SECRET ( Drarry fanfiction)

Chapter 54

Harry sat on the floor between Draco's legs, watching Victoria play with Lissa. As no one else trusted the snakes, unable to speak with them, Victoria hadn't been allowed to play with Lissa for over a week. She was giggling and obviously happy to have her play partner back.

Harry was simply happy to relax. He tilted his head back to look at Draco, sitting in the chair behind him.

"What are you doing?" he asked curiously.

"Talking to Granger," Draco answered absently, his attention focused on his bracelet.

Harry's eyebrows rose, but Draco didn't even notice his surprise. Harry shot Blaise a questioning look.

Blaise was lounging comfortably in one of the other chairs in the drawing room. He was clearly amused, but shrugged to indicate that he had no idea what Draco was doing.

Harry glanced at Crabbe and Goyle, quietly playing a game of chess on the other side of the room. They certainly wouldn't have any idea why Draco was talking to Hermione.

"They're here because they have nowhere else to go," Blaise said quietly.

It took Harry a moment to switch thought processes. "Nowhere safe," he said in realization.

"They went against their families," Blaise agreed.

Harry looked at Blaise sharply. "Why are you here?"

"I'm just visiting," Blaise assured. "My mum is safe. I went home to see her, but came back here to help."

"Help with what?" Harry asked curiously. He didn't have a clue as to what had been happening while he'd been out of it the week before.

Blaise smiled ruefully. "I've been helping Lupin," he admitted.

Harry's brows raised in surprise.

"With you in the hospital wing, the others at the Ministry, all the Slytherins here . . . Lupin was running himself into the ground trying to be everywhere at once," Blaise explained. "Reporters, officials, owls. It was a crazy week."

"Oh," Harry said, feeling suddenly guilty, not that there was anything he could've done.

"I helped Lupin get everyone back home again, helping to explain everything to their families," Blaise continued. "We also packed up Victoria and sent her to the Weasleys."

"Been over there yourself a lot?" Harry asked dryly.

Blaise smirked. "Yes, Ginny and I are together," he admitted. "But no, I haven't really been there much. I've spent some time there, though, as Draco insisted I report on how they were treating Victoria," he added, rolling his eyes.

Harry shook his head in exasperation, not surprised. Remus had said it was Narcissa's idea for Victoria to spend time at the Weasleys, not Draco's.

"I've spent more time here with Crabbe and Goyle, sorting through all the in-coming post," Blaise said. He gave Harry a sly look. "You've had some interesting marriage proposals, amongst other things."

Harry grinned as Draco's fingers carded through his hair. He was obviously at least half-listening.

"I've already burned them," Draco drawled.

Schooling his features, Harry tilted his head back, looking at Draco upside-down. "What if I wanted to read them?" he asked innocently.

Draco's legs suddenly locked around his chest, trapping him. "You go about reading marriage proposals and I'll feed you to your snakes," Draco threatened.

Harry started laughing. "Draco, you are sorely out of practice with your threats."

Draco scowled at him. "It was easier when I actually wanted to hurt you. All my usual threats don't work anymore and if I try to punish you, I'll only be punishing myself."