Harry potter and the Time of Retirement
Everything related to Harry Potter belongs to JKR
Chapter 17
The day after, Boxing day, was spent quietly at home: with most muggle shops closed, and the weather being colder and colder outside, Harry decided to remain at home content from his outing to Diagon Alley at Christmas. Surprisingly, when he had been pushed in the living room by his boredom, he had even been invited by his cousin to play together on that weird videogame of his linked to the tv. Arguably, Harry could not avoid to think cynically, it was due to loneliness on Dudley's part as all his new friends were now at Smeltings but he still decided to take it as an encouraging sign. Maybe what he needed with all his relatives, young and old, were relaxed attitudes and a firm hand when needed: exactly how he raised his own kids in the past, he noticed with amusement.
Playing together with his cousin seemed also to mollify a bit his aunt and uncle too: while he was still asked (unlike Dudley) to complete some chores, and his uncle was certainly not pleasant to have around yet, there was noticeably less tension in the air. Arguably, they were starting to believe the idea that his magical side could remain hidden and not cause them any embarassement. 'Whatever works', concluded Harry.
Finally, mid evening of the 27th, he started getting ready for his planned visit to Malfoy Manor. He did not expect any serious social pressure in what seemed a random gathering of 1st year kids but just in case he decided to once again wear his best clothes. Harry knew from old experiences that his halfblood status would always be a convenient point to criticize him, if needed, so it was better to avoid any other element that could make him appear 'out of synch' with wizarding traditions and mores.
Once ready, he spared a moment of regret for not asking Malfoy to send him one of their house elves to pick him up, forcing him to another needless (and expensive) trip with the Knight Bus; at least he avoided a possible meeting between the elf and his relatives, Harry thought a bit resigned, but it was a small consolation.
The trip itself anyway proved eventless: the greeter, Shunpike, made no fuss about his presence this time around beside a warm welcoming smile headed Harry's way, and the bus dropped him at what appeared to be the gates of a vast countryside property.
The sight was not new to Harry, that visited the manor in his past for work reasons – mostly about unauthorized accesses, and once for a thief trying to steal whatever valuables could be found inside. So, Harry wasted no time looking at it and stepped onto the gravel driveway that, flanked by a vast assortment of vegetation, lead towards the big building in the distance. While possessing a couple of 'magical' touches here and there the house itself had a clear old England look with huge windows, pointy roofs and a vast, snowy garden that extended far and wide. Once at the doors, Harry grabbed the door knockers and stroke two times, then waited for someone to answer. It took only a couple seconds before the door opened, a well dressed female house elf appeared behind it.
"Greetings, and welcome to Malfoy manor. What do you desire, mister...?"
"Harry Potter. Draco Malfoy is expecting me" said Harry, peeking inside the house but not seeing anyone.
"Very well, sir. Please come inside, while I call for the young master's attention" said the house elf, opening the door completely and moving aside. Once Harry had stepped in, the elf disappeared only to be back a couple seconds later, remaining immobile and silent near the wall.
It took a bit more before the face of Draco appeared from a side door.
"Oh, Potter, there you are. Finally, I would say. Come in, i'll introduce you to the others" he said, giving Harry a friendly nod with the head.
"Sure. Shouldn't I greet your parents though?" asked Harry. A flash of hesitation passed on Draco's face, before he talked again.
"Normally, yes, but they are busy with their own guests right now. It would be... weird?"
"I would still like to warn them I am here, and that I would be happy to meet them at their convenience" said Harry, while looking at the still standing house elf.
"Sure, she can do that" said Draco, noticing Harry's stare and giving a carefree wave of his hand to the elf that departed immediately after. "At least you know how to show proper manners, Potter. Unlike a certain someone" added Draco, with an obvious displeased expression on his face.
Harry, still following him through the house, was quite surprised by such a comment.
"Did I miss something interesting, Malfoy?"
"You'll see for yourself, Potter" said Draco unenthusiastically, finally reaching a door through which a clear noise of conversations was coming out. Once inside, Harry could see what seemed maybe a dozen boys – mostly purebloods from the first year at Hogwarts, plus some faces from the second year – busy talking or playing with small games here and there. What was truly surprising was the presence of an obviously red head among them.
"Is that Ronald Weasley?" asked Harry evenly, only to snigger at the painful groan that Draco emitted at his question.
"So, you are secret friends! That's so Slytherinish, Draco" teased Harry, but in a low voice.
"Don't make me regret inviting you, Potter. Now, come on" and with those words, Draco went near one of the small groups of kids, that turned to look at them both.
Most of the novelty that came with Harry's "boy-who-lived" status had long became stale for his school mates so, after a couple of introductions with those that he never truly talked with before, he started to relax and to enjoy the evening. Just like he expected, most of the boys were there just to play with their shiny new toys, and talk about their holidays or some class assignments they still had to complete. Only the 2nd years seemed somewhat interested in asking questions about Harry's own past, but gave up after some short, empty answer from him.
