few of those thoughts right now, actually," Matilda said. Draco managed to chuckle. "Can you stop being so amused?"
"I'm amused because I didn't expect you to come back here," he said. "I must've done something right."
"Fuck you," Matilda said.
"You've done that already haven't you?" Draco said. She rolled her eyes. He walked over and stood close enough that if he wanted to, he could kiss her. She thought he might for a moment. "Do me a favor, if you came here to tell me this isn't happening again, then say it." He reached out and tilted her chin upwards. A chill ran down her spine. She hated it. "Or stop pretending that you came here for anything other than this."
And once again Matilda found herself in a bathroom stall with Draco Malfoy. For a blessed little while she had nothing else to think about. She didn't even have to worry about what a stupid fucking idea it was to be having it off with him in the bathroom.
She was fixing her hair in the mirror afterward. She watched Draco out of the corner of her eye, adjusting his tie. Matilda had tried to undo his shirt and he'd stopped her. She thought that was curious, but obviously didn't let it deter her. She was having sex in the bathroom with a boy she hated. The whole point was that this affair didn't require a huge amount of thought.
But Matilda remembered Harry going on about Draco being a deatheater and thought to herself that if he had a dark mark on his arm it would make sense that he wouldn't want her to take his clothes off. It all seemed ridiculous until now. Why was this the red flag that made her consider that Harry might be right?
Because it meant that she'd be doubly stupid for having sex with Draco and a deatheater. She was completely stupid.
And she knew she'd be stupid again.
Guilt gnawed at her as she returned to her dormitory. She opened the door to her room and was unsurprised to Harry sitting with Aurora on her bed. Matilda had been seeing even more of Harry than usual since Hogsmeade. It was kind of irritating, but mostly Matilda was jealous. Rory could happily mess around with Harry and the only thing anyone was going to judge her for was probably how frequently she managed to inconvenience her roommates with a locked door.
"You two can't keep it in your pants for one night?" Matilda said.
"We are being perfectly innocent and studying," Rory said.
"Now anyway," Harry mumbled. Rory shushed him and Matilda rolled her eyes. She was glad they were happy. Rory deserved every happiness after what she'd been through last year. "Where've you been?"
"What do you care for?" Matilda asked sitting down on her bed.
"Uh, Snape's essay," Harry said. "You were supposed to meet me in the library over an hour ago. I only came here because I was looking for you. Rory said you'd gone so I was going to go back to the library to see if I'd missed you but we… Got distracted."
"I'm sorry," Matilda said. "I've been kind of distracted myself. Probably not having as much fun as you two though."
"No worries," Harry said. "It's not due until Friday. We can work on it tomorrow before I go to Dumbledore's lesson. This one has choir so no chance of me getting distracted again."
"Alright you, I think it's time you went to bed or got out of mine at least," Rory said.
"Fine," Harry said. He kissed Rory and climbed from the bed. "See you two at breakfast."
They said goodnight and Harry was out the door.
Matilda looked over to Rory who still looked like she might fall over from happiness. Her eyes met Matilda's and then dropped to her feet.
"I know what you're going to say," Rory said.
"That your shirt's on inside-out?" Matilda asked.
Rory looked down at her t-shirt that was in fact inside out.
"Whoops," she said, blushing. She pulled the shirt off, switching it the right way out as she did, and pulled it back on. "Where did you get off to anyway?"
Matilda shook her head. "Just been feeling a little crowded lately. Wanted to be on my own for a while." She could tell that their argument from Sunday was on Rory's mind. "It's not just you, Rory. It's everyone."
Rory climbed from her bed and sat next to Matilda. "I'm sorry. I guess I just… I want what's best for you. You're not yourself lately. I just want you to be happy and I don't know how to help you."
Matilda let her head fall on Rory's shoulder. How many times last year had Rory been sitting on this very bed, crying about Harry, stressing about Umbridge, scared of what was to come? Rory would probably never forget a moment of that and would spend forever paying Matilda back even though she didn't need to.
But while she had her here, she might as well use her.
"I think my heart's broken," Matilda said. "I know he meant well, but… The worst thing to ever happen to me happened and instead of just being there for me the way I wanted, needed… Nev just decided it was better to not be with me at all. How was that supposed to help me?"
"Have you told him that?" Rory asked.
Matilda scoffed. "So he feels bad and changes his mind? You think that's what I want?" She shook her head. "I want the Neville that saw me and all of my mess and still wanted me. Now he's just afraid of the mess I might make."
And she'd certainly made a mess of things now.
"I'm not going to tell you what to do, Mattie," Rory said. "But I'm here for you."
"Thanks," Matilda said.
It was too bad Rory didn't know the amount of help Matilda would need to get herself out of the hole she'd dug herself into.
