alisanne

Title: In Consideration
Author:

alisanne
Rating: PG
Word count: 100 x 5
Characters/pairings: Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy
Challenge: Written for

dracoharry100/

dracoharry100's prompt #295: Handshake
Disclaimer: The characters contained herein are not mine. No money is being made from this fiction, which is presented for entertainment purposes only.
Beta: None. Poke me if you see anything.
Authors Notes: Part twenty-one in my H/D Eighth Year Series.
The other parts so far are Roommate From Hell, An Informed Decision, The Oncoming Storm, Making Choices, Honourable Actions, Feast or Famine, Disaster Averted, An Open Mind, Case Closed, Risky Business, Just Reward, Universal Contentment, Getting an Education, Professional Consultation, Covering the Essentials, Merciful Success, The Art of Healing, A Proper Distraction, Long Enough, and A Special Place.

~

In Consideration

~

“Gentlemen, you exceeded my expectations.”

Harry smiled. “Thanks, Professor.”

“Thanks,” echoed Draco.

McGonagall smiled. “I thought assigning you quarters together was madness, but I’m happy I was proven wrong.”

Draco coughed. “We had our moments.”

She laughed. “I imagine so. Still, I’m proud of you both. And I think your careers will be a credit to Hogwarts and your families.”

“We hope so, Professor.”

McGonagall stood. “Normally the Headmaster does this, but I requested the privilege, and he allowed it.” She presented two boxes. “Hogwarts medals. Congratulations.”

It was the first handshake Draco’d received from her. I’ll remember this forever.

~

Somehow, Harry and Draco snagged a private car on the Hogwarts’ Express.

“What’s a Hogwarts medal?” asked Harry, examining it.

Draco smirked. “Have you never read Hogwarts, A History?”

Harry chuckled. “You sound like Hermione.”

Draco shuddered. “Bite your tongue.”

“Isn’t that your job?”

“Don’t tempt me. Anyway, Hogwarts medals are given to students who’ve risked their lives protecting the school.” He sighed. “I don’t deserve one.”

“Of course you do.” Clasping his hand, Harry shook it lightly. “You wouldn’t have received it otherwise.”

Draco hummed. But as they neared King’s Cross, he couldn’t help but feel he’d cheated somehow.

~

Draco exited the train to find Weasley and Granger waiting. Harry whooped. “Hey!”

Tense, Draco hesitated as Harry hugged his friends. All around, students were being reunited with their families. Draco’s parents were absent, however. Biting his lip, Draco moved away to give Harry some privacy.

“Oi, Malfoy!”

Draco froze. “Yes, Weasley?”

“Where are you going?”

“To find my parents.”

“Actually, they’re with mine over there, see?” Weasley pointed and Draco spotted his parents conversing with Molly and Arthur. He blinked.

“Come on.” Weasley extended his hand and Draco shook it automatically. “Let’s see where they want to go eat.”

~

After a surreal meal in which Weasleys and Malfoys appeared for all the world to be getting along, everyone accompanied Harry and Draco to their new flat.

When Harry opened the door, however, an elf appeared. “Masters!” it squeaked, shaking both their hands.

Granger huffed.

Harry held up a hand. “I didn’t do it, Hermione. It’s Draco’s.”

Granger faced Draco. “You must free it,” she demanded, arms crossed.

Draco frowned. “Why?”

Both Harry’s and Weasley’s eyes widened.

Slowly, Granger smiled, and, taking Draco’s arm, led him away. “Make yourselves comfortable,” she called over her shoulder. “This may take a while.”

~

“You survived,” Harry said, giving Draco a once-over.

Draco smiled faintly. “I’m just glad she didn’t hit me.”

Harry laughed. “She wouldn’t.” Draco raised an eyebrow and he coughed. “Well, it was unlikely.”

“I believe we’re beyond that now. And she did make a solid case for freeing Boopsy.”

“Boopsy’s the elf?” At Draco’s nod, Harry smiled. “Can we have it unpack at least?”

“Oh, I made no promises.”

“Draco Malfoy!” cried Granger from behind them. “We shook hands.”

“We shook hands on the fact that I’d consider it.”

Granger huffed.

“Slytherin.” Harry laughed. “Come on, let’s get settled.”

~