InsaneJournal

Theo made his way downstairs with soft footsteps, not wanting to wake anyone. It was close to one in the morning but he was hungry and wanted food. Now seemed the best time to do it. He reached the kitchen and entered – only to crash into someone standing in the doorway, nearly knocking them both over. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” Theo whispered, embarrassed. His eyes strained to make out who it was he had collided with. “I didn’t see you there.”

Draco still wasn't eating too much, though he aimed to please Molly in eating the occasional half a sandwich. However, no matter how much his stomach didn't wish for food, Draco did still become thirsty. For this reason, he had made his way to the kitchen late that night. Truth be told, he preferred milling around the house when no one else was awake. He risked no rejection when there was no one to rebuff him. Draco had never fancied rejection, but since his ordeal, he hated it even more.

When he felt a warm body push into him, Draco inhaled a sharp breath on instinct. He was still on guard and half expected a blow. When none came and he heard the apology, he allowed his eyes to focus. "Oh… that's alright. Theo."

That very familiar voice threw him off guard and Theo hesitated, confused. “Draco?” He stared hard at the person in front of him for a few moments to see that, yes, there was a lot of white-blond hair there. “What are you doing here?”

Draco's eyebrows rose. "Surely Professor Lupin alerted the whole house to my arrival?" It seemed remiss of the professor to neglect to let the information out to anyone, especially a potential traitor. As much as Draco didn't wish to believe it about his old friend, he was suspicious, especially given their last encounter.

“I’ve only just arrived,” explained Theo, he too unsure as to why Remus hadn’t told him about Draco. “I think he was distracted when he met. Full moon and all.” Theo pulled his wand out of his pocket and flicked it, turning on the dim lights. There was no use standing around in the dark. Draco still looked bad – worryingly thin – but he looked better now than he did before. Happier, maybe? Less worried? Theo didn’t dwell on it. He gestured to the table. “Want to sit down?” While Theo didn’t exactly want to deal with this now, a chat seemed appropriate.

Draco shrugged, going to the fridge first. He poured himself a drink and, on second thought, tossed a glance toward his former house-mate. "Care for a cup?"

“Yes please,” replied Theo over his shoulder. He was rummaging in the cupboard for something to eat and eventually settled on a packet of crisps. Not extremely healthy or filling, but it’d do. “Want some?” he asked, holding up a second packet.  

Draco obliged in the request, pouring a second glass of cold water. He carried both to the table, thinking about how at one time he'd have sooner risked wrath than wait on someone. "Here." He placed the beverage on the table and eyed the crisps, considering. "Maybe… just one."

Theo tossed a second packet on the table and came and sat down, taking the offered glass of water. “Thanks,” he smiled, and opened his crisps. “So, why are you here, then?”

Draco had not consumed a crisp in years. He had barely afforded sandwich meat the last years never mind luxuries. He ripped the bag open carefully before taking one to his lips. He licked the salt in a habit his mother undoubtedly would have scolded him for, but just then Draco didn't care. On Theo's words, he allowed his eyes to sweep back toward his companion. "I think we both realize my circumstances have changed."

Theo nodded. “Yes, I guess that was a stupid question.” He ate a few crisps, pondering what to say. “How did you get here? I assumed you were guarded or something of the sort…?”

"Professor Lupin is smarter apparently." At that, Draco had to let a small chuckle escape. "Never thought I'd hear myself say those words."

Theo had to laugh too. “Neither did I. Funny how things change, isn’t it?” He wasn’t just talking about Draco, he was talking about everyone. Theo never expected to find himself supporting the Order, and certainly never thought he’d be spying for the Death Eaters while supporting the Order.

Despite the light moment, Draco quickly sobered. He took a careful sip of his water, giving Theodore his best once over. "So what are you doing here?"

Theo considered his words and settled on as much of the truth he could give Draco. “After what… happened, I contacted Remus and moved in here. I’ve been considering joining the Order for a while, actually, but it was making the plunge that was hard. Leaving the RF. It might surprise you, but… hey, you’re here.” Theo shrugged and took a sip of his water. “I haven’t exactly been well received but I expected that. I’m the enemy.” Theo’s voice was slightly bitter as he spoke. “Blaise is shocked, of course, but I can’t just sit around and do nothing… People are dying, Draco. My friends are in danger…” Theo trailed off, fearing he had said too much.

