Chapter 17
To Harry,
Your mother has written to me with great concern about recent events, and you will be pleased to know that I have experience on this. Is it similar to when your closest friend makes a joke that hits a little too close to home? Or someone you admire greatly is trying to take all the glory away from you by doing the same thing you did? If that’s the case, I related far too much when I was your age, Harry.
I was always shy and anti-social my whole Hogwarts experience, I didn’t like it when strangers wanted to talk to me about something as little as finding a book in the library. This was probably not the best start, especially when I had a reputation to up hold. I think you relate to that as well; having a family who had such an impact on the school and on the teachers that everyone expects you to be exactly like them, when you’re not. Especially when you come from a family as old as mine, The Noble and most Ancient House of Black who scream ‘toujours pur’ whenever you do something slightly wrong.
You are your own person and everyone else can get stuffed.
When you’re in Slytherin, you are more likely to find people who are going through exactly what you are going through. It is the house with more old families than any other, and usually the more powerful wizards. Not that I’m saying I’ve heard anything, but I have a feeling you’re more powerful than the average 12 year old. Happy Birthday, by the way, sorry I was unable to attend the party, I have a life to live and I despise children.
Moving on, people will always want something from you or of you, and sometimes you’ve got to give and loose a bit before you can show your true colours, but that’s a letter for another day.
About what your mother told me, apologise to your friend Harry. Punching someone is a worse case scenario defence mechanism and you punched that boy right to the floor. From what your mother told me, you’re turning into your father but not the good kind. She mentioned you’re as stubborn as those who raised you and won’t listen to reason, so I’ve taken it upon myself to lend advice.
If I’ve learnt anything from watching your father and my brother act around Slytherins between my 2nd and 6th year, it’s that you will get a bad reputation and be hated by people you don’t want to be hated by.
But what do I know about little boy struggles?
Hope I can visit soon
From R.A.B
——
Hours of lying on his bed and rereading Regulus’ letter had led Harry and Lily Potter to stand in front of the Malfoy Mansion.
Since Dobby’s little visit, Harry was very scared that any letter he sent would not actually get sent so he and his mum were here without any warning. Also he didn’t want Draco to push him away when he visited and listen to his apology. Harry had some idea what he was going to say and had rehearsed it with Remus many times over.
“Okay, love,” Lily said, “remember what Remus said: if Draco doesn’t except your apology don’t force it onto him and stay calm and patient. If he does want to hear your apology, don’t force one out of him, this is your fault and yours alone, okay?”
“Okay.” Harry grumbled.
Lily clicked her tongue. “Sound like you mean it, please, this would be a waste of time if you didn’t.”
“But I hate him-“
“You don’t hate him, Harry. You’re best friends.”
“Ron was my best friend too and that obviously didn’t work out.” Harry fought.
Lily sighed. “It is horrible, but that breakup was not your fault. It was Molly Weasleys. Ron didn’t have to be on her side but he was and there’s nothing to be done about it.”
“I still think what happened was Malfoy’s fault.”
“I can’t make you two be friends again, but what you did was uncalled for and I am very disappointed-“
“Dad and Padfoot weren’t disappointed in me.” Harry said angrily, crossing his arms.
Lily sighed tiredly again.“Well dad and Padfoot are knuckle heads with gnomes for brains.”
Harry ignored her, “They wouldn’t be making me do this.”
“Well I am because this behaviour isn’t like the polite, sweet boy I’ve brought up, so go in there and damn well apologise before I-“ she paused, “I don’t know, but I’ll think of something whilst I talk to Mrs Malfoy.” Then she knocked on the door.
Opening it was… Dobby?
The familiar little elf was still wearing his mangy pillow case but this time, his long fingers were covered in a bandage that had noticeable blood peaking through the outside.
The Dobby’s eyes widened at the sight of Harry and his mouth was about to open to say something, probably regrettable, when a sharp snap came from down the dark hall. All Harry wanted to do was grab the poor elf and bring him back to the Potter Mansion, even though his first impression wasn’t the best, Harry hated knowing that Draco Malfoy, of all people, was mistreating an elf like Dobby. The person whom snapped came into view and opened the door wider.
It was Narcissa Malfoy. She was a tall gorgeous women with platinum hair, dark eyes, and a slender body which was always adorned in silky clothes from high fashion. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of the Potters and she turned her nose up exquisitely high.
“Dobby, back to cleaning the bathroom.” She snapped. Dobby flinched before giving Harry a pained look and clicked his fingers to disappear. She then turned her head back towards Harry and Lily with a glare. “What are you two doing here, we hadn’t received an owl of notice.”
“Harry has come to see Draco to-“
“Draco isn’t well enough for visitors, we’ll send for you when he is.” Mrs Malfoy said, closing the door nearing the end of the sentence and smiling falsely.
Harry put his foot to the door before it fully shut. “Is Draco okay? What’s happened?”
If possible, Mrs Malfoy’s eyes narrowed more. “I don’t think that concerns you.”
“Just please let me see him so I can…erm… apologise.” Harry stuttered.
