Chapter 80: My Home

AN:

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"Of course, I been studying politics, and the main players, so when I finally turn 17, I have an understanding of key individuals, and their values, and political viewpoints so I can take effective part in affairs of state like my ancestors," he answered factually.

In truth he had looked up most Death eaters, and the 'pardon' ones, so he would know their names and faces. They were enemies as far as he was concerned, but he wasn't going to say that out loud.

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Draco was just about to say something, but look from his father stalled the boy. "Interesting so the Headmaster as ensure you being educated in politics then, as his duty requires him," Lord Malfoy asked a questioning manner.

"I'm affair not, most is independent study, as well several of my friends, who themselves are being train in political skills. In truth, I've never meet the man in person, despite him being my magical guardian. It seem from my point of view he sent me off to my mother's relatives, while keeping the votes for himself to use as he pleases," He answered bluntly, hoping it would cause bit more trouble for the Headmaster, by giving Lord Malfoy some ammunition.

Plus if both of them were busy battling each other, they wouldn't have time for him. It also implied he hadn't been influence by the Headmaster, and was not in the Headmaster's camp per say.

After all his parent's wills had been blocked preventing him taking up his Potter Lordship, with the support of the previous minister, and the chief warlock. And Lord Malfoy clearly had the current minister's ear, based on what the prophet printed. And might on the off chance move to have his parents will read, just to try to screw the headmaster over, and weaken his opposition voting group.

"Interesting, so what you are view so far on politics then?" asked obviously seeing what side of fence harry was on.

Deciding to be honest rather than outright lie, "I'm afraid my views are mix, I believe in value of tradition, and its importance, and why the magical world operates as it does, but I don't agreed with the pure blood supremacy movement, nor do I agree with the Headmaster's ideas.

In short I'm a neutral, and probably vote based on what makes the most logical sense at the time for best long term results, but that's what I think at the moment, who knows what I believe in 6 years time," he answered, hoping it would put him in the clearly neutral/ independence ground.

"Indeed, politics often involves changing as time moves on, even if main issues stay the same, just under another title of debate," Lord Malfoy answered, obviously thinking over the new information, rather than paying attention to what he was saying.

"Well it's been interesting meeting you Mr Potter, Have a present trip." Before turning to his son "Come Draco, we have business to attend to," moving rapidly towards door.

Draco looked like he wanted to have one final resort, before following his father quickly and quietly.

Finally letting his mask slip away, he felt dirty for having to place nice with Lord Malfoy, who probably had a hand in his parent's demise, or at least knowledge of. But if it meant it kept Lord Malfoy from considering him an enemy then it was price he would have to pay, until he was strong enough to stand against him.

Then also fact of the matter was, it was easier to kill off Lord Malfoy in future if the need arose. If he didn't consider Harry a true threat, when the man had so many other potential enemies to worry about and counter.

Before going back to checking out some equipment for training, it occurred him also that if he was learning how to use the bow, it would strengthen his upper body, and help out if he ended up playing as a chaser, instead of a seeker.

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( Leaky Cauldron )

Heading back to the cauldron, after having a rather busy morning of shopping, he fancied a drink. Walking over to the counter, however he was stopped by a familiar shout from his duelling partner who was in the corner waving him over.

Deciding to say hi, he could hardly ignore her now he had seen here, despite sporting a new pixie style hair cut, rather than her normal ponytail.

Walking his way over, putting to bags on the opposite seat, before settling down, for a quick chat, and maybe a bite to eat.

"So what you up to Tonks?, and what's with the pixie hair," he asked, while sitting down.

"Well, I'm meant to be meeting my new boyfriend for something to eat, but he's running late, so I'm here all by myself," she explained, obviously checking the room in process.

"Ah, so what's his name then?" he asked faking interest.

"Michael Hutt, seventh year puff who just finish this year," she offered in explanation.

Nodding not really caring who the guy was, but filing it away in Tonk's file for future use.

"How about we get a drink whilst we wait for him to turn up," he offered, before gesturing for one of the waitress to come over, before quickly ordering a round of drinks and paying for them.

"You know you didn't have to pay for that, I have my own gold you know," she replied.

