Ghosts ✔️

Chapter 8

Draco noticed that Harry's moods had been greatly fluctuating ever since Ron and Hermione had gone to Australia. When he was out in Diagon Alley he did a double take walking past a shop and he knew what he had to do.

"Potter,

I'm afraid I may have been a bit too forward, and very out of character in buying you a gift. However, I saw it and it immediately reminded me of you. It's not the kind of thing that you can just send through the mail, it would have to be dropped off, and not through the floo. If you're willing, I would like to make arrangements to give it to you.

Best,

Draco Malfoy"

Harry couldn't say he wasn't intrigued at the prospect of Malfoy buying him of all people a gift. The box had just been an apology thing, and Harry compensated Draco's dinners by giving him desserts he would make. He had no clue this gift could be, especially if it couldn't be sent by mail.

Draco had received a response quicker than he ever would have thought possible.

"Malfoy,

I must say that you've always known how to keep me interested. I'd say you didn't have to get me anything, but knowing you, this will be yet another argument that I can't win, so I'll cut my losses. Here's my address.

The instructions may be a bit odd to get in, but just go with it, yeah? You can come by anytime you like, I don't get out much, well, ever really, as you know. But some heads up would be nice so I could clean up a bit.

I hope my lack of responses in person doesn't put you off too much. I'll do my best, for you. The firecalls have helped a lot.

See you soon,

Harry"

Draco sat there staring at the letter for a long while. Potter had signed the letter as Harry. This was crossing into unfamiliar territory. It was almost... exciting? Biting his lip, Draco penned a letter back, ignoring the pounding in his heart from reading the words "for you".

"Potter,

I can stop by tomorrow, say 5pm? It doesn't have to be a long visit. Don't worry about not speaking to me. We all deal with trauma differently. I'm sure I can talk enough for the both of us if need be.

The firecalls have been nice, I'm glad they're becoming more frequent. I can wait for your replies in person just as I do any other day. I respect your decision."

After hesitating, he signed his letter as "Draco" and threw it into the floo.

As soon as Harry confirmed with Draco that tomorrow worked, Harry was set into motion. For the first time in weeks, Harry felt motivated to help Kreacher clean up the house. Harry debated going out on his own for groceries, but playing it safe, began to write a list.

"Kreacher, would you mind doing some shopping for me?"

Harry's voice was quiet and subdued. He typically only spoke to Kreacher, not wanting to make things difficult for the poor elf.

"Master is allowing Kreacher to do more than clean?", he asked, surprise filling the old house elf's voice.

"If you don't mind-"

"Say no more Master Harry. Prepare a list for Kreacher and I is ready to go out."

Harry thought he was getting ahead of himself in thinking Malfoy would like to stay for dinner. They had been communicating for over a month now, every day, oftentimes more than that. Harry was talking to Malfoy more than he was talking to anyone else at this point. It was just so... nice. Harry wanted to let Draco know that he appreciated his friendship.