The Fractured Hourglass by acuteakio [T, 106k]
“I wanted to believe your theory,” Potter said, his voice gaining a little more strength. “That Black is innocent. But after everything—the break-ins, your father’s lawsuit against Dumbledore—it’s hard to—”
Draco cut him off with a sharp laugh, though there was no humor in it. “Oh, I see,” he drawled, his voice icy. “So you’re here to talk about how untrustworthy I am because of my family . Brilliant. Really, Potter, if that’s your big revelation, save your breath. I’ve heard it all before, and I’m not interested in listening to you tell me how little you know about me.”
“No,” Potter interrupted, his voice surprisingly firm. “That’s exactly what I’m trying to say.”
Draco blinked, momentarily thrown off. “What?”
Potter met his gaze, his green eyes steady despite the faint flush of his cheeks. “I don’t know you, Malfoy,” he said, his voice quieter now but no less certain. “I thought I did, but this year—everything that’s happened—has made me realize I really don’t.”
Draco eyed him warily, his arms still crossed over his chest. “What are you trying to say, Potter?”
Potter hesitated for a beat, then took a deep breath. He extended his hand toward Draco, his expression earnest. “I’m here to call a truce.”
Draco stared at Potter, his mind temporarily short-circuiting. He was fluent in English and three other languages, yet somehow the words "truce" coming from Potter didn’t make sense. “What?” he asked, his tone unintentionally sharp.
“I said I’m here for a truce,” Potter repeated, his expression earnest but hesitant. “You’re not as awful as I thought you were and… I’ll try not to immediately assume the worst about you anymore.”
