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Fic: No Hiding Place book Four: The Cupboard Under The Stairs (26/32)
Author: Rimau Sua Lay
Rating: overall NC-17, Angst, Drama, Action/Adventure, First Time
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairings: Harry/Snape, Ron/Draco, (Sirius/Remus)
Date: December 2002 - ?
Disclaimers: Not mine, borrowed without permission, am not making any money. Please don't sue. Sherbet Lemon?
Summary for Book Four: -Before you can go forward, you must face your past. Sins of the father may bury the son. Harry will find out if a dog really is the man's best friend.
Warning: This part contains deaths, gore, mention of het rape, explicit sex between men, disturbing themes, angst and a partridge in a pear tree.
The earlier parts of the fic can be found here.
The day was warmer than any before had been this summer, and Harry already regretted wearing the outer robes as he walked towards Hogwarts.
For a moment he wondered if he should go back and change, but everything he'd ever read about the goblins suggested he wouldn't want to be late for his meeting. So he would have to suffer.
He was glad they had agreed on an early meeting. This way there hadn't been much time for Sirius to rant to him about safety issues this morning. Of course, there had been lots of yelling and ranting last evening after Sirius had come back from his run.
Harry shuddered at the memory. Sometimes Sirius really sounded like someone's mother and while usually it wasn't such a bad thing, right now when he was feeling rather nervous about the whole thing, being told about all the things that could go wrong was the last thing he needed.
Shrugging the nagging worries out of his mind -- or at least trying to -- Harry entered the school grounds. The short walk from Hogsmeade was always a bit nerve wracking.
There was no one to greet him, as he'd expected. He simply wanted to get this done as smoothly as possible. Therefore he'd pretended not to see the black dog trailing him earlier, and would not say anything about the surly looking knight --usually occupying the huge battle scene near the entrance to the Slytherin common room -- staring at him from a painting on his right.
Such a show of caring was nice, even though it was bloody annoying at times.
Harry walked to the fireplace. He was glad his everyday life didn't require him to floo anywhere, but it would still be more convenient if they had at least one of the fireplaces in Hogsmeade connected to the floo network. Maybe that way he'd get more practice and wouldn't have to worry that he'd fall on his face when he reached Diagon Alley.
He had to wipe his clammy palms on his robes before reaching out for the small jar on the mantle.
"I see you're early."
Dropping the jar on the floor, Harry spun around. He was reaching out for his wand even before he could see the person through the blinding cloud of floo powder swirling in the air around him. "Damn it!"
How had Malfoy got here before him?
Harry glared at the grinning Slytherin who was casually leaning against the wall. "What are you doing here?" He was already annoyed by the tight feeling in his belly, hating the way the fear was gnawing him. The last thing he needed right now was Malfoy and his games.
"I'm actually waiting for you." Not paying any attention to the glare, Draco stood there, relaxed. "You didn't really think they'd let you go to Diagon Alley all by yourself?"
His first real mission as a member of the Order. It was almost ridiculous how casual Dumbledore had sounded when he'd asked him to accompany Potter. Almost as ridiculous as the obvious command in Snape's gaze. Draco was certain that if the thought had occurred to Black, he would have given him strict instructions never to let Potter out of his sight.
From being the heir of Malfoy House and leader of the Slytherins to being Harry Potter's bodyguard. Sometimes fate really laughed straight in your face.
Harry shook his head slowly, cleaning the floor with an almost negligent wave of his wand. "You don't have to do this." He didn't want anyone else to risk his life, but deep inside, he couldn't help appreciating the gesture. Malfoy wasn't an idealist like his friends, he was a realist, and as such he might even survive following him to Gringotts.
Still, this was definitely the worst secret mission in the history of the Order.
"Yes, I do." No one was exactly forcing Draco to accompany Potter, but he certainly didn't want to explain Snape how he'd let him go alone. "Are you ready?"
"For crying out loud..." Muttering something dark from under his breath, Harry surrendered. "Fine. Just try not to get killed out there."
It was one thing he could count on; Malfoy's survival instinct.
