Freedom to Choose

Disclaimer: I own nothing, and I'm not making any money. Ms. Rowling is a goddess.

Chapter Two: Hiding Draco

“Come on, Harry. It’s time for class!” Harry scowled at Hermione from his spot across from her at their table in the great hall. It had only been two days since the battle on the tower, and everything was already getting back to normal.

“’Mioneee,” whined Ron. “It’s such a nice day out, why don’t we just skive off potions and spend the morning by the lake?”

“Ronald Weasley, I will do no such thing! We only have one week of classes left before our exams, and I would think that you should be spending as much of your time reviewing as possible!” Hermione looked scandalized by mere thought of missing potions. She jumped up from the table and began to march out of the hall, with Ron and Harry close on her heels.

“She’s right, Ron,” sighed Harry, sounding as though he’d rather snog Voldemort than admit it. “We really can’t afford to miss classes, and I especially need the potions review. I don’t know what I’m going to do without that book.”

“I still can’t believe Snape made you give it up. He doesn’t even teach potions anymore,” said Ron.

Snape had approached Harry the day after the battle in the hospital wing and made him confess about the book. Snape had then admitted to the book having been his when he was in school. Harry was still reeling from that little admittance.

“You’ll just have to study, Harry,” said Hermione is a matter-of-fact tone. “I’ll help you with it, and Malfoy probably will now as well.”

Ron cringed at the little smile that the mention of Malfoy brought to Harry’s face. Draco had been the first one Harry saw when he woke in the hospital wing, and Ron could clearly remember the looks of admiration and budding friendship that had passed between the two.

“Remind me again Harry, why is it that you insist on being friends with the evil git?” Ron just couldn’t understand it.

Harry sighed and thought for a minute. How to explain to Ron what he was going through? He had seen Draco in a completely new light. The blonde had been dealing with as much, if not more than Harry over the past year. Harry knew what it was like to be willing to do anything for the lives of family and friends. He had charged into the ministry after Voldemort himself when he thought Sirius was in danger only a year ago. Harry liked to think that nothing would ever make him take the Dark Mark, but if his mother was still alive, and she was going to be killed if he refused it, could he honestly say no? Harry looked from Ron to Hermione, and thought of the way his friendship with her had been cemented in first year. He smiled warmly at the girl, and then turned his attention back to a confused looking Ron.

“Ron, do you remember how we became such close friends with Hermione?”

“Of course, it was after we fought that troll back in first year.” Ron looked no less confused.

“Do you remember when we decided that some things, like fighting a troll, are just too big to go through with a person and not come out of it being friends?”

Ron nodded mutely, a look of dawning comprehension slowly coming across his features.

“Well it turns out fighting an angry horde of Death Eaters is the same kind of thing.” Harry looked to the floor as they walked. “I have to try to get along with him now, Ron. It was just too big, and we went through it together. You don’t have to be his friend. I’ll never ask that of you. But please try to understand that I just can’t hate him anymore.”

Ron sighed. “Harry, you can be friends with anyone you want. Just… be careful, yeah?” Ron sighed a second time as they rounded the corner that led to the potions classroom, and there sitting on the ground was the blonde git himself.

Harry shot a pleading look at his best friend. He knew Ron didn’t understand this; the hatred between Draco and Ron had just always been so strong. Even before they met their fathers had hated each other. They were never going to get along, not really.

Harry sighed and turned his attention to Hermione, who had looped her arm around his and was pulling towards Draco and the dreaded potions class.

“Hey,” said Harry, sinking to the floor to sit next to Malfoy.

“’Lo,” replied Draco, blushing slightly as Harry’s thigh brushed up against his own. Harry didn’t notice, but Granger gave him a knowing look. Fuck, that girl was just too smart for her own good sometimes. She couldn’t know though, could she? No one other than Draco’s parents and the two boys he’d shagged knew that he was gay, not that anyone would care, but he wasn’t ready to come out yet. Granger looked like she wanted to say something, but as she opened her mouth Slughorn showed up and ushered them into the classroom.

“I’m doomed,” groaned Harry, climbing to his feet and walking into the classroom as if facing a firing squad, followed by a sniggering Ron.

“What is he talking about? He’s been the best in this class all year.” Draco was a bit surprised by Harry’s dejected mood.

“Oh, but you’ll never believe why,” laughed Hermione, taking Draco by the arm and leading him into class. If Harry was going to make an effort, then so was she. Malfoy had always been a prat, but she had a feeling that there was a lot more to him that his attitude.

Harry spent the rest of the class sweating over his cauldron and trying desperately to ignore Hermione, who was whispering the tale of the Prince’s potions text to a chuckling Draco. This was going to be a long week

Harry’s assessment that it was going to be a long week wasn’t quite right. It wasn’t a long week; it was an excruciating week where every second seemed to drag out over several normal hours. Harry spent every free moment studying with Hermione, Ron, Draco and Blaise Zabini. At first the Gryffindors were uncomfortable with Draco bringing Blaise along after Hermione invited him to study with them. But the dark skinned Slytherin had a better grasp of arithmancy than anyone else in the school, so Hermione quickly became one of his closest friends.

