Changes and Secrets

Chapter 16

Draco felt a leap of pleasure as he saw Abby walk down the the stairs from the girl's dorm. She was dressed in a yellow floral pattern dress. She tossed her beautiful brown hair as she laughed at what Daphne Greengrass said. He couldn't help but wish it was him she was laughing with.

"What are you looking at Draco?" asked Pansy with her arms crossed.

"Whaat? Nothing," he quickly said.

Pansy's lips tightened as she narrowed her eyes towards Abby.

"Ooi Potter, where did you get that ugly dress? My servant at home wants to know".

Draco couldn't understand why Pansy would say that. He couldn't think of anything wrong with the dress. It looked pretty branded.

"Right next to the place you get your hair done," said Abby.

Draco found himself chuckling but controlled himself as Pansy glared at him. Not that he was afraid of her, but he didn't want to have his friends make fun of him on account of Abby.

As Abby and Daphne passed them by, Pansy held out her leg, causing Abby to fall.

A few students laughed while Draco was stuck in a dilemma as to how to react.

"What a clums you are Potter," Pansy sneered.

Abby stood up, glaring at her. "Come on Daphne, let's go".

Draco had an urge to tell Pansy off or at least glare at her but controlled himself.

___________________________________

Harry enjoyed his trip to Hogsmeade with Ron, Hermione, Abby and Daphne. They visited many places from Three Broomsticks to Zonko's Joke Shop. He couldn't wait to visit it again. As the weeks passed, it was soon time for his first game Quidditch match against Hufflepuff. Harry was more excited about this game as his father, Sirius and Remus were to come to cheer him on. He was in the changing room with the rest of the team when they entered.

"DAAD" Harry threw his arms around James who hugged him back just as enthusiastically.

"How have you been son?" asked James.

"Terrific," Harry grinned. "You".

"Splendid".

They both already knew this of course as they had often written to each in the past two months, but finally seeing each other in person after two months was different.

Harry introduced his dad and uncles to the rest of the team before they left for the stands as he and his team went out to begin their match.

______________________________________________________________

James watched his son with a fixed gaze as he flew around the pitch. The snitch hadn't been spotted yet and both Harry and the Hufflepuff Seeker Cedric were still flying around while keeping an eye out for it. His eyes drifted to Abby in the Slytherin stands. He didn't know how to feel about her getting in Slytherin but decided he was alright with it. Slytherins may have produced the most dark wizards, but he had matured enough to realized that not all Slytherins were bad. And he would still love his daughter regardless of what group she belonged to or what she became. James was doubly proud when Abby made the Quidditch team in her house but he would face a dilemma on who to support when Harry's team and Abby's team were up against each other in June. However, he had decided it was alright that Gryffindor being his own house broke the tie on him rooting for Gryffindor over Slytherin. He could still support them individually even if he was rooting for Gryffindor.

Gryffindor was leading by ten points as Angelina scored a Quaffle. James joined the erupting cheers of the Gryffindor stands as Harry caught the snitch. Harry and him both ran towards each other's arms once the game was officially over.

"Great job son. I am really proud of you," said James as both father and son pulled away from their embrace.

A lot of congratulatory hugs were exchanged between the Gryffindors. Cedric was honorable enough to congratulate the Gryffindors and shake hands with both Oliver and Harry.

___________________________________

Snape had just finished another potions class with his least favorite class; least favorite for the sole reason of having to deal with Potter's spawn. He was packing up his things when Abigail Potter approached him. She had as usual produced an excellent potion that he couldn't find fault with even if he tried.

"What is it Miss Potter?" he asked dryly.

"Sir, may I please use the lab on Saturday?" she asked, her eyes all perked up.

This stunned Snape. Everything this girl said and did reminded him of Lily. Lily had also asked Slughhorn for permission to use the lab and they had both used it together, brewing all sorts of potions. It was one of his favorite memories.

"For what?"

"To brew potions".

Of course she had the Potter cheek.

"I mean, I wanted to brew other potions than just the ones in class. This week, I wanted to brew the lotion one with lavender scent," she said eagerly.

"I don't usually let students use the lab outside of class and I don't have the time to supervise," he said.

"Please sir. I promise to use it well and clean up. Pleeaasee".

Snape felt a jolt in his stomach. For some reason, he couldn't continue saying no to her. "Very well, you have an hour between six and seven on Saturday. I'll be right upstairs in my chambers. Do be cautious because you'll have to pay the consequences for any damage you inflict on the lab. And you'll have to replace any ingredients you use that aren't your own. Is that clear?"

"Yes sir. Thank you very much," she said enthusiastically.

As she left, he saw Draco Malfoy right behind her. He looked at Abby and ensured she was gone before he spoke. "I was going to ask you for the same favor sir. I also need to use the lab to brew a potion. Would it be alright if I used the lab too on Saturday? I figured it would be more convenient if I used it at the same time."

Snape narrowed his eyes. He found it an odd coincidence but he usually never denied Draco who was like a godson to him. "Very well".

"Thank you sir" said the lad before walking away.

___________________________________

When Draco heard Abby asking to use the lab, he couldn't help but find himself wanting to seize the opportunity to spend alone time with her. He wasn't sure exactly what he wanted with the opportunity or even precisely why. Something inside of him just wanted to get to know her and figure out the odd feelings he felt for her. 

=to be continued=