Chapter 14. A Change of Heart
Draco Malfoy was wandering aimlessly. His mind was running through all he had been taught by his father compared to what he had personally seen from Potter and King. Everything was a contradiction to what he knew. He was not sure what to think anymore.
Draco had been watching the duo since Harry had hit him during their first flying lesson. The Golden Boy had defended Longbottom, and he was not even a part of his own House. Draco would have never stood up for Crabbe and Goyle in such a manner. They only protected him because he was a Malfoy, not because he was their friend.
He did not really care for them, nor them for him. It was all about social status, influence, and prestige. Draco had been taught that he was better than them because he was a Malfoy, he was owed their allegiance. But Potter was famous and had as much or more influence than Draco's father had, but Potter was loyal to his friends.
Why would Potter possess the same loyalty to a Mudblood as she did to him? It was almost as if the two were siblings. Draco felt a pang of jealousy at the closeness of the two. He had always wanted siblings. He did not have a sister, or a brother, or any cousins his age. He did not even have any true friends. Like his father, he had allies. Sycophants who did as they were told.
Then Draco had a thought, 'Wouldn'tfriendsbe the best sort of allies?" Ones that would be there for you no matter what? Who cared for you as the person you are?'
Draco's godfather once told him that if he ever needed to speak with him, about anything, that he could always come to him for help. He would never turn him away. Draco's own father had turned him away, struck him for wanting to play with a Half-blood child in his younger years, and had told him it was a disgrace to the Malfoy name to be associated with such filth.
As if summoned by his thoughts, Severus appeared in front of Draco. Severus could see that Draco was troubled. He kept hoping the boy would come to him, but so far that had not happened. He was worried it was soon going to be too late to help him.
"What are you up to, Mr. Malfoy?" asked Severus.
"Nothing, sir." Draco said quickly. Severus raised an eyebrow and waited. Draco suddenly found his feet very interesting.
"Draco," Severus said softly. Draco's gaze snapped up at the use of his given name and Severus' softened tone. "I cannot help you if you do not tell me what is wrong."
Draco swallowed hard at the godfatherly tone. He desperately needed someone to trust, someone who loved him and would help him. He felt so alone. He was so confused.
"Uncle Sev, you once said that I could come to you any time about anything." Draco looked into Severus's eyes. "Is that still true?"
Severus sighed heavily on the inside. Finally, Draco was coming to him for help. He just hoped that there was still some goodness in the boy and that Lucius had not stamped out the light of his innocence. Severus nodded slowly, watching the confusion move through Draco's eyes along with a hint of determination.
"I need your help," whispered Draco.
Severus put his hand on Draco's shoulder. He was hopeful that this would be the talk that turned Draco towards the Light. He would have to be careful. Lucius was not someone you wanted to cross. If Draco turned on him, then Lucius would destroy Severus.
"Let us go to my quarters. I will do everything I can to help you, Draco." Severus sat Draco down and pulled up a chair to face him. He was ready to help Draco to see things differently and hopefully make his life better. "Alright Draco, how can I help?" asked Severus.
"Well sir, I've been doing quite a bit of thinking. I don't have real friends, and I didn't realize how lonely I was until school began. Crabbe and Goyle follow me around, but it's because I'm a Malfoy, not because I'm Draco. I have watched my father, and he doesn't have friends either, only allies who help him become more powerful. He's taught me that blood status and money are all that matters, but I don't think that is actually true.
I've been watching Potter and King. They come from such different backgrounds but share the same loyalty to one another and have a real true friendship. Father thinks we're superior, and others of lesser blood are a drain on society, and we should not befriend them. But despite his teachings, I feel differently. I want what Potter and King have. I have the money to buy anything I want except the one thing I need. True, loyal friends. That is something I cannot buy, demand or influence. Merlin, I sound like a bloody Hufflepuff." Draco finished and sagged into the chair.
Severus was pleased with Draco, and his instincts said that Draco was being genuine, but he had to make sure this was not a ploy. He did not think it was a trap, but he would not put it past Lucius to use Draco in such a way. He wanted to make sure Draco was truly sincere.
