Darling - Cedric Diggory

30

Draco looks like a fish out of water as he stands watching the kitchen with a bewildered expression.

Harry is sat next to me at the table, half asleep as he practically inhales the bacon and french toast that's on the table. Auntie Lil is next to him talking happily with Hermione who had arrived yesterday.

Dad is next to Hermione and across from me, yet to look up from the lengthy letter in his hands. Uncle Remus is flipping pancakes and singing along with the radio that's blaring queen.

"Morning family!" James shouts as he enters through the back door. Dropping into the seat next to my dad and happily joining uncle Rem's singing.

"Come sit Dray," I smile, he gives me a slightly awkward smile and takes the seat next to us.

"Draco, it's nice to meet you I'm James Potter. This is my wife Lily," uncle James introduces as he piles food onto his plate

"Hello," Draco smiles back politely, seeming slight overwhelmed

"It's good you're here Malfoy," Harry states. It's clear in that moment my dad has let the potters know why Draco is here. Draco sends him a quick smile clearly grateful he has broken the ice.

"Don't my favourites arrive today?" James questions me, smirk present on his face

"Yep the twins will be here any minute," I grin back happily

"And Ron," Harry adds.

The group continues their own happy conversations and the kitchen is full of laughter as the group come and go.

"Is it always like this?" Draco asks me quietly, taking a bite of the pancakes Remus had stuck on his plate.

"Like what?"

"So loud and happy," Draco shrugs

"Pretty much," I smile back.

"Good," he grins. I laugh giving his shoulder a squeeze before I hear the doorbell ring. I can't help the grin as I jump to my feet rushing to the door and pulling it open.

"Freddie!" I shout throwing myself into his arms as he stands in the front. Quickly allowing myself to be passed to George as Ron pushes past us all to find Harry and Hermione, shouting a hello to me on the way past.

"Hey," George grins as he releases me.

"So much to say so little time. Draco ran away from home and is in the kitchen," I explain, leading the twins through the front door that Fred closed behind him.

"There best be a full story coming later," George pesters.

"You know I love a story time Georgie," I grin happily as we enter the kitchen. The twins quick to greet the adults, Harry and Hermione. Shooting Draco polite smiles.

"So what are you kids up to today?" Uncle Remus questions as we settle around the breakfast table.

"I'm taking the twins to the beach, it's only forty minutes on the bus," I grin

"You could just use magic yknow? Part of the whole wizard thing," Harry points out

"You have lost your sense of adventure potter," Fred smirks

"What adventure is there on sitting on a bus that probably had druggie piss on the floor?" Harry questions

"Guess you guys don't wanna join then," I shrug, laughing when he rolls his eyes. "All you have to do is ask Potter," I smirk

"Fine. Could we please come to the beach with you?"

"We would love to have you," I laugh, turning to Draco "You are coming too by the way," I inform before standing up. "I'm going to change," I add before exiting the kitchen.

After a bus ride that feels like a lot longer than forty minutes we arrive in the small village on the beach that my family always visit. Glad for the uncommon sun as we head down the path and arrive on the sand.

We all strip down to our swimwear before I lay down my towel to sunbathe. Hermione pulling out a book to sit next to me. Harry challenging Draco and Ron to a race and the twins chatting amongst themselves. I let out a content sigh as I close my eyes, enjoying the midday sun.

The warm arms wrap around me quickly and I'm hoisted over a shoulder. Fred's laughter sounding loudly as he and George sprint towards the freezing sea, me screaming and laughing as he carried me with him, only dropping me down when the twins are waist deep in the water.

"It's freezing!" I scream, moving quickly to splash the ginger twins who are laughing at my complaints. This only leads to them fighting back and soon enough we are all splashing each other and Fred is jumping on me to dunk me.

The day passes quickly. Filled with laughter and games of chicken and fish and chips eaten at sunset wrapped in large jumpers with happy smiles. Draco slowly coming out of his shell and surprisingly getting along well with the group, spending half the day talking about literature with Hermione. We take the bus home in the early evening, sitting around in the Potter's living room with copious snacks as we watch movies into the early morning.

The week seems to be over before I can really even process that it began. Filled with quidditch in the garden and an adult v teens prank war. Water fights almost everyday and late nights talking with the twins. They leave early on Monday morning allowing plenty of time for the stress of a visiting boyfriend to take over.