Ignoring whatever else Malfoy would want to say, Harry grabbed the floo powder and stepped into the fireplace. He saw a brief look of panic on Malfoy's face as he flooed out of Hogwarts, knowing well that he'd intended to go first just in case. Tough. Harry wasn't going to allow it right now.
Harry stepped out of the fireplace at the Leaky Cauldron; coughing so hard he was certain he was about to lose a lung. It was good that there weren't many people around here at this hour, only the bald landlord grinning at him from behind the counter and a drowsy looking wizard nursing a drink at the corner table.
A moment later, Malfoy appeared next to him, looking as calm as ever. "Don't do that again!" There was a clear warning in his voice.
It was almost hilarious how things had turned out to be. Nodding, Harry said, "All right." He wasn't going to change the way he acted, but it was easier to lie than to get into a fight.
From the annoyed glare Malfoy threw at him, he knew he hadn't really been convincing.
There was no need to linger at the inn, and Harry simply led the way to Diagon Alley. He didn't say anything when Malfoy appeared on his right side, simply walked towards Gringotts.
Draco kept his gaze on their surroundings, ignoring the glares Potter threw back at him. He was glad there weren't many people around here at this hour. Most had probably gone to work already, so the streets were relatively quiet.
Seeing the awed looks from the wizards who passed them by didn't help him to relax. How on earth could he recognize someone attacking when everyone seemed to be more than slightly interested in Potter? He wasn't going to wait until he heard an Unforgivable yelled at them. It would be too late then.
Every muscle tense, he followed Potter to the wizarding bank, shivering slightly as he entered the huge building.
The last time he'd been here, he had still been the heir of Malfoy. Now he was nothing but another member of the Order. The goblins wouldn't rush to serve him, like they had whenever he came here with his father; they would concentrate on Potter.
Like they sort of should.
Harry didn't feel any of the tension leave him as he stepped up to the huge reception desk where three goblins sat waiting for him. They might be safe in here, where no magic other than the goblins' own was allowed, but his ordeal was just beginning. "Er..." He looked up at the familiar looking goblin. "Good morning."
"Mr. Potter. We have been expecting you." The goblin nodded at him before turning to the other young man. His already beady eyes seemed to squint into slits as he took in the platinum blond hair. "And Mr. Malfoy, I assume."
His voice was definitely different from the way he'd addressed Harry.
For once, the special treatment didn't annoy Harry. The goblins had treated him with respect ever since he'd been there to save Bill's life. It was weird, considering how aloof the small creatures usually were. Their world was apart from the wizarding world, a realm of their own existing parallel to this one.
They took care of their people, though, and they viewed their workers as a part of their world.
Harry smiled at the goblin -- Griphook, he thought he was called -- remembering the first time he'd been escorted here into the bowels of the earth to see his fortune. No matter how many times he'd visited the small vault, he was still amazed every time he saw the mounds of gold there.
Of course the goblin just stared at him for a moment before gesturing them to follow him.
Instead of going underground, they climbed up the stairs. Harry had always wondered why the building was so tall if all the vaults were deep inside the earth. Now he understood.
"This way." Griphook gestured at an ornate door that was slowly creaking open by itself. Harry's world got a little fuzzy around the edges and he walked in without really thinking, aware only of Malfoy's presence at his shoulder.
The board of directors were clearly expecting them. Looking grim and forbidding, the small goblins sat around a huge table, not showing any emotion as Griphook went through introductions.
Harry was grateful for their silence. He was nervous enough as it was.
Later on, he could never remember just what he had said. His thoughts had been a complete jumble ever since he'd got this mission from Dumbledore, but now he didn't even have to think about the words. He wasn't going to give an eloquent speech; words weren't exactly his forte.
So he gave the plain facts as clearly as he could. It was probably for the best, trying to say anything else would simply make him stutter and fail.
He was certain the goblins already knew what they were about to propose. The small bankers didn't show it, they simply sat there and listened as he talked about how important it was to have the bank be impartial in the following battles. Then they dismissed him and Malfoy, telling them to come back in three hours to hear their response.
Stepping out of the vast chamber, Harry felt a little stunned by the no nonsense way the goblins treated him.
