Not this again

Ch. 4

The smile was immediately removed from Harry's face. The next couple of days followed the same routine. In the morning Harry would make Malfoy and his tea and a cup of coffee for him, whilst Malfoy made lunch for the two of them. Then at the end of the night watch, they sat beside each other in their watching chairs in silence, until they went to bed with a small exchange of goodnights.

Complete and utter silence.

You would think after finding out what type of tea Malfoy liked it would be easier to socialise but god no- not at all. Malfoy barely responded to anything, and even when Harry would talk, or say something random on his mind, he was always met with one worded responses. Usually it was Harry's stubbornness that kept him persisting even through the shittiest of situations, but for the life of him he couldn't when it came to Malfoy, and it was sad to admit, but frankly he had given up. At least he was going to give up, but once again he is Harry Potter.

"Malfoy, We can't keep doing this," Harry said softly, staring at the house.

Malfoy put his binoculars down and turned to Harry with pursed lips "Do what?"

Harry flailed his arms in the air and groaned "I mean- I know it's awkward cause we used to have heavy beef with each other but- shouldn't we really try and make the best of it? What's bothering you?" Harry asked helplessly.

Malfoy just stared at Harry with a neutral expression before sighing, his frosty demeanour softening just a fraction. "Potter" He began. "It's not about what's bothering me. It's about the fact that I have nothing to say to you. We're here because we have to be, not because we want to be."

A pang of frustration echoed through Harry as he leaned back into his chair "Merlin-" he sighed "Look Malfoy- I get it we were angsty highschool teens that were sworn to be mortal enemies and we may never be besties but who knows?" Harry said with a small smile "We actually might find some common ground"

Malfoy looked at Harry with a mixture of scepticism and annoyance. "Common ground? Potter, the only common ground we have is the ground we're standing on right now."

For the first time in a while Harry laughed "Touche" he chuckled "And hey, as you've been constantly reminding me, we are here for a job. Can't you agree that working without the tensions of you being an asshole will benefit the working environment?"

Malfoy's eyes widened but before he could say anything Harry continued talking "So let's make a deal Malfoy, No more one-word answers. We can at least talk about the weather or something equally mundane. Deal?"

Malfoy regarded Harry for a moment before rolling his eyes. "Fine, Potter. But don't expect me to spill my life story just because you're feeling chatty."

Harry felt himself bubbling with hope as he clapped his hands "wonderful! Now, let's start with something easy, what's your favourite quidditch player"

Malfoy sighed, but this time it seemed less exasperated and more resigned. "What am I going to do with you?" Malfoy said to himself as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

Harry laughed and shrugged "Nothing really, now answer the question"

Malfoy glanced over at Harry, and in that moment, Harry felt a jolt of surprise as he almost gasped—Malfoy was smiling. It was such a simple thing, but it seemed to transform Malfoy's entire face in the most loveliest of ways. He looked kinder, more at peace, and as the unexpected warmth of Malfoy's smile lingered in the air, Harry couldn't help but respond with a tentative smile of his own.

And Harry felt in that moment, that he was thankful he didn't know when to quit.

—

Finally having someone to talk to was a breath of fresh air. Though they still didn't talk about much it was better than nothing, and it actually made sitting outside and watching a boring house much more enjoyable.