𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐃𝐎𝐌

Chapter 7

Breakfast was a wonderful meal of hotcakes, sausage and fresh fruit. Professor Snape ate quickly and was on his way back to the dungeons.

Harry asked Dumbledore after finishing his milk, “Headmaster, what potion is it that Professor Snape is working on? He looks rather tired and is not his, um…usual pleasant self.”

Catching the sarcasm, Dumbledore looked at Harry with a small wink and replied. “Severus is working on some very volatile potions of which time is essential.”

“Oh,” was the only reply Harry could muster not understanding the answer.

“Harry, did you tell Mr. Malfoy here about your summer project with the Dursleys?”

With a confused look, Harry tried to figure out where the Headmaster was going with this line of questions.

“No, sir. I didn’t really feel that it was something he would have any interest in.”

Draco snapped up. “Why, Potter. You underestimate me.”

“Underestimate you I might, Draco, but I know how you feel about muggles and anything to do with them. You have done nothing but torment Hermione for being born to muggles in all her years here. I didn’t think…”

“Yes. That’s right. You didn’t think.” Draco whipped.

Dumbledore tried again. “Harry, I would also like to know myself how it came about that you undertook such a project.”

Harry explained about his uncle’s plans to build a new deck and the cost of labor to finish such a project and how that he had previous carpentry experience over the last two summers. He also described the tools of muggle carpentry, how each worked, and how it was not that difficult. He also explained that it was sheer joy to be able to have something to do rather than be at his aunt’s mercy with housework.

Draco laughed. “Those muggles treated you no better than a houself. Cooking and cleaning all the time, it’s a wonder you can even do magic at all with your dishpan hands.”

“There’s nothing wrong with hard work, Draco. Of course, I don’t imagine that you would know anything about that.” Harry teased.

“Is that a challenge, Potter?”

“Why, I do believe that it was. I can’t imagine any Malfoy has ever had a hand blister from over working. You wouldn’t last a day working at carpentry in the hot sun. But since we have no project on which to test our theory, you get off easy.” Harry just smiled in jest.

With his cool drawl, Draco pushed further. “I could work circles around you, Potter. Make no mistake about that.”

“Perhaps there is a way to see your challenge through,” Dumbledore added.

Draco gulped. “Is that so?”

“Why, yes, Mr. Malfoy. Since Harry here has demonstrated a talent for carpentry work, and you seem so….um, eager to prove your worth at the craft, I think it would be a wonderful opportunity for you both and would do a great service to the school.” Dumbledore eyed the two boys for a moment and continued. “Mr. Filch was planning on building a gazebo on a lovely spot near the lake. The supplies and tools have all been ordered and are waiting in Hogsmeade. I’m sure that if you both agree to it, I could have all the materials sent here within the week.”

Harry looked at Draco with a sly grin. “So, Malfoy. Put your money where your mouth is?”

“What do galleons in one’s mouth have to do with anything, you twit?” Draco groaned.