Twist of Fate

Chapter 24

Harry walked slowly up the drive to the Center. After spending the night in Devon, staying up late talking to Hermione he felt better about having to face Draco again. Harry made his way to the art rooms and found Draco sitting at a table with another wizard. They both looked up from the files they had been studying as Harry entered the room. "Hello, Draco." Harry said a little nervously. Draco gave him an assessing look and then nodded. The other wizard had dark hair and blue eyes, and like Draco he was wearing the robes with the Center's emblem on them.

Both men stood up, "Harry. I don't think you've met David Taylor, our art counselor. David, Harry Potter. He is on the BMP board with me."

Harry shook hands with the dark haired wizard, "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Taylor."

"Call me David, please." the wizard said with an easy smile, "It is a pleasure to meet you."

"I'm Harry. How are you getting settled? I understand you're from Canada."

"Yes, I hail from British Columbia, but I've been living in New York City for the last couple of years finishing my training."

"Wiltshire must be an adjustment from New York City."

"That is definitely one of the positives of the position. Too many people packed into one place in New York. I love what I've seen of Wiltshire. Beautiful countryside, I'm looking forward to exploring during my time off." They chatted for a few more minutes, all the time Harry was conscious of Draco studying him.

Harry glanced over at Draco "Are you ready for the walkthrough?" Draco nodded. Saying goodbye to David they both headed out the door. As soon as they were outside of the room Harry turned to Draco.

"I need to apologize, for yesterday when I left." he took a deep breath, "It was really rude of me."

"I'm more worried about what had caused the change. Everything seemed fine before you went to talk to the healer from St. Mungo's." Harry looked closely at Draco, of course he would have recognized Watson's robes.

"Yes, er, that was Watson. McCain brought her over to talk to me. Nothing really important."

"Not important, but enough to make you pissed off at me and race out of here like you were being chased by Dementors."

Harry shook his head, "Fine. It was important but I don't feel like talking to you about it. Is that better?"

"More honest. Which is what I want and can accept." Draco looked at him, "Still want to do the walkthrough?"

"That is why I'm here."

"I see you've even conceded to wearing robes for the occasion." Draco said, "No Muggle clothes today?"

"We are representing the Center so robes are more appropriate. At least that is what Hermione told me." Harry said with a nervous laugh. "Let's get this over with."

OoOOoOoO

At last they were through with the tour and they headed back into the building.

"How did you think it went?" Harry asked.

"As well as we could have expected. Won't really know until the papers write their stories. Salazar only knows how they will twist it."

Harry nodded in agreement, Draco looked at him. "It is lunchtime. Do you want to join David and me in the canteen?"

"No, I have to get over to the house. Painters are there and I need to make sure Kreacher didn't tell them to paint it all gray again. Besides, I sure you are going to be busy with the arrivals."