Harry was shocked to say the least when Blaise turned out to be soft spoken and infinitely patient, at least when the Slytherins didn’t surround him. And really, if he could move past his history with Malfoy, then his few encounters with Zabini were nothing to fret over. Harry got on with him so well that he didn’t even care that he knew Blaise thought Ginny was attractive, or that Blaise had called her a blood traitor on the train in September.

Ginny. What was Harry going to do about Ginny? He had barely had a chance to talk to her all week. She was studying for her O.W.L.s, and Harry was constantly buried in books trying to get ready for his own exams. He needed to talk to her. Harry had decided that he couldn’t have a girlfriend. Now that he knew about the Horcruxes it would be too dangerous. Dumbledore could take him in search of another one anytime, and anything could happen as a result. If Voldemort found out about Ginny he would use her against him. She would be hurt. He had to end it.

The beginning of the following week was dedicated to exams, so aside from one short snog session by the lake, Harry didn’t get a chance to see Ginny then either. He was so stressed by his final day of exams that he couldn’t eat of sleep anymore.

“Harry, are you alright?” Seamus had just come across Harry dry heaving over a toilet in the boy’s bathroom on the fourth floor.

“Yeah Seamus, I’m fine,” said Harry, rinsing his mouth out at the tap. “Just stressed.”

“Well I hate to make it worse for you, Harry, but Dumbledore asked me to give this to you.” The Irish boy handed Harry a folded slip of parchment with an apologetic smile, then walked out of the bathroom.

Harry sighed and opened the seal on the slip of parchment. He had a feeling this was something to do with the Horcrux from the cave. Harry had been curious since the night they got back, but Dumbledore hadn’t contacted him about it yet. Harry knew this couldn’t be a good sign. Dumbledore must be having problems destroying the bloody thing.

Harry,

Please come to my office immediately after your potions exam this morning. It would also be most convenient if you would bring Mr. Malfoy with you. I have much to discuss with the both of you.
The password is Skittles.

Albus Dumbledore

Harry put the note in his bag and headed towards his exam. Why would he have to bring Malfoy along if this were about the Horcrux? And if it wasn’t about the Horcrux, then what could it possibly be about? Great, more stress, this is exactly what Harry needed.

Draco was standing outside of the examination room with the rest of the sixth year class when Harry arrived. The blonde was reading a letter, and smiling contentedly.

“What’s that?” asked Harry, trying to look over the blonde’s shoulder.

“A letter,” said Draco, grinning excitedly at Harry. Harry had never seen Draco look so happy. “I’ll show you after the exam.”

“Ok,” said Harry. “Dumbledore wants to see us both after the exam anyway, so meet me back here?”

“Why does he want to see me?” Draco’s grin morphed into a look of complete confusion.

“I have no idea.”

Before Draco could reply the classroom door opened and Professor Slughorn called everyone in for the exam. Harry wanted to die. Draco patted him on the shoulder and gently pushed him into the exam room.

Three hours later it was all over. Harry didn’t think he had done as badly as he had anticipated. He did rather well on the written part of the exam, and although his potion for the practical half didn’t reach the same clear turquoise that Draco’s and Hermione’s did, a pale green had to be better than the deep purple sludge that Ron had created.

“Well, shall we?” asked Draco, strolling up to Harry where he was standing with Ron and Hermione.

“Shall we what?” asked Ron.

“Draco and I have to go see Dumbledore,” said Harry.

“Why, Harry?” asked Hermione.

“And why just the two of you?” Ron looked hurt at being excluded.

Harry shrugged. “Dumbledore sent me a note before the exam saying he wanted to see the two of us. I’ll tell you what it’s all about after the meeting.”

Ron brightened a bit at that and waved to Harry and Draco as they headed off towards the Headmaster’s office. When they were around the corner Draco dug the letter out of his pocket and thrust it at Harry.

“Here, read this!” Harry chuckled softly at Draco’s eager expression. He opened the letter and began to read. Harry stopped walking and his jaw dropped. This couldn’t be real!

My Dearest Draco,

Word has reached me of what happened at the school the week before last. I must say that I was worried about you when I head that you had taken the mark, but now I couldn’t be prouder to call you my son.

Admitting your mistakes and turning against the Dark Lord must have been exceedingly difficult for you, but know that you have chosen the right path. I followed the darker way and look where it has led me. I have brought shame to our family name, and you, my son, have taken the first step to bringing us back into good standing. It makes my stay in this place more bearable knowing that you have learned from my disastrous mistakes.

