All recognized characters belong to J.K. Rowling
Everything else is mine.
R – for violence, language and adult content
Contains male/male pairings- That's SLASH... you know, GAY
** This starts at the end of book 4 (Goblet of Fire)
Harry Potter and the Parliament of Dreams
Chapter 3 – Summer Moon
The afternoon in Ron’s attic room passed quietly.
Justin and Mickey eventually fell asleep, although Mickey had climbed into the
cot with Justin. Harry slept deeply the whole time, having used far more energy
than he was used to using. Ron drifted in and out of sleep, listening to the
other boys in the room whenever he was awake.
Ron was the only one truly awake when George appeared
in the doorway. His red head popped into the room around the door and looked
right at Ron.
“Mum says to wake them up, so she can get some
food into them,” George said quietly as he came slowly into the room.
Ron nodded and got out of bed, heading for Harry.
George made his way over to Justin and his brother. George very gently shook
Justin’s shoulder, causing him to pop his eyes open. The look of pain that
crossed Justin’s face touched George deep in his heart. The normally jovial
twin had a look of sincere compassion on his face when he gestured it was time
for Justin to get up. He couldn’t bring himself to talk at the moment.
Ron had managed to wake up Harry. He looked utterly
helpless, with his jet-black hair all over the place. The emotional pain that
was visible on Harry’s face was starting to tear Ron up inside. Ron pulled
Harry into a hug and held him for a few moments. Harry remained rigid for a
second before relaxing completely into Ron’s embrace.
“It’ll be okay Harry, I’ll be with you mate,” Ron
whispered confidently.
Harry smiled briefly for his friend. Together
they went down the stairs, leaving George with Justin and Mickey.
As soon as he got downstairs, Mrs. Weasley pulled
him into a tight hug.
“Fred told me what happened, Harry. I’m very proud
of you,” Molly stated with a serious look on her face.
“I just did what I thought was right, ma'am,” Harry
replied quietly.
“I know lad. I’m proud that you know what
is right,” Molly stated firmly.
Harry blushed.
“Now you’ve embarrassed him again,” Ron interjected
with frustration.
Molly rounded on Ron, “I’m very proud of you too,
my youngest boy.”
Ron blushed then too, further retorts dying on
his lips.
“Now,” Molly said as she gathered the boys up,
“it is time to put some good food into you."
Having said that, she sat both boys side-by-side
and shuffled away to collect her next pair of boys. The Finch-Fletchley boys
were seated across from Ron and Harry. The twins, Percy, and Ginny arrived
next. They all sat down and dinner commenced. Arthur Weasley had returned
to the office to help with the cleanup.
The whole atmosphere was very somber while they
ate. Harry got more and more restless as he picked at his food. Justin and
Mickey weren’t much better off. After only fifteen minutes, Harry excused himself
and went outside. Justin and Mickey got up too, but went back upstairs.
Molly looked at Ron and tilted her head towards
the door that Harry went out. Ron nodded, got up and followed Harry outside.
Fred and George got up of their own accord and went upstairs to find Justin
and Mickey.
Ron found Harry a few moments later sitting on
a large rock next to the garden.
Harry was staring out into the night and gave no
indication that he noticed Ron appear. Ron stayed quiet, watching his friend.
Draco’s evening was a little different from usual.
Instead of sitting in his bed and reading, he was standing in the giant window
that graced his room. The window overlooked the great expanse of land that
made up the rear of Malfoy Manor. Draco was feeling drawn to the night. He
turned and flicked his wand, causing all the lights to go out, putting him into
darkness.
The only light in the room was now coming from
the almost full moon. The light cast on Draco made him look sinister and pale.
“The choice is coming. Soon. Choose wisely,
or we will both regret it,” echoed in his head.
‘I’ve already made my choice, haven’t I?’ Draco
thought to himself.
‘Or, I’m I supposed to play nice with Potter?’
he asked himself.
He didn’t have an answer, but staring into the
bright moon made him more relaxed.