"Draco, you do know the implications of that statement do you not? If you openly choose to follow a different path than your father's, to befriend a Muggle-born and the Boy-Who-Lived for example, there is a high possibility that you will be renounced by your family. You would no longer be the Malfoy Heir. No inheritance would be bestowed upon you. Do you realize this?" asked Severus.
Draco nodded sadly. "I do, but is it better to be rich and alone, or to be poor and happy? I'm so confused, Uncle Sev. Potter has no family, but he seems happy with his friend. I remember being happy when it was just Mother and me at the house. When Father would be at the Ministry or go abroad, Mother would play and read with me. Now I'm too old to be 'coddled' and happiness is a fantasy I can't afford." Draco finished in a quiet voice.
"It is our choices, Draco, that define us," Severus said. "You are not the only Malfoy in your family, and it only takes the decision of one of those Malfoys to blemish the Malfoy name. However, there is only oneDracoMalfoy, and it is your choices that will define you, how others perceive you, but most importantly, how you perceive yourself. If the Malfoy name were to become blemished,Draco Malfoydoes not have to be. He can stand apart from the rest because hechoosesto.
If you feel that your father is giving the Malfoy name a blemish, then you can choose another path than your father's. You do not have to follow in your father's footsteps. You are your own person with your own choices. If you feel that it is wrong to hate someone for something they have no control over, then do not. A person cannot choose what they are. Listen little dragon, you are a smart boy. I have every confidence that you will become a fine man one day if you listen to and follow your heart." Severus finished.
Draco looked at Severus tearfully. "What of father? He will never accept me if I follow my heart."
"No, he will not." Severus knew this to be true. "Let us take it one day at a time. You have some time before you return home for the summer holiday. Spend that time finding out who Draco Malfoy is and who he is not, what is important to you and being true to yourself. You are not alone if this is the decision you decide to make." assured Severus.
Draco nodded. He was relieved that he was not alone, as he had feared. That he had someone that would be there for him when he needed him. It helped him feel stronger and ready to learn to be himself. He would find out who he was.
Friday evening, Harry and Anissa walked into the Potions classroom to find Malfoy sitting at their table talking to Snape. They paused until Snape waved them forward. They made their way to their seats and put down their supplies while shooting looks at Draco.
"Mr. Malfoy will be joining your study group. I expect compliance with no arguing." stated Severus, seeing their mouths opening to argue.
Grimacing they nodded and took their seats, setting up their cauldrons and supplies. They decided to ignore Malfoy so they would not get in trouble with Snape. They waited for the snide comments they knew he would make, but Malfoy was quiet as they worked, focusing on his own cauldron.
When Harry and Anissa were discussing what they could do to strengthen their potion, they were surprised when Malfoy quietly offered a suggestion. His was actually better than theirs! They were impressed by his knowledge and his willingness to offer sound advice, but leery as to why he did.
By the end of their allotted time, Harry and Anissa were confused. Where was the prat Malfoy, the git who always said nasty things and always picked on them? After they had cleaned up their stations, Malfoy left with a quiet 'Good night'. Harry and Anissa were dumbstruck, mouths hanging open slightly.
Severus came to stand by their table. He had been watching them and was quite pleased with how things had gone so far. Not one harsh word had been spoken and for a short time they helped each other, even with the confusion he could see in their eyes. There was hope for them and he would help cultivate a friendship between them.
"Mr. Malfoy could use some friends," Severus commented.
"Malfoy has plenty of friends," scoffed Harry. "He's always surrounded by his fawning groupies."
"Like with you, everything is not always what it seems, Mr. Potter. You do not know Mr. Malfoy's life as he does not know yours. His father is very strict, he has not had it easy. You three did work well together tonight. He is a good person."
Severus really wanted their friendship to work. Draco would need true friends, as would Potter and Miss King. You can never have too many good, loyal friends.
"Why would Malfoy want to be friends with us? He hates us and called me a Mudblood." asked Anissa.
