𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐀 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐘𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐄

Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen: To Grow

"Are you sure it's in here?" Harry heard Ron calling from three rows down. The area that once was where he'd stashed the potions text book was gone, completely rearranged, thanks to the diligent Aurors that were sent to clean up after Malfoy's trick. The cupboard was gone, unsurprisingly, but they apparently felt the need to sort through everything else in the general vicinity to make sure it was the only item Malfoy toyed with.

"It should be," Harry responded, shouting as he lifted the old bird cage he remembered.

"I've found a blonde wig." The shout came from Hermione and was quickly followed by a yelp and a crash. She must have lost her footing.

"Are you alright?" Ron was already making his way back to her.

"Y-yes! I'm fine." Her voice was strained as she pushed herself back up. Harry could hear her dusting her clothes off with her hands.

His own hands found an empty bookshelf that he'd never seen before and he used it to steady himself as he stepped over a pile of rubble. The place really was a mess. He stepped over the stuffed troll and sighed. That very troll was once very close to the diadem they were looking for. Now, it just added to the chaos.

"Any luck?"

"It's only the wig," Hermione sighed. "I wish accio would work, but why would the world suddenly decide to be easy for us?"

Harry laughed. It would be completely out-of-character for the world to like them. He made it past a three-legged cabinet and a stack of chairs until he found where he'd hidden the potions book. Standing amongst the rubble, he turned in a circle, hoping he'd see that glimmer of old silver. When he saw nothing, he continued on, passing by a row of broomsticks that were propped up against a large writing bureau.

"You know, we really could have used Malfoy's help," Ron said and Harry rolled his eyes. "An extra pair of eyes wouldn't have hurt."

"Would you stop trying to force Harry onto him?" Hermione hissed in return. "If Harry's crush is love, which is doubtful, he'll kiss him when he's ready to and not a moment before. He's got other things to think about. Malfoy's sanity isn't as important as defeating Voldemort."

Finally, Harry had someone to support him.

"All it takes is two seconds to kiss him, Hermione," Ron pointed out and Harry could hear him picking something up. It was tossed away just as quickly. "Just an old trophy."

"Why are you so insistent on this? I never thought you'd want Malfoy to be a part of your family."

"Did you see how happy Harry was when he and Malfoy were getting along? He'd crawl into bed at who-knows-what hours and, even in the dark, I could see how big of a smile he had on his face. Even when all he's done is check up on him during the day, he looks much happier and relaxed as if just knowing he's there is enough to make him cheerful. Harry and Ginny never had that. I'm worried Harry's gonna give me cavities with how sweet he is for Malfoy. That's what I want for my family."

Harry shook his head at the corniness of it all but he knew that he was mentally agreeing with Ron. The sight of Malfoy, alone, was enough to make his stomach flutter. He thought back on the conversation he and Ron had had when he first realised that his feelings for Malfoy had changed and how Ron had pointed out that he sounded like he was in love.

"Well, he has his reasons for not kissing Malfoy," Hermione continued to argue. Harry was moving further away from them, now heading towards a pile of silverware. Goblets, forks, a dagger… "And for as long as he has his doubts, we can't possibly know if it's true love and who knows what'll happen if he kisses him too early?"