Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ Fu Inle ❯ the talk ( Chapter 14 )

Fu Inle 14

Ta-da. Updating

Don't own, you've been well warned previously.

Please review…Please?

 

Her hold on him gets tighter. “There, there. He didn't force you, did he?”

How can she be so kind? They were always short-tempered and rude, weren't they? Our families have hated each other since before I was born. He lets her hold him. She treats him like any mother would, rubbing his back, uttering reassuring words. What do I say?

“No, He didn't hurt me. He didn't force me.” He eventually whispers. “If anything, I was the one who hurt him.”

“Harry is…well, he's a tough boy. I don't think he'll be any worse for wear.” She pats his back. “Still…We need everyone. He's down until tomorrow. They never came back…” For an instant, she looks ready to shatter.

“Who?” I had forgotten how dangerous it could be. I was too assured with this place. I was more worried for brooms than people.

“Alastor. He's at the burrow right now. Thankfully, he'll be fine.”

“How do you know?” There are many ways to send false messages. “I hate to tell you this, but he could be dead. It could all be part of a plan…We were foolish to try to apparate.”

“Arthur's with him.” The words are assured, and Draco doesn't question the truth behind them.

“Who else?” Mother…

“Tonks and Narcissa were rerouted, but both are safe and sound, though delayed, at Andromeda's home. Ron and Hermione…” She bites her lip and closes her eyes. “We have no idea where they are. We have been unable to locate them, and they have not contacted us. You and Harry were the only ones unscathed. Arthur thinks it's because you went separately.”

“No one in the other room knows.”

She shakes her head. “No. If things are the same tomorrow, then they'll know.”

“I had nothing to do with this, you know that, right?”

She smiles, a small sad little turn of the lips. “Go eat.”

 

He leaves her to her work, joining the crowd at the table. Places are set, and everyone has already begun eating. The twins are discussing some new product for their shop. Bill and Fleur are stubbornly ignoring each other, obviously having been in a fight recently. Percy tries to add logic to Fred and George's conversation involving the legality of some products. Lupin silently watches the scene.

Harry joins them a moment later, offering suggestions to Fleur on how to win in a fight against a Weasley. Molly arrives, carrying something hot and claiming her place at the huge table. She joins Percy in discouraging anything that could cause permanent harm. However, Lupin's interest on how things may be applied for wartime use is not concealed.

Digging into a full meal, surrounded by people who aren't either blissfully ignorant or cowering in fear, Draco smiles. For at least a moment, things can work out.

 

Slowly, the number of people trickles down. The table clears, and Lupin does the dishes. New sleeping arrangements are settled for Bill, for tonight at least. The twins go off to do some experimenting. Molly nervously crochets, Fleur watches. She tries to imitate the older woman's actions but fails miserably. Percy glares at paperwork taking up the now clean table. Harry silently returns to his room. After trying to watch television, Draco decides to follow him.

Unfortunately, Lupin chooses then to beckon him into the kitchen.

 

He is strangely composed. His health seems better. His hair now has more gray, but everything else about him is young. “Please take a seat.” He smiles the same way he did to his students so long ago.

I doubt he can tell me anything I don't already know. He flops down in one of two conveniently placed armchairs.

“I heard something rather…interesting from Molly. Before I continue, to save embarrassment for all involved, I need to know: Did you and Harry engage in intimate acts in this house?”

Ah well. I can humor him. “Define intimate acts.” Somehow, he manages to pull off innocent.

“Have sexual intercourse with.”

“Then, yes.” A blush starts on his cheeks despite inner protest. He doesn't buy it.

“Alright then. Now, do you mind clearing something up for me?”

“That would depend on the something, professor.”

Lupin smiles. “Considering your past ….how could you let him get so close so soon?”

Draco's blood runs cold. “I don't know what you mean.”

“I think you do. You know, you won't stop having those dreams for a long time. You've gone through more than I did.”

Draco stares.

“You know that I'm a werewolf, but you don't know why, do you? My father insulted Fenrir Greyback. You've met Fenrir, I assume? He loved children.” He flops down in the open seat. “ You should know he likes to play with his food…” He shakes his head. “You have people here who'll stop history from repeating. You didn't answer my question, though.”

Am I really so trustworthy? How can he be so casual? “I didn't. In fact, I panicked when I thought things were headed in that direction. He…he tries to understand, though. He rushes into things and he's going to hurt himself, but that's part of who he is…”

“Things might be better this way, at least at first. You have more experience, more self control. You know at least what not to do, which is more than Harry can say. You're both adults, and should be expected to make the right decisions when you're risking everything by fighting.” There's a moment of silence where Lupin thinks. “He obviously trusts you. Don't ruin that. Now, is there any way you can help with our problem? Are there any people who you wish to be recruited to the order or even to be involved in a lesser extent with our operations?”

I can't drag anyone into this soap opera, can I? “I don't know, sir.”

“Give it some thought. We're always open to suggestions.”

Draco stands, offering his hand. “No hard feelings?” He is dangerous to have as an enemy right now…

Lupin shakes, neither aggressive or passive. “Of course not. Just remember that I'll be here if either of you need me. I can tell you want to check up on him. Go.”

Draco leaves the kitchen and heads upstairs. No one stops him as he ascends the staircase. No one even gives him a second glance.

What should I do? He pauses outside of the door.

A sob makes up his mind for him. As his heart sinks, he slowly opens the door.

 

 

 

I know, I'm still evil. :3 Review, please?