Severus' eyes narrowed. He hated that word. "Mr. Malfoy was raised to believe Purebloods to be superior. Since coming to Hogwarts and being around more than the Purebloods he was allowed to associate with, he is coming to a new understanding. It is a new concept for him, and new concepts can be confusing. Hence him needing good friends to help him. If Mr. Malfoy approaches you in a nonthreatening manner, I ask that you return the favor. I ask this of you because I believe that Mr. Malfoy has had a change of heart in certain beliefs. However, if he is rejected by the two of you, after trying to be cordial, he may resort back to his prior beliefs."
Harry and Anissa looked at each other for a long time. Severus could tell they were having a silent conversation, and he held his breath. Harry then nodded slowly at Anissa and Severus could breathe again. They looked Snape right in the eye so he would know they were serious.
"We will give him a chance, but if he calls me a Mudblood again, I can't promise not to hex him," said Anissa.
Severus nodded, relieved as he smirked. "I would expect nothing less, Miss King,"
From then on, whenever Harry and Anissa encountered Draco, they would say hi or ask him about his day. They would ask his opinion on something they were learning or offer their opinion to him. They had told Snape they would put forth the effort, and they would.
Draco was confused at first – and a bit gruff in his attitude – but this was what he had wanted, true friends, so he held back the snide remarks and asked after them as well. He was sure that his godfather had something to do with how Potter and King were treating him, he just hoped they were actually genuine. He did not need nor want their pity.
It was not long before seeing Draco with Harry and Anissa in the library studying or just walking around the grounds discussing something, became a usual sight. Severus was very happy with this, but he had noticed that some of his Snakes were not. He decided he had better keep an eye on his Snakes.
November came, the Quidditch season was upon them, and everyone was excited. Harry was excited yet nervous. He had been practicing for weeks, but he still did not feel ready. Harry studied Quidditch Through the Ages in hopes of learning some moves that would help him be the best Seeker ever. He hoped he did not fail his team. They were counting on him.
At eleven o'clock, the stands of the Quidditch Pitch were full of excited students. A patchwork of green, yellow, blue, and red covered the top. In the Ravenclaw locker room, Harry had just changed into his blue Quidditch robes, when Alexander cleared his throat.
"Okay guys, this is it. This is the best team Ravenclaw has had in years. We will win today, I know it. You've all practiced hard, and it will pay off in this match. Let's go kick some Slytherin arse!"
Harry followed the team out of the locker room and felt his knees shaking. The sound of cheering was loud, and Harry looked around at all the faces. He thought he might be sick. Madam Hooch, who was refereeing, was standing in the middle of the field waiting for the teams.
"Now, I want a nice clean game, all of you," ordered Madam Hooch. Harry noticed the smirks on the Slytherin players' faces and knew they would not play fair. He had better be ready for anything.
"Mount your brooms," Madam Hooch gave a loud blast on her silver whistle, and they were off. Harry could hear Lee Jordan, a Gryffindor and friend of the Weasley twins, doing the commentary as he soared above the game. He watched as Slytherin scored the first goal.
"Ten points for Slytherin, they have the first goal of the season!"
The players were moving fast, and the score was going up just as quickly. Alexander was right, their skills from practicing were showing up now in the game. Twice, Harry had to dodge a Bludger sent his way, but he was pretty much left alone to search for the Snitch.
He caught a flash of gold, but before he took off after it, he realized it was someone's watch. Then Harry saw it. In a great rush of excitement, he dove down after the streak of gold. All he saw was the Snitch, he reached out a hand and –
WHAM!
A roar of rage came from the stands. A Slytherin Beater had slammed into Harry on purpose and Harry's broom spun off course. In his excitement, Harry had forgotten that the Slytherins would do anything to win. They never played fair, at least according to the rest of the House teams. He would pay better attention from now on. No way was he letting them win now.
Ravenclaw got a penalty shot, which was put away easily by their Chaser, Lisa Wong. Once the game had resumed, Harry started looking for the Snitch again when suddenly he felt a lurch from his broom.
'What was that? It's never done that be –' Harry did not get to finish his thought.
Harry's broom was trying to buck him off! It reminded him of those mechanical bulls Muggles ride for fun, but this was not fun, this was deadly. Harry held on for dear life as his broom jerked and twisted over forty feet in the air.
