𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐃𝐎𝐌

Chapter 16

Houselves are wonderful creatures. They work diligently and that satisfies them. Once again they provided a wonderful dinner for the four sole residents of Hogwarts. They conversed as they ate.

“Severus, tell us about the Conservatory. Was everything in order?” Dumbledore said as he buttered his bread.

Draco and Harry both looked at Snape who looked a bit self conscious. “Yes, Headmaster is was still as I remember it, although it was covered in dust. Mr. Malfoy was a tremendous help in that respect.”

Draco beamed at the compliment. “Harry, you’ve got to see it. It’s amazing. It may very well be the most beautiful room in the entire school. The music just flows through the room and….” Draco caught his slip at telling the other two that Severus had indeed played music today. Draco stopped and looked to Snape as did Dumbledore who raised his eyebrow in question.

Professor Snape stopped and turned to Dumbledore, “Remarkably,” Snape said in a voice thick with sarcasm, “the piano was in perfect tune. I can’t imagine how after so many years it remained to be so.” Snape eyed the man in suspect.

Dumbledore just looked down at his plate as he continued to eat. “Yes, that is very interesting.”

By the conversation Harry knew that Dumbledore was responsible for having the instrument tuned for Snape. It was a small gesture by the older man, but it showed caring. Harry respected Dumbledore’s effort. Harry wasn’t the only one at the table touched by the old man’s handiwork. The meal was finished as were the deserts and as Draco stood to leave, Dumbledore spoke.

“I need you both to pack your trunks and be prepared to leave tomorrow afternoon around two o’clock when the aurors arrive. We will stop by Malfoy Manor briefly so that Draco can pick up the remainder of his belongings that he will need for the school year and then we will venture to my home,” Dumbledore said as he turned toward Snape. “Severus, is there anything you wish to add?”

Snape felt trapped and it wasn’t a feeling he liked at all. “Um….” Snape swallowed. “Yes. I would like to….invite you all to the conservatory this evening,” Snape stood. “In two hours, don’t be late” Snape added a bit more curtly than he’d intended. He nodded at them, and turned on his heel and swept out of the Dining Hall.

“How sweet. I was beginning to think that he’d never ask us,” Dumbledore chuckled with amusement with the two boys. “Let’s make this extra special for him. I’m sure you both have dress robes here. I will meet you both back in the Great Hall approximately twenty minutes before eight. I’m sure our Potions Master will meet us at the Conservatory.”

They all left the Dinning Hall. Harry and Draco went first to Harry’s dorm. When they arrived, a large black raven was tapping on the window. Harry quickly let the raven in and untied the post attached to his leg. The raven squawked and flew away again. The writing on the tiny shrunken package was from Melligan’s Wardrobery. Harry knew it was his formal wizarding robes and he needed to hide it from Draco.

“Who’s that from,” Draco said coming over to inspect the package.

Harry just took the small box and threw it into his open trunk as he began to rummage thru the trunk looking for his dress shoes.

“Oh, it’s nothing, really, just something from Ron. Probably a new pair of socks for my birthday,” Harry lied. “Um…do you think I should wear my new red dress robes that we got in London or just a plain black robe?” Harry asked trying to change the subject. Draco took the bait.

“Oh, yeah, that red is really sexy on you,” Draco grinned wickedly as he flopped down on Harry’s bed. “But I have to warn you that I won’t be responsible for my actions if you wear it,” Draco grinned.