Chapter 11
"Scorpius please, enough of the scribbling. I am trying to focus." Draco says with pleading eyes as Scorpius's nods not everting his gaze from the drawing. Draco puts aside his notes and scoots closer to him. "My love, you don't have to keep drawing him something. I doubt we will see Mr. Potter again."
"I know but if I do, I'll give him one right away." Draco nods focusing back on his own task. The apparation is closed rather destroyed by the criminal that the ministry has hired him to find and now in his tiny studio he sits preparing a potion to be of some help. "What are you trying to do papa?"
"Trying to rather almost completing this potion which will help us distinguish evil stones from all others no matter the place, the time or the situation."
Scorpius puts aside his drawing and peeks inside the tiny purple vial Draco's holding. "Shouldn't there be spells for that already?"
"Nothing too powerful for this criminal. I wonder who it is."
"I am sure Mr. Potter will find him."
"Hmm, though I do hope I can be of some help. They will reward me tremendously."
"Why don't you work alongside him then?"
"The apparation is blocked for all today. There's no work." Draco says relieved but Scorpius pouts.
"How about he comes in his fancy car! You can drive to work in that! We could also join!"
"Ah yes of course! I am sure Mr. Potter has nothing better to do than be our chaperone." Draco smiles - oh his son is whipped. "But young man don't you think you should be studying?" Scorpius groans as draco puts his drawing aside and pulls out a book of mathematics - Scorpius hates it.
Harry sits twirling the wine glass in his hand as Hermione and Ron converse about something important ... he doesn't know what though. "Harry!" Hermione knocks on his head.
"Ouch Mione! We aren't kids anymore. You can't keep on doing that." Harry rubs his head looking at Ron for support who just shrugs.
"Maybe I would stop if you stopped being such a child."
"What is it mate? You have been quiet." Ron asks. "I understand the apparation being closed is concerning but there's nothing we can do as of yet. I am sure tomorrow they'll find a way to re open it."
"Ron it is very concerning that's why I am asking you all to come to the ministry with me. Let's work on it together! Like old times!" Hermione suggests hopefully, her eyes as bright as the moon.
"Wifey." Ron places his hand on her shoulder gently with the other caressing her hair. "WE barely get holidays and it's about time we stop doing everyone else's work."
"I agree with that." Harry adds gulping down the last sips of his wine. "We are supposed to enjoy not talk about the ministry or the criminal. I reckon even he's relaxing today."
"Who do you think it could be?" Hermione asks herself as Harry and Ron groan. "It's obviously not Malfoy." Malfoy - hmm. Her eyes find their way to Harry's. "Harry, what happened after I left yesterday."
"You think Malfoy's doing it as revenge for his son?" Ron chuckles.
Hermione knocks his head and now Harry chuckles. "No, I was the first to trust him remember!"
"Nothing happened. I apologized to the son and that's all."
"That's all?" Ron raises a brow at him and Harry nods not meeting his gaze. They didn't have to know everything - yet. It was a one time thing after all and it's about time he keeps something to himself. He's an open book for all.
"I always wonder why you trusted him so easily?" Harry asks curiously. "I don't mean to bring up past traumas but your mark."
Hermione sighs. "People change Harry and I knew that once I saw him years back after the war donating his penny for rebuilding hogwarts."
"Donating a penny? That's nothing for a Malfoy."
"But for Draco it is! The ministry took everything from him, his manor, his vaults and even his parent's personal belongings afraid they might be cursed."
"I still remember the terrified look on his face when Harry accused him. He was dreading it." Ron crosses his arms and Harry feels bad.
"He only had a penny that day and he was about to buy himself a snack - oh boy he looked so skinny like bones but the donation truck was moving past and there was something in his eyes - regret or despair I don't know but he gave his only penny to the truck and walked away clutching his stomach." Hermione continues sadly.
"Why didn't you give him something to eat?" Harry remarks quickly.
"I didn't know what to do, it was too early after the war. We all were still grieving."
