𝐀 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐒𝐎 𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐒

Chapter 11

Chapter Number/Total: 11/44
Chapter Title: Never Give Up

Harry didn't know who could be knocking at the door – well, he knew that it could be several different people, but he didn't know why anyone would be coming over. They hadn't received any notice in the mail, not that Draco's mother usually sent notice when she came over. Actually, hardly anyone sent notice before coming. He shook his head, moving down the hallway. It probably was Narcissa, and he didn't fancy going up and disturbing Draco from his potions. He had no idea what he got up to in there. He only knew that Draco didn't like to be pulled away while in the middle of ... whatever it was – especially lately. He reached the door, pulling it open to see – well, not who he had been expecting.

"Er, hello, Seamus," he said.

Seamus gave a strange smile. "Hi," he said. "Bad time?"

"Er, no, I suppose not," Harry answered, stepping back to allow the man into the house.

Seamus walked through the door, standing in the foyer.

"Anything particular you wanted or...?" Harry said, shrugging.

"No, just – just over for a visit."

"Mm." Harry had actually wondered when someone else besides Neville would get up the nerve to come over after what Rita had written.

Seamus nodded.

"Well, you go ahead and sit down. I'll run upstairs to let Draco know you're here."

"Oh," said Seamus. "If he's busy I don't want to – to bother him or anything."

"No, I'm sure it's fine," Harry said, though he still wasn't looking forward to disrupting Draco's work.

"Well, okay. If you're sure."

Harry nodded and Seamus walked down the hall, heading for the sitting room.

Harry sighed, starting up the stairs. He stopped at the lab door, wincing a little before knocking. Perhaps he would be lucky and catch Draco in a free moment.

"Just a minute," Draco called, still counting as he stirred the potion. He finished his count and then doused the flames with a flick of his wand. "What's up?"

"Seamus is here," Harry called through the door.

Draco's eyes widened. He washed his hands and went to the door of the lab. He stuck his head out. "Seamus?"

Harry nodded. "That's what I said."

Draco came out, closing the lab door behind him. "What's it about?"

Harry arched an eyebrow. "Says he's over for a visit."

Draco cocked his head. "He's never visited before except at Christmas," he said.

Harry shrugged and didn't voice what he really thought Seamus was over for.

Draco sighed and gestured for Harry to lead the way to the sitting room.

Harry walked with Draco down the stairs and hallway, entering into the sitting room, where Seamus was perched on the sofa, looking a tad uncomfortable and out of place. He gave another odd smile when he looked up and nodded to Harry and Draco both.

Draco hung back, not sure of why Seamus was visiting and not sure he could handle it.

"Tea?" Harry asked politely, moving into the room and sitting in one of the armchairs. He would've left room for Draco to sit next to him on the sofa, but Seamus was sitting in the middle of it.

"Sure," Seamus answered.

Harry called Kreacher for the tea, and glanced at Draco still standing by the door.