"Is that all for tonight?" Harry asked. He'd had his second lesson with Dumbledore and learned about Tom Riddle growing up in the orphanage. He knew Ron, Hermione, and Rory would be eager to hear what he'd learned tonight.
"Yes, but I wondered if it might ask you about something," Dumbledore said.
Harry nodded, relaxing back into his seat. "What is it?"
"It's about Aurora actually," Dumbledore said. "I wanted to know how things with Draco Malfoy might be progressing, but she's not very forthcoming with me, but I assume she shares with you."
"Oh," Harry said. "She says he tolerates her. I wouldn't say they're friends. She is making an effort which is more than I can say I'd do honestly."
"Which is why I asked her," Dumbledore agreed with a nod. "I'm glad to hear it's going as well as it can. I appreciate her effort."
"I hope it pays off," Harry said. Whatever Draco was up to, there was nothing good that was going to come from it.
"And how is she doing otherwise? I understand that she's been having some struggles lately," Dumbledore said. "I was surprised to learn that she stopped taking Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"She didn't want to," Harry said. He remembered Rory explaining why she was dropping the class. She didn't want to feel like she was being attacked while she was trying to learn. She wanted to feel safe. "It's just too stressful for her, after everything that happened at the ministry."
"Understandable. She's doing extraordinarily well for what she endured," Dumbledore said.
"She didn't even want to use her abilities for a while. Especially after what happened to Emmeline," Harry said.
Dumbledore nodded. "It's difficult to know whether Voldemort is looking into Aurora because of what she might be capable of or because he knows taunting her would provoke you."
"Could easily be both," Harry said. "She's afraid of anything she knows falling into Voldemort's hands. That's the whole reason she was so upset about the ministry asking her to look into the Servants of Pythia. That's exactly what Voldemort wanted her to do."
"It would be hard to revisit something like that," Dumbledore said. "But it could also be helpful to know what it is that makes her so important. You know very well how dangerous a lack of information can be when it comes to Voldemort."
It had almost gotten Rory killed. If Harry had known what Voldemort was planning, he'd have been more prepared to avoid all the things that had gotten him into danger in the first place. That had gotten her into danger.
"You think she should use her abilities to find out what the Servants of Pythia formed for?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore paused and thought for a moment. "I think she may regret it if she doesn't. If she finds out later that knowing may have helped."
"I agree," Harry said, but he was still hesitant, "I think she would agree too, but right now she's just not in a place where she feels like it's a healthy thing to explore. I mean, she won't even take Defense Against the Dark Arts anymore. I don't want her to get overwhelmed. And she gets upset when it comes up. Even Tonks didn't want to bother her with it when the Minister asked."
"But she might tell you," Dumbledore said. "She trusts you more than anyone. Feels safest with you. Certainly, you'd be able to help her see how important that information might be, and you'd be able to help her collect it in an environment where she doesn't feel afraid."
That was probably true. They shared almost everything with each other. They knew things about each other that they would never tell another living soul. And Harry knew he made Rory feel safe. She reminded him often. He wasn't the only person that made her feel safe. She was still upset that her dad wasn't a letter away to talk about her anxiety. But Harry was there for a lot of other things he could help her with in the moment.
"I was fortunate that she considered what I said when I asked her to befriend Draco Malfoy. I don't think this is on the list of things she would be receptive to, at least from me," Dumbledore said.
Harry agreed. Rory didn't care for Dumbledore. She knew that he was doing good with the Order, that he was essential when it came to fighting Voldemort. But she didn't trust him. She felt he always had ulterior motives and was being deceptive. After what happened at the Ministry, Harry was sure that Dumbledore's days of keeping secrets was behind him. He'd been upfront with Harry about everything else so far.
"I could mention it to her. See what she says," Harry said.
Dumbledore nodded. "I would appreciate that. Maybe she's found something in the restricted section of the library that would be helpful to her."
Harry was confused. "Pardon?"
"Oh, yes. On Monday I saw her doing research in the library regarding her abilities. I knew there wasn't much to find there for her purposes, especially regarding magical objects like her talking board. I gave her free access to the restricted section of the library for the school year, with a few caveats about the materials. She's trustworthy enough that she wouldn't abuse such a privilege," Dumbledore said. "I'm surprised she didn't mention it."
Harry was also surprised because normally Rory told him everything. She didn't keep secrets from him. And she knew how dangerous that Talking Board could be. Why wouldn't she tell him?
He left Dumbledore's office with his thoughts racing. Rory didn't lie to him. It didn't make sense that she'd not mention something like Dumbledore giving her open access to the restricted section.
He got back to the Common Room. It was empty save for Ron, Hermione, and Rory. The three of them were laughing together about something. It unsettled Harry for some reason. This was so normal after hearing his girlfriend doing something out of character.
"You're back," Rory said, grinning at him, delighted as ever to see him.