Ignoring Malfoy's grin, he turned back to Griphook, who was still guiding them. "Could you take me to my vault, please?" He needed some money. Three hours was a long time; he'd better do some shopping. If he stayed here waiting, he would go insane.
"Of course, sir." The goblin's expression didn't change.
Good. He cast a look at Malfoy. "We should probably get something to eat next."
"All right. And I think I should check my vault as well," Draco said, his voice subdued. He knew his father had disowned him at his betrayal, but he felt like he had to see it himself. Somehow it wasn't real until he stood in front of the vault that had been given to him the day he was born, and was denied the access.
He wished he could go alone, so that no one would witness his loss, but the idea of asking Potter to stay behind was almost as horrendous as imagining his expression when they saw the empty vault. Keeping his mouth shut, he followed Potter and the goblin back downstairs.
Harry didn't say anything. He knew money was not something Malfoy wanted to discuss.
The trip down to the vaults was as exhilarating as always, but Harry didn't pay any attention to his surroundings. He felt strangely as if he was here with Ron, awkward and almost embarrassed. He didn't like going to his vault with someone who couldn't dare to even dream about the amount of money he still had there.
"Vault 687." Hopping out of the cart, Griphook motioned Harry to follow.
Harry blinked. He hadn't realized they'd arrived already. Not looking at Malfoy, he grabbed his key and then went to collect some money.
Keeping his purse hidden in the folds of his robes, he came back to the cart, wincing as the heavy purse hit the bench with a loud jingle. Malfoy jumped a little, his expression both angry and brittle.
Thinking hard to find something to say, Harry sat next to the man he'd used to hate so damn much at school. Felt like that had been a lifetime ago, the simpler life just a figment of his imagination and the reality far more complex than anything he could have imagined back then. He didn't find anything that would make this any easier, so he kept his mouth shut. Malfoy wouldn't want to hear pointless and polite words and he didn't want to pity him anyway.
Griphook released the brake and they were on their way again.
They went further down. It smelled different here, the moldy tang accompanied by a strange scent of scorched earth. Harry wondered if the old tales about the goblins keeping dragons here were true after all. He didn't really want to think about it now. One encounter with an angry dragon was more than enough to last a lifetime.
He couldn't look at Malfoy as the cart stopped. If Griphook hadn't made very determined gestures again, he would have stayed in the cart. He felt like he was invading something really private.
Keeping his eyes downcast, he tried to sink into the shadows.
"Hold this, please." The goblin handed Harry the lantern, turning to Malfoy. "Key, please."
The key Malfoy pulled from a chain around his neck looked as if it had been made for a child. It was certainly smaller then any other key Harry had ever seen. Griphook didn't show any reaction to the unusual key, he simply inserted it into the lock and then stood back.
Making no sound, the thick door swung open. Harry cast a brief look inside and then turned to see how Malfoy would react to the sight. The lantern he held cast its light on his face, not leaving any shadows in which to hide.
There was shock on Draco's face, and even some dismay as he stared into his vault. The vault his father had opened the day the heir of Malfoy had been born.
"Would you like to withdraw some funds?" Griphook's nasal voice was polite. He was probably used to seeing his customers gawk at their money.
Draco took a deep breath and then nodded. He pulled a small bag from under his robes and then leaned forward to scoop coins into it. Flashes of gold could be seen between his fingers. There was no silver inside the vault, only piles and piles of Galleons.
As he turned away from his vault, he saw the questioning look on Potter's face. Even though no questions were asked, he said, "I thought my father had emptied this. I had no idea it was all still there."
"We would never allow that." This time Griphook sounded definitely offended. "No one may remove items from a vault without a key and a signed approval from the vault's owner."
"Oh. Of course." Still shocked by the almost full vault, Draco nodded at the goblin. It was always a bad idea to offend them.
With a small huffing sound, the goblin closed the vault and then handed the key back.
Then they were on their way back to the ground level.
Harry watched the way Malfoy's eyes glazed over. He was quite probably contemplating this new situation. Not that Harry could blame him. This was unexpected.
