Empty Spaces

Chapter 26

- Harry -

As soon as Malfoy mentioned Narcissa, Harry understood.

The last place Harry would ever want to return to was Number 12 Privet Drive, and he had no particular desire or intention to see the Dursleys again any time soon. But if he received word that Petunia was seriously ill, possibly dying, he would have to go see her. How could he live with himself if he didn't?? Sure, she was far from the loving mother figure of his childhood dreams, but Harry was an adult now with the gift of perspective. For all the things Petunia hadn't been, she had at least been honest where it mattered: She never tried to make the claim that her actions had been done out of love for him, something adult Harry appreciated far more than child Harry did.

So Harry didn't try to argue or talk Malfoy out of it. But he could go with him. Whatever Lucius had in mind, there was no way Harry would let Malfoy face it alone. Not anymore, not while he could help it. They made their way to bed that night, no expectations, just seeking comfort in knowing that they didn't have to be alone. Harry opened his arm, inviting, and to his relief, Malfoy accepted.

"Didn't Lucius get a life sentence in Azkaban...?" Harry asked, still trying to piece together how exactly the Malfoy family managed to communicate with each other. It explained a lot about Draco, though. "Why would they let him back to the Manor?"

"He'll be there," Malfoy replied grimly, "He's probably bribed or blackmailed some Ministry worker to make 'special allowances' for him... Hopefully he'll be under some sort of supervision, though, there's only so much he can do with witnesses around..."

"I'll be there," Harry reassured as if his presence under the invisibility cloak would actually be any help.

"I know," Malfoy said softly, "...thanks..."

The next day felt almost like the first year of the war again– how could such darkness exist in the world while they practiced spells in the safety of the classroom? It was polarizing, and strange. And while Harry knew nothing could happen to Malfoy in Arithmancy, he still couldn't help the anxious feeling as he headed down to the greenhouses alone that afternoon. Nothing has even happened yet. But that's just it. We don't know what's going to happen. And that's almost worse than whatever it is that will actually happen...

"Hey, you okay?" Ron appeared at his side, "Malfoy treating you alright?"

"What?" Harry forced himself back to the here and now, "Yeah, everything's fine, we– we're good."

"Okay..." Ron didn't look completely convinced, "Sorry, I know I've said it before, but Malfoy? Of all people?" Harry raised an eyebrow, so Ron quickly clarified. "It's not because he's a bloke, it's because he's Malfoy! You're Harry Potter, you could date any bloke you wanted! Just... make sure he's treating you well, okay??"

Harry finally managed to smile.

"Yeah, thanks Ron, we're good though. It was a... late night, that's all," he explained vaguely, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Well, so long as he's making you happy, I'm happy for you," Ron said, depositing his bag onto their usual table. Ginny was already there.

"Hey guys," Neville joined them, looking a bit like Christmas had come early, "Guess what??"

"What?" Harry asked, grateful for the change in subject.

"My application got approved!"

"Wait- sorry, what?" Harry had to concentrate to put his brain on properly. Friends, you're here with your friends.

"For next year, my application to the Ministry for a year of field research!" Neville beamed, "My project got funded! I can go as soon as school lets out!"