The Hollow Beneath Hogwarts

108. Please Forgive Me

Draco couldn't help smiling at the reaction Sloane was having. It was like watching the sun come out after days of rain.

Only moments ago she'd been pale, anxious and struggling to eat. Her shoulders had been tense, her thoughts consumed by Jack, Euan and all the horrible possibilities that came with both of them.

Now?

Now she was practically glowing.

Her eyes were bright. Her smile stretched from ear to ear. And there was genuine excitement radiating through their bond.

Whoever Pickett and Teddy were, Draco had already decided he liked them.

At least...

One of them seemed happy by the new guests.

The same could not be said for Goose. The little niffler had been perfectly happy moments earlier. He'd been sitting proudly between Draco and Sloane on the bench, happily accepting offerings from everyone at the table.

Carrots. Chips. Half of Harry's peas. A suspicious amount of pavlova.

Life had been good.

Then he'd heard the names.

Pickett. Teddy.

And everything had changed.

The tiny creature had let out a squeak of alarm before launching himself directly into Draco's blazer pocket like his life depended on it.

Draco had barely managed to stop himself from laughing.

Now his inside pocket was shaking slightly.

"Are you alright in there?" Draco bent his head down and whispered discreetly.

The pocket wiggled. He carefully opened the blazer just enough to peek inside.

Goose immediately shook his head. Then folded his little arms. Then huffed. The tiny huff was somehow dramatic.

Draco snorted. "You planning on staying in there?"

Goose nodded firmly.

"No intention of coming out?"

A shake of the head this time.

Draco looked genuinely sympathetic. "You know hiding won't solve your problems."

Goose turned his back on him.

Draco sighed. "Fair enough."

Reaching across the table, he stole a handful of grapes from the remains of the pavlova.

Goose immediately perked up. Draco handed them into the pocket.

The little niffler accepted them with dignity. "Just don't squish them." Goose nodded. Then immediately stuffed three into his mouth at once.

Draco chuckled and closed his blazer again.

Beside him, Sloane was having the time of her life. "It's so good to see you both!"

Her entire face lit up as she carefully lifted Pickett from the box. The tiny bowtruckle immediately wrapped himself around her fingers. The creature looked exactly like a small bundle of twigs and leaves brought to life.

Several students at nearby tables gasped.

Ron blinked. "That's a bowtruckle?"

Hermione looked fascinated. "They're much smaller than I expected."

"He's adorable," Luna sighed.

Pickett seemed to appreciate the compliment. He puffed himself up proudly.