The Boy Who Was Given Up

Chapter twenty-six: Year three and secondary responses

The day for going home finally arrived, and everyone was sad to leave the house.

Dudley was especially sad to leave Harry and Draco until the Christmas holidays, which felt like a lifetime away. He knew they would still be there when Christmas rolled around, so he silently wished away the days until he could see them again.

Petunia was also devastated to leave Harry, and like in previous years, she shed a few silent tears while hugging him goodbye.

"Mom, don't cry. I will see you at Christmas, and I will owl you loads," Harry said, trying to comfort her.

"I know, love. I just love having you around," Petunia sighed. She pressed a final kiss to Harry's head and said sternly, "I want you back in one piece for Christmas, and you had better owl me."

Harry smiled and hugged her once more before turning to Dudley to say goodbye.

Once the farewells were over, Harry and Draco found themselves in a compartment with Evan, Theo, Blaise, and Pansy.

"So what did you guys do over the holidays?" Blaise asked casually.

"Harry and his family stayed for the holidays," Draco boasted immediately, causing Harry to burst out laughing.

"Without me?" Theo asked, sounding hurt.

Harry shrugged. "Yeah, we stayed for a bit at the start. Then Mom and Narcissa became good friends, like inseparable friends, so we stayed longer, and it turned out to be the whole holidays," he said casually, as if he were talking about the weather, not realizing Pansy's mouth was practically on the floor.

"What do you mean became inseparable? My mom tried to befriend Mrs. Malfoy, and they didn't even get along. Wait, isn't your mom a Muggle?" Pansy exclaimed.

"Some people become friends naturally and don't have to throw themselves or money at someone to make it work," Draco said sharply, which made Harry laugh again.

Pansy huffed, and the group continued talking for the rest of the ride.

Once they were seated inside the Great Hall, Dumbledore, as he did every year, stood to begin his speech. Like always, he gritted his teeth and waited for the crowd to quiet down.

"Welcome back to Year Two and above, and a very warm welcome to Year One!" Dumbledore announced, his eyes twinkling with fake joy. "Before we begin sorting, I must address some rumors. Yes, He Who Must Not Be Named has been moving around and gaining followers, but fear not, because you are safe here. He is indeed trying to regain a fully human state, but once again, fear not. Hogwarts is safe, for we have Harry Potter, the boy who has defeated him on many occasions." Dumbledore smiled broadly, and the students' eyes turned toward him.

Harry's eyes were cold and unblinking, fixed on Dumbledore. Only those close enough could see the fiery rage simmering just beneath his calm exterior.

Draco noticed this, and once the ceremony was over, he reached out to touch Harry's hand in comfort. He immediately hissed in pain.

All eyes in the friend group turned to Draco, waiting to see what had happened.

"Are you okay, Dray? What happened?" Harry asked, concerned.

"Yeah, I'm fine. You're just really hot," Draco replied, shaking his hand and turning crimson as he realized what he had said.

Theo laughed while Pansy and Blaise shook their heads. Harry, however, didn't comment. He focused on getting Draco's hand back to normal. "Sorry, pass me your hand," he said.

Draco hesitated, and Harry reassured him. "Don't worry. Just trust me."

Draco placed his hand in Harry's. Harry hovered his hand over the burn, closing his eyes and concentrating.