Harry watched the moon rise, wondering what he
had to do, wondering how he could be normal.
Ron stood quietly for nearly an hour, displaying
more patience than he ever had. As he watched, Harry seemed to relax in the
moonlight. He finally stepped forward and gently laid his hand on Harry’s shoulder.
Harry didn’t jump, or otherwise move.
“Thanks for being out here with me Ron, and thanks
for giving me the time,” Harry said quietly.
Ron blinked in surprise, “Your welcome. Are you
okay mate?”
“I will be, I think. There is just so much going
on. Something about what happened earlier today has had me thinking. I think
I need to discuss something with you,” Harry said somberly.
“Anything Harry. You are my best friend and nothing
is going to change that,” Ron stated firmly.
“I hope not. Earlier today, when Mickey kissed
me, I liked it. A lot,” Harry whispered.
“Oh. OH! I thought you were interested in Cho?”
Ron replied confusedly.
“I’ve thought about boys, but I’ve never really
moved beyond that. I really do think I’m gay, though Ron,” Harry said a little
more firmly.
“All right then,” Ron said.
“It doesn’t bother you?” Harry asked incredulous.
“Of course not Harry! That is a muggle issue.
There have been many great gay witches and wizards,” Ron said smiling.
“You’re sure it doesn’t bother you?” Harry asked
again.
“No. I hope you aren’t attracted to me though,”
Ron said lifting his eyebrows, “I kind of like Hermione.”
Harry laughed, “She’s all yours mate!”
“Good,” Ron replied with a shit-eating grin on
his face.
They got up together and walked back inside, Harry’s
demeanor improved. They walked straight to their shared room. Justin and Mickey
were already settled in to Justin’s bed. Both of them were sleeping. Ron smiled
at Harry and Harry returned it. They went to their separate beds without further
words.
The next day started early for Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Arthur Apparated to work
a little before seven a.m. Mrs. Weasley went straight to the kitchen to start
preparing the massive breakfast that would be required to feed all the teenagers
at The Burrow. She was surprised when several owls arrived at her window at
once. She let them in and took off the letters and sent them on their way with
an owl treat each.
One of the items that arrived was a copy of the Daily Prophet. There was also
a letter from her husband and one from Professor Dumbledore.
She read the brief note from Arthur first. “Molly, please check the second
main story in the Daily Prophet. I’m off to a meeting to discuss it. It does
look like it is a go. Rita Skeeter apparently bombarded Cornelius at home last
night with an advanced copy of the article. Love Arthur.”
She opened the Daily Prophet and saw the headline. “Death Eaters Attack Diagon
Alley!”
She looked down to the bottom of the page and looked at the next biggest headline,
“Boy Who Lived Saves Lives: To be Awarded Order of Merlin Third Class.”
Boy Who Lived Saves Lives:
To be Awarded Order of Merlin Third Class
Rita Skeeter
Harry Potter defended two boys’ lives yesterday with the help of Ronald
Weasley, son of Arthur Weasley of the Ministry of Magic. Both boys managed
to capture one Death Eater and to kill another one while defending Justin and
Michael Finch-Fletchley. The Daily Prophet would like to offer its sincerest
condolences to both Finch-Fletchley boys on the loss of their parents in the
attack in Flourish & Blotts.
This reporter talked personally to Cornelius Fudge, Minister
of Magic last evening. He has agreed to push forward a resolution to award
both Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley the Order of Merlin Third Class for their
outstanding bravery and heroics in defending their fellow students. If the
resolution passes as expected, Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley will be the youngest
Wizards in history to be awarded this prestigious honor.
Molly dropped the paper in surprise. Her youngest son was going to get the
Order of Merlin Third class at fifteen! And so was a boy that she loved just
as much as her own children. She was never more proud of Ron in his whole life.
She remembered she had a letter from Professor Dumbledore so she picked that
up next.
