๑۞ 𝔘𝔫𝔢𝔵𝔭𝔢𝔠𝔱𝔢𝔡 𝔑𝔢𝔴𝔰 ۞๑




     Miss. Granger,

     First off, I wanted to let you know that the alterations we did to my original pain potion were a huge success. I'm pleased to say I've gone nearly a month without an episode. While it may not be warranted, I'm planning on altering it further with the addition of a few new things to help with better absorption for even faster results. I've added the new brewing process and herbs on another parchment for you to have a look at.

     As a token of my gratitude, I've included a picture that might pique your interest. It was taken about a month ago in Melbourne, Australia. I thought you could use the reassurance of knowing your parents are alive, appear to be doing well, and have even opened a new clinic. As promised, no contact has been made with them, but I thought you'd like an update.

     I understand your feeling on the matter, but I implore that you reconsider removing the memory enchantments so your parents can attend your graduation from Hogwarts. I'm sure they'd both love to be there when you are presented with the know-it-all award that I've insisted McGonagall create in your honor.

     In regards to Slughorn, I'd suggest you give careful consideration to how you approach him. He's unpredictable when it comes to critiquing his teaching style. Once, I'd tried telling him about a technique that I'd used, and he was so offended that I had the nerve to suggest such a thing that it took the better part of a month before he'd speak with me about potions again.

     I hope your classes and all other endeavors are challenging enough for someone with your impressive intellect.

     With fondest thoughts,

     Severus

     I sucked in a sharp breath and felt tears pool in my eyes as my trembling fingers pulled the picture of my parents free of the envelope.

     My heart squeezed with longing while looking at my mother, who'd obviously been in the sun without the proper use of sunscreen. The coloring made her look as happy and as vibrant as the smile on her pretty heart-shaped face. I wanted more than anything to have her hold me close and tell me that I was going to be okay, to be able to feel that sense of security that only she can give. My eyes moved to the other smiling figure, and I ran a finger along the side of my father's face, desperately trying to feel the prickly stubble he always seemed to have while imagining that I could smell his woodsy aftershave.

     I closed my eyes while taking several deep breaths to calm my tumultuous thoughts of relief, longing, and sadness.

     It meant a lot that Severus had wanted me to have this little bit of comfort. Unfortunately, the thought of him sent a different kind of desire-filled emotions through me to add to everything else that I was already experiencing.

     "Granger." A smooth voice caused me to jump, and I slipped the items from Severus into a book, quickly closing it before looking into the silver eyes of Draco Malfoy. My blood pressure began to steadily rise at his close proximity.

     "Yes," I ground out through clenched teeth while glancing around the library to see if we were being watched. When my heated gaze landed back on the Slytherin, he squirmed uncomfortably.

     "Well an apology should be made and I..." he started trailing off before shaking his blonde head, looking a bit lost on what he was going to say.

     I leaned back while crossing my arms over my chest and felt a very slight smirk spread across my lips. Harry had warned Ronald and I that Malfoy would most likely be seeking us out to apologize, but there's no way in all that is magical that I'd ever make this easy for the irritating Slytherin. Why would I after all the crap he's put me through over the years?

     "I've come to the conclusion that I may have done you a disservice." He'd turned green, and I did my best not to laugh or even smile at his discomfort.

     "Oh?" I asked coolly.

     "I've said some rather unkind things about you and your blood status over the years." He loosened his tie as if it had suddenly become a boa constrictor around his neck, before looking at me again. "It was unbecoming behavior on my part, and you should know I don't enjoy admitting it."

     I gave him a 'is that the best you could do' kind of look for his lame attempt to apologize to me, wondering if he actually thought that was how people said they were sorry. He is a Malfoy after all, and that may very well be the best he'd ever give to a muggle-born.

     He shifted his weight around awkwardly, looking unsure about something before whispering, "I wish I could have done something to stop Aunt Bellatrix from harming you at the Manor."