"I remember seeing him once too." Ron adds. "He helped an old lady up even though she spat on him after recognizing him, he didn't flinch or move. He took it all."
"And I assume you stood there doing nothing as well." Harry scowls now.
"It was the day after Fred's ceremony."
"Oh, I am sorry."
"George told me later he saw him attend and stand at the very back not uttering a word."
"He's had it the worst. At least we had each other. He lost everyone. Even his friends had fled initially." Hermione pouts. "Parkinson acts like his friend and maybe she is but she left him too." The wine has been too much for Harry, he can't think but he feels sympathy towards the blonde. He was an only child and his family did love him, to lose them and everything belonging to them to still being an outcast, having it reflected upon your children. Harry felt bad.
"What about you Harry?" Ron asks.
They order food and Ron talks about his family's endeavors with the joke shop and Ginny's upcoming quidditch championship. Harry notices the burger Ron has ordered with a lot of cheese remembering Scorpius fancying the same. "Why'd you order this?"
"It's the best! You should try it!" Ron says with a mouthful with cheese dripping offering it to Harry.
"It's alright, I can just get a new one." Harry orders but upon realizing it's Harry Potter, the owner packs an entire meal. "How about we do something fun?"
Ron and Hermione look sheepishly at each other. "Well, Ron and I planned something if we didn't end up convincing you to go to the ministry."
Harry nods not understanding then it hits him. "Yeah of course! It's about time you guys have a date with just the two of you." He grins and he means it but his disheveled form from the wine might be misleading.
"You sure Harry?" Ron asks and Harry nods getting up, picking his coat, his packed meal and bidding farewell.
"Is he upset?" Hermione rests her head on Ron.
"No, he's drunk."
Harry takes a potion instantly becoming sober - he wonders if Draco could make something better, Kingsley did speak highly of him. He drives through Draco's route because it's the closest to his place though as he nears his building, his car drives over something and the tire punctures. He groans stepping outside and to his cursed luck it starts to drizzle. He wants to use magic but there are muggles around and he can't even apparate. Why would Draco choose such a strange street rather why would Harry drive through it from all routes. Just then a boy approaches and Harry backs away cautiously narrowing his gaze at the boy. "Is something the matter sir?" He asks politely and Harry points his gaze at the punctured tire. "I could fix it for some money, whatever you think fit."
"Why would you?" Harry asks carefully looking around waiting for an ambush. Draco did say he can't leave his car here unattended.
"Because I am a mechanic and I need the money." The boy rubs his head sheepishly pointing at the mechanic store beside. "I know you, I saw you pick Mr. Draco and his kids. We are a family here, we don't do your car any harm." He says seriously but still Harry is unconvinced. The boy sighs running up to Draco's apartment and soon Draco comes down with an umbrella.
"It's alright Potter. The boy can be trusted."
Harry whispers to him. "Can't I just use magic and leave?"
Draco rolls his eyes. "Living alongside muggles most of your life should make you know better than to use magic in front of them and scar them for life."
"What am I to do till he fixes it?" He crosses his arms.
"Come upstairs or I don't know, go to the park and take shade under a tree." Draco sighs walking away and Harry grunts following behind but he remembers the meal - should he take it upstairs. "Are you coming?" Draco asks again. "You are drenched Potter, make it fast."
Harry nods taking out the packet and sprinting to Draco. Draco eyes it curiously but doesn't say anything. Once they reach Harry is hit with nostalgia. "I am sorry." Draco looks at him confused. "For barging into your house the first time and creating a scene."
"Hmm."
"Hmm?"
"It was rude of you and highly unprofessional but job as the top auror can be burdening." Harry doesn't argue and they enter inside to see two small happy faces.
"Hello!" Harry says and the two run to him about to hug him when Draco stops them.
"He's wet, I don't want you both getting sick. Especially you Scorpius. You are still sick."
The kids frown but Harry pulls out his wand. "I can fix that - Aguamenti!" And with that he dries himself completely as the children watch in awe.
