Chapter 7
Harry liked living with Regulus. It was quiet at Regulus’s house, no screaming uncle or terrible cousin slamming Harry’s door until the hinges fell off and the wood splintered. No aunt looking at him and hating him because he came from someone he’d never met before. Just soft music Harry didn’t recognize playing throughout the small cottage always filled with light that seeped through the windows, making the dust look like bits of glitter floating through the air. Harry was allowed to go out and play whenever he wanted so long as Regulus was with him, no bullies to push him into the streets as cars sped by. He got to sleep in a real bed in a real room where Regulus never failed to tell him goodnight and leave a glittering image of the stars on the ceiling to watch over Harry.
Regulus seemed lonely, Harry noticed. That was okay because now they had each other. And Uncle Moony and Aunt Mary, and they were much better than Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia. They had cool stories and even cooler nicknames and old pictures of Harry’s parents.
The only thing Harry didn’t like about being with Regulus was how little there was to do. When he was hiding from the Dursleys, he’d go to the library and read all the books with cool covers or funny pictures. Regulus had plenty of books, but they were old and confusing and quite boring. There was no one else to play with either, just him and the stray cats that had long since taken over the abandoned town.
Regulus and Harry visited Mary and Moony often, so when Regulus told Harry to get ready to go out, he assumed that was where they were going.
It wasn’t.
“Can we go to the book place next to Uncle Moony and Aunt Mary’s place this time?” Harry asked as he buckled his seatbelt.
“We’re not going to visit them today, but we can stop by if you’d like,” Regulus said. “We’re going to my cousin’s house today.”
“Your cousin?” Harry couldn’t think of any reason someone would want to visit their cousin.
“The woman who was in our house the day we met,” Regulus explained.
“Oh,” was all Harry could think to say. He didn’t remember the woman very well, just that she was tall and had a very pretty dress. It was a nice dark green, not like Aunt Petunia’s stomach-churning, vibrant floral prints.
It was a long drive to The Woman With The Nice Dress’s house, but Regulus had figured out how to use the ‘muggle’ radio and played music as Harry called out everything he saw out of the window.
They drove through different magical neighborhoods and districts, past a field of wizards on brooms throwing and dodging different balls between several goals on either end. Regulus said they were playing ‘Quidditch’.
Harry fell asleep like he usually did in cars. The few times the Dursleys would take him out somewhere, their one rule for Dudley was that the car had to remain in perfect condition. That meant no bloody noses for Harry, and Dudley couldn’t come up with a clever comeback if it was spelled and sounded out for him, so the drives were peaceful and the perfect time to catch up on the sleep he missed cleaning up after dinner and preparing meals for the next day.
He had an odd dream about a small dragon and a big snake. The small dragon was trying to make his way back to the stars, and the big snake took its eyes, then its wings. Harry could not move as he watched them both fight, though it wasn’t much of a fight.
When he woke up, the car was parked in front of a large, castle-like building.
“Regulus?” Harry mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
“Yes, Harry?” Regulus was carefully waving his wand at the dashboard
“Are dragons real?”
Regulus paused at Harry’s question, before turning around to face the boy.
“They are,” he confirmed, in an almost suspicious tone. “Why do you ask?”
“Had a dream,” Harry said, climbing out of the car. Regulus picked him up and walked them down the long paved path leading to the giant front doors.
“My cousin is a very proper woman, so be on your best behavior, alright?” Regulus set Harry back down and fussed with his hair in a vain attempt to tame the wild curls.
“Yes sir,” Harry affirmed with a mock salute and serious face. Regulus rolled his eyes and tried to suppress a smile, but Harry saw it. It was fun making Regulus laugh.
The doors swung open as soon as Regulus knocked. A short, almost human-like creature with large ears and big green eyes opened the door. He had on a pillowcase instead of clothes, and bowed so deeply his long nose almost brushed the ground.
“Welcome, Mister Black,” the creature said in a squeaky voice.
“Hello there, Dobby. Is Narcissa home?” Regulus asked, sounding very fancy in a way Harry didn’t recognize.
“Mistress Malfoy is in the drawing room with the young Master Malfoy,” Dobby confirmed. “Dobby will take you to her right away.”
Regulus nodded as Dobby moved out of the way, still bowing. They walked in and the creature snapped his fingers, closing the doors behind them.
Harry looked around, the entryway was tall, with grand columns lining the walls and fancy chandeliers sparkling in the light. Dobby led them to a room with a huge circle window, a marble fireplace with a dark green velvet couch set, and walls made of bookshelves. Regulus’s cousin was sitting on the loveseat in another pretty dress. This was a deep blue with a low collar and lace on the top. There was a boy in her lap.
He looked like he was the same age as Harry, but he was much taller and much paler. His long hair was even lighter, matching the marble floors and fireplace. He looked at the floor as if it were the most interesting thing on earth.
“Regulus,” Mrs. Malfoy greeted as she nudged the boy out of her lap so she could stand. “You came at a good time.”
“I’m glad. We have much to discuss,” He said. “But first, I’d like to introduce you to someone. Narcissa, this is Harry.”
“Potter?” The woman asked, her thin eyebrows raised in shock. The boy next to her looked up at Harry suddenly. Regulus nodded in confirmation. “Much to discuss indeed.”
“Are you really Harry Potter?” The blond boy asked suddenly. Harry looked up at Regulus, who gave a nod of encouragement.
“Yea. What’s your name?”
“Malfoy. Draco Malfoy,” the boy introduced himself, standing just a bit taller.
“Draco, why don’t you show Harry your room?” Mrs. Malfoy suggested. Harry looked up at Regulus again, who smiled softly. Harry glanced at the other boy who seemed more confused than anything.
Still, Draco nodded and took Harry the hand, leading him out of the room.
“Do you like dragons, Harry?”