Summer with the Dursleys

Chapter 4 Purpose Unseen

Dinner with the Dursleys passed too slowly for Draco, answering repeated questions about his organization as well personal questions about where he lived and his family as well as how he came to belong to Fey. Somehow, the Slytherin managed to stay well ahead of the probing muggles, well until Dudley who after a shot of sherry from his father regained enough of his wits to finish two full plates of food, made a very direct inquiry.

“Draco you really don’t look old enough to belong to a government program that investigates people,” he bit out the last word, as none of the Dursleys would use the term wizard. “Well how old are you anyway?” Dudley blurted.

His mother blushed and admonished her son not to pry, although she had asked about Draco’s yearly earnings.

Draco paused; he did not really care for the muggle food so he mostly picked at the poached salmon and tasted his red-leaf salad taking care to chew as long a possible before swallowing. Actually, his concern for Potter had completely diminished his appetite but he understood showing too much concern for the Gryffindor would not work to his advantage with these muggles.

“I am fifteen I just had my birthday at the end of last month.” Draco sipped his tea wishing the endless meal would end. “And Fey[1] is not related to the government; it is a private public service organization that seeks to protect us all from…” he hesitated carefully as all three Dursleys stared in short alarm. “Them,” he amended wondering how Harry managed to hold any conversation when so many words were taboo.

“How can a minor do such a thing, and I am a year older than you so you know,” Dudley informed blushing shortly.

Draco stared briefly at Harry’s cousin; the muggle seemed all right in his opinion although jumpy about magic, and wizards. With parents like these Dursleys he really could not hold it against the gargantuan blond. Dudley had attempted to be kind, and understanding if a little boastful about his accomplishments in boxing, it was more than likely well earned. His first impression of the tall wide body was that he is over weight and as slovenly as his father, however after Dudley changed his cloths and came back down in black jeans and sleeveless muscle shirt Draco was very impressed. The muggle boy has muscles from shoulder to wrist and his chest, which under his large jacket gave the impression of a mammoth gut, actually proved solid and well toned. ‘No wonder Potter keeps that wand with him at all times.’

“Very astute for you to point that out Dudley, I will be happy to explain.” The muggles’ blush darkened. Draco pretended not to notice continuing. “My father is the founder of Fey, so naturally I have much more training than most at my age. Usually a person would befriend the target during a summer recreation of some sort. However Potter is different and needs much more acute observation in order asses his level of threat.” He finished in an ominous tone causing the pink face teen to pale suddenly. “No need to worry I have ways of dealing with his sort I am well prepared for any number of situations should the need arrive.”

“Draco are you sure you will be alright, we could always move him back under the stair.” Petunia inquired nodding at her husband for his support, an accommodating smile in place.

Vernon agreed quickly, smiling at his wife. “Yes, the boy would fit nicely in that cupboard, while you stay and get the details on his behavior.”

Draco smiled congenially his eyes darted quickly toward the small door under the stair, wondering if they would actually do something as horrid as that, giving away Potter’s room without a second’s consideration. “No that will not be necessary I actually look forward to the opportunity to discuss several topics with Potter. It is how we determine if they are dangerous enough to request their removal from our society.” The clock chimed eight o’clock, the Dursleys exhaled as if their guest has been telling them a riveting tale that held them on the edge of their seats.

Mrs. Dursley spoke up. “Draco, you are a charming young man, we do have a day trip set for tomorrow to a local swim park, we would be happy for you to join us.”

Draco was not certain what a swim park was but thought he had better play it safe and have Potter explain later. “Please forgive me Petunia I will regretfully need to decline, well unless Potter is attending.” He presumed the selfish muggles did not intend to take his schoolmate to anything considered fun, and a family outing to a park at least implied that much to him.

“What take Harry, no way?” Dudley balked at the implication.

Mr. Dursley shook his round head his mustache fluffing up. “Harry does not know how to appreciate such events…” His son decided this moment would be opportune to relay some of Harry’s previous antics.

“Tell him dad!” Dudley squealed over his father, his voice somewhat higher than before. “Remember when he set a great snake on me at the zoo!” This caused the Slytherin to stare in disbelief at the large teen.

“He caused a snake to attack you at a zoo?” Draco believed it before Dudley went to rambling about his ordeal, Draco knew that Harry could speak Parseltongue he has detailed information about the Gryffindor. In addition, Draco understood one would need to speak the ancient language of Salazar Slytherin to enter the chamber of secrets, that is also a little known fact to the blond. It was Mrs. Dursley who put a stop to Dudleys berate of Harry, informing her son that he needed to get in bed do to their early start in the morning.

Draco took this as an opportunity to leave as well. “I have had a long trip getting some sleep sounds like a great plan.” He looked at all the Dursleys with what he hopes was a polite request excusing him from the dinner table.

“Yes.” Mr. Dursley said. “Do you think you can manage that camp bed?” His beady eyes shifted slightly giving Draco the impression that the old man hoped he would be able to manage it alone.