Dear Molly,
I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking in Harry Potter
and the Finch-Fletchley boys. As Arthur has no doubt told you, the two Finch-Fletchleys
have no family left to speak of. The same is also true of Harry. Would you
consider adopting all three boys? I know it is a great responsibility and a
great burden for a family of nine, but I can think of no better mother and father
than you and Arthur. All three boys are independently wealthy and have the
full support of many of the staff here at Hogwarts. I’ve already made arrangements
with Gringotts to transfer a small amount of money to your family account.
This money is not charity. It is to offset the expenses involved with clothing
and feeding three additional mouths. Thank you for considering the matter of
the boys and please get back to me after you discuss the matter thoroughly with
Arthur.
Your friend with love,
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
P.S. Congratulations to you and yours for Ronald’s pending Order of Merlin
Third Class. I know you are proud of him, as am I.
Molly reread the letter twice as tears trickled down her face. Of course she
would take in the lovely boys. Was there any other option, truly? It broke
her heart to see those boys in pain.
Dear Albus,
Arthur mentioned the possibility last night and I agreed immediately. We
feel that it would be best to deal with the paperwork and discuss the possibilities
with the proper authorities before we approach the boys with the offer. I wouldn’t
want to raise false hopes with any of them by offering a family and new home,
only to have the government deny the possibility.
Thank you very much for your help with getting Ron his Order of Merlin.
I know you sit on the Committee and I can’t tell you how much it means to Arthur
and me. Ron hasn’t been told yet (nor Harry), but I’m sure he’ll be quite proud,
as it is something that he can truly call his own. I realize how hard it is
on him being the youngest of six brothers and this may be just the thing to
increase his confidence.
With love,
Molly Weasley.
As soon as she finished the letter she went looking for an owl to deliver it.
Harry’s snowy white owl Hedwig sensed her intentions and immediately stuck out
her leg, looking forward to having a delivery.
“Thank you Hedwig,” Molly said to her, scratching behind her ear tufts.
Hedwig hooted throatily in appreciation.
“Bring this to Albus Dumbledore at Hogwarts please, deary,” she told the owl.
Hedwig hooted and then soared out of the open living room window.
Harry woke up around eight A.M. to stirring in the room. Mickey was awake
and was shaking his brother in attempt to wake him up as well. Ron slept on
unaware.
Harry got out of bed and stumbled towards the bathroom. After five steps forward,
he turned around and got his glasses. He then went to the bathroom. When he
was complete with his necessary business in the bathroom, he walked silently
down the stairs and made his way to the kitchen.
“Good morning dear,” Mrs. Weasley greeted him. “What would you like for breakfast?”
“Toast and bacon please,” Harry replied as his eyes drifted over what was available.
“Coming right up. Have a seat at the table,” she told him cheerfully.
Harry sat down as Mickey and Justin drifted silently into the room. The boys
sat down on either side of Harry. Mrs. Weasley looked surprised as she set
Harry’s food in front of him, as she didn’t hear the boys enter.
“What would you boys like to eat?” she asked.
“A little of everything please?” Justin asked shyly.
“You sound just like my Fred,” Mrs. Weasley chortled.
“I’d like some eggs and bacon if you don’t mind,” Mickey piped up.
“Of course dear,” Molly smiled kindly at him.
Harry finished his breakfast fairly quickly and excused himself form the table.
He wandered into the living room and dropped down on the center of the couch.
A few minutes later Justin came in and dropped into the seat next to him.
Justin stared forlornly at the wall and he started to sob pitifully after a
few minutes of silence. Harry wasn’t sure what to do so he pulled the other
boy into him. Justin moved willingly and curled up into Harry. Harry wrapped
his arms around Justin and rocked slowly back and forth, understanding the other
boy’s pain.
Harry drifted off to sleep awhile later when Justin had quieted down and done
the same.
Several hours later, Harry woke up to find himself stretched out on the couch
gently rubbing against another warm body. There was a light blanket covering
them both. He opened his eyes and recognized the back of Justin’s head and
he froze in shock.