The commentator, Lee Jordan, quickly noticed his situation and suddenly people all over the stands were pointing up at him. With a wild jerk from his broom, Harry was swung off it and was holding on with only one hand. He tightened his grip and tried to swing a leg over, but the broom jerked away every time he swung.
"What is going on with Harry's broom?" Ron asked. He and Hermione were sitting with Anissa since the Gryffindor team was not playing.
"Someone has to be jinxing his broom," reasoned Hermione.
Anissa used Hermione's binoculars to look around the crowd. She was positive that no student could not pull off a spell like that, so she focused on the teacher's stand instead. She checked every teacher to find two that were very focused on Harry.
"I knew it," growled Anissa after searching the stands.
Two teachers were speaking fast and watching Harry intently. Anissa was positive that it was not Snape jinxing the broom. He had been almost kind to them earlier when he had asked for their help with Draco.
Quirrell, on the other hand, had been stalking Harry ever since Halloween. He seemed to be everywhere Harry was and was constantly trying to talk to him alone. Anissa did not trust the man one bit.
"What is it?" Hermione asked.
"I can see who is jinxing Harry's broom. I'll be right back." said Anissa angrily.
Ignoring their questions, Anissa quickly made her way to where Quirrell was sitting just behind Snape. With one last glance to make sure Harry was still in the air, Anissa pointed her wand right at Quirrell's arse and shot out a blue flame.
Quirrell squealed in shock and pain as he jumped up and fell into the other teachers around him. Anissa turned and ran off before anyone could see her. She quickly made her way back to her seat beside Hermione.
"Whatever you did, it worked." said Ron pointing at Harry who was on his broom again.
Anissa sighed in relief. She looked towards the teacher's stand again and could see that Quirrell was no longer there and smirked. Served the tosser right. What she did not expect to see was Snape looking right at her with a smirk of his own. He nodded at her then turned back to watch the game. Anissa smiled.
Suddenly, Harry was speeding toward the ground. Anissa grabbed Hermione's arm and held her breath as she watched Harry grab the Snitch seconds before he hit the ground. He rolled and held up his fist, which was holding the struggling Snitch.
Everyone but Slytherin House went wild. The roar was deafening as everyone wanted to see Slytherin lose. They had won the Quidditch Cup for the last five years and they wanted to end the streak.
Ravenclaw won two hundred and thirty points to ninety and Harry was ecstatic about the win. After everyone else had left to celebrate, Harry and Anissa walked together to the castle. Anissa filled Harry in on what had happened in the stands.
"It was Professor Quirrell. I saw him and Snape casting at you. I knew Snape wouldn't do it and Quirrell has been stalking you lately, so I shot some fire at Quirrell's arse."
Harry burst out laughing at that but quickly sobered. "Why would Quirrell do something like that?" asked Harry.
"I'm not sure, but I found out that he was in the third-floor corridor on Halloween. He was 'checking on' that three headed dog." said Anissa.
"How do you know abou' Fluffy?" They jumped when Hagrid's voice came from behind them.
"Fluffy? Really?"
"Yeah – he's mine – bought him off a Greek chappie I met las' year. I lent him to Dumbledore to guard the…"
"Philosopher's Stone," finished Anissa.
Hagrid's eyes bugged. "Blimey! Yeh know about tha' too? Well, tha' is top secret, tha' is."
"We're sure Professor Quirrell is trying to steal it," said Harry.
"Rubbish," said Hagrid "Professor Quirrell is a Hogwarts teacher, he's not about ter steal it."
Harry and Anissa did not want to argue, so they decided to drop the subject for now and instead set up the next time they could come and visit Hagrid again for tea. They would keep an eye on Professor Quirrell.
Later that evening, Harry could not get that cryptic message Snape gave them out of his head, and Malfoy had been on friendly terms with them for a while now. Harry admitted to himself that he cared for Malfoy and Harry protected what he cared for.
Snape seemed to suggest that Malfoy's father treated him in a similar way to Harry's relatives. No one deserved that kind of treatment, especially from their father. Harry just hoped that Draco's experience was not anywhere near as bad as his. It did explain some things though.