They had all believed Malfoy didn't have a Knut left, even Malfoy himself had thought so. It had obviously been a very big incentive in his fight against Voldemort and his people. Malfoy had never in his life done anything that wasn't about his own survival. Why would he continue to work for them now, when he didn't need them anymore?
Turning to Malfoy, Harry asked quietly, "Are you still coming back to Hogsmeade with me?" With that kind of a fortune, he could do anything. Move to the other side of the world, where tales about Voldemort were simply fairytales to frighten children.
He was sure Malfoy would say no, for there was no real reason for him to return to their house at Hogsmeade.
Lost in thought, Draco heard the question but took his time forming an answer to it. There were too many things he needed to consider, and they were all tearing him apart; going to the Order meetings, belonging to something far greater than the House system, Blaise's hand squeezing his at the hospital, the impotent fury in Snape's eyes, various Gryffindors staring at him with trust or hate or no emotion at all in their eyes.
His father bowing down to Voldemort, the Muggleborn Dark Lord and heir of Slytherin.
"Yes." Draco's voice was firm. He was not about to start running now. These past weeks had shown him another side of the wizarding world, something he didn't mind being a part of.
His pride wouldn't let him run. Not now that he'd heard the name Malfoy said without it being the usual curse. His father had made it a vile epithet; it was his job to change that. He may have turned his back to the Death Eaters and the destiny his father had chosen for him, but even as Snape's ward he had never even thought of changing his name. He was a Malfoy.
He would show that Malfoys wouldn't cower or run, that a Malfoy could have principles; that not every Malfoy would stab you in the back or sell his soul to the highest bidder, especially when that was just a lousy Mudblood.
Harry stared with his mouth open. Had Malfoy just said yes? Why? "Why?"
Only when the word was out, he realized that it wasn't exactly the most polite thing to ask. He wasn't going to take it back, though. Brutal honesty was probably the best way to deal with Malfoy anyway.
"Because..." There was no finality in the word. It was as if Draco didn't know himself. After a moment, he added, "It's the right thing to do."
Staying with the Order was insane, but he still couldn't deny it was right. It was the right thing to do, the only thing he could, and he owed it to himself to grow a backbone and continue on this road he'd chosen. He also owed it to the next generations of Malfoys. If there were to be any, they wouldn't be forced to be ashamed of every single hypocritical ancestor.
He knew that some might say he owed it to Snape as well, to his former House.
He acknowledged the debt without qualms, knowing it did matter, but it wouldn't be enough for him to risk his life by staying.
His own bloodline was screaming at him to stop the idiocy that was the Dark Lord and his followers. So he would try.
Even more stunned by the answer than of the decision, Harry just sat there for the rest of the ride. He had really underestimated Malfoy.
He didn't think for a moment that this was because of his newly found altruism. It was probably more due to his revelation of Tom Riddle's ancestry, but he had to admit to himself he didn't really care.
In this war, right now, choosing sides was enough. They would deal with the reasons later.
Walking back towards the inn was easier, even with more people milling around the streets now. Harry felt lighter somehow, and not only because he had managed to convey their message to the goblins.
There were so many things he didn't have to worry about now, most of them becoming apparent only when they weren't an issue anymore. He loved Ron and Hermione like they were the siblings he'd never had, but he knew that of their generation, Draco Malfoy would be the most useful in a fight. He would never hesitate on moral grounds and his knowledge on the kind of skills they would need was vast.
Having Malfoy as an ally and not a reluctant accomplice changed things.
The Leaky Cauldron was always busy at this time of the day. Nevertheless, Harry felt safer here than back at the Alley, knowing that its presence so close to Muggle London would probably keep the most pureblood wizards -- mainly those following Voldemort -- away.
Offering them a toothless grin, Tom the landlord showed them to a quiet table at the corner and then left them to browse through the day's menu.
"I think I'll have a Muggle style tuna sandwich and a portion of chips." Knowing that the 'Muggle style' would probably not mean that everything was dyed pink, like it tended to be back at the Three Broomsticks, Harry put the menu down. He wasn't really hungry, the visit to Gringotts chasing all appetite away.