Justin mumbled and pressed himself backwards against Harry’s arousal quite
insistently. Harry moved his center section away from Justin again only to
have Justin stir.
“What’s going on Harry?” he mumbled quietly.
“Nothing,” Harry squeaked.
Justin pressed back into Harry again and Harry whimpered quietly.
Justin leaned forward and then turned around to face Harry. Harry looked down
to see Justin’s pants tented in front and he blushed.
Justin took Harry’s hand gently and smiled saying, “It’s okay Harry. There
was no harm done. We were just enjoying each other’s company.”
“Are you… I mean do you like… other lads?” Harry asked quietly.
Justin looked at Harry closely, “I do.”
“So do I, though I’ve never been interested in any in particular,” Harry replied
blushing.
“Like I said Harry, we were just comforting one another. What happened when
we were sleeping is natural for us. There was no harm done,” Justin smiled
tentatively.
Harry squeezed his hand, “Right. There was no harm done.”
“Shall we go find Ron and talk Quidditch then?”
“Good idea,” Harry replied, looking relieved.
It was a few days later that Professor Albus Dumbledore showed up at The Burrow.
He came with two small boxes and two envelopes.
“I’d like to see Harry and Ron please,” he told Fred, who had answered the
door.
Fred invited the Headmaster inside and led him to the kitchen where everyone
had gathered.
“Good morning everyone,” Dumbledore said when he arrived in the kitchen.
Everyone replied in kind.
“I’m here today to award Mr. Harry Potter and Mr. Ronald Weasley with the Order
of Merlin Third Class. I’m sorry we couldn’t have the normal ceremony, but
under the circumstances we thought it would be best to do it this way.”
Harry and Ron both stared in shock at the Headmaster. Justin, Mickey, Fred
and George stared at each other and at Harry and Ron. Molly Weasley beamed
with pride at the two boys.
“For what sir?” Harry managed to stumble out.
“For outstanding bravery and heroics in defending your fellow students.”
Harry and Ron both blushed a bright red and looked guiltily at Justin and Mickey.
Justin responded, “You both deserve the recognition. I wouldn’t have been
able to stand there the way you two did.”
Harry looked at the pained expression on Justin’s face and went over to hug
him. It very quickly became a large group hug in which everyone was involved.
“I’d love to stay and chat, but I have a lot of business to take care of back
at Hogwarts. Congratulations again and I’ll see you when school starts,” Dumbledore
said cheerfully.
Molly followed him out and they talked while the boys all smiled at each other
and examined the ornate medals.
July 31st arrived before they all knew it. Molly
Weasley had managed to get everyone settled and feeling at home within a few
days of their arrival. Arthur had used his connections at the ministry to see
to the Finch-Fletchleys' stuff. The boys were fairly well covered in insurance
and investments that their parents had made. Arthur arranged for a financial
planner, familiar in both the wizarding world and muggle world, to take care
of the boys’ finances. He also arranged to have himself placed in temporary
custody of both boys. The muggles went along without a hitch as the Ministry
of Magic used its connections with the Muggle government.
Molly had also successfully prepared a surprise
party for Harry’s birthday, arranging with Hermione’s parents for Hermione to
stay at the Weasleys for the rest of the summer.
Hedwig had returned from her daily flight with
a letter and package from Sirius. Harry opened the letter and read it. It
was the usual niceties with the addition of the explanation of the book that
was in the package. It was shrunk so that Hedwig could carry it, but it was
a guide on how to become an Animagus. There were numerous notes in the margins
that were Sirius’ and what must have been his father’s handwriting. He realized
with a jolt that this was the book that they studied to become Animagi. He
secreted it away in his trunk, before anyone else saw it.
Harry was feeling very tired, but otherwise was
recovering well from all the excitement. He did continue to stew over the thoughts
of being gay. His nightly dreams became a lot more interesting as he figured
out his true preferences sometimes involving Justin and a continuation of the
incident of the couch. Justin never brought it up again, though he glanced
at Harry every so often in a more interested way.
