“--don’t need you lecturing me Weasel--” Draco was saying when Harry returned to consciousness.

“I have to know you understand me Malfoy, and don’t call me that!” Ron said in a biting tone.

“I was under the Imperius, Weasley! I’m saner than to try and kill Potter while my life depended on it--it’s not like I would hurt him if I wasn’t in this situation so stop looking at me like that!” Draco said from a few feet away.

Harry decided to listen to his Slytherin side and stay ‘asleep’ for a while longer.

“Why would you not hurt Harry if you weren’t bonded to him? You haven’t changed Malfoy, I know that much,” Ron spat back.

Draco made a sound of frustration, “This is pointless Weasley, and I’m not going to injure your precious Boy-Who-Lived, so--”

“You don’t understand at all Malfoy,” Ron said in a lower voice. “Harry’s my friend. I don’t want to see him hurt anymore than you want to be turned back into a ferret. He could have died and it would have been your fault.”

There was a short silence.

“I tried to fight it--you were under that curse when Moody was the Defense teacher, you couldn’t fight it either,” Draco said.

“But how do I know you tried, Malfoy?” Ron said.

“You don’t know, you’ll just have to trust me when I say that I did not want to harm Harry.”

“…You said Harry!” Ron exclaimed. Harry’s eyes were wide with surprise. He closed them quickly.

Draco quickly tried to fix his mistake. “I meant Potter. Hearing you say his name repeatedly made me say it.”

Harry hoped this was just a cover up. If he could stand to call Draco by his name, he wanted the same in return. At least until the bond was gone.

Ron continued like he was dismissing the past minute. “Anyway, if I hear you’re mean to him, you’ll wish Voldemort had killed you.”

Harry didn’t know what to be more shocked about, the fact that Ron had said Voldemort without flinching or the fact that he was threatening Draco. Threatening Draco in itself was not that incredible, but the fact that Ron was doing it to protect Harry….

The door to the bedroom shut and Harry realized that one of them had walked out. Harry figured it must be Draco that had stayed. He pretended to wake up.

Slowly, he opened his eyes. The morning sun made the room brighter, when he had first awoken the sun had almost made him cringe back into the covers, now he was used to it. As he opened his eyes, he put on a sleepy expression and lifted a weak hand to wipe his eyes.

“Very theatrical Potter,” Draco said dryly.

Harry faked confusion, and raised a lazy eyebrow. “Your eyebrows are crinkled when you sleep,” Draco said. “I imagine you have been awake to hear Weasley threatening me?”

Harry sat up and wished he could make some funny comment, ‘You watch me sleep? Eww,’ But since Snape was not here to tell him he could talk, he only nodded.

Draco shook his head and took a few steps toward Harry. In his sitting position Harry suddenly felt a bit small as Draco stood over him. He wondered if the Malfoy heir was going to punch him in some random act of violence.

Draco just folded his arms and studied Harry who stared back challengingly. “As much as it pains me to say it, Weasley is--a good friend for you to have.”

With that said Draco turned around and looked at his unmade bed. “Are there any house elves in this dump?”

Harry ignored this to think about what Draco had said before. Ron must have impressed Draco somehow. Harry smiled slightly. It seemed Ron had inherited some of his mother’s protectiveness, it was slightly embarrassing. Harry hoped Ron didn’t think he couldn’t defend himself, while he may have been injured he could still fight.

Although part of him wanted to tease Ron for this, Harry decided that he shouldn’t.

Harry got up and went to find some of his clothes. Harry smiled and started changing.

Snape came in as he was tying his shoelaces. Harry glanced at where he stood in the doorway and stopped what he was doing. Snape frowned at the hopeful expression on Harry’s face, like he didn’t want to be the bringer of good information.

“Unfortunately for young Mr. Malfoy and myself, you should be able to talk again,” Snape said as he crossed his arms.

Harry smirked slightly and continued tying his laces. He ignored Snape who was still standing in the doorway, and Draco who was watching expectantly.

“Did one of the Weasley twins glue your mouth shut, or is that just wishful thinking?” Draco asked in exasperation.

“You’re a real prat,” Harry said, pushing the blond lightly as he headed to the door. His voice sounded slightly wrong in his own ears. A bit scratchy, but nothing to wince at. Harry moved past Snape who looked close to rolling his eyes.

“The first words you’ve spoken in almost twenty-four hours, Potter, and that’s what you say?” Draco asked in amusement.

