A second chance

The upstairs bedroom.

Harry finished the letter and looked at Draco's pale figure still standing expectantly on his doorstep. He moved aside and the light in the corridor fell on Draco's features and revealed the changes that had been hidden in the semi darkness. Draco's face now had a healthier look and his eyes, once cold, slate gray now had a more icy blue colour. They were so different from the boy Harry had rejected in first year,yet at the same time so perfectly Malfoy that Harry soon found himself lost in the moon like abyss of Draco's gaze.

Both boys just stood there and stared at each other until a sudden shiver ran down Harry's body. Draco looked startled, but quickly composed himself and took a step towards Harry in an attempt to make the man step into his home. The poorly thought through tactic worked, much to Draco's well hidden surprise. Harry stepped aside and let Draco into his home.

He showed him where to put his coat and bag. He also told him where he will sleep and briefly ran over his day to day schedule. He then turned on his heel and strode confidently onto the creeking stairs. The two men walked up to the first floor of the house. Harry went first, Draco swiftly followed and the levitating suitcases brought up the rear. Once room arrangements had been successfully finished Harry gesturned for Draco to follow him even higher - up to the top floor.

Once they reached their destination Harry turned slowly to Malfoy. He then spoke with a trembling, but deliberate voice. " This used to be Siriuses room and I would appreciate it if for the time being didn't come up here." Draco looked up at the face of his host. It was the most down-trodden look he had ever seen. He understood why Harry would like to keep him away from this place. Draco knew how many memories could be here and he didn't want to even start thinking how he would react if his godfather had died before his own eyes. Suddenly the most unexpected thing happened...

The door leading to the abandoned room shimered a pale blue colour. Harry noticed Dracos startled expression and hurried to explain the wierd phenomenon. "I charmed this door to shimmer whenever I'm close to it. This creates the illusion of my godfathers presence. This actually helped through a few hard days."

"Oh, that makes sense. " Harry barely heard the murmed words, because Draco had already turned and started to walk swiftly back to his room. Harry quietly chuckled and followed Draco down to their separate rooms.