"I'm going to talk to Malfoy about what Snape said to us. I feel like I need to talk to him about it." Harry told Anissa.
They were in the Ravenclaw common room studying a new charm that Professor Flitwick had given them. Harry had just mastered doing it wandless nonverbally, but Anissa was still working on being able to do it nonverbally. Anissa looked up apprehensively.
"Do you want me to come with you?" she asked.
"No. I don't think he'll talk openly with you there. Can't look weak in front of a girl, ya know?" joked Harry. Anissa snorted and rolled her eyes before she turned back to her practicing.
"If he tries anything, I'll hex him." Anissa threw over her shoulder as Harry walked away.
All she got in return was Harry's acknowledging chuckle. The walk to find Malfoy gave Harry time to think. He had to decide how much he was willing to share with the other boy. He hated telling anyone about his life, hated reliving it. Hated the looks of disgust or pity he received from those who found out.
He knew he would have to give him something if he wanted Malfoy to open up to him. He was not sure how far he could go before the flashbacks started. He did not want to break down in front of Malfoy, no matter how friendly they had been to each other. Harry predictably found Malfoy in the library, surrounded by books and parchment. Malfoy did not notice him until he spoke.
"Would you like some help with that?" asked Harry.
Malfoy stiffened with a jerk, like Harry did anytime someone came up behind him without his knowledge. Harry sighed. He had hoped his theory was wrong. Malfoy turned and raised an eyebrow over his patented Malfoy sneer.
"What makes you think I need any help, Potter?"
"I find another perspective welcoming. If you're not interested Malfoy, then I won't bother."
Harry was trying to keep calm and not just give up and leave. He had hoped that things would be better since they had been friendly lately. Malfoy could still be a git, but given what Harry now knew, he could understand why and respect his restraint. Draco sighed and gestured to a chair. When they finished his essay, he rolled it up and turned his full attention on Harry.
"Alright Potter, what is the real reason you are here?" asked Draco.
"Helping you is a real reason," Draco raised a brow in disbelief. "I'd like a private word with you. Will you come with me?"
Draco studied Harry, they had been friendly lately and he did not think Potter would attack him. He was pretty sure anyway. Draco nodded sharply, gathered his belongings, and followed Harry to an empty room. Harry locked the door and put up a silencing spell.
Turning back to Malfoy, seeing his raised eyebrow, he said, "I don't think either of us would like anyone to overhear this conversation."
Harry pointed at the stool directly in front of him and Malfoy cautiously took a seat. He was interested in what Potter thought no one else needed to know. Harry stared at Malfoy, not wanting to hurt him by bringing up what surely would be a painful topic, but they needed to get this out between them if they were to become real friends.
"If you're just going to stare at me, then I am leaving, Potter." Draco stood up.
"I'm trying to decide how to start. This is something I don't ever talk about, and I don't want to hurt you, Malfoy." explained Harry.
Draco's eyebrows rose sharply. "Just spit it out. I don't have all day to sit here and wait."
Harry nodded. "I want to get to know you better, Draco, become real friends. We've been on good terms lately and I'd like to know if you would like this to be more than just being cordial to each other, but something true and permanent." started Harry.
Draco was surprised and perturbed at Potter using his given name. He was about to tell him off for his audacity when he remembered that this was what he wanted, a real friend. Harry saw the sneer beginning to form, he expected it, but then it dropped off Draco's face.
"That right there is what I mean, Draco. Where is the Malfoy prat that bullied Luna and picked on me and Anissa? I know that look you wear, I wear that face as well. How long have you had to don that mask?"
Draco stared incredulously. There was no way that Prince Potter knew a thing about what he had lived through. Potter always got what he wanted. He was deciding on how much he wanted to say, it hurt to think about it, let alone say anything out loud. But if Potter really understood… If he was not truly alone…
"A long time, Potter. A long time." sighed Draco as his eyes dropped to stare at the floor. He did not want to see the pity on Potter's face. He would not be able to bear that. Harry knew exactly what Draco was thinking, but Harry would never treat him differently for this.