     Squirming, I covered my branded arm. I could feel the icy-cold floor pressed on my back with that evil bitch screaming in my face becoming tangible as it always did when Bellatrix was mentioned. I angrily shook as the smell of the wax from the hardwood floor intermixed with her putrid breath began assaulting me. I could never escape the overwhelming feeling that she'd gotten sexual gratification from torturing me and that made me feel even more violated than having mudblood dug into my arm.

     "What she did was..." My eyes snapped back to him, and I couldn't breathe. I saw the regret and sorrow in his liquid silver eyes and hadn't realized that having this conversation was going to affect me so quickly or this deeply.

     A lone tear trailed down my cheek as the overwhelming feelings from the emotional rollercoaster I'd been on for the last twenty minutes squeezed my chest painfully. I couldn't breathe right, and my throat was burning from my attempt at avoiding crying like a baby.

     Malfoy sucked in a sharp breath, and his's eyes darted away as if it was his fault I was an emotional mess. I could have been kind and told him otherwise, but why make him feel better when I was so upset?

     "I'm really sorry." Before I realized what was happening, he'd quickly sat and wrapped strong arms around me, holding me to his chest.

     I relaxed into his surprisingly comforting embrace, allowing my tears to cleanse the relationship that we were attempting to repair. With every tear spilled, I felt lighter, knowing that he wasn't going to be a problem anymore and that we could move forward without the burden of past regrets between us.

     When my cleansing water-works stopped, I pulled awkwardly away from the Slytherin, and he kindly offered me a handkerchief.

     I dabbed at my face, pulling myself back together as I straightened up in my chair, "Thank you."

     He nodded almost imperceptibly as a warm smile slowly lit up his face, dispelling the awkwardness of just a few moments ago. Seeing this side of him, I understood why Harry was attracted to him. Not that my green-eyed friend had said a word or even admitted it to himself at this point, but this was more obvious to me than when he like Cho or Ginny.

     "You know, Harry was right - you have changed. He told me about your talk in the Room of Requirement and said you'd reached some sort of understanding."

     He smiled and blushed lightly, "As far as Potter is concerned, I owe him my life." He averted his eyes as he continued to speak, choosing instead to focus on some small bit of lint that only he could see on his sleeve. "And, I hope I can prove to him that he made a good choice in saving me."

     "If what you said about stalling at the Manor on purpose is true, then you did indeed help keep us alive. I'm grateful for that."

     "I didn't do nearly enough," He seemed to be blaming himself for what happened at Malfoy Manor, and that really wasn't something he should be burdened with.

     "Malfoy," I rubbed my arm lightly as I spoke in earnest, "I don't blame you for what she did to me. You looked as terrified as I felt." I looked him deeply in the eye so that there was no mistaking my sincerity. "I could tell you didn't want to be a part of what was happening; none of us did." I smiled warmly at him, feeling more weight being removed from my heavy laden conscious. "I know you did everything you thought you could considering the extreme circumstances."

     He let out a relieved sigh. "Thanks, Granger. Never in a million years did I think I would be talking with you, let alone actually wanting to. Yet, here we are," he announced with a shrug.

     "It's very strange." He nodded before I added, "I'm glad Harry gave me a heads up regarding this conversation. It gave me time to think about how I honestly felt about you and our history. I can't say I've got it all sorted out yet because there's still a lot of emotional pain there that will take time to heal. Someday, I hope I can finally put the past behind me. Just give it some time."

     "I will, and I appreciate that you're giving me another chance," he softly replied, looking as if he was breathing easy for the first time during this discussion.

     "Malfoy, why did you hate me so much? Is it because I'm not pure-blood?"

     He seemed to think over his answer for a long time, "I wanted to be friends with Harry from the very first day at Hogwarts. He turned me down in front of everyone, and I couldn't let that go because of the Malfoy name and my standing in the wizarding community. Harry's friends are what means the most to him, so all of you were targeted because I wanted to hurt him."

     "Because of Harry?"

     He nodded, "Yes. I'd still never associate with a Muggle-born, but your marks in school are the only reason I have to study. My bruised ego wouldn't like being shown up by a...  you." He scrunched his face, and I could tell he was hoping I wasn't offended by his words.

