SECRET ( Drarry fanfiction)

Chapter 50

Harry tumbled out of the Floo, glaring as Tonks laughed at his clumsy entrance. She laughed even harder as Draco stepped out neatly behind him and spelled the soot off of Harry and himself without a thought.

Harry smiled reluctantly. "Glad I could amuse you," he said.

She grinned unrepentantly.

He glanced around the office, nodding to Kingsley. "What's going on?" he asked.

"Everyone is in the Great Hall," Kingsley informed him. "Severus will explain the situation."

Harry frowned at them both irritably, moving out of the way as the Slytherins started to gather.

"Don't give me that look," Tonks said, wagging her finger at him, still grinning. "I have no idea what Severus is up to. I'm just here to escort this lot."

Harry's frown deepened. "Why does Severus always have to be so difficult?"

"I believe he asks the same thing about you," Kingsley said in amusement.

"Do you know what's going on?" Harry asked.

Kingsley nodded. "I do. However, Severus wishes to speak with you first before we do anything else."

"In other words, it's not something I'm going to like," Harry muttered.

"Whatever it is, he knows you'll just brush off anyone else," Draco agreed.

Harry scowled as Kingsley smiled, not denying it.

"You're gaining quite a reputation," Tonks practically sing-songed, clearly enjoying herself. "No one messes with Harry Potter."

Harry stared at her, not sure how to feel about that.

"We'll be down in a minute," Draco said.

Confused, Harry watched as Kingsley nodded understandingly before he and Tonks ushered the Slytherins out of the office and down to the Great Hall.

"They just left us alone in the Headmistresses' office," Harry said in bemusement.

"That's because they trust you," Draco said quietly. "Harry, it's not a bad reputation that you've gained."

Harry bit at his lip, thinking about what Tonks had said. "Then why do I suddenly feel like a bully?" he asked.

"Because you don't allow anyone to get in the way of what you know is right," Draco said. "It doesn't mean that you bully them, though. You don't force anyone to do anything. Exactly the opposite. You don't fight to bring people down. You fight for justice and freedom and all those other good things."

"Draco is correct, Harry."

Startled, Harry and Draco turned to look at the portrait that had spoken.

"You've become a true leader," Dumbledore said kindly. "You may still be a bit unpolished – perhaps in time you will learn patience – but you've treated people with kindness and respect, earning their respect in return. You love with a fierceness and purity of spirit that is seeing you, and so many others, through these difficult times. You've done admirably, Harry."

"Thank you, sir," Harry said softly.

* * * * *

The gargoyle moved aside and Harry and Draco stepped out into the corridor. Harry blinked in surprise to see Crabbe and Goyle.

"What are you still doing up here?" he asked.

"The Minister said we could wait for you," Crabbe said.

"We'll watch your back," Goyle added.

"It's not like we're going to be attacked in the empty corridors," Harry protested.