Draco nodded, understanding exactly what Theo meant in citing he was the enemy. "Believe me, I know all too well how little my words mean to anyone here. No one trusts me one little bit." He let out a sarcastic laugh. "I was near killed and they really think… fuck Blaise too then."

Killed? Theo decided not to say anything, but filed it away for later. He didn’t know it had gotten that bad. “No one trusts me either. That Tonks even made sure to dis-invite me to her and Remus’ wedding, even though I hadn’t actually been invited. I didn’t think I was welcome anyway, but I guess she had to make sure that I wouldn’t be able to ruin anything. Well, at least we have each other.” Theo gave a short laugh. “Pair of outcasts.” He took a drink and ate some crisps. “Where are you sleeping?”

Draco actually rolled his eyes on hearing about his cousin. "She actually made sure to rub salt in my wound too. As I'd have had the audacity to do such a thing." He shook his head, a flash of the old Draco evident in that moment. "Damn hypocrites, some of that lot."

“True, but it’s a lot better than… the alternative.” Theo cast around for something else to say. “How is Narcissa? I haven’t seen her in a while.”

"Clearly that makes two of us." Draco's tone became terse as he thought of his mother. "I've no idea how she is. Probably tortured on account of Father and I."

Theo didn’t know what to say to that. “Can she not come here?”

Draco bit his lip so hard it was a wonder he didn't bleed. Finally, after some time, he spoke again. "I suppose. Perhaps. Father is missing, but… still, they are proud."

Theo watched Draco bite his lip, obviously scared, and felt a pang of sympathy. “Maybe you could talk to Remus about it? It might be hard, but maybe it would be better in the long run… And I’m not surprised. You’ve come through a lot.” He eyed Draco for a moment before continuing. “And although we’ve never been best friends, I’m here if you want to talk.”

"No, I meant they are too proud to accept any help," Draco corrected though he smiled some at Theo's declaration. "Aren't we chatting now?" His tone was surprisingly light.

“Oh.” Theo laughed, slightly embarrassed. “Sorry. And what do you mean?”

"You just said you here to talk, but we are talking." Well, no one had ever said Draco Malfoy was an easy person to get to know and that statement proved it.

“Oh,” Theo said. “Sorry. It’s too late. I’m not functioning properly.” He grinned. “And yes, I guess we are. It’s nice.” He noticed Draco had finished his crisps, surprisingly. “Do you want some more?” he asked, standing up. “I do. I’m starving.”

Baby steps. Draco held up a hand. If he ate another thing, he was just sure his stomach would explode. "No, thank you… but you really didn't tell me what brought you here. I mean, simply that one encounter? Surely you saw worse?"

Theo nodded. “Okay.” He got himself another packet of crisps and opened them, then came and sat down again. “It wasn’t just that,” he said after a moments thought. “It’s been lots of little things coupled with a general sense of distrust and dissatisfaction. I’ve never been an avid Death Eater supporter, you know that.”

"Not really. You were always rather…" Draco had been about to say odd, but thought better of it. "Different. I mean… no insult intended."

Theo had to laugh at that. “Different because I never kissed your arse?” teased Theo, amused.

"Well, it is a rather lovely ass."

Theo laughed some more. “It is. I should know, I perved on it every day all throughout school.” He grinned, glad Draco was talking to him like this again.

"Ew, Theodore." Draco let out a disgusted grunt, but his eyes held a note of good-natured banter.

“You love it,” replied Theo, leaning back in his chair. “Anyway, me perving on your ass must be a better thought than, say, Crabbe or Goyle perving on your ass.” He hesitated. “Ew. Oh, gods. I won’t be able to get to sleep now. I hate myself.” He grimaced, half amused, half disgusted.

Draco's face burned even at the thought. Like he didn't have enough nightmares? "I'm going to be a gentleman and pretend you never said any of this." He gave a short, but firm nod. "And speaking of sleep… why don't we finish this little chat tomorrow?" He shot a little wink toward Theo. "Promise I won't be a total recluse tomorrow."

Theo nodded. “That’s a good idea. And I won’t be either, okay?” Theo stifled a yawn, suddenly realising how tired he actually was. “Nice talking to you, Draco.” He stood up and placed his glass by the sink and threw his rubbish away. Theo hesitated in the doorway and turned back to give Draco a small smile. “See you.” And with that, Theo disappeared upstairs, leaving Draco sitting in the kitchen.