"How'd it go?" Ron asked.
"It was fine," he said. "Can we talk about it tomorrow?"
"Of course," Hermione said.
"You're sure everything is fine?" Rory asked, probably sensing his discomfort.
He didn't know the answer to that yet. "Rory, can I talk to you? Alone?"
There was concern on all of their faces immediately, most of all Rory's.
"I'll see you up there," Ron said. He and Hermione scrambled from the Common Room, leaving Rory alone on the couch. He sat beside her.
"Is everything okay?" she asked.
"Why didn't you tell me you were looking up information about your Talking Board?" Harry asked. "Or that Dumbledore let you into the restricted section whenever you like?"
He could see her guilt immediately. She lowered her eyes to her lap.
"The Talking Board can be dangerous," Rory said.
"I know," he said.
"So I know you wouldn't want me looking into how I can use it more," she said.
"Obviously," he said.
"But I want to use it," she said. "Being a seer has felt like a curse, but maybe if I know better how to use my tools, to know what I'm doing, it can be helpful. I mean, I saved Matilda's life this summer sending Kingsley to her house."
Harry didn't want him to tell her that she was making a mistake, that she was doing something dangerous. He let out a deep breath.
"Do you remember what you asked me when we got back together?" Harry asked. She raised an eyebrow. "You told me to tell you the truth even if I think it might make you upset." She nodded her head as if she was remembering. "That should go both ways. You have to tell me the truth too. Even if I think it's dangerous and insane. I mean, you looked at the Half-Blood Prince's book. You told me it was dangerous and to be careful. Don't you think I'd give you the benefit of the doubt as well?"
"You're more protective of me than I am of you," she said looking down into her lap. "I don't mean that you care more, it's just that I've been in such a bad place since this summer."
"Rory, you know better than me what's too much for you and what's not. You changed your entire class schedule this year to make sure you were taking care of yourself. If you feel like you need to look into this, then I'm behind you, even if I think it's not the best idea," Harry said. "You've gone along with so many of my ideas that were not great. I owe you."
She lifted her head and smiled at him weakly. There were tears in her eyes. He kissed her, quickly, reassuringly. He brushed his fingers back through her hair. A tear rolled down her cheek.
"I meant it when I said I want to do this on my own," Rory said. "I don't want to exclude you but, I just feel like I need to do this by myself. To figure out what I can do or why I can even do it."
"That's fine," Harry said, "but keep me in the loop? I'm going to be telling you all about Voldemort after all."
She nodded in agreement and kissed him again. "Dumbledore told you?"
"He thought you'd have mentioned having free reign over the restricted section," Harry said.
She looked more embarrassed than guilty now. "I know. But I didn't expect him to just hand it to me. I have that free period during Snape's class so I was in the library when I knew it'd mostly be empty and he just showed up there. It felt like a trick, honestly."
"A trick?" Harry asked. "What trick would he be playing to let you go to the library?"
"I don't know," she said with a shrug. "I just don't—"
"You don't trust Dumbledore, I know," Harry said. "You should."
"Maybe," Rory said with a shrug. "But he's never given me any reason to take him at his word. And Sirius is dubious about him as well."
That surprised Harry. "Really? Sirius?"
"I don't think it sat well with him that Dumbledore talked them all into keeping the prophecy a secret from you. We almost died. He almost died. It's a stroke of luck that he's got his freedom back right now," Rory said. "He worries about you. About me."
"He's your dad," Harry said.
"I know he is," Rory said. "But, like me, he thinks Dumbledore could be more forthcoming about things. And he made Sirius stay stuck in that house he hates, and maybe it was to keep Sirius out of trouble, but he essentially traded one prison for another. And honestly, no matter how many times you try to justify it, I'm not going to like that he's been making you stay with your aunt and uncle."
"Rory, I trust Dumbledore," he said.
"And I trust you," Rory said. "But make sure he keeps proving that you can trust him." He kissed her.
"I love you," he said. "Look at us having hard conversations."
"I'm so proud of us," she laughed. Harry wiped a stray tear from her face. He wanted to move on from this conversation.
"Do you think you can do me a favor and come to Quidditch practice Friday night?" Harry asked.
"Of course, but why?" she asked.
"I'm giving Dean Katie's spot. Dumbledore said she won't be back for months," Harry said. "Things with Ron are already dicey. I'm certain putting Ginny's boyfriend on the team is not going to improve his mood. Just need a second set of eyes."
"You got it," Rory said. "Ron probably just needs a good pep talk."
"I hope you're right," Harry said. It was going to have to be one hell of a pep talk to get Ron in a good mindset.
Harry still felt a bit uneasy after his conversation with Rory the night before, but was starting to put it behind him when they were in herbology. There was something about them trying not to be strangled by venomous tentaculas that put things in perspective.
