Title: What You Don't Know, Can't Hurt
Summary: Blaise asks an owed favor and Draco complies. What Draco doesn't know is that Blaise's intentions for a certain girl will end up being the girl Draco wants for himself. Will conflicts arise? You betcha!
Disclaimer: No, I do not own Harry Potter and Co.
Chapter 1: An Invitation
It was late in the evening and a brisk cold wind swept through the open windows, brushing over a tall lean silhouette. In the darkness of the room two hands promptly prepared their things for a hasty departure. Sentimental value never existed in this household which made packing up an easy thing. All the items in the small duffle bag were clothing, a pair of shoes, personal items and a Gringotts Wizarding Bank key. That's all anyone really needed when running away was the only option given.
One look at the room that was once a place he could call home now looked gloomy and empty. With a quick swish of his wand, the duffle bag came into his arms. He set a small open letter by his night table and blew off the only candle that lit.
Without hesitation, the young man apparated from his mansion and in a matter of seconds appeared in another one similar to his own. He stepped on to the veranda and knocked on the large golden Goblin faced knobs. Patience was not one of his virtues and thus banged on the door with all the force he could muster when no one answered him the first time.
Apparently, the residents of the manor were not in close proximity to the front door. So he did the only thing he could think of to get away from this cold winter night.
The door creaked open with one motion of his wand and after he casted a charming spell on the door, "Alohomora." His footsteps echoed within the main hall. It did seem unoccupied so he walked over to the spiral stairway and leaned against the banister. The large miniature dome shaped chandeliers made a peaceful chime.
"Is anyone home?" His voiced echoed. He waited a millisecond for a reply but none came.
No answer.
That only grew his impatience. So he began to walk up the stairway. Since knowing this house had its advantages, it was easy to get around. He found himself on the third floor and turned to the right. The first bedroom door facing the stairway was where his longtime best friend slept in. To the average guest, it would have been rude to not knock but this was no ordinary guest.
He was considered part of the family.
The door soundlessly opened and he poked his head inside. No one seemed to be in this room as well. Where had they all gone? Quickly he shoved his wand inside the front pocket of his cloak and gave a little whistle. Personally, he had no intention to look around the room. But then again, he had no intention to stay in an empty manor.
"Malfoy," A deep male voice came from the other end of the room where the bathroom was located inside. "I didn't expect to see you here so soon."
Draco turned around and eyed the young man before showcasing his well known smirk. "With an invitation like this, you think I'd stay in that madhouse?"
His friend shook his head sadly and pointed at his small leather sofa, an indication to sit down. As Draco took the offer, his friend walked over to the fireplace and began to gently poke it. Instantly, fire lid up and the room had a sort of idealistic set to it. "You're right; you would have been here days ago if I invited you earlier."
Draco noticed the flickering light of the fire had small sparks of green. It was a hint that it was the left over spell that was casted to speak to another wizard or witch through the fireplace. He looked up and observed his friend. "So why didn't you answer your goddamn door?"
"I didn't hear?" He said meekly.
"And talking to someone through the fire was more important then letting me inside?" Draco added. His friend shook his head once again and sat next to him on the sofa.
"Would I ever do that?" He said in a mock like tone. "Malfoy, you know me better than that."
"Sometimes I don't know you well enough, Zabini." Draco muttered then changed the topic to something more lightly. "So who was that you were speaking to?" Blaise kept silent for about five seconds and stared off into the fire.
"A friend," he stated.
"Do I know…this friend?" Draco asked.
"Yes and no." Blaise replied then got up from his seat and went over to his minuscule fridge. "Drink?" He asked over his shoulder and Draco shook his head. Blaise continued to look through to find something to drink and came back with a bottle of water. Draco decided against asking Blaise any further questions for the night. It didn't seem like it was his business to meddle in others' affairs, especially those close to him. He knew about respect first hand and that's exactly what he gave Blaise; respect.
"Look, I'm really tired—"
"Say no more." Blaise interrupted as he gestured him to follow. Blaise took him to the far end of the corridor on the same floor and opened a half closed door. He looked around the room for a second then faced Draco who also speculated the room. "Not much, but it will do for the time being."
"No, it's good." Draco replied. He noticed the replica bed, couch, desk, chairs, fire place, dresser, chest, and an indoor closet. He gave his friend a thankful look then threw himself on the bed. "I think I'm going to enjoy being your roommate."
Blaise gave him a sudden haunted look, "that's until your mother finds out."
"I wouldn't give her so much credit, Blaise." Draco shrugged off. "She isn't one to notice my absence until she runs out of money."
"Knowing her shopping sprees, she will notice soon." Blaise added.
"I'm eighteen; she can't drag me out of here without my own free will." Draco stated. He was getting tired of this, hadn't they gone through this before the other day? Did Blaise suddenly doubt his invitation to let Draco stay at the Zabini Manor?
"She doesn't need to drag, she knows magic. That's enough to haul you out in a second." Blaise said knowingly.
"Blaise?"
"Yeah?"
"Shut up." Draco said sullenly before kicking off his shoes. Blaise gave his friend a skeptical look before leaving the room and closing the door.
A/N: The plot will develop and I guarantee this will be a drama filled adventure! Take the time to review, it will be greatly appreciated.