Ghosts ✔️

Chapter 11

"Potter,

Mother would like to meet you before she gives me all of the ingredients. She wants to make sure I'm not up to something or involved in something I shouldn't be. I guess you two have that in common huh? I'm going out to purchase what I need from the shops today. Let me know when you're free for a most likely, uncomfortable lunch.

Malfoy"

Harry sent Malfoy's owl away, figuring Scarhead could use a fly. He adored the small owl, and wondered why he had waited so long to get a new one. Hedwig had died bravely by his side, and he would never forget that. Having an owl did make things easier, Harry had to admit. Even if it was one he hadn't found for himself. Malfoy truly was shaping up to be a great adversary.

As he was writing a letter back to Malfoy, he received a letter from Mrs. Weasley.

"Hello Harry dear,

Fred is settling back in quite nicely. Would you like to come over on Sunday for dinner? It'll just be myself, Arthur, and the twins. You can bring a friend if you would like, just let me know who I'll be expecting.

Love as always,

Molly"

Biting his lip, Harry made a split decision. He looked at his unfinished letter to Malfoy and thought it was now or never. After sending Pig on his way, he took a moment to collect his thoughts.

"Malfoy,

I can come over for lunch whenever you want me. I'm not up to much these days as you know. Actually, I just received a letter from Mrs. Weasley with a dinner invitation for Sunday. Only the twins would be there, and she said I could bring a friend...

Would you like to go with me? I'm having lunch with your family, so how about dinner with mine? If you don't want to I completely understand, I just thought I would offer. I have plans on Saturday, but other than that I'm free. Write back and let me know.

Scarhead"

With a smile and a ruffle of his feathers, Harry sent Scarhead off. He had decided to keep the name. It was kind of endearing, and helped take the malice out of the old nickname. Now, Harry was signing his letters off to Malfoy like that. He needed a nickname for Malfoy too, but that could wait.

As Harry was making dinner a few hours later, a reply came in from Malfoy.

"Potter,

I had quite the surprise in finding Scarhead waiting for me. He really is quite the owl. Does Wednesday work for you to have lunch? We need the light of the full moon to activate one of the ingredients properly, so I'm trying to plan around that.

If you think the Weasleys would allow me into their home, I think I would like to go. I'm not quite sure how they feel about me. I give you permission to tell them we're friends if that's what you're asking. Just let me know who knows so I can behave accordingly.

Malfoy"

Preparing himself for the worst, Harry began writing a heartfelt letter to Molly.

"Molly,

Count me in for dinner on Sunday, thank you for the invitation. If it's alright with you, I would like to bring a friend. It isn't someone you're used to me hanging around with in this capacity, but I assure you that his friendship has allowed me to make some progress in regards to my PTSD, and resulting selective mutism.

Malfoy and I have become friends ever since he wrote me a very kind apology letter over a month ago now. We've met up in person a few times now, and I'm having lunch with him and his mother on Wednesday.

He's helped me find easier ways to communicate other than talking, and it's really meant a lot to me. Malfoy has truly changed, and I promise you that it's for the better. He respects that I talk on my own terms and doesn't pressure me into speaking, or make me feel bad about it. You'll note that I'm sending my reply with a new owl. His name is Scarhead, courtesy of Malfoy.

I haven't told Ron and Hermione that Malfoy and I are friends yet. They need to focus on Hermione's parents, not lecture me on my life choices. I know Ron won't take too kindly to this, but it's my choice, and I know you'll give me your honest opinion, but that you'll also respect my decision.

Let me know your thoughts and opinions of this. I give you permission to tell Arthur as well as Fred and George of course. It's your home and everyone should be comfortable with who's in it. Just instruct them not to tell anyone else please. For once in my life I want to make my own choices under my own circumstances. Thank you.

Love,

Harry"

The reply came as Harry was plating food for himself and Kreacher,

"Harry,

We discussed it as a group, and we all agreed that we would like Draco to join us for dinner. He clearly means a lot to you, so we will extend an olive branch and see how it goes. I believe you when you say that he's changed. I've seen that firsthand, but it isn't my place to say.

I'm especially glad that he's been helping you work on your communication. Scarhead is absolutely adorable by the way. I can see why he was named in such a manner. I'll see you and Draco at 5pm sharp on Sunday dear.

Love,

Molly"

Harry wondered what Molly meant when she said she had seen that firsthand, but he decided not to ask questions right now. He wrote a final letter to Draco so that he could finally eat.

"Malfoy,

Molly said we should be there at 5pm sharp on Sunday. Essentially, that means 4:45 at least. Yes, I have learned that the hard way. You can stop by mine and I'll just take us both there if that's alright with you.

Wednesday works fine for me. Let me know what time I should arrive, and whether I should apparate or floo. I'll see you soon :)

Scarhead"