"Are you done impressing them?" Draco sighs walking inside as Harry ruffles both Scorpius and Estella's hair.
"What's your favorite spell?" Scorpius and Estella jump around him as he sits down on the ground placing the packet beside him.
"Expelliarmus!" Draco mimics Harry's voice rolling his eyes. "It's the only spell he used."
"What did it do?" Estella asks with glinting eyes.
"Knock a wand out of someone's hand though I really enjoy turning people into bouncing ferrets." Harry smirks.
"That was one time Potter." Draco narrows his eyes at him.
"You should teach me." Scorpius interrupts.
"No, we still haven't decided whether you are attending hogwarts or not." Draco says bring a pot of corn soup over. It smells delicious.
"You can't steal this from him Malfoy, I had guardians who tried doing that and it hurt." Harry says calmly.
"I don't remember asking for your opinion Potter, their father is still alive and able to make decisions that will suit them best." Draco states not leaving room for argument.
Harry winks at a saddened Scorpius telling him to not worry. Scorpius smiles and pulls out the drawing he's made for Harry. "I made this for you!" He hands it over and Harry is about to see when Estella grabs his hand.
"No throwing this time." She whispers and something inside Harry breaks. Oh he's been so cruel. He picks up Estella and Scorpius bringing the closer and petting their hair.
"Never. I promise."
Draco chuckles. "Potter don't be so sentimental. Both of you off of him and let him eat something. Potter it's not expensive food but it's great. I cook very well." Draco says proudly and the two nod though Estella continues to sit on Harry's lap. "Estella." Draco looks at her sternly.
"It's alright Malfoy, Teddy sat on my lap for a very long time."
"But she isn't Teddy. Estella come sit on mine if you want. We don't behave like this with our guests." He motions her over and begrudgingly she moves away.
Harry sighs and notices his packet. He puts it forward taking out five cheeseburgers with fries and drinks. "Scorpius loves this right? These burgers are better than any other you have tried." He opens and hands them over to Scorpius and Estella.
"Potter you didn't have to."
"I had taken them for myself but where's the fun in eating alone." Draco nods and they all start eating though Harry sticks to the soup - it's perfect.
"Were you both friends in school?" Scorpius asks with cheese dripping just like Ron though on him it looks cute.
Harry laughs as Draco motions him wide eyed not to reveal anything. "Yes! We were best friends. Your father made badges in support of me for participating in a tournament." Draco almost spits his drink.
"Did you win it?" Estella asks.
"Yes, I even fought a dragon." Both the children gasp and he continues to tell his tales of hogwarts not noticing the time pass when the bell rings. Draco opens the door and it's the mechanic stating the car is fixed. Harry hands him over the money.
"It's a lot of cash and you haven't even seen the car." The boy says.
"It's alright. Thank you." Harry expresses and bids farewell to the children and Draco. "Thankyou to you as well and the soup was really good."
"I know." Draco says pointing at his chin where there's a piece of corn. Harry laughs.
"It's still raining, you should sleep over." Scorpius holds his hand tugging it gently.
Before Harry can refuse Draco speaks. "I am sure Mr. Potter has someone waiting for him at home."
"There's no one at home." Harry responds back.
"So you don't mind staying?" Estella asks hopefully.
"Children he's a busy man. He's got work to do unlike you both." Draco tells them seriously and they nod. Harry smiles walking down to his car - was draco uncomfortable with him being over? When Draco calls out to him. "Harry!"
"Yes." He smiles turning back.
"Take this!" He hands over a vial with purple fluid. "It's a potion for distinguishing stones and it seems to work for me so take it to the ministry tomorrow and test it. I doubt I will be allowed inside those confidential testing rooms."
"Oh."
"Also, Your cheeseburgers. There are two left, take them." Draco hands him the packet.
"You can keep it."
"Take it." Draco smiles and walks upstairs. Harry just gives it to the mechanic and drives off.