He noticed with interest how Draco had actually brought down the model broom he had received from Harry for Christmas, and was bragging on how he was going to ask his father for more of them and maybe a charmed mini-snitch, as to recreate a model team of players – an interesting idea, Harry had to admit, and not even one hard to recreate for those with the required skills. Among the kids admiring the toy broom was Ron, who until now had mostly stayed away from Harry; probably because he had been busy talking with Draco and his friends until then. So, Harry decided to approach him first and finally discover how a Weasley ended up in such an unexpected place.
"Hello Ron".
"Ah, Harry, hi. Have you seen that broom?" asked Ron, with an obvious envy-filled tone.
"Sure, it's nice. But nothing your dad couldn't prepare you, if he wanted" said Harry.
"He never wants to... and the stuff he creates weren't that good when he tried anyway" stated Ron. "So, what have you got for Christmas?"
"A fancy quill, and a cloak."
"That's it?" asked Ron surprised, with his usual lack of tact.
"What did you expect?"
"I don't know, but, that's almost what I got" added Ron in a sad tone. "My mom gave me an handmade sweater, and some sweets."
"Doesn't seem that bad, Ron. And, did you gift her a present?" asked Harry, amused, guessing the answer already. Unsurprisingly, Ron's face got even redder, and he didn't answer.
"Nevermind. So, what are you doing here at Malfoy's anyway?" asked Harry.
"Ow, don't ask me about that. I was at Hogwarts this Christmas break; you know, enjoying the place and everything. Then, one morning, I am called to the headmaster's office and there were he and my father, telling me that I had been invited here and I should go."
"Weird" commented Harry evenly.
"Yes. I told my dad I wasn't interested, but then Dumbledore said it was important I showed up and made peace with the Slytherins or something. He really pushed for it" said Ron irritated.
"I guess Dumbledore would be able to press even Mister Malfoy into letting you come" said Harry, privately wondering why he would do that. He refused on principle the idea that everything revolved around him, but this 'visit' was oddly coincidental.
'He can think what he wants' concluded Harry, uninterested. He had nothing to hide, at least not from his visit here to Malfoy manor.
"Hey, Harry, are you sleeping?" asked Ron.
"Mmmh?" said Harry, a bit startled.
"I asked why you are here."
"Oh. Draco kindly invited me to come. You know, to introduce me to more people."
"You should not trust him, Harry, he is a Slytherin!" said Ron passionately, but in a low voice. Not low enough, unfortunately.
"Most of us here are Slytherin, Weasley. And you are quite a rude sod, to say that as a guest in his home."
Harry and Ron turned to look sideways, seeing both Blaise Zabini and Theodore Nott facing them; to be honest, though, a couple more people were observing the exchange including Draco which, beside an obvious smile on his lips, acted disinterested. This seemed to embarrass Ron, who still did not back down completely.
"I was only saying the truth. You are all... evil."
"And you are a baby. Evil, really?" said Blaise.
"You are a shame even for your family, Weasley. Wow, you do have one accomplishment after all" added Nott with a fake impressed tone.
"Let's not ruin the evening with a fight, eh? We are not here for this" said Harry, calmly. Unfortunately, it was not enough to satisfy them.
"Easy to say if you have not been insulted" said Blaise.
"Impossible, Weasley basically worship the ground Potter walks on" joined in Draco, getting closer but limiting himself to stare at Ron. Whom, by this point, seemed to have had enough and, turning around, walked away towards a group of two Ravenclaws. Behind him, the three Slytherins just added nasty remarks between themselves.
"I have no idea why you still speak with him, Potter. You must have noticed by now he is an jackass" said Draco, dismissive.
"Ron is not stupid, Malfoy. Or mean. He just need a filter on his mouth" said Harry shrugging. There was nothing to gain in promoting Ron to Draco, after all.
"Whatever. I would gladly kick him out , but he has been invited by my father" grimaced Draco.
"He better enjoy the evening, because I don't see him visiting other proper families soon" added Zabini sarcastically. Nott, in the background, seemed to agree.
"All right, all right. I am getting thirsty here, let's take something to drink" said Harry.
After a couple hours of playing and chatting, most of the kids either left or were planning to do so. Harry, too, thought it was time to leave; before doing so, he decided to have one last chat with Ron who had mostly sulked by himself after the confrontation and by now looked both bored and miserable.
"So, how is it going?" asked Harry, putting out his best 'friendly' tone.
"What do you think? I didn't even want to come here!" whined Ron
"Mmh. Anyway, we are all going back home now. What about you?"
"I still have some time left before my dad comes. I can't wait to be out of this place. Stupid Malfoy."
"Maybe you should stop the insults for a while, Ron" said Harry, with caution. "At least while you are here."
"He deserves it. Those Slytherin are all the same" said Ron passionately.
"They are just first years, like us. Give them some slack."
This, apparently, was not what Ron hoped to hear. Turning completely towards Harry, his eyes narrowed, he whispered almost threateningly.
"Are you on their side, Potter? I know you spend lots of time with Malfoy."
"I do, because he is not that bad. And there is nothing wrong with being polite."
"How can you be on his side? Don't you know his dad was a death eater?!" said Ron. This time his voice was not so low anymore, and a couple of the remaining boys turned their head to look at him – only to either shrug and move farther away, or look at him like he was trash.
