Something Unexpected
Their first meeting opened Harrys’ eyes on the whole “pureblood stuff” as he called it behind closed doors to Neville. He was afraid that they would laugh him off and make him feel small for his lack of knowledge but nothing like that happened.
Suzan and Hannah were a god sent for him, with a comment here and there form Daphnie, who for her part preferred to keep to herself and observe. Harry felt that she was studying him, what to make of him.
They started the real meeting discussing what changed since their last meet-up, and commenting on what the adults decided on Wizengamots summer summit.
Thankfully to Harry they, as heirs were granted transcripts of the proceedings, so he didn’t feel so left out.
He was shocked that some of them were even present at his trial, as it was the day of the summit.
-” I must ask Harry, forgive me for being so blunt”- Started Susan, and Harry gave her reassuring nod to go ahead.
-” How did you get your hands on that solicitor? He is really difficult to get a hold of” - Susan sounded astounded.
Of course, as most of the things from his summer, Harry did not know what she was talking about, blushing a little he lied.
-” Oh, he’s a family friend. I got in touch with him after I visited Gringotts” - Came the answer. He tugged nervously on the sleave covering his tattoo. He couldn’t help but notice a slight smirk playing on Dracos’ lips. He furrowed his brows in confusion, but the blonde shook his head slightly and moved the conversation to another topic.
After sharing their thoughts at the table and quick snack break; curtsy of Dobby and some of more friendly kitchen Elves; they moved to the couches and dug in into their new favorite topic, which was, of course, Harrys appearance.
Susan, the most outspoken of the girls turned her whole body in his direction with hands on her hips, eyeing him up and down.
-” We HAVE to do something about you. This-”- She stated wiggling her finger up and down pointing at him. -” Will not do. I’m glad there are two finally Gryffindors here now, You can keep Nev in check with his wardrobe. I will take your measurements and order you proper clothes”- She finished urging him to stand up by having him at a wand point. He couldn’t decide if she was threatening him, or this was simply the way she is. Looking quickly at Neville, Harry figured it was the latter.
-” You are right on the money there Suz”- Came lazy voice from the couch opposite theirs.
-” I’ll help you with that, don’t get me wrong, your taste is not half bad. But it’s more, as you said yourself, for Nev here. Our “Oh chosen one!” needs something more, I’ll make sure of that” - Draco said not taking his eyes off of Harry for even a second.
Harry felt he was getting warmer by the minute, and a snort from Theo told him that everyone could see he was blushing.
-” True”- Answered Susan still working her wand around Harry to get every possible demention oh his body. He felt really uncomfortable when he saw a diagram forming on a piece of parchment she was holding. When she was done, she copied the page and handed one to Draco. He studied it for a minute and snickered to himself folding it so noone on his couch could see what was there.
-” What so funny there, Dray?”- Hannah asked curiously, mischievous sparks dancing in her eyes.
-” Oh nothing. Nothing at all...”- Draco sighed and adjusted himself on the couch.
-” Whatever weirdo. Perfect this is taken care of. Now the important stuff. The hair.” - Hannah said all serious now.
-” I’ve heard that you’re an armature hairdresser now, and not half bad fir that part. WHY do you still look like that?” - She asked.
For the clothes part he wasn’t sure what they were on about. He was wearing school robes, what else they wanted them to be. He didn’t wear his muggle clothes often, and with the shrinking spell Hermione taught him last semester he didn’t look that bad now. But the hair, they were right. Aunt Petunia broke one to many combs trying to figure it out, and he barely ever tired after that. Only last year they got so long they were manageable to be brushed through before the yule ball.
-” I don’t know what to do about them they’re always like this. My-” - He stopped himself there, he wasn’t ready to share what living with Dursleys was really like.
-” Lets just say that i tried.” - He finished avoiding everyone's eyes. Ne stole a quick glance at Neville who was; as he thought; the only one in the know about his life before. The pain that flickered through his face for a moment said it all. Hannah seemed to miss his slight slip up or decided to not comment on that. She laughed a little.
-” I don’t think that you know that, but your grandfather invented Sleekazy’s. Now that I think about it it all makes sense. Your father had the same problem, so I believe your grandfather had to have it too. Try using it. We can order it with the clothes. Once it is manageable we can think of a haircut together. What do you say?”
-” Oh, yeah I didn’t know that, thank You Hannah. It would be nice.” - He answered uncomfortably owerhelmed by the information.