“Two weeks after the incident.” Narcissa tutted. “Most cowardly, Mr Potter, good day.”
“Mother?” A voice asked behind her. Mrs Malfoy turned around and Harry could see Draco standing awkwardly in the hall with a black tracksuit on, the one he wore to bed in the winter at Hogwarts. Very strange for a nice summer day as this one, Harry thought, but Draco was strange, so it was okay.
“Draco.” Harry sighed gratefully, tempted to push past Mrs Malfoy and pull him into a hug. “Hi.”
“Potter.” Draco snapped, his whole demeanour changing. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to apologise, of course.” Harry replied, almost as snappish. Lily tapped his upper arm lightly.
“And do what? Punch me again?”
“Draco.” Mrs Malfoy scorned, walking into the house. Lily and Harry looked at each other and they followed slowly behind. “That is no way to speak to our guests and especially in our pyjamas.”
As if remembering what he was wearing, Draco looked embarrassingly down at his attire and wrapped his arms around himself. “I didn’t think we were getting visitors.”
“Neither did I.’ Mrs Malfoy muttered, reminding the Potters with a distasteful glance. “But I suppose Mrs Potter would join me in the sun room for a tea and biscuits, you can show Harry your room, Draco.”
“But-“ Draco started
“No buts.” Mrs Malfoy tutted. “Come Lily, I want to get your opinion on something…” she said while leading Harrys mum into a different room.
Draco held his chin in the air and gestured Harry to follow him up the winding staircase.
Along the dark walls were many portraits of stuck up looking people, the didn’t move their bodies like the portraits in Harrys home, instead only their eyes which followed the boys up the staircase.
Draco Malfoys bedroom wasn’t much different to the Hogwarts dorms except there was only one four-post kings size bed with book and toys lying around. The walls were the same colour and around the interior of the room was renaissance silver lining where the walls met the ceiling.
Draco swung his arms awkwardly at his sides and cleared his throat. “You just gonna stand there or are you coming in?” He snapped.
Harry fought to urge to roll his eyes. “Lovely room, I see where you got the inspiration.”
“I did not invite you to my private courters to be insulted by a half-blood.”
Harry really did roll his eyes this time. “I came here to be civil and apologise for punching you.”
“Hmmm, go on.” said Malfoy, raising an eyebrow and sitting on the edge of his bed.
“Right…umm… I did not mean to…er…express my anger so physically towards what you said. I was just betrayed and angry and thought you were being an awful prat-”
“If this is what you call apologising then I want a refund.” Malfoy grinned.
“I clearly remember saying that if you don’t apologise first then I won’t talk to you.” Harry sneered.
Draco shrugged. “That’s just stupid since I have nothing to apologise for.”
“Do you not feel a little bit bad for wanting to buy your way onto the quidditch team?” Harry continued, stalking towards the boy on the bed. “Do you not see how selfish it is?”
“I see it as practice for real life.” Draco said, standing up as well. “People will do anything to have something they want and I know Flint and everyone else would be more than happy to have me on the team if it means they each get a Nimbus 2001.”
“Why didn’t you tryout for seeker when I did?” Harry asked.
“Because I didn’t get a letter from Professor Snape saying that I would be a wonderful asset to the team!” Malfoy shouted.
So Moony was right, Draco was just jealous. “That doesn’t mean you get to ruin my chance at it, just because you’re jealous-“
“Jealous?” Draco spat. “You wish, Potter.”
“I got in on pure talent,” Harry took a large step forward. "and so should you.”
Draco exhaled deeply and sat back on the bed, Harry watched in shock as the blonde boy covered his face with his hands and fell backwards so his whole body was on the bed.
“I won’t get on the team for my talent, Potter.” He muffled sadly.
This sudden change in demeanour caused great confusion, Harry scratched his head and sat tentatively beside him. “You never know, you might.”
“I know I’m not as perfect as The Golden Boy.” Draco sighed, removing his hands from his face. Harry frowned at the red around his eyes and just how dejected he looked.
“I’ve seen you play quidditch, you’re proper good at chaser.” Harry tried.
Draco snorted. “You’re just saying that so I don’t buy you off the team.”
“No. I’m saying that so you don’t buy anyone off the team, Flint graduates in two years so maybe just be… patient?”
“You’re the one talking me out of this, don’t make it sound like a question.” Draco laughed. Harry laughed too and fell backwards so they were shoulder to shoulder.
“I don’t want a fight that will loose me another friend,” Harry started after they quieted down, “I value our friendship very much and it wouldn’t be eventful if we have to spend the next 5 years hating each other.”
Draco hummed in agreement. “Yeah, and Blaise might just murder us for not forgiving each other.”
Harry laughed. “How is everyone, by the way? Since my birthday and some strange events no one has been talking to me.”
Draco groaned and gave Harry the look that meant let me tell you. For the rest of the evening, before Lily and Mrs Malfoy came up to drag the boys downstairs, they talked and talked like they used too. Harry knew he would never stay mad and Draco for long but after 2 weeks of feeling resentment, he was thankful he didn’t listen to his dad and godfathers advice.