Empty Spaces

Chapter 16

"Professor, I... I don't know, I've never been able to brew anything until this year–"

"It is because nobody took the time to teach you the foundations properly," Holmberg said, with only a minimal attempt to hide his distaste, "There are far too many Meisters who assume their students will just do it automatically because it is what they themselves did. How to prepare your ingredients. Plan ahead. Hold your instruments. Even the tone of your voice when reciting an incantation matters, it is all important. Sure, there are many who will just do it on their own. Those are the easy students. But the mark of a good Meister is that every one of your students is able to succeed. You, Herr Potter, have all the makings of a fine Zaubertrankbrauer, all you need is some proper instruction on your technique. Which you would receive during an apprenticeship with a good Meister. Just something to think about, Herr Potter, you are under no obligation."

You are under no obligation. Loads of people told Harry these same words in some form or another, but it actually felt genuine coming from Holmberg.

"Oh! Er... thanks, Professor, no really, I appreciate it," Harry said, once again cursing himself for sounding like an idiot in Holmberg's presence. "I... I'll think on it."

"Please, do not hesitate to reach out if you should need any help," Holmberg replied, "With Potions, or with anything. I am here for you."

With his usual straightforwardness, Holmberg turned and headed down the corridor, leaving Harry strangely interested in his offer. Stop looking back at what used to be and start looking to what lies ahead. Is this what lies ahead? A new start in a new country with a new career...?

It ate at him all through the weekend. He told no one, not even Hermione, although she was keen to pick up on the fact that he was distracted by something. And despite Harry's best efforts to keep tabs on him, Malfoy was also managing to stay out of sight even though they were staying in the same inn together, something that only added to Harry's general restlessness. Grateful when Monday morning finally came around, Harry headed to Potions with a general resolve on two fronts: He would see Malfoy again, and he would seriously consider Holmberg's offer.

Only Malfoy wasn't in class that morning.

We're early. Holmberg isn't even here yet. For the first time that year, Harry deeply regretted not bringing his map with him to class. How many years had he insisted on keeping it on his person at all times, and now that he finally needed it, it was still lying in his trunk??? Turns out Past Harry has a thing or two about preparedness to teach Present Harry...

Holmberg entered class. No Malfoy. Holmberg gave them their instructions. No Malfoy. Shit.

Getting through the next two hours was probably the hardest thing Harry had ever done. It took every ounce of willpower to force his doubt and fear outside that damn door– You don't know where Malfoy is and you won't find anything out yet. So focus on what you're doing. For all you know, Malfoy will come into class any second.

The minutes crept by, and Harry was strangely glad for Holmberg's approach– Past Harry would have accomplished nothing by watching the clock, fidgeting, wondering, worrying. But Present Harry knew that none of those things would actually get anything done, so he forced himself to channel it all into his work. By the time Holmberg announced the end of class, Harry's potion matched the description from their book down to the direction of the curling golden smoke, earning him a knowing look of praise from those blue eyes. Well. If nothing else, maybe Potions really could be an actual career path. This year was turning everything Harry had ever known upside down.

"Harry, this really is excellent," Hermione praised, but fell silent at the look on Harry's face.

"Have you seen Malfoy??" Harry hissed as he packed up his bag.

"Er– no? Sorry, not since last week? Oh– Harry, I forgot to mention, I was so busy at work, but you were both in the paper yesterday. Here." She took out her copy of the Daily Prophet and shuffled through it. "Not the front pages, just a mention in the arts section... here you go, there." She pointed to the middle paragraph of some article where a small picture of Malfoy hanging onto that handsome stranger's arm made something inside Harry burn with annoyance.

"Keep it," she continued, "I've got to go, but I'll find you right after class and let you know if he came to Arithmancy, alright?"

"Alright," Harry agreed. Better than nothing. He glanced down at the paper in his hand; it was an article about some sort of event that had taken place on Halloween night. So Malfoy had been telling the truth, at least to some extent. He scanned through it until he reached the paragraph next to that stupid picture:

... Other notable guests of the evening included internationally acclaimed author Andor Markos, accompanied by one Draco Malfoy, notorious Death Eater turned free at the personal request of the famed Harry Potter himself. Markos and Malfoy seemed to be quite content in each other's company, leaving many to wonder what will become of the Malfoy legacy if confirmed rumors are true that the Malfoy line will end with its youngest member and only heir...

"Everything alright, mate?" Ron asked. Not sure what else to say, Harry simply showed him the article.

"Blimey," Ron said after a while, "I had no idea. Did you know, Harry?"

"Er–"

"You did!?"

"Don't yell, yea, I sort of... figured it out... Don't say anything, though..."

"Why not? It's in the Prophet..."

"Not on the front page!"

"Well, why's he going out with someone famous to fancy parties if he doesn't want anyone to find out? Seems thick, even for Malfoy..."

"Stop it," Harry said suddenly. It came out sharper than he'd been intending. "You have no idea..."

Ron stopped and looked at Harry with a curious expression on his face.

"You're right," he said at last as they approached the greenhouse. "I don't. But just... let me know if you need anything, okay?"

Harry nodded, grateful for the offer even though he knew he wouldn't take him up on it. Past Harry and Past Ron got through everything together. But this was something else entirely... something so personal Harry could hardly admit it to himself, let alone anyone else. Using Holmberg's strategy, Harry forced himself through Herbology, only to find out afterwards from Hermione that Malfoy hadn't turned up in Arithmancy. He picked at his lunch with the hopes that maybe he would show up for Transfiguration. Nothing. McGonagall dismissed class and Harry took off for the village.