𝐀 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐒𝐎 𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐒

Chapter 4

Chapter Number/Total: 4/44
Chapter Title: That Good

Since Neville had sent a letter a few days ago, Harry knew who was knocking as he made his way down the hallway. When the letter had arrived in the post and Harry had shown it to Draco, he'd studied the man to see how he felt about Neville coming over. Harry could tell it made him a little nervous, but it seemed like he was more nervous about the reason Neville was visiting rather than that it was Neville visiting, but he had also seemed curious. Harry was nervous for different reasons. Besides Hermione, Neville would be the only one to come over since... what had happened. He was afraid of how Draco might react or feel, but maybe it would be good for them both.

Harry opened the door and smiled to see the man standing there. "Hi, Neville," he said. "Come on in."

Neville smiled too and nodded his head. "Hello, Harry," he answered, stepping inside.

"Draco and I were just sitting down here," Harry said, closing the door and then leading Neville back down the hall and into the sitting room.

Draco had been nervous since they'd received the owl from Neville. He hadn't spoken to Neville alone since before the final battle at Hogwarts, and he didn't know what the man wanted to talk to them about. He got up to meet their guest, setting his book aside.

"Good to see you, Draco," Neville greeted him, holding his hand out.

Draco shook it, surprised at Neville's firm grip and easy smile. "Yes, nice to see you," he echoed, and gestured for Neville to take a seat.
Harry sat down beside his lover and rested his arms on his own thighs. "So, how you been?" he asked Neville.

Neville sat in a nearby chair, leaning back and looking relaxed. "I'm doing well. I've an apprenticeship with a magical nursery and greenhouse," he explained.

Draco envied how comfortable the man looked. He did seem so much more confident than before the war. "Which grower?" he asked, looking up and then wondering where Kreacher was with the tea service.

"Dickon's," Neville answered.

"Some of the supplies I use in my potions come from there," Draco pointed out.

"Is it going well for you?" Harry asked his friend.

"Oh, you know me," Neville said. "I love working with plants. And it's a nice break after everything that happened last year." He glanced at Draco.

Draco nodded in understanding but didn't know what more to say.

The silence didn't last long. There was a distant crash and all three men startled.

Harry jumped quickly to his feet, huffing. "I'll be right back," he said, looking at Draco. "He probably dropped the tray." It wouldn't be the first time the old elf had lost his grip. He turned and hurried out of the room.

Draco looked after him, shaking his head.

Neville smiled. "You'll have to give him time, Draco. Harry's used to thinking he has to save the world. Now he's trying to save you."

The blond's eyes widened but then he smiled. "He treats me like I am made of glass."

"We both know you're tougher than that," Neville observed.

Draco's eyes met Neville's and they sat for a minute, a quiet understanding between them.

Harry came back in after another few seconds, shaking his head and followed by Kreacher.

"Kreacher is most sorry, Master," Kreacher wheezed, laying the new tray upon the coffee table.

"I said it's okay, Kreacher," Harry answered. "Three times already."