I also wanted for you to hear directly from me that you have been an inspiration to me, Draco. I have written to Dumbledore offering my services to help bring down the madman who placed me in this cell. I can only hope that my knowledge of the Dark Lord’s plans and aspirations will help bring and end to this war. My groveling at the feet of a lunatic has brought pain to our family for too long.

Please forgive me for the danger I have placed you and your mother in. When this is all over, we will be a family again, and I will do my best to make it up to the both of you. I am proud of you, Draco, I love you, and I miss you.

Your devoted father,
Lucius Malfoy

“Gods Draco, this is brilliant! Do you think he’s serious? Can we trust him?” Harry wanted desperately to believe Lucius’ letter, but he had a lingering suspicion.

“Look Potter, I know you don’t trust my father, but this is real. This is the man I know, the man who raised me and loved me unconditionally when I was a child. He… changed… when You-Know-Who came back. Don’t get me wrong, he’s always been a prick in public, but at home he was kind and generous. He’s had to become more guarded over the past few years though, and he’s been a lesser man because of it. But the man I’ve always adored wrote this letter. And he’s proud of me.” Draco’s grin had faded as he told Harry about his father, but it came back slightly as he said the last.

“I’m happy for you, Draco,” whispered Harry. “This must be what Dumbledore wants to see us about. Come on, let’s go.” The two boys walked in comfortable silence the rest of the way to the Headmaster’s office.

“Skittles.” Harry gave the gargoyle the password, and it opened with a low grating sound of stone scraping stone to admit the boys.

“Potter, what the fuck is a skittle?” Draco knew the old man was barmy at his best, but making up words? Really!

“It’s a muggle candy,” chuckled Harry. “Little brightly coloured, fruit flavoured sweets.”

“Oh,” was Draco’s eloquent reply as they reached the door to Dumbledore’s office. Harry rapt lightly on the office door, and it swung open to admit them.

“Ahh, Harry, Draco, I trust your exam went well.” Harry and Draco both nodded their heads as they sat in front of the Headmaster’s desk and accepted a cup of tea each.

“You must be wondering why I have asked you both to come, so I will get right to the point. Draco, I wanted to inform you that your mother is quite safe. Remus Lupin picked her up from Malfoy Manor personally and brought her to a secure location. She is under heavy wards, and no one is being told of her location. I am afraid that it would be best if even you remained uninformed, Draco, as we cannot risk this information being leaked.” Dumbledore held up a hand to forestall Draco’s protest. “You will be able to send me any letter that you wish to send your mother, and she in turn will be sending you correspondences through me. I will not open anything written by either of you.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Draco, looking very relieved that his mother was safe, and that they would be able to remain in contact. “But surely I’ll be going to stay with her when term ends in a few days anyway?”

“That brings me to our second order of business, and why I have asked Harry to join us.” Dumbledore leveled both boys with a piercing stare in turn before continuing. “Harry, as you know there is no safer place for you than with you muggle family until you turn 17 next month. I have discussed this with the order, and with your mother, Draco, and we all agree that it would be best for you both to spend the next few weeks with the Dursleys.”

“What!?” Harry and Draco both let out incredulous cries at this announcement. The old man had truly gone mad. Draco and Harry were both going to be staying with the Dursleys?

“It is the safest place aside from Hogwarts. Harry the blood protection your mother left you will extend to Draco for as long as he is a guest in your home. That being said however, I am rather sick of the way you have been treated by your family. They really are the worst kind of people, muggle or magical, so I will be meeting you at Kings Cross at the end of term to explain the situation to them personally. I believe that you have also turned 17 recently, Draco?”

“Yes sir,” said Draco, smirking broadly. “My birthday was at the end of February.”

“So Draco will be able to use magic,” said Harry, his lips twisting into an admirable smirk of his own.

“Yes, he will most definitely be able to use magic.” Dumbledore’s blue eyes were twinkling brightly as he regarded the two boys over his half moon spectacles. “Of course the Dursleys will also need to be informed of the reasons that Draco is staying with you, Harry. They will need to know of his rather dangerous activities over the past year, and of course the fate of poor Lucius.”

Harry sniggered softly at this. For the first time ever he was looking forward to going back to Privet Drive - this summer should prove to be very interesting. If Draco was going to be living with him, then the Dursleys wouldn’t dare touch him. One wizard scared them enough, but two wizards? Harry could barely contain his glee.

Draco chuckled softly at Harry’s blissful expression. He had heard many stories about Harry’s rotten muggle relatives over the years, and if they were anywhere near as bad as the rumor mill made them out to be Draco would thoroughly enjoy tormenting them. If they tried to make his Harry’s summer miserable they would have one pissed off Malfoy to deal with. Whoa, his Harry? Where did that come from?

