Wildest Dreams

It's Nice to Have a Friend

"Something gave you the nerve
To touch my hand"
-Taylor Swift "It's Nice to Have a Friend"

Draco sat on the garden bench wondering how tea time would go with Potter. Again, his nerves were getting the better of him. He always wanted to be friends with him if he could not have more. Could not have more? In what world would Potter ever think of him as a friend, let alone more?

Throughout his childhood Draco kept hearing about The Boy Who Lived and he was always curious about the hero. His father was livid that Potter "defeated" Voldemort when he was a baby. Though it was really Lily Potter who defeated Voldemort since it was her ultimate sacrifice and love that kept Harry safe. Harry? Why did I just refer to him as Harry just now? What is wrong with me?

Draco was so lost in thought that he did not notice Winky had arrived. "Master Draco, Mr. Harry Potter has arrived for tea. Shall I escort him into the sitting room?"

He looked at Winky kind of confused. Then realisation set in and his eyes went wide that Potter was here, in his house, ready for tea. "Yes Winky please take him into the sitting room. Also, inform Mother of his arrival. I will be there momentarily." Draco needed to compose himself before entering into hell. He sighed and did a few breathing exercises to prepare himself. He had to remember to be on his best behaviour. Finally, he walked into his house.

As Draco entered the sitting room, he saw his mother conversing with Potter quite amiably. He smiled at the sight. He had not seen his mother this animated in awhile.

Narcissa noticed that her son entered the room. "Ahh Draco darling. You finally graced us with your presence. Come sit." Her eyes were dancing with delight.

Potter looked at him curiously and smiled. "Hello Malfoy. It's been awhile. How have you been?"

Draco eyed him suspiciously. "Hello Potter. All things considered I have been doing pretty well. Thank you for your concern. How about yourself?"

He could see Potter's eyes light up when he actually was polite. Potter's smile got wider. "I'm glad you're okay, Malfoy. I've been doing pretty good considering. Thanks for asking."

Narcissa looked at both boys and smiled. "Who is ready for some tea? I certainly am. Winky, bring us some tea and sandwiches please."

Winky scurried and said "Yes Mistress Malfoy. It's my pleasure."

Narcissa looked at Potter. "Harry, I was wondering how the restoration of Hogwarts was going. Will it be ready for the coming school year?"

Potter's face soured a bit. "Mrs. Malfoy, it's slow going but it will be ready for the fall session. At least that's what Headmistress McGonagall has been saying so far. She's impressed by the progress everyone has been making. Actually, you and Draco should come by and see what we've been doing."

When Potter called him by his first name, Draco felt his face heat up a bit. He tried and failed to keep his mother and Potter seeing his reaction. "Malfoy, did I say something wrong?"

Narcissa chuckled softly. "Harry, I believe you embarrassed my son by calling him Draco. I do not think you ever called him by his first name." What his mother said made him blush even harder and he averted his eyes.

"Mother, why did you have to embarrass me even more? Can you not see I am already suffering?" Draco angrily said. He felt like he was going to cry but he had to calm himself. He already allowed Potter to see him vulnerable in sixth year. He could not allow it again.

Potter was about to say something when Winky returned with tea and sandwiches. "Here are your sandwiches and tea. I hope you enjoy what I've made Mr. Harry Potter." Winky bowed.