Just like Brothers

Chapter 23

Draco and Harry were arguing yet again.

The silence charm had worn off about an hour ago and they were back in their room.

This argument started off about whether or not treacle tart or pumpkin pie was better and escalated from there quickly.
        
"You're such a bloody git." Harry seethed.
       
"Arse." Draco insulted.
        
Harry was brimming with irritation, he reached forwards and shoved the blond.
        
Draco was astounded.
        
"Harry James Potter, did you just push me?" His voice made it very clear that he was appalled.

The blond recovered from the shock and shoved the Gryffindor back.
         
Before they knew it the two boys were wrestling on the ground of their bedroom.
         
Draco came to a sudden dead stop and released Harry who then sat up.
        
"You..." Draco started, "you bloody git." He recoiled in disgust.
        
Harry was very confused.
        
"What?" He asked.
         
"You're the reason my hair looks like this," he pointed to the heap of blonde curls on top of his head, "you used my shampoo."
           
Harry's mouth formed an o shape. "No I didn't." He said quickly and unconvincingly.
           
"I can smell it." Draco smacked the back of the Gryffindor's head. "You're such an Arse."

>•<

         
True to his word. Severus let the boys out for the afternoon the following day.

Christmas was fastly approaching and Harry still had to get gifts.

However Draco hadn't really spoken to him since he figured out the Gryffindor used his hair care products.

Draco Malfoy was possibly the most petty, stubborn and unforgiving wizard Harry had ever met.

He was always gawking at himself in the mirrors, Harry was pretty sure Draco would marry himself it he got the chance. After all, there will never be anything else in this world that the boy likes besides himself.

However Harry thought he still ought to get the boy a Christmas gift.

He managed to slip away from Draco for a few minutes to pick out some high quality art supplies and a few books.

"Harry! Can you not stand still for a second." Draco came stomping towards him as he finished purchasing his items. Thankfully they were already packed away in a bag so the blond couldn't see.

Harry just rolled his eyes at the Slytherin.

"Come on, I want to go to see Mrs. Whitley before we have to go back."

Harry gladly followed the boy. It was near freezing out and a nice cup of Mrs. Whitely's tea sounded amazing.

After an hour of the old lady fussing over the two teens and how big they've gotten she sent them home so they were back in time.

Harry and Draco got back to their house minutes before their curfew and yelled up the stairs to let Severus know they were home.

Severus had become much more lenient about his house rules lately.

The boys were rarely scolded anymore, the only exceptions would be when they interrupt his work or sleep.

"Come here." Snape called back.

The boys looked at each other, trying to figure out what it was they had done.

Neither of them could recall anything in particular, so with hesitant steps they made their way into the Professor's lab.

Harry figured out what they were doing before Draco did.

"But Professor!" He complained, "It's holiday!"

Draco finally saw the two cauldrons across from Snape and groaned.

"Mr. Potter, you are in no position to protest. You are currently failing my class. You are a very intelligent young man, it would amaze you what you're capable of, you just need to try harder." Snape lectured. "As for you Mr. Malfoy, you have high marks but your precision needs some work. Now come along and set up your stations."

Harry put down the bag he was still carrying and grabbed the ingredients needed to brew a Doxycide potion, these included Bundimun Ooze, Streeler shells, Dragon liver, Hemlock essence, Tormentil tincture and Cowbane essence.

Draco grabbed the same ingredients and they sat down at the large wooden table in the center of the room, across from the Potions master.

Much like his actual classroom, the steps to making the potion were written on a chalkboard on the back wall:

Brewing Instructions:

- Juice the Bundimun.

- Add the Bundimun acid to the cauldron and stir quickly.

-Grind the Streeler shells and add to cauldron.

-Stir the potion then heat.

-Add chopped dragon liver and stir vigorously.

-Add a dash of hemlock essence and stir again.

-Add a glug of cowbane essence and a dash of tormentil tincture.

-Stir slowly then heat the cauldron.

-Wave your wand over the cauldron to finish the potion.

This little Potion class was unlike any Harry ever experienced. He was used to stressful, tense lessons.

However Snape guided the two on how to properly execute the brewing of the particular potion.

When then made a mistake he explained what they had done and how to correct it instead of ridiculing them like Harry was accustomed to.

To his amazement, Snape actual made a few jokes and brewed the potion with them.

Harry really enjoyed himself, something he never thought he would admit about Severus Snape's potion class.

"Flawless Potions, the both of you," Snape complimented when they had finished.

Since Harry and Draco couldn't use their wands, Severus did the last step for them.

Harry couldn't help but to feel immensely proud of himself upon the completion of a potion he brewed accurately and the praise of the Potion's Master.

He couldn't help but to smile with glee.

"Mr. Potter, as I said, you are capable of great things, don't let your indolent ways keep you from attaining your potential. For your display of understanding today, I will excuse you from your remaining assignments. Mr. Malfoy, perfect execution, in my class make sure you take your time, you don't have to be first to be the best." Snape gave the two boys a rare, genuine smile.

"Now go wash up, supper is soon."

The boys left the lab with both their heads and spirits high.

This was going to be a good break.