He was jolted away from his thoughts by the arrival
of his other best friend, Hermione. She walked right into Ron’s room and pulled
him into a hug. Harry was surprised for only a moment before he returned the
hug.
“Harry, can’t you ever have a quiet summer?”
“It would appear not,” Harry replied dryly.
“Happy Birthday Harry! I’m staying the rest of
the summer.”
“Thanks… You are?” Harry asked in surprise.
“Mrs. Weasley invited me to stay and my parents
thought is was best. I think she wanted to have as many friends around you
as possible.”
“Most likely,” Harry smiled back at her.
“I’ve been studying some new curses and hexes.”
“You are always doing new things.”
Hermione mock glared at him for a moment before
breaking out in full grin. “Why are their two extra cots in here?”
“Justin Finch-Fletchley and his younger brother
are staying here. Their parents were killed in the fight in Diagon Alley,”
Harry replied quietly.
“Oh No! I didn't realize they were staying here.
I read about what happened in the Daily Prophet. Are they okay?”
“Ron and I defended them against some Death Eaters.
We killed one. I injured the other.”
Hermione looked stricken for a moment at the pain
on Harry's face before pulling Harry into another tight hug. "I'm glad
you stood up to them to save others Harry."
"They gave us both the Order of Merlin Third
Class."
"I read. Congratulations on the honor, though
I can see how much it hurts you to think about it."
“There is something else I need to tell you Hermi,”
Harry said very quietly.
“What is it Harry?”
“Mickey Finch-Fletchley gave me a very long kiss
as thanks for saving him.”
“So?”
“I liked it, a lot Hermi. I’m gay.”
Hermione tilted her head a little bit and said
very calmly, “Harry, you are my best friend. You will be my best friend, no
matter what. You can’t help your sexuality. I read this really nice book called
Real Boys once, and in it…”
Harry smiled as he cut her off with a big hug,
“Thanks Hermione. You have no idea how much that means to me.”
It was at this point that Ron walked in. A look
of slight confusion and a bit of jealousy crossed his features before a smile
went across his face.
“Hermione! Good to see you. Ginny came out to
the field to tell us you were here. Harry didn’t feel up to practicing Quidditch
with us today. He wanted some time to think.”
“Ron, remember what we talked about that night?”
Harry asked.
“Yes,” Ron replied.
“I told Hermione about me, I think you should tell
her what is on your mind.”
Ron paled. “Tell her what?” he whispered.
“You know what, twit.”
“I—I—I—I”
“Tell her!”
“Tell me what?” Hermione demanded, quietly hoping
it was what she hoped.
Ron looked desperate and trapped. He finally rushed
it out, “Hermione, I really like you a lot and want you to be my girlfriend.”
He cringed a little expecting an explosion.
Hermione walked over in front of him. She looked
in his eyes for a moment before leaning in and kissing him on the lips. His
whole body blushed a brilliant red that rivaled his hair.
“It’s about time!” Harry grinned at his two best
friends.
They went downstairs together to join what was shaping up to be a big party.
Harry got gifts from all his friends and they all had a good time. They all
were able to forget about the pain and the problems that had been hovering over
their heads, for a while at least.
Harry woke up abruptly again. The pained expression
on the face of the fallen Death Eater faded from his vision as he regained consciousness.
Another nightmare!
He had been having them all too frequently. It
was still a couple of days until they left for Diagon Alley. It was decided
that they would all spend the last day of vacation there. The Ministry, through
Arthur Weasley, had arranged protection, in the form of Aurors, for both Harry
and the Finch-Fletchleys. Harry did not want protection, but he wasn’t given
any choice in the matter. Both Arthur and Molly had been very firm on the point
and Harry had relented.
