(HP Đồng nhân Eng) Seven Years Too Late

Chap 3

Harry made a quick stop at the store on the way to Eli's school. They had left earlier than normal as the Auror was determined to get his son to his class on time today.

"I'll just be a second"

Harry told the boy as he hopped out leaving Eli, who immediately tuned the radio to a hard rock station as soon as his dad had left.

Harry headed down one of the isles, looking for something quick to cook for him and his son for tonight's supper and as he turned the corner he almost smashed head long into Draco who was coming from the opposite direction.

"What are you doing here?" Draco snarled, surprised at seeing the brunet so quickly

"Just picking up a few things,"

Harry answered, remembering when that voice had been husky with sleep, with passion, instead of the sharpness that was evident at the moment. He ought to have memories just as clear about Ginny, but he didn't.

"Don't worry. I'm not trying to run into you every time we turn around."

"Believe me," Draco said, his tone stiff.

"I didn't once think that you were."

The blond went to turn away when the card and envelope he had been holding dropped to the floor. Before he could reach down and pick it up himself, Harry bent over and reached it first.

Harry straightened and held out the birthday card that Draco had been roped into picking up for one of the teachers at the school along with the envelope. The blond reached out for them and Harry deliberately brushed his fingers with Draco's. The action was a double-edged sword, however. Draco jerked his hand away, holding the items as if he had been burned, and the jolt Harry had felt left more than his fingertips tingling.

"Eli told me what he did yesterday,"

Harry intoned, wanting to make some kind of effort to appear unaffected. Draco just continued to stare and said nothing. The dark haired Auror exhaled a breath of air, feeling impatience swell inside him.

"Damn it, Draco, as least say something."

The blond's ivory face could have been carved from ice.

"Be careful driving. Road gets slick sometimes."

Then he turned on his heel, and for the third time in two days, Draco walked away from him.

XXXXXXXXXX

Despite Draco's hopes, days two, three and four of Eli Potter were just as bad, or worse, than day
one. He didn't hit another student with a dodge ball, but he was still miles away from the model of behavior. A conversation with his previous school had told the blond that this was not the norm where the young boy was concerned.

Draco had actually been surprised to find out that the young Potter had been going to muggle schools since he was old enough to attend. He would have thought Potter would have home schooled the lad and stayed in the wizarding world.

Harry had, in fact, thought of that, but had decided a good background in muggle subjects would serve his son well. Plus, he wanted the boy to interact with the muggles so he wouldn't develop prejudices later in life.

By Thursday, Draco knew he had to speak with Potter about his sons problems. He hated the fact
that several times throughout the day, he put off calling him. It showed his cowardice and since he was supposed to be thoroughly over the man, what did he have to be afraid of?

For another ten minutes or so, his students would still be in the cafeteria, practicing their part in the Halloween program they'd be presenting soon, and Draco had done enough dithering. Nerves all nicely inflated, he snatched up the phone and dialed the police station. What Potter was doing pretending to be a muggle constable Draco couldn't fathom, and he soon decided he didn't care.