     A sudden memory of him sprang to mind, and I couldn't help but ask, "What were you doing at St. Mungo's last summer?"

     He looked taken aback for a moment, his eyes widening in surprise at the change in subject. "I was bringing supplies from the Malfoy Apothecary to help with all the shortages at the hospital," he explained while regaining his composure.

     "That's really good of you to help where you could."

     He absentmindedly nodded while cocking an eyebrow and fixed me with an appraising look. "How's Severus?"

     I don't know why, but I instantly felt defensive and wondered if he was going to give me a hard time for saving the potions master. I'd heard many utterings of people saying that I'd saved Severus because of the ridiculous accusation that I was in love with him, more times than I can shake my wand at, but no one has had the nerve to directly confront me about it. However, this is Draco Malfoy, the Slytherin Prince who'd seemed to firmly believe that he can get away with being an insufferable asshole because of his wealthy father, which had been somewhat true in the past. I shook off my feelings as I remembered that we'd just had a really nice moment and he hadn't done anything but ask a simple question.

     "Good... He's healing and seems to be doing well."

     His eyes looked me over, and he jerked his chin slightly, "I saw what happened if you're attacked by that..." he shivered, "...thing. How'd you manage to save his life?"

     I wasn't expecting that question nor the fact that he looked genuinely interested in my answer. "When I learned about Nagini, I'd worried she'd attack Harry at Voldemort's command. I ended up making a few anti-venom potions... you know, just in case the worst happened. I hoped I'd never have to use them, but..." I shrugged. "I used that on Severus as well as an animation suspension spell along with a few others to conceal him."

     "That's what was missing, a suspension spell." He nodded while rubbing his chin, and I was instantly reminded of Severus when he's pondering something. "It's amazing how prepared you always are for everything. No wonder you're friends with Harry, and I'm sure Weasley likes having a second mother looking out for him all the time," He chuckled lightly. "I owe you a huge debt of gratitude for keeping Severus with us."

     I cocked my head at him in confusion, not sure if I was offended at being called Ronald's second mother or why the Slytherin was grateful.

     "I don't know if you're aware, but Snape is my godfather."

     "I didn't actually," I'd known Severus was close with the Malfoy's, so I wasn't really surprised by this bit of news. I was still mulling over being called my boyfriends mother... that sounds so wrong on a number of levels.

     "What you did was..." he swallowed hard while looking nauseated again. "...well, I mean to say thank you for saving him, Severus means a lot to me and my family. You were brilliant with that, and the Wizengamot was impressive as well." He shook his head, looking overwhelmed again at what he was saying.

     "After all, he'd done for Harry and the wizarding world over the years; I couldn't just leave him to die. I was more than happy to help him."

     "Thanks again," he smiled before looking around as if getting ready to leave.

     "Wait," I blurted out suddenly as I realized I wasn't done with our conversation. "I do have one concern I'd like to address before you go."

     He took a deep breath and nodded at me to continue, "It may be none of my business, and I'm positive nothing's happened, yet. But, I just need to know if there is anything going on between you and Harry?"

     His silver eyes widened in surprise before he forced himself to put on an air of confusion over my question. I knew he was going to try and lie, so I crossed my arms and gave him a 'you can't expect me to believe you' kind of look before pressing on, "I can see you two giving each other 'those kinds' of looks."

     "Those kinds of looks?" he asked, continuing with his charade.

     "I don't know how dense you think I am, but you're only fooling yourself if you think I believe you," I stated calmly.

     He sighed and nodded, "Honestly, I really like him, but I don't know for sure what that means. And you're correct; it's not your business." His silver eyes were the most transparent and honest I'd seen, like when he's screaming in fear, so I knew he was telling the truth.

     "However," he continued, "I know you're only looking out for Harry, and that's something I respect, so I answered as best I could."

     "Harry's a good, kind and compassionate person that sees things in others that no one else does. I won't stand by and let him be taken advantage of by anyone. If he decides to..." I gesticulated with my arms in want of a proper adjective, because I just couldn't say it out loud, "...you know, with you. That's his decision, and I always back Harry up."