Harry’s attention was brought back to the room
when he heard a sniffle from the direction of Mickey’s bed. It was apparent
that Mickey had another nightmare as well. The boy was awake and cringing under
his covers. Harry made a noise and Mickey popped his head out and Harry gestured
to him. The boy hopped out of his bed and climbed in next to Harry as soon
as he had lifted the covers. The boy folded himself into the same shape that
Harry was in and Harry wrapped his arms around the boy. The boy fell back asleep
almost instantly. Harry was glad. Both he and Ron had taken on the roll of
big brother for little Mickey.
Justin was having a hard time adjusting and had
taken to needing comforting himself. Harry really couldn’t blame Justin for
not being able to help his brother. Harry snatched his glasses off the stand
and looked over in Ron’s bed. Justin was curled into Ron in a similar fashion.
Both Ron and Harry had been acting as an older brother and comforter to the
boys for the last two weeks, when the comfort of each other just wasn’t enough
for them. Neither boy had any previous experience as Harry was an only child
and Ron was the youngest brother.
They both did very well, though. Harry was glad
that Justin usually went to Ron’s bed for comfort, as Harry was afraid that
he might become more interested in Justin sexually. Harry found Mickey cute,
but still a bit too young for sexual desire. Justin, on the other hand, was
cute and gay. The small event on the couch had not left Harry's mind. They
weren’t interested in each other, but Harry didn’t see any reason to test hormones.
Harry decided to stop pondering things and get
back to sleep. He placed his glasses back on the nightstand and then pulled
Mickey in a little tighter. He went back sleep almost immediately and was able
to sleep the rest of the night away.
The rest of Draco’s summer passed quickly. His
daily routine was set after a few days and he didn’t leave his room until the
last day of August. He spent each day doing exercises from the magic books
to learn how to apparate and how to become an Animagus. He was not able to
fully achieve results, but he learned everything he needed. Some of the ingredients
he needed to prepare the initial potion were unavailable to him.
He figured he could get the ingredients from Professor
Snape as soon as he got back to school. Snape liked him enough to give him
the potion ingredients without asking why he wanted them.
Draco had continued to have strange dreams throughout
the summer. On a few occasions, he even woke up sexually aroused from something
that occurred in his dream. Except for the first time though, he couldn’t remember
any of his dreams. He still wasn't sure what Voldemort did, but the fact that
he was sent away in one piece, without the mark of the Death Eater, pleased
him greatly. Despite what Harry and his friends might think, Draco had no desire
to be subservient to the Dark Lord. Draco had far too much ambition to be a
cow-towing underling.
Draco stood in his room on the last day of his
incarceration. All of his school things were packed and he was wearing muggle
jeans and a tight silk shirt. The room was as dark as pitch except for a small
candle burning brightly on a low table near the bed. The light caused shadows
to leap and climb across Draco’s pale face. He had come to the conclusion that
he would no longer be following his father’s dark path. He would now do what
he felt he needed to do. Narcissa arrived within moments of his conclusion
and they walked together down to the car, several elves dragging his school
trunk behind them. As soon as the car was loaded, they sped off towards London
and Diagon Alley.
Draco went to the Leaky Cauldron first. He checked
in and dropped his trunk in his room. His mother had left him at the door,
and driven off without even a simple goodbye.
Draco set out in to Diagon Alley on his own. As
he passed through the bar area, he saw the famous Boy Who Lived sitting alone,
drinking a butterbeer. Their eyes locked in the mirror and Draco, in an uncharacteristic
manner merely nodded to the other boy as he passed him on his way out the door.
Once into Diagon Alley, Draco looked over the book requirements for the fifth
year. As soon as he determined what he needed, he made his way Flourish and
Blotts to buy his books.
It was August 31st, the very last day that they
were on summer vacation. Harry truly wanted to get back to school. Hogwarts
promised at least a bit of normality to his life. Normality and Hogwarts, oddly
out of place in the same sentence, Harry thought wryly to himself.
He was sitting at the bar of the Leaky Cauldron,
silently sipping a butterbeer. After the last incident in Diagon Alley, no
one was taking any chances at all. There were not one, but two Aurors standing
in the shadows near the back of the tavern room. If he hadn’t been told they
were there, he really wouldn’t have noticed them. Justin and Mickey were upstairs
in their room, also with a guard. They did not feel like going out into the
Alley at all.