Draco was still staring at the menu, feeling unbelievably happy. He'd dreaded this, wondering if he could actually live through having Harry Potter pay for his meal again. Pushing aside the wild thought of having the most expensive item on the list just because he could afford it, he muttered, "I'll have the Cauldron salad." Noticing that Tom was back with a small pad in his hand, he added, "And a Hinkypunk's Delight for dessert."
The landlord offered them another toothless grin before rushing away.
Leaning back in his chair, Harry let out a deep sigh. This was a good idea, even though he wasn't too happy about the furtive glances thrown in their way.
At least no one had come to shake his hand yet. Nor was anyone trying to catch his attention by waving or yelling. He hoped it would stay that way; he really didn't need to deal with the whole hero worship thing today.
"So what do you want to do after lunch?" Forcing his voice to be casual, Draco added, "We still have time for some shopping. I for one could use some new robes."
He couldn't help feeling thrilled by the prospect of getting new clothes. There were other things he wanted as well, a new broomstick servicing kit, a few books. Maybe even some sweets, even though it would be kind of silly, considering they lived just a few blocks away from Honeydukes. Still, he wanted desperately to buy something, to go back home with arms full of parcels.
Hiding a smile at the comment, Harry was reminded of Ron for some reason. The obvious need to spend some money when he had it. "Sure. I think I could use some new robes as well."
Draco didn't say anything at that, but the vigorous nod was kind of telling.
The food arrived. Seeing the huge sandwich and the chips made Harry's stomach growl, and looking a bit sheepish, he grabbed the sandwich and took a bite. He watched Malfoy poke at his salad for a moment before attacking it.
He was still not sure what to think about the Slytherin. They didn't really have anything in common, except for a fairly jaded view of the world. Malfoy was an arrogant bastard, and would probably always be.
But he was also sarcastic and fairly honest and willing to fight against Voldemort. Against his own people. That still boggled Harry. How could he be such a contradiction anyway? A pureblood wizard who had turned against his own family, a sophisticated young man who was gazing happily at the steaming drink decorated by a plastic Hinkypunk carrying a magically glowing light.
Like most of the things in the wizarding world, it made absolutely no sense.
Harry grinned openly as he took another bite. Maybe he did tend to think too much. His instincts told him that Malfoy wasn't his enemy anymore and more than that, he was reliable. That was more than enough for now.
They finished their meal in companionable silence, not bothering to discuss anything. People around them were loud enough to drown out any conversation anyway, and it was good to just eat and not have to think of something intelligent to say.
"I'll pay for these!" Unable to hide the overjoyed grin, Draco grabbed the bill as soon as it arrived. He put down three Galleons without any intention of waiting for the few Sickles that he would get back.
The very unusual expression of total contentment on him made Harry blink, but Malfoy's smile was infectious. "Sure." He wasn't going to deny him this small pleasure.
Since it was still lunch hour, there were even more people on the streets, most carrying parcels, staring into display windows with curiosity plainly written on their faces. It saved both Harry and Draco from a lot of unnecessary ogling as they walked slowly down the main street.
Harry couldn't help smiling at the smells coming from Slug & Jiggers Apothecary. The familiar smells making most people gag made him feel awfully good these days.
He noticed Malfoy grin slyly at his sappy expression, but didn't say a thing. He suspected that Malfoy might be the only person besides Remus with whom he could actually talk about Snape, but he didn't want to do that now. Wasn't going to trust him with that. Yet.
He stopped by Eeylops' to get some treats for Hedwig. During the past weeks, he'd felt like he was neglecting her, and was determined to pay more attention to her from now on.
Deciding against going to the Quality Quidditch Supplies, even though both Malfoy and he did slow down as they strolled past it, Harry headed to Malkin's. He wasn't really looking forward to spending time being poked and prodded at, but knew that Malfoy was right. He needed new clothes, and since they had time, he'd better get them now.
Madam Malkin seemed to be delighted to see them. "If it isn't Harry Potter!" She smiled brightly at him. "Oh, and Mr. Malfoy as well! Come on in, dears."