     He nodded even though he was still thinking over my words and surprised me with, "Any idea what he thinks of me?"

     "Harry's rather private when it comes to his feelings, so he'd never say anything."

     "Then how do you know he's interested in me or if he just likes what he sees and nothing more?" His eyebrow quirked questioningly.

     I smiled and decided to help him along for Harry's benefit since he's so daft when it comes to others being attracted to him. "I know Harry. He may not be vocal about his wants or needs, but if you pay close attention, especially to his eyes, you can figure out what he's thinking at a glance."

     He squirmed uncomfortably in his chair, "Why are you being so honest with me?"

     "I'm hoping you'll do the right thing for Harry."

     Even though it's very subtle, he's flirting with you, so I'm sure he's interested."

     He leaned back, "It's confusing to feel so drawn to him, given our history. But I can't seem to stop or even go an hour without thinking about him. I mean, look at his hair, does he own a brush?" We both laughed.

     "His hair is always a mess regardless of him attempting to tame it."

     "I'd be happy to show him how things work," He had pleased look on his face, and I wasn't altogether sure that he was talking about Harry's hair anymore.

     "So, you're interested in pursuing a romantic relationship with him?" I asked to avoid thinking too deeply about Malfoy's last statement.

     "Yes," His eyes snapped back to mine, and he shook his head, looking bewildered. "I can't believe I'm having this conversation with you of all people." He admitted, keeping his voice quiet even though there was no one within eyesight.

     "You could always talk to Laverne de Montmorency, but she's not terribly helpful," I thought of my useless conversation with the portrait and shook my head, still surprised that I'd wasted my time talking with her.

     "Who?"

     "Never mind. What are you planning on doing about Harry?"

     "I don't know because I don't want to come on too strong and be humiliated - again. Plus, he's never made it apparent how he feels about dating a guy."

     "True, but Harry is very open-minded, and I don't think that matters to him as much as it does to others. I've never noticed him taking interest in a guy until after your talk in the Room of Requirement." I did wonder how much Harry had left out of that conversation when he'd told Ron and I about how their meeting really went.

     His silver eyes looked me over skeptically, and I couldn't help but love that he was this insecure about Harry. Especially, considering the numerous rumors about his sexual escapades and multiple partners. I don't know how much to believe because gossip is never accurate, but there was no denying that he was very good looking and really wouldn't have to work too hard to get someone in bed.

     I cleared my throat as an image of Severus hovering over me in my nightly dream flashed in my mind as it seemed to inconveniently do multiple times a day. "As for you not making a move on him, you may want to because he's a bit thick when it comes to this kind of thing.

     "I admire him, but to be honest, he scares the crap out of me. After seeing him fight Voldemort, I know that I'd never want to go against him. He's so powerful," He seemed to tremble excitedly. His eyes grew distant as he became lost in his thoughts but continued quietly talking, "I could watch him chasing the snitch on his broom all day long. And when he went up against that dragon, just barely escaping and looking incredibly sexy while doing it. Merlin, I was so turned ooo..." He trailed off as he looked in my surprised eyes.

     I couldn't help but laugh lightly and wondered how long Draco had really liked Harry because that was four years ago, "Ok, I get it. You're a fanboy."

     "Who isn't just a bit?" We smiled companionably for a few moments.

     "If you need advice about Harry, you know where to find me."

     His smile grew, "Thanks. I hope you mean that because I might take you up on it."

     "I meant it."

     "Okay then," He nodded as he stood up.

     "Okay," I smiled.

     "I'm glad we did this."

     "Me too."

     "Talk to you later Granger."

     "Malfoy," I nodded politely before he strolled from the library.

     I was drained by that whole interaction but also felt really good about it, as if a small weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

     I couldn't resist reading the letter from Severus again and looking at my parents' picture before heading back to Gryffindor tower to retrieve some things for my afternoon classes. All the while a sense of peace settled over me, and I felt ready to take on the next stage of my journey.

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