-” Merlin look at the time! We better wrap this up.”- Theo stated standing up from his armchair.
-” For those who are new-” - pointed look at Harry.-” reminder, we can’t share the details of this meeting with anyone outside the sacred.”- He said and when he passed Harry who was ready to leave. -” So you can definitely talk about it with your godfather” he murmured for only Harry to hear.
-” Potter, can I have a moment?”- To his surprise Daphnie stayed by the fireplace, clearly waiting for him to join her. Harry shot a worried glance to Neville who nodded and stood by the door waiting for him.
-” Hi Daphnie, What’s up?”- Harry said stepping next to her.
-” I just want you to know, that you are safe here.”- She said looking at the flames.
-” You can talk about it to us.”- she said that and then turned to him. When she looked up, there was something in her eyes that he couldn’t quite place.
-” Sometimes it’s good to talk about it”. And with that she left thanking Neville on the way for holding the door for her.
Harry was frozen in place for a moment but shook it off. He looked up to meet Nevilles eyes and met him at the door.
The walk back to the common room was mostly silent, they didn’t comment on the evening and Harry was thankful for it. When they climbed to their dormitory and headed to their beds they were met with a classic now Seamus scowl, and Rons’ drilling eyes.
-” Where were you?”- Ron asked accusatorily.
-” Sorry, can’t tell you even if I wanted to. And frankly I don’t. So don’t ask.”- Harry answered nonchalantly with his back to Ron only seeing him in his mirrors. And oh boy was the sight priceless. Ron was gaping at him like a fish out of water opening and closing his mouth. Eventually he got red and closed his curtains. Harry looked up at Neville who was barely holding it in, he side eyed Dean who was reading a book on his bed seemingly not paying any attention to them aside from a smirk that was plastered on his lips. He gave Harry a thumbs up and flicked a page like nothing happened.
He changed out of his clothes and climbed into his own bed, saying goodnight to his two remaining friends and closed his curtains, casting wards and silencing charms on them. It has been a while since he last had a nightmare about Cedric, but better be safe than sorry. Things Susan said about his solicitor made him think about the summer again, but this time there was no vision dragging him in. No, now he saw himself in the courtroom, all alone, until his “hero” Dumbledore stepped in and announced to the whole of the Wizengamot that Voldemort was back and he was the one who sent the dementors after Harry. He could feel something fake about what he was seeing, and he focused really hard. Like from a fog the real scene was coming to the surface, slowly and painfully. He wasn’t alone, a tall, dark man was standing next to him, advocation for him. There were witnesses. Not only Miss Fig but also a wizard who lives in the neighboring town. His memory was presented of two dementors floating in the direction of Little Winging. Not once was Voldemort mentioned. In the end he was cleared, and an official investigation has been issued to determine why the dementors were off post.
Then why the first memory? Do they expect Dumbfuck to meddle in my head? Did they meddile in his to plant this? I don’t get it.
He thought to himself. He tired himself trying to unravel the spell in his mind that he fell asleep instantly, not feeling the true vision coming his way.
They were seating in the same cozy living room. Lily was sorting through all his clothes scrunching her nose at most of the pieces.
-” I’m going to murder Tuny. Mark my words, she will be dead the next time we meet.” - Harry just laughed at her going back to reading his new book.
-” I mean, aside from the things they did to you,”- She said straightening her back -” We will not talk about that now, don’t spoil this beautiful day.” - she Shaked it off but some of that steel rage still lingered in her eyes.
-” But seriously, not only did she dress you in this.’- She said holding up an extremely large t-shirt. -” But she did this to her own son? I’m surprised this boy can even walk. I’m telling you some people shouldn’t have children” Momentarely her humour dropped
-” Sure I didn’t.”
-” Hey, I was a perfectly happy one year old. The rest... I blame the environment I was in.” -Harry said putting the book aside and focusing on his mother. She had tears in her eyes and tight throat when she spoke again.
-” But I missed all of it. And you were hurt because of that, I can never forgive myself”
-” You’re here now, that’s what matters. I won’t lie, I was pissed when I found out you’re alive. I’ve spent days asking myself why you left me, why you only came back now. But I get it. I really do. I just need some time you know?” She sniffled and took his hand.
-” And I will give you all the time you need. I can’t say i will make it up to you, but I sure am going to try”
She smiled at him through tears, and he smiles right back at her.
The memory ended and Harry turned in his sleep with a strained smile on his face.