Harry was relieved there was no innuendo in her voice. He'd seen some of the looks thrown at them at the Leaky Cauldron. Sly glances that reminded him of the most outrageous articles in the Daily Prophet.
"How can I help you?" There was already a knowing look in Malkin's eyes as she surveyed them, taking in the slightly rumpled robes and the way Harry's sleeves were definitely several inches too short.
"Um..." Harry faltered, realizing he had no idea what they might need. "We need some new robes." That didn't come out the way he wanted. He sounded stupid in his own ears.
Draco smirked at the hesitant sound and then stepped in smoothly, "Yes, we need simple everyday robes as well as outer robes, at least two sets of dress robes each and some flying robes." He paused for a moment, eyeing Potter critically. "I think we should try some frock coats as well."
The glare Potter threw at him was definitely reminding him of Snape.
Trying on new robes was wonderful. Draco stood in front of a huge mirror, allowing Madam Malkin to show him different cuts and styles, some of which he rejected immediately, others he tried on. He didn't mind Potter watching, the amusement shining in his eyes somehow inviting and not insulting.
He chose simple attires, not needing to draw anyone's attention. The only exception was the luxurious velvet cloak that would go with his new dress robes. He thought he deserved something like that.
Hopping down from the footstool as soon as Malkin was done, he gestured at Potter. "Your turn."
There was definitely an amused glint in Potter's eyes as he stepped up on the footstool and then allowed the seamstress to start fussing over him.
Since Potter didn't seem to care much about his outer appearance --if the hair was any indication -- Draco kept his gaze on him and made suggestions. A definite no to anything striped, checkered or with polka dots. A curt nod at the long frock coat that looked fabulous on Potter. A few moments of hesitation over the hooded cloak before giving a thumbs up.
Swallowing down any comments about the cliched gay man's fashion sense, Harry simply stood there and allowed the fussing without a word.
He let Malfoy negotiate with Madam Malkin, only glancing at the fabrics and colors. He could really care less about clothes. There had been moments when he'd thought about buying new things to wear, but somehow it had felt like too big a thing. He'd had his school robes, Gryffindor Quidditch team flying robes and dress robes and that had been enough.
He had to agree that he couldn't wear the school uniform anymore, and not only because the robes he'd acquired a year ago were almost too small for him. Being a student at Hogwarts was a thing of the past.
Bustling around him, Madam Malkin smiled happily. She had always liked Harry Potter, like most people she knew. "Do you want anything else? Maybe some hats or accessories?"
"No, thank you." Harry barely looked at the direction she was pointing at, ignoring the rows of headwear and other unnecessary things.
Draco had turned to gaze at the back of the shop. After a moment, he returned his attention to Harry, trying not to show his pain to anyone. This brought back so many memories, most of them about his father. He remembered how he'd once loved browsing through the canes at the back of the shop, dreaming of the time when he would also be able to carry one, preferably with a silvery snake decorating it.
"Shall I send these to your house then, or will you be here to pick them up in a few hours?" Madam Malkin didn't seem to notice there was anything wrong with the young men.
Pulling his old robes on, Harry sighed, "I don't think we can stay and wait." He was feeling nervous enough already. As soon as they'd finished with the goblins, they'd floo back to Hogwarts. "Please send them to Hogwarts." He could wait for the package there, the thought making him smile as he pulled his shoes back on.
He watched the seamstress hurry away with armful of clothes, feeling a bit strange seeing such myriad of colors. He'd definitely got used to wearing black with occasional deep red flying gear.
There would be no such things in his new wardrobe. Such Gryffindor clothes would needlessly attract attention. He was already easily recognizable because of his scar and the fact that his face was frequently on the cover of most of the wizarding magazines. It was fortunate that Malfoy had picked dark, earthy colors for him.
Remembering the different shades of green he'd seen, he smiled at Malfoy. "You intend to have me wear the Slytherin colors from now on, right?" There was only gentle laughter in his voice, no sign of old rivalry.
"That would be appropriate. Don't you think?" How strange to see that sneer without any real malice.
