Second Chances (Drarry)

Color blind

 No one else seemed to question Lupin's and Black's relationship, and even Draco was half distracted from the fact that he'd apparently just come out to the Weasleys. (He'd been so sure he'd already done that.) From what Draco gathered, Black was content with what they had while Lupin was pining.

Draco didn't want to know what it would feel to be in love with your best friend. He had more than enough problems already and was glad that there were still some that he hadn't. So he decided not to interfere. Sirius happiness was none of his concern.

This was how Draco found himself getting ready to go on the train to Hogwarts on the first of September, despite finding the mere idea of it wild and irresponsible. Apparently, no one else seemed to have a problem with inviting a murderer to school.

Harry had somehow managed to get him new, perfectly fitting robes for the year, along with all the school books he needed. Harry had also packed his stuff for him and was humming a tune as he helped Draco put everything in the trunk of a rented car. Was that nurse, manager, husband or gentleman behaviour? Draco didn't know but he hated it.

There were a lot of questions that Draco had but didn't ask. Like, for example, who the hell had given them the car? It looked like one of the ministry cars, but how could that be when the ministry was split?

Draco would love to name what model the car was, but he quite honestly had no idea. All his strange new love for muggles and their inventions aside, he never inherited their obsession for metal carriages. They were too small on the inside. Draco much preferred the tube. Although these cars, at least, had an extension spell for the inside.

Sirius decided to join them transformed as a dog. A big, barking, excited, semi groomed dog. It was only then that Draco understood why they called him Padfoot. Draco wished he had the energy to be surprised. But after everything he'd been through, he was rather unfazed by the whole thing.

Black must have spent a long time as a dog because he acted perfectly like one. He barked at random pigeons, snuggled up to be patted and waggled his tail like he was overjoyed to be allowed a ride in a car. Draco was too tired to question it.

During their departure, Draco noticed how Remus didn't seem very happy to let Sirius go. His look spoke of sadness and longing. Whether it was for Sirius, or Sirius taking the job that Remus had loved, Draco wasn't quite sure. Maybe both. Probably both. How long was it legally allowed to be oblivious to someone's feelings? The most shocking part of their non existing relationship, Draco thought, was that Sirius would normally have been dead by now. So, they had NEVER been a thing. Severus, Draco thought aghast, had gaslighted him.

Anyway, Draco doubtfully glanced at the car. He didn't move, even as Harry held the door open for him. "I still don't think this is a great idea," Draco said, forcing his mind back to the present, as everyone else had already disappeared in the car. "It's not too late to leave me here."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Hogwarts is the safest place for both of us."

Draco squinted at him. "I highly doubt that. Remember first year? When you almost died? Or second year? When you also almost died? Or third year, when you had the choice to either be eaten by a Werewolf or get your soul sucked out by a Dementor? Or fourth year, when a Death Eater invaded the school and almost got you killed, and fifth year, when Umbridge was there to torture you, and you literally died in the ministry, and sixth year -"

"Draco, I get it." Harry chuckled. "Just get in the car."

"I really don't get how you find this funny. I know Umbridge was a bitch but she had a point, you know? Hogwarts didn't exactly care about the SAFETY of its students. I mean, boggarts? Dementors? Hippogriffs? Not to mention the unforgivable curses. Dumbledore said NOTHING when fake Moody taught us those. And remember when in first grade, we were sent to the forbidden forest, even though Dumbledore told us that anyone who entered that place would die a horrible death? Last month, I murdered people. Quite literally."