Two Houses (HarryxDraco)

Chapter 38

After clearing the air with Draco, Harry thoroughly enjoyed the remainder of his Christmas holidays. Draco and Theo became regular visitors at The Burrow, much to the annoyance of Ron. He seemed to be struggling with an internal battle between his long-standing hatred of the two Slytherins and the happiness that they brought his sister and best friend, but despite butting heads a few times, they managed to keep things civil for the most part. Draco probably didn't help himself, however, when he insisted on wearing his Weasley jumper at every possible opportunity. Ron would draw the jumper dark looks as though it had caused him great personal offence, which Draco absolutely delighted in. When the pair weren't slinging snide remarks at one another, they would take their frustration with each other out in the apple orchard playing Quidditch with Harry and the other Weasleys. Once Draco had proved himself a worthy opponent on a broomstick, the Weasley clan gradually warmed to him, too. Not that the Weasleys' opinions would have changed his mind about Draco, but it did come as a relief when they began to accept that he'd be a more permanent fixture in his life.

The start of the new school term came all too quickly for Harry's liking. It was always the same way when he visited The Burrow; as much as he considered Hogwarts his home, the Weasleys were his family, and it was always difficult to wish them farewell at the train station when the holidays ended. As always, Mrs Weasley saw them off at Kings Cross Station on the morning that the Hogwarts Express was due to depart. As she gave all of her children warm hugs and reminded them to write to her, Harry caught Draco scanning the platform again.

"No sign of them?" he asked quietly.

Draco's jaw tensed and he shook his head. "I didn't expect them to be here. I just hoped...it doesn't matter."

Harry gave Draco a sad smile and rubbed the small of his back. In the two weeks since Draco had left the Manor, he hadn't heard anything from his parents—no owl post, no fire calls, nothing. Although Draco feigned indifference, Harry could tell that their silence hurt him deeply. He wished that there was something that he could do to help but knew that there was nothing to be done. In the real world, Christmas miracles were few and far between.

Seeing the despondent expression on Draco's face, Mrs Weasley pulled him into a tight hug. Draco looked taken aback by the gesture but he tentatively returned the embrace. When she pulled away from Draco, she noticed that he was still wearing the jumper that she had knitted him.

"You're awfully fond of that jumper, aren't you?" she mused.

"Quite," Draco smirked when he caught sight of the irritable expression on Ron's face. "It's very cosy and comfortable. You're a veritable master with knitting needles and wool, Mrs Weasley."

Mrs Weasley blushed and tapped him affectionately on the cheek. "Well, that's awfully kind of you to say, dear. Since you liked this one so much, I'll just have to knit you another! When's your birthday?"

"Not until June."

"Well then, maybe I can knit a nice cardigan for you."

"You're too kind, Mrs Weasley," he preened.

"Oh, for the love of Merlin," Ron grumbled as he boarded the train. Evidently, he was keen to put as much distance between himself and Draco as possible.

A loud whistle blew and the students still standing on the platform rushed towards the train. Harry and the others clambered on board as Mrs Weasley waved and blew them kisses, wishing them a safe journey. As the train jutted forward, they leaned out of the open windows and waved to her until the train rounded the bend and she disappeared from sight.

"Right," said Ron, clapping his hands together. "Hermione, Ginny and I are off to the Prefects' carriage. Catch you later, Harry."

"What about me?" Draco teased. Ron drew him a withering look.