𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 // 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺

nine

"Hey," Harry said tentatively as he peered at the blond through his dark frames. Draco turned around, "Oh, hey Potter," He patted the seat next to him, "You said you wanted to talk to me?"

"Yeah," He wiped his sweaty palms on his trousers and sat down next to the Slytherin.

"I was wondering if everything is alright? Ever since your visit to the hospital you seem a bit tense and I wanted to know what happened. I don't want to intrude but I want to know if your Mother is alright. It'll be alright if you don't tell me. I'll understand. It's not like you should trust me in just a second, but I-"

"Potter!" Draco drawled.

"What?" Harry blinked.

"You're rambling," His lips curled into a small smirk.

"Oh." Harry blushed and stared determinately at his knees, his hands playing with the hem of his sleeves. After a few moments he looked up at the blond and tilted his head curiously as Draco opened his mouth to speak.

Draco shook his head, "My mother is...," He paused slightly, contemplating over his words, "...alright, for now, that is." Harry's brows scrunched up, "What do you mean?"

"She is in a magic sleep as of now and will be waking up soon as her health is getting better."

Harry nodded his head encouragingly at him as if to say- 'Go on,'

Draco continued with a small intake of breath. "But, the Healer who is looking over her sent me a letter today saying that he has to tell me bad news." He fished a folded letter from his trousers pocket and handed it to Harry.

Oh.

Harry read the letter, his brows raising with every line. "You will be going to St. Mungo's this weekend, then?"

"Yeah." He nodded, "I asked McGonagall before dinner and I have the permission. I leave after lunch this Saturday."

"Oh," Harry cleared his throat and scooted an inch closer to Draco so that their knees brushed. "canIjoinyou?"

Draco's faced morphed into confusion, "Pardon?"

"I said- Can I join you? I mean only if you want to." A dark blush crawled up his neck, tinting his cheeks pink. He hoped Draco wouldn't notice.

"It's fine. You don't have to." Draco shrugged his shoulders, "besides, Theo already volunteered to join and I said yes." His eyes seemed to glow at the name of Nott.

Harry felt a blow to his chest. He swallowed, "Okay, keep me updated, yeah?"

Draco sighed, his shoulders tense, "Potter, you don't have to pretend to care for my mother. I know you have this stupid Saviour complex but I don't want your pity. I know she saved your life and all but you aren't indebted to her."

Harry winced at his words. "It's not pity or me trying to repay my debts. I actually care about her. She is your mother, Draco and I actually care about her, not only because she saved my life but also because she is a great person."

Draco just looked surprised by his words and nodded slowly, "Th-Thanks, Potter. It means a lot." He shot a small smile at Harry.

Draco had obviously been taken aback by his words. He wasn't expecting those kind words from the boy he had bullied for so long. A small knot in his chest tightened and loosened slightly.

Harry smiled back, his green eyes crinkling at the corner. Draco seemed more relaxed than before, some of the tension has slipped from his shoulders. The light chatter of the few eight year students and the crackle of the fire filled his ears. He liked this, talking with Draco.