Harry looked at Malfoy, remembering how he'd first met him right here, in this very shop. He'd had a bad feeling about him then and he'd been right. Now he could see things had changed, maybe even more than he wanted to admit. "Yes. Appropriate." He wasn't just talking about his new clothes and his association with Snape.
Slowly, he lifted his right hand, offering it to Malfoy. He didn't say anything, simply holding out his hand and waiting. A smile was curling his lips up, almost a challenge.
Draco looked at the offered hand, and then looked into Potter's eyes, not wanting any pity or charity. He felt a bit dizzy as he realized that this was indeed none of those but simple friendship.
Simple? There had never been such a thing in his life as simple friendship.
Before the silence could stretch too long and become completely uncomfortable, he grabbed Harry's hand. It felt a bit clammy, but he didn't really notice; his own palm was probably just as sweaty. He shook the offered hand, making sure he wasn't squeezing too hard. This wasn't a battle, but a sign of one won by both of them.
Draco was the first to let go. "Ready to go, Potter?" He was sure the goblins would be done by now. If they'd needed time to actually think about the Order's suggestion, they would have requested for more than three hours, he was sure.
"Ready." Harry straightened his robes, grimacing a little. It really would be good to have clothes that actually fit. As an afterthought, he added, "And by the way, it's Harry."
That would take some getting used to. "Draco." It felt almost comical, introducing himself like this. After all, they'd known each other for seven years and lived together for almost four months.
"All right then." With a smile, Harry walked to the front of the shop to pay for his purchases, trying not to think about how much they'd cost. When Malfoy -- Draco -- was finished as well, they walked out of the shop.
There were even more people walking about at this time, witches and wizards hurrying here and there, most lost in thought. Those who paid attention to their surroundings invariably stopped and stared at Harry and Draco, some even pointing a finger at them and whispering loudly to their companions.
Harry didn't pay attention to the ogling, but his expression hardened. It didn't help to see the offices of the Daily Prophet on the left. He was certain there would be even more articles about him and Draco Malfoy in tomorrow's paper.
"I guess we'll be talk of the week again." Draco was thinking about the hilarious newspaper articles as well. Leaning a bit closer so that his words wouldn't carry too far, he muttered, "Just think about people's expression if they actually printed the truth. 'Malfoy maverick romping with the ravishing redhead'. I wonder if they'd call Snape your saucy Slytherin sweetheart."
It was so ridiculous, Harry laughed out loud. He could well imagine it.
He was also glad for the very offhand way it was said, with no disgust or hesitation in Draco's voice. No outrage over the fact that he was who he was and Snape was a former Death Eater. It probably didn't matter to the Slytherin. Of that, Harry was grateful. "I think people aren't really ready to hear that." He smirked. "Or about romps with redheads either. Especially on other people's kitchen tables."
It was absolutely worth the quip to see Draco actually fluster at that.
Feeling a lot better, he headed towards Gringotts with Draco in tow. He was glad he'd accompanied him, not only as a distraction from his worries but also as a companion.
Griphook was waiting for them in the main lobby. He nodded at them and then turned to lead the way up the stairs again. Glad that they didn't have to carry all their purchases, Harry followed him, hearing his own footsteps on the stairs sounding awfully loud in his ears.
This was the first time for ages when everything did actually depend on him. There were no older Order members here to guard or guide him, no Dumbledore to watch over him. Just him and his own words, and he wasn't sure they were enough.
His ears were ringing as they finally reached the top floor. Mind completely blank, he walked into the chamber to meet the goblins, already certain he had somehow failed this mission and they were doomed. His heart seemed to be on its way to pounding out of his chest, the beat almost agonizingly frantic.
He didn't hear most of the things the head of the board of directors said. It was all polite nonsense to him; words about the long history of the bank and its association with every part of the wizarding world, about the importance of the older wizarding families -- clearly about the purebloods -- and the traditions passed on by Hogwarts and its great Headmaster.
Then there was a short silence.
Trying not to panic, Harry stood there, waiting for the inevitable. Shocked when it never came.
The small goblin sitting at the head of the big table looked straight at him and told him with plain words that they had no intention of interfering with the humans and their wars. Stating that their rules had not been changed since the Goblin Rebellion, he explained that they would remain neutral. Not barring anyone from their establishment, but not joining sides either.
