Denying Draco

27 - Choices vs Abilities

'Was she really mad, Uncle Albus?' Poppy asked Professor. Dumbledore, as she sat across from him in her office feasting on the bowl of sweets on his desk.

'Oh yes,' Dumbledore replied, nodding quickly. 'However, I believe she is taking the opportunity to, how did she say it...teach you a lesson.'

'Teach me a lesson?' Poppy repeated. 'What does that even mean? Allowing me to stay here doesn't teach me a lesson at all; this is exactly what I want and need, why can't she just see that? Why does letting me stay have to be about hoping something bad happens so she can say I told you so!'

'You know how your mother feels about Hogwarts,' Dumbledore said, with a gentle sigh. 'She believes you will return home soon when you realise that.'

'So she's letting me stay in the hopes that something dangerous happens that will scare me off?' Poppy asked.

'I've made it quite clear that I ensure to keep you safe here,' Dumbledore stated. 'I'm not your mother's favourite person right now so listen to me she would not.'

'I feel bad that I'm disobeying her, I really do, but I can't live my life like that again,' Poppy sighed. 'I can't go back to that. I love it here.'

'Then I'm sure you will show her that she has made the right decision in taking a step back to allow you to remain here,' Dumbledore replied. 'Even if it may be for the wrong reasons.'

'At least I don't have to worry about her turning up to drag me home kicking and screaming,' Poppy chuckled, bending down to pick up her backpack from the floor. 'I'd better go. I'm meeting my friends in the courtyard.'

'One more thing...' Dumbledore cleared his throat and his amused expression changed to a more serious one. 'There is something I believe we must discuss.'

'Oh no,' Poppy murmured. 'Is this about your hand? Is it getting worse?'

'No, it's not about that,' he replied. 'It has come to my attention that you have been spending time with Draco Malfoy. Do you want to tell me more of what that is about?'

Poppy felt her cheeks heat up and wondered if her uncle actually knew the truth. 'Harry told you?'

'You don't think I know everything going on in my school, Poppy?' Dumbledore replied.

'I haven't been spending time with him as such,' Poppy sighed. 'We just...talk sometimes.'

'What do you talk about?' he asked.

'Why does it matter?' Poppy responded. 'It's nothing important.'

'I won't tell you to stop hanging around with him, Poppy,' Dumbledore said, with a look of hesitation on his face. 'But I will tell you to be careful.'

'Why does everyone keep saying that?' Poppy asked. 'Draco is harmless.'

'We can never truly know what somebody's true intentions are,' Dumbledore told her. 'Draco Malfoy is one of those people.'

'What do you know?' Poppy asked, narrowing her eyes at him. 'It seems to me that you're holding back on something, Uncle Albus. Is there something I should know about Draco?'

Dumbledore continued to stare on at her with an unchanging look and Poppy was not sure of what he was thinking at all. He looked away for a second and took in a quick breath. 'There is nothing to tell other than, to be vigilant at all times.'

'You make it sound like he's dangerous,' Poppy mumbled, shaking her head. 'I know he can be unpleasant at times but I believe there is good inside of him somewhere. He puts on a front. Letting the good show is not instilled within him and I blame his parents for that but I know he has the ability to be good.'