Sorrow and Solace

Chapter 5

Draco returned to his dormitory after his meeting with Harry. He was a swirling mess of emotions, but the most prominent one was relief. He had a friend. A real friend. That was a commodity that all of the Malfoy fortune could never have bought for Draco.

At the same time, though, Draco felt fear. He was used to fear, but now it was an even sharper sensation. Before today, Lucius Malfoy and the Dark Lord were just vague threats, warnings not to stray from the Dark path. As long as Draco had kept his opinions to himself, he was safe. Now he had taken a decisive action against the Dark Lord by befriending his greatest enemy. Draco had endured beatings from his father on a regular basis, and even the occasional Cruciatus curse - Draco shuddered at those memories - but he had never done anything that would merit a harsher punishment.

What can I do? I don't want to lie, but I have to protect myself, and Harry. The Dark Lord is bound to find out somehow, or my father will. Well, there's no way either one of them will find out now...

Harry did not go to the Gryffindor Tower after he and Draco parted ways. Instead he went to the library, looking for Hermione to get some help on a DADA essay. Defense Against the Dark Arts was more important to him now than it ever had been, since Voldemort's rise and the events in the Department of Mysteries. He was very pleased that Dumbledore had convinced the Ministry to allow Remus Lupin to return as the DADA professor. Remus was by far the best instructor who had ever taught them, although Hermione still claimed that Harry could have taken the job if he had really wanted to. Harry modestly ignored her comments, though.

Hermione was a bit annoyed that Harry seemed to have forgotten so much from their readings, but she helped him as much as she felt was fair.

"After all, Harry," she told him sternly, "you won't learn anything if I write your essay."

Harry tried to focus on the essay at hand, but his thoughts kept wandering.

I can't believe Draco has changed. He couldn't have lied to me...unless something was wrong with the Veritaserum...but I'm sure we did everything right and Snape said it looked fine. Besides, Draco's brilliant at potions, I can't believe we would have made a mistake. Besides, what would have made Draco say the things he did? He looked like he had just swallowed Veritaserum: the glazed eyes, monotone voice. And we shook hands! Why on earth would Draco shake hands with me? He never has before unless we were ordered to. He shook hands today on his own free will. I wonder...

"Harry!" He jumped and realized that Hermione had been trying to get his attention. She rolled her eyes.

"Honestly, Harry, can't you at least pretend to work? I'm not going to help you if you're just going to stare off into space!"

"Sorry, Mione, I'll pay attention. Really!"

It took a remarkable feat of will power, but Harry managed to finish his essay and not think about Draco for the rest of the evening.

Three days later, Draco was reading in his dormitory when heard a sharp tapping on the window. He turned and stiffened when he saw a large raven with an envelope tied to its leg. It was his father's bird.

Gingerly, Draco removed the envelope and read the contents.

Draco,

As you know, the Dark Lord is most anxious that you join him in his campaign this year. When you return to Hogwarts from the winter vacation, you will return as one of the Dark Lord's servants. I wanted to inform you in advance of his plans for you. I am very pleased that he has so much confidence in your abilities. I am looking forward to seeing you in two weeks.

Cordially,

Lucius Malfoy

Draco dropped the letter as though it had bitten his fingers. His father's words had unnerved him greatly. The Dark Mark! I...I can't believe it! I can't take the Mark! I won't! Oh, don't be a fool, Draco, how do you intend to avoid taking it? Just tell the Dark Lord, "No thank you, I've decided to be friends with Harry Potter and fight against you, thanks for the memories!" Bloody hell, no! There's no way. I have to take the Mark, there's no way I could possibly escape. But Harry...I can't do that to Harry! He's my friend now, the only friend I have. My father was never my friend, and Merlin knows the Dark Lord isn't exactly best buddy material. What am I going to do?

Draco woke the next morning from a fitful sleep. He had catnapped through the night, and he didn't feel the least bit rested as he got out of bed and dressed. He hadn't done any of his homework last night. He had paced his room, thinking. He was at a complete loss.

What am I going to do? he asked himself for the thousandth time as he walked to the Great Hall for breakfast.

When he walked in, his gaze fell on the Gryffindor table, more specifically, on one certain black-haired, green-eyed Gryffindor. Draco hadn't really had a chance to talk to Harry since they became friends. All they ever got to do was exchange greetings in the hallways. Other students were surprised at this new civility between the former enemies, but no one had asked Draco why he was no longer insulting the Golden Boy.

Harry must have felt his eyes upon him, because he turned and saw Draco in the entryway. He gave a small smile of acknowledgement. Draco nodded his head in return, and walked to the Slytherin table.

Not many people in the Great Hall noticed their little exchange, but one person watched them very closely from behind his half-moon spectacles. He saw the smile and the nod, and then sat back in his chair.

So, Albus Dumbledore thought to himself, perhaps Draco Malfoy will surprise us all.