"Do they still hurt? Whatever has been left behind?"
Draco paused, knowing what Potter was asking and trying to decide if he really wanted to have this conversation. Especially with someone who had been his enemy not too long ago. Could Potter really understand? How could he?
"Not anymore." answered Draco, deciding to see where this would go.
"Let me ask you something, Draco. Do you think my life has been perfect? That no one else could possibly be living through something similar to what you are?"
Draco eyed Harry. His first instinct was to say yes, that Perfect Harry Potter always got everything he wanted. But then the things he had realized since spending time with him came to Draco, and he shook his head. There were too many similarities between them.
"No. I've seen you flinch at loud or unexpected noises and brace yourself if someone comes near you or makes a sudden gesture. Like me, you are aware of everything going on around you at all times."
Harry nodded in understanding. "Your mum or dad?"
"Dad. You?"
"Aunt, uncle and cousin, but mainly my uncle," Harry responded.
"Does King know?" Draco asked.
"Yes, her stepbrother is her tormentor, and her parents don't care. No one else knows."
"I haven't told anyone either. I don't want anyone to know that my own father doesn't care about me. He only sees me as his heir and has made sure I know my place in the family. I'm afraid if I tell anyone it would only get worse for me." said Draco.
Harry nodded. "I tried telling once and I swore I would never do it again. The consequences were not worth the few minutes of care I received."
"What happened?" Draco asked, wanting to know more. To keep this sense of understanding and friendship going. No one had made him feel this way before… like they truly cared.
Harry sighed and sat on another stool. "A lady saw me limping badly when I was mowing the lawn. She saw my bruises and confronted my relatives. After that, I was dubbed an attention seeking liar. Then my uncle showed me what abuse really was. I won't go into detail, but I was thrown in my cupboard for several days without food afterwards as I healed."
Draco's jaw dropped. "They starved you and kept you in a cupboard?"
"Yeah, the boot cupboard under the stairs, that is my room. Locking me up in there is a favorite punishment of theirs. If I burnt their dinner, or did something else they deemed wrong, they would throw me in there. The cupboard is my jail and my place of comfort, I've lived in it my whole life." said Harry like it was a normal thing to live in and be locked up in a cupboard. "What about you?"
"My father is a wizard, Potter."
"Call me Harry, Draco. Friends use their friend's given name." interrupted Harry.
Draco searched Harry's eyes, looking for anything false, and nodded curtly. "Father prefers hexes and curses, although he does use his cane from time to time."
"I know this might sound weird, and you don't have to answer if you don't want to, but do you have any scars?"
"Trying to compare, P – Harry?" Draco laughed roughly. "Only one, the others were healed so no one would know. It is not permissible for others to see anything that looks like weakness in the Malfoy Heir."
Harry had not expected anything more than those words, so he was quite surprised when Draco stood and took off his shirt. There was a long scar stretched diagonally across his back, from his right shoulder blade down to the left side of his lower back. Tears formed in Harry's eyes, why did those who are supposed to love us hurt us so badly?
"It is a reminder." Draco slowly turned back around, rebuttoning his shirt. "I am a Malfoy, and I need to remember my place. What about you? Any cool ones like that?" Draco asked looking at Harry expectantly.
Harry nodded and slowly stood, taking deep breaths to keep himself calm and not run away. He was already starting to shake, and he knew that Draco could see it by the furrowing of his brow. This was it, time to man up.
Harry hated anyone seeing his scars, but Draco had been willing to bear his, so Harry had to do the same if he wanted a real friendship with Draco. Taking another deep breath, his hands shaking noticeably, Harry carefully took off his shirt as his eyes lowered to the ground.
Draco gawked at Harry's chest, it was a web of scars, some looked to be fairly recent. There were burn marks, whip marks and what looked like a belt buckle etched into his skin. They were absolutely everywhere, not a piece of Harry's skin had been left untouched. They covered his chest, upper arms and stomach, disappearing under the waistline of his pants.