As he was drinking, he looked up in the mirror
just in time to lock eyes with Draco Malfoy as he passed by him. Malfoy nodded
to him in acknowledgement. Harry nearly fell out of his stool in surprise.
Malfoy not only hadn’t stop to insult him, he acknowledged him as a person.
Harry turned his head in wonder and watched Malfoy saunter quietly out the door
into Diagon Alley. Harry watched the slightly smaller boy until he was out
of sight before he noticed two sets of eyes on him. He turned to see one of
the Aurors approaching him. He turned fully to face her.
“Mr. Potter, was that boy Draco Malfoy, the son
of Lucius Malfoy?” she asked.
“Yes, ma'am,” Harry responded politely.
“We have long held suspicions that Lucius is an
important Death Eater and…”
Harry cut her off, “Lucius Malfoy is most certainly
a Death Eater. He was present when Voldemort returned.”
“We don’t have any definitive proof of that,” the
Auror replied shortly.
“I was there, but you can believe what you like.
Why are you asking about Draco?”
“We wanted to keep an extra sharp eye on him and
see if we could check for a Dark Mark on his arm.”
“I seriously doubt that Draco would join Voldemort’s
ranks. He’s more bark than bite. In fact, he tends to be nothing without an
audience. I doubt that he even is Death Eater material.”
“How would you know?” she snapped at him.
Harry’s eyes flashed slightly, but he only replied,
“Like I said, believe what you will. I’ll do what I need to do and I’ll let
the truth attend to itself.”
“I have no idea what I did wrong to get assigned
to this arrogant little shite…” she mumbled under her breath.
“Probably the same thing I did to get you,” Harry
said sotto voce.
She stiffened in anger and swallowed her retort.
Draco was in the store for only a few moments when
he noticed a bushy brown head in front of him. He rolled his eyes to himself
when he realized it was Granger with her nose in a book as usual. He was surprised
to see Weasley’s arm across her shoulder in an almost intimate embrace. He
shifted slightly trying to leave, but he made too much noise. Weasley turned
towards him and his face turned red when he recognized Draco.
“Malfoy! Buzz off!” Ron Weasley snapped out at
him.
Draco was already turned around so he spun back
to retort, “Weasley, I have absolutely no desire to see you with your Mud… Muggle-born
girlfriend.” A rather weak comeback, he immediately thought. He also realized
that he choked on saying Mudblood. That wouldn’t make him popular in Slytherin
House. Draco turned and stormed off, angry with himself. Ron stood there for
a moment with a confused look on his face.
Draco managed to calm down and collect his books
and supplies in record time. He sauntered back to the Leaky Cauldron with only
slightly less of the Malfoy pride displayed than his normal.
He breezed by Potter again without insulting him.
He went up the stairs and as soon as Draco arrived in his room, he dropped on
the bed and started going over his new schoolbooks. He fell asleep several
hours later.
Harry turned back to his butterbeer, as soon as
the Auror went back to her post. He sat there for quite a while contemplating
his drink and waiting for the return of his friends. He was surprised again
as Malfoy breezed by him without saying anything. Harry was suddenly feeling
confused about Malfoy’s actions and his gaze followed Malfoy as he disappeared
up the stairs. Harry was startled to realize that he was also checking out
Malfoy’s arse. Harry sat up straight in surprise.
It was only about twenty minutes later when Ron
and Hermione returned with Mrs. Weasley. Ron was smiling again and had his
long arm draped around Hermione’s waist. Harry smiled at his two friends as
they approached.
“Any problems getting books?” he asked.
“Other than bumping into Malfoy? No. He doesn’t
seem to be on the ball though. He barely even insulted either of us before
rushing off,” Ron replied.
“Odd, he passed me twice. The first time he passed,
he nodded at me. The second time, he just breezed by as fast as he could saunter.”