Harry, too, was wondering what to do. 'Damn it, Ron' was his opinion on what was happening. He was not even a good friend of him this time around, he would not listen if he tried to make him behave; maybe not even his parents could. 'Actually, that could work' thought Harry.
"No matter what, we are his guests here. And I wonder what your mom will tell once she learn what happened today."
At this, Ron paled a little. Unsurprisingly, thought Harry, as neither of his parents would approve his behaviour. In any case, Ron said nothing more.
"I think i'll go. Just calm down a little, ok? Soon you'll be back home, and then we will all go back at Hogwarts" said Harry, nodding at him and turning around.
"Wait Harry" asked Ron behind his back. Harry turned. "Why don't you come to my house too, once?"
Harry was surprised and not exactly not pleased by the invitation – he had no desire to meet the Weasley, at least not yet. An extra young Ginny, especially, was on the very top of his list on the people he wished not to meet for a long time more – and this was from someone that was planning a fight with a talented, murderous wizard, or his shade at least. And yet, he felt himself conflicted. 'No way to reject him right now, eh?' he thought.
"Sure, that sounds cool. With other Gryffindors and 'puffs too, it could be a great evening" he said.
"Oh. Yes, we could all gather together, I have a big garden and we could play Quidditch" Ron said unsure, but with a growing smile.
"Ok then. This holiday, or maybe in summer, just let me know. But I must really go, now; see you at school" said Harry, smiling friendly but turning again.
"Sure. See you soon Harry" said Ron.
Tired, Harry walked away and towards Draco. By this point, he was really eager to leave without any more fuss. It was not to be, unfortunately.
"Draco, I had fun but I should leave too now. Thank you for the invite".
"You are welcome, Potter. But my parents wanted to talk with you for a second" said Draco.
Trying not to show his feelings, Harry followed Draco inside the house passing one luxurious room after another, until they finally arrived in what seemed a huge dining room where, around a table made of shiny wood and covered in expensive tableaware, were sitting some men and women, arguably the parents of the kids still remaining. Harry could actually recognize some of them, but he had not been in friendly terms with any of the present.
"Oh, there you are Mr. Potter. Come in, we are glad to have you here. I am Lucius Malfoy, and she is my wife Narcissa" said Malfoy senior, who was sitting at the head of the table, while gesturing to one side where his wife was sitting between other two women, percectly dressed and combed.
"Hello sir, and thank you for having me here. I truly appreciated the evening" said Harry, stopping beside Draco a couple steps in front of Malfoy senior.
"Good, good. Wizards should remain with wizards, Harry – I hope I can call you that. I heard that you have showed remarkable attitude towards magic, so it is only fair you can also spend time in proper company" said Mr. Malfoy good naturedly. Around him, the other men and women were staring at Harry, obviously fascinated by his notoriety.
"I agree, sir, and please call me Harry. Unfortunately, it is time for me to go back home. I am glad I could greet and thank you before leaving" said Harry.
"You are welcome to remain a little longer, if you want" said Narcissa Malfoy, from her side.
"I appreciate the offer, Mrs. Malfoy, but i must say no. In fact, I fear I might already be a bit late" said Harry, smiling with a friendliness he did not feel.
"Then, it is better we let you go. Can you use the Floo?" asked Mr Malfoy.
"My house is not connected, sir. I will take the Knight Bus."
"Lucius, we should order one of our elves to escort this young man" said Mrs. Malfoy.
"Indeed. Harry, we would be happy to have one of our elves to take you back home. Please don't say no" said Mr Malfoy.
Harry had no desire to refuse either and, after a bit more chit-chat and some formal goodbyes he followed Draco to the entrance where he called a random elf.
'He is not Dobby' thought Harry a bit disappointed. While he owed nothing to this Dobby, he still felt he should do something to help him eventually. The sacrifice of the small elf was something he never truly forgot – in a way, he had done more for him than many, many other people over which Harry had dedicated more attentions. Of course, Dobby was also exceedingly annoying, and he had not forgot that either.
"So, that's it Potter. See you at Hogwarts" said Draco.
"Bye Malfoy, see you soon" said Harry. And with those words, the elf and Harry popped out of the manor, reapparing instantly in Harry's room.
Harry tried to keep the elf in for a minute, to pose him some question, but he refused categorically saying that his master and mistress may have already need for him; so, he soon left.
Harry shrugged, and laid down on his bed thinking about the day. It had gone better than he feared, overall, and he could hope on almost a full week of peace and relax before it was time to go back to school. 'Exactly what I need', he thought.
Author's notes: yeah, this took time and I am sorry for that. Like many other writers, I started my fic when I had free time to spare, and now I am full time back into working. I really like writing, so there is no risk of me abandoning the story, but the age of 2-weeks chapters is a matter of the past.
As for the chapter... well, nothing special – these are Christmas holidays, nothing spectacular is happening even though several details needed for the plot are progressing. I just enjoyed creating a relaxed group of kids playing and chatting, something that is surprisingly hard to find even in canon books. Honestly, at 11yo of age, playing and wasting time should be their main activity - instead they are usually all scheming, or being evil, or heroic or whatsnot.