“I’m sure I will be able to work it out just fine.” Draco assured him, then turning to Mrs. Dursley. “Dinner was excellent; I know meal time will always be pleasant.” He stood slowly pleased with the opportunity to get away from Harry’s aunt and uncle

Dudley interrupted before the Slytherin could wave good night. “What are you talking about you hardly ate anything.”

His parents flapped their hands reprovingly. “Diddy darling don’t be rude I’m sure Draco has had a long trip and that can impinge on a person’s appetite, mommy doesn’t each much either.” She gave her bulky son a placating smile, Dudley shrugged getting to his feet as well.

“Good night all.” He lumbered toward the stairs but lingered at the bottom, glancing to see who would follow him up.

Draco smiled bashfully happy Petunia was not offended, and made a nice excuse as well. “I will offer a good night as well. See you in the morning.” Nodding shortly Draco followed Dudley down the hall.

“You are going up now too?” The large teen inquired, shifting his weight nervously and fidgeting with his hands.

“Yes I am why not let me go first just in case?” Draco offered his grey eyes gazed seriously at Harry’s cousin. Dudley step back allowing Draco to go on ahead of him a relieved look swept over Dudley’s slightly pale face, with red patches on his cheeks. His eyes tracked the younger blond up the stairs, dazedly.

Climbing the stir quickly Draco offered some reassurances. “I am a light sleeper and I am well trained to handle things so rest easy ok.”

Walking only a couple steps behind the lean Slytherin Dudley was not really listening, too quickly they reached the upper floor landing, at least to Dudley he grunted a good night to the Slytherin and watched as the new blond brazenly entered Harry’s room.

His exhaustion increased significantly once he entered the cluttered living space. Draco step gingerly over Harry’s innumerable books, newspapers and empty food container as well as dirty laundry. He carved a path directly to his magical trunk and quickly tapped the lid. It did not respond with words, it merely opened revealing an empty container. However, the Slytherin continued to stare as if he could see things not viewable to the natural eye, finally he spoke in the case.

“Winky I will need your assistance, and bring more ice for Potter.” He stood glancing around the filthy room, and pulled a small cube with different markings on each side from his pocket. Lifting it to his eyes, he gave it several twist, all the makings mixing the tiny cube began to glow as Winky the house elf made her appearance.

“Please leave the ice on that table.” He pointed toward Harry’s desk, on which sat Hedwig’s empty cage. “I will need you to clean this mess up Winky, but do not use magic until this cube is fully activated.” The tiny elf turned bowing at Draco’s kind smile.

“Winky will do as master ask Winky to do.” She squeaked. Then quickly set to gathering the up the books her large eyes gazing around for their proper placement.

Draco noticed her confusion as he placed his glowing, and growing cube in the center of the room. “Well there are no real bookcases so store them with my things, and I will need a change of clothes for tomorrow.” He walked to Harry’s wardrobe pulling open the door sighing deeply at the lack of decent clothing. “There is plenty of space for a couple suits so hang them in here.”

“Winky will do as master ask.” She hopped back inside the box, disappearing from view.

Sighing deeply at the circumstances, Draco undressed down to his black boxer, ignoring the camp bed he pushes rubbish off Harry’s bed then eased in next to the unconscious brunette carefully replacing the ice compress. The Dursleys refused to take the Gryffindor to the hospital, saying he will be right as rain in the morning. Draco did not agree but could not raise an argument; at least they did not prevent him from putting Harry on the bed.

Harry lay on his side facing his wall, now looking closely at the bruise on his head. Draco could see the muggles were at least correct about the brown-haired wizards’ ability to mend, the injury appears much better. “Hello, Harry I’ve missed you dearly.” Draco whispers to the sleeping teen, and then he wrapped an arm around his narrow chest, spooning his body behind Harry. Listening to the soft throb of Harry’s heart, mingled with the sounds of Wink’s footsteps, the silver-grey eyes began to flutter, sleep finally taking him.

Draco woke suddenly; he lay with his back to Harry, the room now dark he gazed at a glowing clock on the desk reading just after mid-night. The sound that woke him came again, he turned over quickly, and Harry had his body pressed against the wall as if trying to claw through it. He was whimpering and calling Cedric Diggory’s name.

Draco pulled Harry firmly into his embrace as his whimpers melted into tears, repeating the ominous words all of Hogwarts knew of the boys’ death. Draco rocked him gently against his chest stroking the dark untidy hair until Harry fell into a deep sleep again. He repeated a vow he made before he left his home, so very far away.

“I will save you Harry Potter, just as you saved me. I will protect you with my life.” Lifting the sleeping teens tear streaked face; he ran his thumb across Harry’s lower lip, wishing those brilliant green eyes would stare back at him. Until that time came, he would settle smirking inwardly; Draco placed a soft kiss on Harry’s pouting lips.

[TBC]
Everyone posted comments last week, and all those that are too shy *cuddles* Thanks very much, I really appreciate it. =) I hope you enjoy the update! x)