"Please pay attention," Rory said to him for about the one-hundredth time, as she kept their plant from lunging for him.
"Sorry," Harry said. He was trying to pay attention, but Ron and Hermione were also at it again.
"I bet those meetings are stupid anyway," Ron said. The Slug Club was one of Ron's favorite things to gripe about.
"They are stupid," Rory said, simultaneously trying to write something down and keep her eyes on the plant at the same time. She was probably the most diligent of the four of them.
"They're not all that bad," Hermione said. "Sometimes the dinner is quite nice."
"Don't even know why the rest of us are there. He only wants Harry and Atlas," Rory said. She hadn't warmed up to the Slug Club at all. She enjoyed Slughorn's classes, but having him for company was too much.
"See," Ron said. "Can't believe you enjoy them."
"Well, I know you think they're stupid," Hermione said, "but he's having a Christmas party in December and we're allowed to bring a guest. A date."
Ron chuckled. "And who's the lucky bloke you're taking on this date?"
"Actually," Hermione said, "I was hoping you might be my date."
A silence enveloped their bubble of four. He went to meet Rory's eyes. She was grinning but was hardly looking away from the plant.
Harry was trying to process what was happening as Ron's face turned red and he stumbled over his words in an attempt to say that he would go with her.
Were Ron and Hermione going to go on a date? Was this actually about to happen? Harry had been pretending for a long time that there was nothing between the two of them. He was hoping that their feelings for each other would dissolve.
Clearly, that wasn't happening. They were going on a date now.
"Harry!" Rory scolded him again. But he'd brought his attention back too late. Rory had reached out a hand to move his face out of the way getting stung by the plant. He stumbled back and watched the tentacula nip her a sliver of her exposed wrist.
Rory quickly shrunk away from the plant as Ron and Hermione goaded it back into submission. She swore repeatedly as they called out to Professor Sprout, but she was already on her way over to them.
"And here I almost thought we'd make it through this lesson without a bite," Professor Sprout said. She sounded almost delighted. "We'll dismiss class early today while I escort Miss Lupin to the Hospital Wing. I want three paragraphs on the effects of tentacula venom, short-term and long-term. I'm sure Miss Lupin will be happy to fill you in once she's feeling better."
Harry helped Professor Sprout walk Rory back to the castle. She managed to stay conscious the whole walk to Madame Pomfrey. He could have sworn his girlfriend shot him a glare before she passed out in her bed.
He was kicked out of the hospital wing, Professor Sprout assuring him that this was a yearly occurrence. He was expressly forbidden from coming back until after lunch, which meant he'd had to drag himself through Charms, lunch, and transfigurations. When he went back to the hospital wing Madame Pomfrey had sent her back to her dorm for the rest of the day.
Harry went back to Gryffindor Tower and straight to Rory's room. He knocked on the door.
"Come in, Harry," Matilda called out.
He pushed the door open and saw Matilda smiling beside Rory on her bed.
"I beat you," Matilda said. "Lucky you, I think she'll live."
"How long are you going to keep giving me shit about this?" Harry asked. Matilda had been relentless all day.
"I'll give you a reprieve for now while I go bug Hermione some more," Matilda said. She walked past Harry and out of the door.
Harry looked over to Rory who was frowning at him. "Fish, I am so sorry. You kept telling me to pay attention and I just… I swear my brain completely shut off for a moment."
"Because Hermione asked Ron on a date?" Rory asked.
Harry walked over and sat down beside Rory. He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples, letting out a deep breath.
"Why are you so freaked out right now?" Rory asked.
Harry brought his hands down from his face. "What if they break up? They can't even get into a regular argument without pulling me into the middle of it. It would be a nightmare. They would probably never speak to each other again."
"And what if they're supposed to be together?" Rory asked. Her fingers gently stroked the side of his face. "They deserve that, yeah?"
He looked down at Rory. Her skin didn't have the usual golden glow he was used to, probably on account of her being bitten by a venomous plant a few hours prior. And she was smiling at him, her gray eyes filled with sympathy.
"Deserve what you and I have got?" she asked.
"I mean, nobody has what we have, but they deserve the chance at getting close to it, I suppose," he said. Rory laughed. He kissed her again. "Whatever happens, happens."
She laid her head down on her pillow. "Don't think this is going to get you out of going to Alchemy today. I need you to take notes since Madame Pomfrey says I'm not allowed from my room until tomorrow," she said.
Harry groaned. "And endure Malfoy and Zach without you?"
"I could've let that tentacula bite you on the face," Rory said. "Remember that."
"I'm sure you will not let me forget it," he said. He brushed the hair from her face and kissed her cheek. "Can I stay until you fall asleep?"
"I'll kick your butt if you miss class," she said. She rolled over and wrapped her arms around him, settling her head in his lap. "But stay."