“How are the bodyguards?” Hermione asked, nodding
to the agitated looking female.
“They really don’t like this babysitting job.
I wish Mr. Weasley hadn’t insisted that Minister Fudge assign them to me. I
am glad that once we are on the Hogwarts Express, they’ll leave me alone.”
“They are here for your safety Harry!” Hermione
admonished.
Harry scowled.
“Don’t give me that look Harry!”
“Hermione, I know I keep surviving through luck,
but I have survived so many attacks now that I’m feeling more than a little
jaded about the whole thing. I just want to be left alone.”
“Harry, something you did nearly fifteen years
ago saved the wizarding world from You Know Who. That world owes you a debt
of gratitude. Some people think that you are the only one that can beat him.”
“Bullocks! Voldemort is not unstoppable and I’m
not the one that is ‘destined’ to stop him. You are starting to sound like
Trelawney!”
Hermione flushed scarlet, “I do NOT sound like
that old windbag!”
“Yes you do. I’ll die when I die. It’s that simple.
If I happen to die at the hands of the Dark Lord, early in my life then at least
I’ll be with my parents.”
Hermione was shocked into silence. Ron stared
at his best friend for a few moments in silence.
“Let’s go upstairs Harry,” Ron said as he tugged
Harry’s arm.
Ron led Harry to the room they were sharing. There
were two double beds in here. Ron sat Harry down on Harry’s bed before joining
Hermione on his own.
“Harry?” Ron asked.
Harry looked up, tiredness radiating from his eyes,
“yeah?”
“Harry, you are my best friend. You have been
closer than my brother for the last four years. I don’t want to lose you and
I don’t want you to give up,” Ron started.
Hermione picked up, “You are my best friend too
Harry. While Ron and I have become more interested in each other, that doesn’t
mean I care any less for you as a friend. I know you don’t like it one bit,
but you have survived You Know Who on numerous occasions now. I do not want
you wishing to join your parents. Even just to yourself.”
“I agree with her Harry. You do not need to think
about dying. You need to think about school. And Quidditch. You need to stop
thinking about the Dark Lord. It will be nearly impossible to get you away
from Dumbledore this year. They have heightened security and the protections
at Hogwarts, after all the trouble this summer. You just need to relax. Maybe
you can enjoy Finch-Fletchley?” Ron continued.
“Hey! I did not prompt Mickey into that kiss.
He was just glad because he thought I saved his life!” Harry finely responded,
blushing a bright red.
“I don’t know about that Harry, as you are sleeping
with him. Besides I was talking about his brother, Justin. Justin was watching
his little brother smooch with you with no small amount of jealousy,” Ron joked.
“You’re the one that has Justin sleeping with you,”
Harry winked then bellowed, “Next thing you are going to do is accuse Draco
of liking me like that!”
“Why do you like him?” Hermione made a sly grin.
“He’s cute and has a nice… hey wait a minute!
Hermi! Don’t do that to me. How could you…” THWAP! A pillow to the side of
his head from Ron cut Harry off in mid-tirade.
A pillow fight followed that left them all winded
and sitting in the middle of the floor hugging each other. They all had smiles
on their faces and were ready to face the school year.
They all went to their proper beds and fell asleep
quickly. The first time in awhile, in Harry’s case. They all slept the night
all the way through to wake up to Fred and George pounding on their doors.
The ministry sent cars to get them all to Kings
Cross. They loaded quickly and were all rushing to their next year at Hogwarts.
Draco finally slept a night all the way through. Tom, the innkeeper, knocked
on his door and woke him up at nine a.m. the next morning. Draco quickly showered
and dressed in muggle clothes.
He stepped out into muggle London and hailed a taxi. He told the driver to
bring him to King’s Cross Station. As soon as he arrived he went through the
gap onto Platform 9¾. Finally he’d be able to catch the large red steam engine
to his only safe haven.
End of Chapter 3
Next Chapter