Harry's large release of breath brought Draco's eyes back up to his and Harry looked deep in Draco's. Even though he could see some pity there, it was mostly understanding and pain that Harry saw in Draco's eyes. Now for the worse part. Preparing himself, Harry took a deeper shuddering breath, before he turned and showed Draco his back. Harry heard Draco's gasp.
"I think mine might be cooler than yours," said Harry quietly.
If Draco thought the front was bad, he was not prepared for what Harry's back looked like. Again, there was not a piece of unblemished skin, and it disappeared under the waistline of his pants. But the one that stood out glaringly over the rest was the word 'Freak' carved jaggedly across Harry's shoulders that was still a bright angry red.
Draco could think of nothing to say, no quip to break the horror he was in. He wondered how far down the scars went and shuddered at the pain Harry must have gone through while receiving them. His relatives would then throw Harry into a cupboard without any aid? The monsters!
Draco could see the healing bruises under all those scars and could also see every rib and Harry's spine clearly through his thin pale skin. He had noticed before that Harry did not eat much, but this kind of damage was from years of not being fed. Those bastards starved him! How was Harry still alive?
Draco reached out a shaky hand, but quickly snatched it back like he had been burned. He could not believe it. No wonder Harry did not like to be touched and flinched so much. Those filthy Muggles were abusing him! And from the looks of it, it had been going on for a long time and he had never received any aid in healing it.
"Holy Mother of Merlin, Harry. How have you survived?" Draco's voice was shaky and rough as he stared at Harry as the boy turned around to face him again while putting on and buttoning up his shirt.
"My magic. It has kept me alive even when I wished it hadn't." Harry paused unsure before pressing on. "Um, Draco, I can help you with your scar if you'd like."
"Excuse me?" Draco was unsure of what he had heard.
"I can heal you. I found out when I rescued my owl, Hedwig. She was badly hurt, and I somehow knew what to do to heal her. Would you let me do this, as a show of friendship?" asked Harry.
Draco was shocked. Was Harry for real? He had had that scar for years… but to be free of it. Free of the pulling tightness that made it uncomfortable to bend. Free of the twinges when he moved just a bit too far. Draco nodded slowly, hardly daring to believe.
"What about yours? Why don't you heal them?" asked Draco.
"I cannot 'see' myself. My magic helps me heal faster than a normal person would, but it cannot heal me completely." said Harry.
"Oh, well that sucks," stated Draco.
Harry chuckled wryly and gestured for Draco to take a seat in front of him again. Draco slowly sat, nervous to have Harry behind him, even if he was considered his friend. It was just a natural thing to not let anyone be in a position where they could hurt him.
"Relax Draco, I'm not going to attack you. I understand it is hard, I hate having someone behind me as well, but I will only lay one hand on your back over the scar. You have my word that you are safe with me." Harry reassured him.
Draco took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He did not know why, but he knew that Harry would not do anything to hurt the friendship they were making, not after showing him his scars. Draco nodded slowly before turning his back on Harry.
"I'm ready,"
Harry carefully lifted Draco's shirt and placed his hand on Draco's bare back. Draco flinched at the contact then relaxed when Harry did not move or do anything else. Harry pulled his magic up to his hand, then sent it into Draco. Draco gasped at the heat that flowed into him and moved over his back. It was comforting and he relaxed under Harry's touch.
In Harry's mind he saw the scar, saw the hard tissue underneath the skin, the pulled muscles surrounding it. He knew what that felt like and was sorry that Draco had had to live with it for so long. Harry went to work on it, and a half hour later, Draco's back was blemish free.
Harry removed his hand and sat down, a little lightheaded after using so much magic. His core was getting stronger, but it still drained him when he used his healing magic. He would need to work on strengthening that, so he was not so drained afterwards.
Draco stood up and twisted his torso back and forth, getting a feel of the easier movement. He reached back with a hand but could not feel the scar on his now smooth skin. He could not believe it. Smiling, he turned to Harry to thank him.
"This is amazing! Thank y – Harry!" Draco was concerned at how pale Harry's face was.
"I'm okay Draco, just tired. I might need your help to get myself up Ravenclaw Tower though." joked Harry.
"I've got you, Harry. What are friends for?" Draco said with a smile.