Harry looked back up the stairs where Draco was coming after him. Snape hung back, watching them but not speaking.

“What did you want expect me to say?” Harry asked. His throat felt a bit sore.

“Something memorable. Classic. You did not exceed expectations,” Draco said with a haughty look.

Harry rolled his eyes, “Sorry, I’ll go back to Voldemort and we can try again.”

Draco paled and flinched slightly. As they arrived on ground level, Snape headed for the living room, leaving Harry to head for the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Ron was sitting at the table with a half full plate. Besides Mrs. Weasley and Remus the kitchen was empty.

Draco looked around the place with a muffled shudder. Harry hid his annoyance well. He didn’t like the house either, but Draco was only here because of Dumbledore and Sirius’s kindness.

“Harry, here is your plate, dear. You’re skin and bones,” Mrs. Weasley said with a pat on his cheek.

“Thank you Mrs. Weasley.” Harry was scared she was going to cry when she heard him speak. Fortunately, she turned her new found joy towards Draco. He looked scared.

“Draco, I consulted your mother and I think you’ll enjoy these bangers. She said it was how you liked them,” Mrs. Weasley said with a motherly smile.

Draco watched her warily and then stared at his plate suspiciously when she turned away.

“We wouldn’t poison you in Sirius’s house,” Ron said with a frown. Draco nodded, he didn’t look assured. It didn’t help that Ron muttered, “We’d wait until you were leaving.”

Draco pushed his plate away and glared at the redhead opposite him. Harry leaned forward with a sigh and stabbed a sausage with his fork. Taking a bit out of it, he chewed and swallowed. “There, see? I’m not dead--” Harry pretended to gag and went still.

Ron snickered while Harry could feel Draco’s glare burning into him.

He straightened up. “No poison. Eat it and be happy you get to eat,” Harry said pushing the plate under Draco’s face.

“You’d know, wouldn’t you, Potter?” Draco said and then, with picky movements, ate some egg.

Ron frowned in confusion and looked at Harry questioningly. Harry ignored the look and ate.

“Where’s Hermione?” he asked when he was almost done. He had not seen the witch since last night, and it was late morning now.

“She went to her parents’ house. She’s going to stay there until we have to return to Hogwarts,” Ron said.

Harry nodded. “It’ll be good for her to spend some time with her parents,” he said.

The food was wonderful. He told Mrs. Weasley so then offered to help clean the kitchen.

“Oh no, I couldn’t let you do that dear. I’m sure Ron would be happy to help,” Mrs. Weasley said.

Sirius poked his head into the room. “Harry, can you come here a second?”

Harry nodded, pushed away from the table, and stood. “Sure Sirius,” he said with an apologetic look back at Ron. His friend gave a shrug and ignored the smug look on Draco’s face.

Harry followed Sirius to the room Snape had entered earlier. Around the oval table were Snape, Tonks, Mad Eye, Remus, Professor McGonagall, Mr. Weasley, Bill, and the elder Malfoys. At the head of the table sat Dumbledore.

“Harry,” Dumbledore greeted with a smile tinged with sadness. “I’m exceeding happy to see you up and about. Sit please. You as well, Mr. Malfoy.”

Draco sat beside Harry, the only seat left.

“I have asked you all to come so some serious matters could be made clear,” Dumbledore began.

“Firstly, the Malfoy’s have sworn their aligence to aid our side of the war. Due to very recent events, this was necessary.” Aged, blue eyes traveled to Draco and then to the barely noticeable scar on Harry’s throat.

“Voldemort has lost two of his most trusted followers and one that could have become a great benefit to him. This will leave him uneasy, but liked a caged animal he could attack at any time. I have my suspicions…” Dumbledore looked at the people gathered around the table and Harry felt he was missing something.

“It is unlikely that Voldemort will leave Malfoy Manor. When we are assured that the other residences owned by the Malfoys are safe, they will move.”

Harry wondered how many other houses the Malfoys could own. They don’t seem particularly worried, Harry thought. But then, it was not every day you could read emotions on a Malfoy’s face.

Lucius and Narcissa were attentive, but not overeager. It was weird seeing them there, so close, and without looks of dislike on their faces.

“I also wanted the Malfoy family to know that I will be removing the bond I set upon their son.” Dumbledore smiled at Harry when the boy sat straighter to grip at the arms of his chair.