“I have one last bit of business to discuss,” said Dumbledore, his gaze resting on Draco. “I have received a letter from your father, and he informed me that he was writing to you as well?” At Draco’s nod Dumbledore continued. “Professor Snape and I will be going to Azkaban next week to meet with him. I think that he may be able to provide us with pivotal information. It will be a few weeks before we can know for sure how much of it will still be accurate, and I have much research to do in other areas at the moment. That being said I want you both to enjoy your summer, because I will be asking you both to join the Order of the Phoenix on Harry’s birthday.”

“Both of us?” asked Draco. He could understand Harry being asked to join, but him as well?

“Yes Draco, both of you. You have proved your allegiance admirably, and we would be lucky to have you.” Draco ducked his head with a satisfied smile. The order wanted him, and he was going to live with Harry. They would really be able to become friends now. Draco wanted nothing more than to prove that he deserved this honor.

“We will of course, be extending these invitations to Ms. Granger and Mr. Weasley as well. You will tell them, won’t you Harry?”

“Of course!” Harry was beaming at the elder wizard now.

“Wonderful, now I believe both of you should go celebrate the end of exams with your friends. I will see you in London in a few days’ time.”

Draco and Harry both jumped to their feet, thanking the Headmaster profusely before making their way out of his office.

“I can’t believe I have to move in with you Potty,” drawled Draco with a sarcastic sneer. He deftly dodged Harry playful swat at the old nickname.

“I can’t believe I’m actually happy about it, Ferret.”

“Did you just call me Ferret?”

“It’s no less than you deserve for calling me Potty.”

“Oh really, and do you know what you deserve for calling me Ferret? I do believe that your pretty little redheaded girlfriend will be most displeased when I spell your lips closed.” Draco brandished his wand playfully at Harry, but quickly put it away when he saw the sadness in the Gryffindor’s eyes. “I was just joking Potter.”

“I know Malfoy, sorry.” Harry tried to smile, but failed miserably.

“What’s wrong?”

Harry sighed softly. “I’ll let you know later, I promise. For now I just want to be excited about the summer. Let’s go tell some people, yeah? Ron and Hermione should be down by the lake.”

“Yeah, sure Harry.”

Draco and Harry strolled out into the bright sunshine of the June afternoon. It really was a beautiful day. Most of the school seemed to be out on the lawns enjoying the end of term. They headed towards the lake, and tried to ignore the strange looks they were getting from the students they passed. No one was used to seeing Draco and Harry on friendly terms.

As they approached the lake Harry was pleased to see Dean, Seamus, Neville, Ron, Hermione, and Blaise sitting together. Seamus was on his feet and gesturing wildly, no doubt regaling them all with tales of his latest bout of pranks. The rest of Harry’s friends were sitting on the ground in tears and clutching their sides from laughing at whatever Seamus was joking about. Harry felt his heart lighten at the sight, and took no small comfort in Ginny’s absence. He didn’t know how he was going to break up with her.

“Harry! Draco!” Hermione was the first to notice the approaching boys. “What did Dumbledore want?”

Harry and Draco made it up to the group and Draco sprawled out on the grass. He was about to launch into an explanation when he noticed Harry was staring out across the lawns with an anxious expression.

“Potter?” Blaise must have noticed it as well.

“Hmm?” Harry turned to the group of expectant looking friends. “Ohh… Sorry, I just spotted Ginny. Look I need to talk to her, you tell them all about it, okay?” Harry rested his hand on Draco’s shoulder then turned and walked towards his approaching girlfriend when Draco nodded his acceptance.

Harry left Draco to fill everyone in on their summer arrangements and walked over to Ginny. He tried to ignore the way his stomach was roiling. He knew Ginny was going to be upset, but he had to do this.

“Hey Gin, can we talk?” Harry hated how quiet he sounded. Ginny would know something was wrong right away.

“Yeah Harry, what is it?” Damn, she looked nervous now.

“Umm… Let’s walk a bit first, yeah?”

“You’re breaking up with me.” It wasn’t a question.

“Yeah,” sighed Harry. There was no point in tiptoeing around it. “It’s too dangerous Ginny. If you had been hurt in that fight I never could have forgiven myself. If Voldemort found out I have a girlfriend he would try to use you against me. People close to me get hurt, Ginny, and my life is just going to get more dangerous now.”

Ginny sighed and looked down at her shoes. “Of course you just had to have some noble reason that I can’t even argue. You know I’ve always cared for you Harry, and nothing is going to change that.”

“I know.” Harry smiled warmly and gave Ginny a chaste kiss on the lips. “I’ll always care about you too, that’s why I need to do this. I’m sorry.”

Ginny just nodded and wiped at tear that had rolled down her cheek. She gave Harry a tight hug before walking away. Harry sighed and fought back his own tears. He wished he could live a normal life. He knew even then, that he would never get back together with Ginny. Nothing in his life would ever be that simple