𝐀 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐒𝐎 𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐒

Chapter 30

Chapter Number/Total: 30/44
Chapter Title: A Pact

Draco was propped up in bed with a tray beside him. It no longer fit in his lap, so it was awkward to use as a writing surface. He finally left the ink on the tray but placed a book under the parchment and balanced it on his belly to write. He went through several sheets of parchment before he finally got one he was willing to send. He didn't know if this would be the last letter his father would ever get from him and he wanted it to be a comfort to him, if needed.

Dear Father,

Your letter cheered me more than you can know. I have missed you and thought about you often. I wish there were a way I could come to visit you. Mother is correct. I am ill and currently confined to my bed until I improve. You may be assured that Mother has found an excellent Healer to tend me and I am doing my best to take care of myself.

Before I became too ill to work in the lab, I had actually developed several new potions. I have explained one of them to the Healer who has my care and she has been very impressed. There is every possibility that this line of research might lead to some real breakthroughs in the future.

It has been a busy year, as you no doubt know. Aside from my health issues, I am very happy with my life. We live at the old Black house and I have my own lab. Harry is in Auror training and I see Mother often.

I have recovered from the incident of last February and am doing what I can to leave it in the past. Harry has been supportive in every way. Even if you don't approve of him personally, you would no doubt be satisfied with his treatment of me.

I love you. I don't know how often I have said it. It certainly hasn't been enough. While it is obvious that there are several areas where we disagree, I want you to know that I have always admired and respected you. And that I have always been, and still am, proud to be your son.

Draco

***

It was not very late in the day. Harry had only left a few hours earlier, and Draco was propped on pillows on the couch, a book open against his belly. It was one day that his mother actually wasn't coming over. She was, of all things, having Andromeda and Teddy to the Manor, so it was quiet in the house with only Kreacher there.

Right then, as if on cue, Kreacher popped into place beside the couch. "Someone be here, Master," he said.

"Who?" Draco asked, frowning.

"The blood traitor," Kreacher answered.

"Which blood traitor?" Draco asked, part irritated and part amused.
Kreacher cocked his head slowly to the side as if thinking for a moment. "Weasley," he said finally, seeming pleased with himself for remembering.

"Which Weasley? Oh, never mind, have whoever it is come in," Draco said, huffing.

Kreacher nodded, popping away again, and within a few short moments, someone knocked on the door frame of the sitting room. It was Ron.

Draco's eyes widened. "Is Harry okay?" he asked, worried at the man's sudden appearance.

"Oh," said Ron. "Yeah. Yeah, he's okay. I actually haven't even seen him today." He shifted where he stood, clearly feeling awkward.

The blond arched an eyebrow and waited, wondering what Ronald Weasley could be doing there when the man knew Harry wasn't home.

"Er ..." said Ron, seemingly forcing himself to meet Draco's eyes. "Can I sit down?"

Draco gestured to a nearby chair. "Certainly," he said. "Do you want tea?"

"I ... guess that would be fine," said Ron, sitting in the indicated chair.