“I think your punishment will come to mind if you feel the need to throw punches at each other again.”

Harry glanced across the table and saw how Lucius was eyeing the headmaster. He knew just as well as the other that the bond was not actvated because of any punishment. His son had been used. Lucius knew this and while he was not likely to forget it, Harry didn’t think he would act on it, either. For the moment, Lucius was at Dumbledore’s mercy. Harry bit his lip and turned back to Professor Dumbledore.

“One more thing before the meeting ends. During the few days in captivity, Mr. Potter had the Dark Mark forced on him--” Dumbledore was cut off as Tonks fell out of her chair from shock.

Mr. Weasley turned to Harry slowly, and the boy watched as he turned pasty. Tonks’s hair had turned black; Harry didn’t think she knew it as she was staring at him in pitying sadness.

Bill’s hands were clenched into fists of anger. He glared at Harry’s left arm, where the Dark Mark lie.

Uncomfortable with their inquiring and astonished gazes, Harry looked at his lap.

“Harry, will you show them?” Dumbledore urged him.

“Dumbledore,” Snape said quietly. Harry looked up. Snape was frowning at Dumbledore. His tone had been discouraging; he seemed agaist forcing Harry into showing the others.

Harry had to agree with the man. Wasn’t it bad enough that they knew?

Dumbledore relented. “I’m sorry Harry. You need not do anything you’re not comfortable with.”

Harry bit his lip and continued to stare at his lap where his hands were clenched. He could feel Draco’s eyes on the side of his face. Harry turned away to hide his pained expression.

“If that is all…” Dumbldore said. Everyone except Sirius and the Malfoys nodded or stood. As Remus walked past he clapped Harry warmly on the back. Harry returned the gesture with a halfhearted smile.

He knew he should be happier. Voldemort had not managed to kill him or harm anyone he loved, he was finally being released from the bond, and he was going to return to Hogwarts in a day or two. But somehow, he couldn’t dredge up that feeling of happiness or even contentment that he thought was needed.

Harry was linked to Voldemort through the Dark Mark. He had seen the reactions of the others: anger for his sake, and pity. It was just more attention directed at him than he needed or wanted.

The door shut behind Mad Eye Moody and Dumbledore stood. He gestured for Harry and Draco to step forward.

They did, although Draco had his hand laid casually over his pocket where his wand lay in wait.

Harry held back a smile at the paranoia Draco was showing; it reminded him of a certain Auror. The boy did not speak his thoughts though. He didn’t think they would be welcomed.

“Stand facing each other, boys. Removing the bond is more difficult than putting it on,“ Dumbledore said.

Feeling a pit like a puppet, Harry turned and faced Draco in front of professor Dumbledore.

Draco stiffened as Dumbledore raised his wand, but the old headmaster just smiled understandingly and waved the want in a gentle, unthreatening movement.

Dumbledore’s lips moved just the slightest as he removed the bond that had caused chaos.

With a finishing swish, Dumbledore stowed his wand back in his pocket.

Harry was the first to speak. “Is--that all?”

“Is it finally gone?” Draco asked with an unsure but hopeful look.

Dumbledore smiled at them and nodded. Harry felt like a weight had been lifted off of him. He could read his book from his future self in peace now, have real privacy, and go wherever he wanted. Harry planned on using his returned freedom many times during the next week.

Draco smiled a slow, devilish grin. Harry watched in slight fear, what would happen now? With no explanation for his expression, Draco turned to go stand next to his watching parents.

“Thank you Professor Dumbledore,” Harry said in relief.

Dumbledore chuckled. “You’re more than welcome. I’ll take my leave now.”

Lucius Malfoy nodded and he left the room. Harry watched as Narcissa nodded peacefully at him and Draco smirked.

Dumbledore was heading for the fireplace, and Harry walked over. “Professor?” he asked quickly.

Dumbledore turned and waited. “Can you--er, not tell everyone at Hogwarts about my--the--” suddenly Harry found his throat couldn’t form the words needed, so he nodded to his left arm.

With sad eyes, Dumbldore nodded. “I can and will do that Harry. Remember though, that you had no choice in the matte. It was forced on you. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Keep your eyes level, my boy.”

Taking in these words, Harry nodded.

“I’ll do that, sir,” Harry said with a firm nod. Dumbledore used the Floo powder held out by Sirius to make his leave.

Harry heaved a sigh and grinned when Sirius ruffled his head. Together they headed out of the room.