Aevumiter

41: Happy

Some students spotted Harry and Draco and talked among themselves. They ignored them as best as they could.  The Thestrals nearby craned their heads to look at Harry. He guessed they liked his magic. 

"So that's what they look like." Draco said quietly. 

Harry blinked. He shouldn't be surprised. For them, it had really only been a matter of when. 

Before they could make it to their seats, a crowd surrounded them.

"Harry!" Seamus said cheerily. 

"Papers said you were kidnapped." Dean said. 

"I saw." Harry said, and turned to Draco. "How could you kidnap me?"

"Well, maybe it wouldn't be so easy if you stopped fainting like a damsel in distress." Draco said. 

"When have I ever-" Harry began.

Draco began to count with his fingers. "Chamber, detention, bite, and just the other day. And that's just this year so far. Am I missing any?" 

Harry gaped. Draco shot him a pointed look, and nudged his mouth closed with a finger under his chin. The faces of confusion on his classmates were almost enough to make Harry laugh despite his embarrassment and affront. 

"Well, glad to see you aren't kidnapped, Harry." Lee said with a grin. 

Then the questions about the fight with Voldemort surfaced, and Harry didn't know how to answer them. Again, it was the boy who lived, twice. 

"Err..." Harry was half tempted to fly out of the situation. 

Ron and the twins swooped in, forcing the crowd back. Ginny was their backup, a daring glint in her eyes. Draco and Harry darted over to Slytherin table before a new crowd could form. 

"I can tell our privacy is going to be in short supply." Draco said lowly. Harry nodded grimly. 

Luckily they didn't have long before McGonagall was asking for all the students to take a seat, and giving her speech. She introduced the new transfiguration professor, Beryl Winterbourne, then the returning professors, Slughorn and Lupin. Harry was rather pleased at how many students cheered for Remus' return. 

They made it through dinner and back to their dorm without anyone mobbing them. Blaise teased them when they climbed into the same bed. They both slept well that night.

~~~

In the morning, they skipped herbology and went to McGonagall's office. They discussed how they could speed through their studies and get all their tests taken. She had already done her research, had begun it once she'd learned of Harry's inheritance. They were both ever thankful. 

They had the rest of the day to themselves, as McGonagall would have to discuss with the professors after classes ended for the day. They decided to spend their time on the Quidditch pitch.

They met up with Blaise at lunch, where Pansy confronted them about skipping classes. Draco artfully brushed her off. After they ate, they went to the library. Draco wanted to read, and Harry had letters to write.

His first letter was to the Dursleys. He hadn't given them a thought in so long. But, well, he really ought to tell them he wouldn't be back. He didn't go into detail. Once that was done, it was on to the more complex and important matters- Sirius. 

Having trained as an Auror, Harry knew how to write his letters and appeal. He knew who to address them to as well. Once he'd finished, he passed them over to Draco to proof read. After Draco's approval, they went outside.