Harry had trouble trying to keep the grin off his face. In the end, he didn't even bother. Instead, he looked at the goblins, smiling so hard his jaws hurt.
Most of the goblins smiled right back at him.
It was a real victory, confirming the everyday life of their world even as they fought battles against Voldemort. They wouldn't have to worry about economy on this level. The goblins would be more than able to take care of themselves and their business would go on as usual even if the Wizarding world was plunged into a war.
Walking out of the room again, Harry wanted to rush back and give the bank manager a hug. Or maybe give Griphook one. Hell, he would even hug Draco!
He had done this! Negotiated patiently and expressed their suggestion and paid attention to the details. It had been difficult, but he'd managed to do this all by himself, using his brains and not relying on pure luck.
Snape would be so stunned.
Unable to really do anything but grin, Harry followed Griphook and Draco down the stairs. The day that had seemed so bleak was suddenly bright. Things had gone better than he could have ever dreamed of.
They said goodbye to the small goblin who nodded politely to both of them.
Harry took a deep breath as they left Gringotts. It was over now, and he had nothing more to worry about today. All he and Draco had to do was to walk back to the Leaky Cauldron and then floo back to Hogwarts.
"Are we ready to go back home?" Draco looked around, relieved to see that most of the witches and wizards had apparently returned to their workplaces.
Nodding, Harry started to walk towards the inn. "Yeah. I think we should go." No need to tempt fate by staying here for a moment longer. Within ten minutes, they would be back at the school and then he could decide whether to go back to Hogsmeade or simply send a word with Draco and enjoy a quiet evening in the dungeons.
He was about to add something about his plans when a flicker of color moving at the edge of his vision attracted his attention. He turned around slowly.
There was a very familiar witch walking straight towards them, her acid green robes clashing with everything around her.
Harry almost snarled at the sight. For a moment he wanted nothing more but to draw his wand and try some of the hexes Bill Weasley had taught him on Rita Skeeter. She would look excellent as a hag. Or maybe he would revert her into her Animagus form and then step on her.
Common sense won. He turned to Draco to mutter, "Let's get out of here."
There was no answer. Draco was staring towards Knockturn Alley, his face completely white.
Feeling his mouth go dry, Harry looked into the same direction. He let out a quiet expletive as he saw the tall young woman followed by two hulking figures.
"We need to get away from here." He grabbed Draco's arm tight, knowing that he was probably frozen by the sight of his old friends. "Now!"
The loud yell snapped Draco out of his haze. Casting one last look at Pansy who was followed by Vince and Greg, he followed Harry towards the Leaky Cauldron. He expected there to be at least frantic shouting and probably a curse or two hurling towards them any moment now.
"Harry Potter!"
"Traitor!"
Both Rita Skeeter's and Pansy Parkinson's shouts were almost drowned under the enraged roar escaping Gregory Goyle. It contained no words, only the inhuman fury of a creature that had lost its mind. The loud yells were followed by green sparks that were flung at Harry and Draco.
Without a look back, Harry pulled Draco with him to the closest alley. "Run!"
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*cough*
Sorry, been hanging around Ron Weasley too long...
Oh, your traditional food sounds delicious! Wish we celebrated Thanksgiving too! All the holidays with extra food are my kinds of holidays!
*notice how I kinda stepped around the whole posting faster issue*
:D
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Hurrying to the read the remaining available chapters!
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Thank you! I adore slash fic, but it's quite annoying how most of the times the stories just deal with the main couple and ignore the fact that they do interact with other people as well. My Harry would definitely see Draco as a potential friend, and they'd both be mature enough to bury the hatchet. Am just glad people are seeing it the way I intended and not screaming for blood or accusing me of having a H/D agenda... :D
Have fun with the rest of the story.
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At the beginning, when I started to read Snarry, it was because I hoped to find a better relationship between Harry and Snape. Of course in the meantime I also appreciate good slash, but I love to read about any sub-plots as well and I'm enjoying any development of upcoming friendship between former enimies.
Really love it! ;-)