"Yea I know, but it was my idea for drinks," he offered in explanation before having some of his Honeybutter beer. Before asking again "What's with the pixie look?"

"Well I fancy a chance of pace, since at Hogwarts they don't approve of such haircuts, so I just kept it in ponytail or with curls depending on my mood," she explained.

"But they allow you to have pink, and red hair?" he quizzed, since that seem bit more extreme that her pixie look.

"Well you see, I' am currently learning to control my abilities, so I have complete control over my style, but I don't have much control over my emotions let, hence they ignore it, plus its good warming system," she smirked, taking a slip of her drink.

Giving slight chuckle at the idea, before specking "Yea it's definitely helps us out," before taking another slip of his drink, freeing better after having to play politician with Lord Malfoy.

They slipped into quiet conversation, talking about their holidays so far, it was rather enjoyable until they got to reason why he was here, and explained about getting the broom and having to play nice with Lord Malfoy.

"Yea, Draco got his daddy to buy the whole new set of brooms for the Slytherin team, so Draco could play seeker, he probably sucks, and will only manage to win due to having a better broom." Harry sniggered, even as he was having images of Draco falling to the ground and going splat, like a bug on car windscreen.

"Yea, but it's going to suck for us Puff's thou, looks like we going to be fourth place again," shaking her head with disapproval, that Slytherin had just got massive boast in their chances of winning.

"Well what can you do?, it's just like ministry, where money rules," he said before looking at the clock. "So when is Michael going to get here then?" he asked, after seeing he been waiting for nearly twenty minutes with Tonks.

"Well he should have been here by now," she said after looking at the clock, her hair dimming a bit in disappointment.

Deciding that he could use the company, "Tell you what, how about you ditch this Michael, and we head of and do something else, since it's clear he doesn't see your time as important as his, otherwise he would of been here waiting for you," he offered, before taking another slip of his drink.

"Well I don't know, I mean he could turn up any minute," she explained, even as subconsciously looking around the room hopefully.

"Ok, fair enough, but look at it from this point of view, first by not being here he is saying his time more important than yours, therefore he is more important than you are," remembering what Daphne had said about meetings and politics, how the lesser party was often kept waiting to prove the point.

"And by allowing him to think this you are setting the pretext for the rest of your relationship, if he's allowed to get the idea that he's more important than you, he will just walk all over you again and again, and consider you a doormat."

Seeing the girl deep in thought about it, deciding to add some more fuel to the fire, since he would rather enjoy having Tonk's keep him company for the rest of the day. And he was feeling bit restless from not having a duel in the last couple of days, plus she would just liven the place up, so decide to aim a dig at her house.

"You're not a doormat are you? Unless you are what everyone says about puffs lacking any type of backbone or any resolve," he shot, seeing her hair turn towards red, before saying finally piece in his pitch. "Besides if he truly interested in you he will owl you, you just need set the ground rules of your relationship," he offered seeing her hair cool down a bit, back to less aggressive shade.

"Ok, what do you have in mind then," she asked, opening up to the idea of ditching her boyfriend.

"How about first we head back to my currently residents and drop off my stuff, then we can do whatever you want, but I doubt I'll be able make up much for you missing a good kissing session," he answered cheekily, trying to add bit of humour, resulting in getting a blush, from Tonks

"Shh you, before I change my mind, now how we getting out of here, by floo?" she asked

"Na, I'll think I'll keep on teasing you, since you know I'm right about it. We'll go by port-key," he answered, before rounding up his things getting up to go outside into the alley, since it was considered rude to use port-key inside building.

Once outside in the alley, he took off a silver chain necklace that Bloodmoon had arrange, and held it out so Tonks could grab a hold.

Soon as she had firm hold of the chain, he asked "Ready?"

"Ready"

Checking over his shoulder, making sure only Tonks would be able to hear, he whispered the passphrase "Home Sweet Home"

It took a couple seconds before he landed face first on the floor, internally cursing his hatred of port-keys, getting himself to his fleet, just to see his clumsy friend getting to her own, after landing on her backside.

Offering his hand. to help pull her up by acting as a counter balance. Before turning around in sweeping gesture, and saying "welcome to my home".

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