Malfoy Child

Breaking Down

Harry intentionally got to the Potions classroom a minute late, not wanting to deal with everyone. He'd had a difficult night, he was tired, he was confused, and he was feeling generally cranky and hurt now.

"Mr. Potter, ten points from Gryffindor for being late," Snape sneered.

Harry just nodded and sat Draco at an empty desk at the back of the Gryffindor side of the room, ignoring Blaise trying to wave him to the seat next to him, ignoring the other Slytherins, ignoring the Gryffindors, ignoring Snape's raised eyebrow at Harry's choice of seating.

Snape went back to lecturing and Harry quickly got out his parchment, quill and ink to take notes, as well as helping Draco get out the same so he could draw. Harry ignored all the worried and curious glances sent his direction and took down all the required notes.

"Stay right here," Harry ordered Draco quietly. "I just need to get the supplies for the potion."

"Okay, Harry," Draco said.

Harry took a deep breath and made his way over to the student's store cupboard, along with half the class. Pansy and Hermione both cornered him.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Hermione asked worriedly.

"He's upset with me," Pansy said.

"You only told the truth," Harry said wearily. "I'm not upset with you for that."

"Harry, I didn't mean it that way," Pansy whispered, not wanting Snape to overhear. "I'm sorry."

Hermione was now looking at them both with raised eyebrows.

"Look, just forget it. I'm in a lousy mood because I had a rough night," he said, snagging supplies from the shelves.

"And why was last night so bad?" Hermione asked anxiously.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Are you still going to come to the common room after dinner?" Pansy asked.

Harry sighed.

"Mr. Potter," Snape broke into their conversation. "You seem to be intent on disrupting the class today. That'll be ten points, now return to your seat immediately."

Harry shot him a glare, but turned his back on the two girls without another word and went back to his seat. He scowled to himself as he thought about the fact that it seemed he was going to pay the price for having gotten some comfort the night before.

As he made his way back to his workbench, he saw Draco looking at him with a forlorn expression. Harry knew he had to work hard to try to turn his attitude around again, for Draco's sake, if not his own.

He set the potions supplies down and looked at Draco. "Feel like helping me brew a potion this afternoon?"

"Really?" Draco breathed.

"Really," Harry said, finally giving Draco a small smile.

Harry set a mortar and pestle in front of Draco and showed him how to grind the scarab beetles while Harry started chopping the daisy roots he needed.

Harry tuned out everyone else and spent a fairly pleasant hour working on the potion with Draco. He was more of a help than Harry had expected, but then, Harry realized he should have known better. Draco showed a fascination with potions and he worked with an intense concentration with any task Harry gave him. He also listened to Harry's every word, careful not to make any mistakes.

Snape came over and glared into their cauldron. "It would seem that even at only age four, Mr. Malfoy is capable of helping you to brew a potion correctly."