The Boy Who Lived

Hagrid Again

Harry couldn't help replaying images of this new Draco in his mind. Draco in his veterinary practice, Draco at the puppy training classes in his dark navy jeans and white shirt. He thought Draco looked rather handsome and he turned away to find something to occupy his mind other than these errant burgeoning thoughts about Draco as someone other than, well, Draco Lucius Malfoy, his arch-nemesis from school and a class-one arrogant prat even though he knew that persona had fallen apart in the sixth year. The memory of using that spell still plagued him. And now, we'll, it seemed so natural to be friends with him. He wondered what would have happened if he'd accepted his handshake all those years ago. He tried to push aside these awakened feelings regarding Draco and keep it all at arms-length. Of course, that meant it was all he thought about it, constantly.

Despite Harry's reservations about going up to the school, they met in the Hogshead in Hogsmeade. Draco was already there, sitting at a table near the Floo when Harry stepped into the pub. Teddy was wrapped tightly around his torso and he clutched Hercules against his leg, he did his best to look carefree and nonchalant despite feeling utterly shit after a long morning and not looking forward to facing going up to the school. He glanced around the pub, waved at Aberforth, before spotting Draco and striding over, his long Auror coat swirling around his legs.

'You okay?' Draco asked. 'You smell of bonfires.' Draco thought Harry looked absolutely shattered too.

Harry plastered an easy grin onto his face as he hoisted Teddy onto a chair. 'Lie down, Hercules!' he pointed to the floor next to Teddy's feet and the puppy obeyed and was rewarded. 'Sure, long morning, I nearly didn't make it, I had to go into work during the early hours of this morning. What's the plan? Lunch here first?'

Draco thought that he seemed like a different Harry to the one in the letter or even the one at the puppy training. There was a business-like efficiency in his manner.

'Hagrid's joining us in about ten minutes...' Draco said.

Aberforth had come over to the table, 'Harry,' he said softly.

Harry stood and shook his hand firmly, 'Abe,' he said. 'Are you well?'

'As well as can be expected, you know, at my age,' the old wizard retorted with a sparkle in his blue eyes. It was a painful reminder of Draco's past. 'Nasty concern with this fire...' he said, glancing at Draco.

'Now, Abe, no fishing, I can't tell you anything.'

'What fire, Da?' piped up Teddy who had been staring at the old wizard with wide eyes filled with awe.

'Just work stuff, Champ, just work stuff.'

'Can I get you gentlemen a drink?' asked Aberforth, still eyeing Draco suspiciously.

'A firewhiskey, Abe, and a round of Butterbeers, a large one for Hagrid too, he's joining us. And an apple juice for Teddy.'

Draco watched in silence as Harry knocked back the Firewhiskey in one and shuddered. 'It's not a habit, in case you were wondering.'

'It's not my business...' Draco muttered.

'But I could see the question in your eyes. Just a bad morning and a bit of Troll courage to get me up the hill.' Harry fussed around retrieving a selection of colouring stuff from the deep pockets in his coat.

'Do you want to talk about this morning?' Draco asked once Teddy was busily occupied.

'Can't. Tell me about your work instead.' He stared at the blond man, taking in his concerned look in those grey eyes that seemed to see everything. He was too tired to cope with it. The morning had been long and brutal and what he wanted, what he couldn't have, was to be held and to be reassured that everything was alright really. He glanced at Draco in his dark jeans and dragonhide boots and thick grey jumper that was so inviting. He turned his thoughts away, knowing he had to focus on going up to the school for the first time since the Battle. It was making him feel slightly sick.