Cupid Wings

21. Spirit of the Jaguar

'My turn to organise our date tonight,' Harry said as he sat down at the teachers table next to Draco.

'What do you mean?'

'Saturday night is date night. Did you miss the memo because the last three Saturdays we've been out on dates and, so far, we've managed to alternate who's chosen what we do?'

'Oh. Okay. Well, what are you planning?'

'Have you been to a muggle zoo?'

'Muggles have zoos?'

'That'll be a no then. Right, it's a beautiful day so we're going to make the most of it. We're off to Chester straight after lunch.'

'Chester? Isn't there somewhere closer?'

'Probably but we're going to the best zoo in Britain, massive conservation organisation as well as somewhere very dear to my heart.'

'Why?'

'You'll see later.'

'You do remember that you're supposed to be resting that ankle?' sneered Severus.

'Yes, dad. But I also need to live a little...'

'Maddie says it's imperative that you don't overdo it. The biggest fear is you breaking your ankle. It could release the curse.'

'I know, I know. But we're going to walk around a zoo, it's not exactly not trampolining.' Both Severus and Draco looked at him in confusion. 'Never mind, I'm not explaining that one. How's the potion coming on?'

'It progresses well, a mere matter of days. Then you have to take it twice daily for a month for your ankle to regenerate to its maximum. We're hoping you'll be able to do without your cane. The last week is the most important. You have to take care, Harry.'

'I'll take care. I promise. Will you look after Pads for me? I can't take him on this occasion.'

'I shall start charging,' grunted Severus, despite Pads shuffling closer to him and thumping his tail eagerly on the floor and Severus unconsciously reaching down to pet the dog.

After lunch, Harry and Draco left the hall together to the soundtrack of collective sighs from Guinevere and her group. Harry ignored them, though he did notice they all got up and rushed out of the Great Hall together.

'We have an audience,' muttered Draco.

'Indeed. Do you need to get anything from your rooms or shall we go straight away? We've haven't got enough time to visit the whole zoo so I'd like to make the most of our afternoon.'

'I'd probably like a coat.'

'And sensible walking boots. I'll wait here.'

He watched Draco easily take the stairs two at a time in his long stride.

'Professor, sir?' came a slightly wheedling voice from beside him.

'Hello, Miss Blanchett. How may I help you?' Harry noticed that she's obviously been nominated spokesperson as the rest of her group hung back.

'Well, sir,' she said, going slightly pink before standing up a bit straighter. 'We were wondering if Professor Malfoy is gay, sir.'

Harry looked at her, his piercing green eyes disapproving. 'Do you think, even if I knew, that I would really discuss the private matters of another professor with you so you can gossip about it in the school corridors?'

'No, sir. Sorry,' she mumbled, her head and shoulders slumping. 'It's just...' she stood up straight again and looked at him. 'It's just we think you should ask him out.'