Project 137.43.M.D.

XIII. | COLLOQUIUM

XIII.
COLLOQUIUM
(discussion)

It was a small diner where they sat across from each other in silence with Draco watching as Granger absentmindedly munched on her crinkle-cut potato chips.

They had made quick work of Draco's check-up at St Mungo's. His data had improved significantly, which hadn't surprised him as he'd been working hard on his fitness over the last two weeks — first with lots of walks and then proper training sessions. What had surprised him, however, had been the look on Granger's face when she had been informed of the good news via his healer's report. She had looked as if she had firmly assumed that he would spend day after day alone on the sofa and let himself go. Given the good weather and the fact that her scheduled visits never lasted longer than a few minutes, even though she was his only social contact, it was rather naïve of her to think so, but he didn't feel the need to find out why she did. More interesting had been her reaction to the sight of him, because when he had entered his flat after his jog, she had barely been able to keep a straight face.

So if Draco didn't know any better, he would have claimed that he had somehow impressed Granger. Except that he was one-hundred per cent sure that this witch was as cold as ice, at least when it came to him. Which was why he'd quickly dismissed the idea, only to pick it up again when she'd asked him if he wanted to have lunch with her after his check-up. Which, incidentally, was the reason why they were sitting here now.

"Have you made any progress with your magic?" Granger finally broke the silence.

She peered over at him as she pushed the straw of her paper cup between her lips and began to suck on it.

Draco shrugged. Since she had made herself so scarce, he had practised on his own from time to time, yes, but he had hardly improved, much to his annoyance.

"None worth mentioning," he replied curtly.

"Don't give up hope," Granger said. "It'll get better soon, I'm sure of it. Now that your body is recovering so quickly, it can only be a matter of time before you notice an improvement in your spellcasting as well."

She gave him a small smile, which was probably meant to be encouraging, and Draco had to quash the urge to roll his eyes. He was never sure if her kind words were sincere or if she was just a bloody good actress.

"Are you finished?" he asked to change the subject, pointing at the chips she was no longer touching, even though she had barely eaten anything.

She nodded and pushed her plate across the table.

"Thanks," he grumbled and immediately took a handful. "I'm pretty much always hungry. It's maddening. I eat and eat, but two hours later I feel like I've had nothing all day." Another handful of chips found their way into his mouth. Draco chewed and swallowed, his eyes still on Granger. "Sometimes I wonder if maybe I really haven't eaten. If I've just been dreaming or imagining it. Or if a lot more time has passed than I thought."

He made a fleeting gesture towards his head, which he immediately regretted.

Bugger.

Actually, he hadn't intended to confide in Granger. But his doubts about the functioning of his brain were great and, unfortunately, she was the only person he could talk to at the moment. The only thing that made Draco relax a little was the fact that she wasn't making fun of him, as he had feared that she would have another laughing fit. But no, she merely cocked her head and regarded him thoughtfully.

"You're afraid your short-term memory is failing you."

"I'm not afraid—"

"You know what I mean."