Tim Pepper, fourth year Ravenclaw, was a good student in his classes. He didn’t cause his teachers any issues, other than to ask them extra questions or pose the odd philosophical debate. His ears and eyes remained open, both for study, and to observe his classmates, keeping up with the gossip as far as possible. He even managed to wrangle the sugar-induced mania of Akira Hericho in the younger year, as his girlfriend of sorts. As such, Tim had built up plenty of goodwill with professors, even the likes of Professor Malfoy… well… hopefully.

At the end of Fourth Year potions that Monday before the Easter holidays, Tim made his move, approaching the Professor’s desk at the close of the lesson.
“Professor Malfoy,” he addressed, “please would you have a moment?” He blinked and glanced away to the other students leaving the potions laboratory to go to history. They were either oblivious or gave him glances that read typical Ravenclaw, asking for extra work. (Equally, Tim was oblivious to the mischief his classmate Mairead had in store for Malfoy at the Friday night feast at the end of the week.)

“I wondered, sir,” Tim continued respectfully, “if I could have permission for some of the books on this reading list.” He extended the letter[1] from the Deputy Head Healer of St Mungo’s,  Healer Sandy Misslethorpe. He was also Slytherin student, Meredith Misslethorpe’s dad. There was a short book list attached.

“I took the list to Madam Williams[2],” the Hogwarts librarian, “but she asked me to seek your permission to access some of the books as they are above fourth year standard[3], sir.”

1.	21st March, 2012 - Wand and Bone
2.	23rd March, 2012 - Book and Bone
3.	Quote from: Terra Williams on January 01, 2022, 12:41:12 PM …However, I request permission from professors who are more aware of your skills rather than just your aspirations" she said kindly. "It is nothing against you or the Deputy Head Healer of St Mungo’s Hospital, but they are unlikely to know fourth year students and their capabilities. Speak with Professor Malfoy, see if he will provide you a note. Explain your reasoning. If he refuses to even hear you out, come to me and I will speak to him on your behalf. You need to make the first attempt though."

Draco sat in his chair behind his desk as he watched the last of the Fourth Years left his classroom.  Contrary to popular belief, his favorite classes were the ones with Ravenclaws. They at least didn't cause problems and went about their work in a calm and quiet manner.  So when the Pepper boy approached him after class was over, he sat up and straightened some essays on his desk as the boy asked if he had a moment.

He was about to tell the boy that he could spare a few minutes, but he continued on with his request.  To be honest, Draco was surprised that someone at the school was actually sending someone to him for assistance. He still felt the sting of his past actions every time he entered the Great Hall, and also whenever he entered the staff room.  It was like the other staff were judging him just because he walked into the room.

However, as he took the list from the boy, he was actually looking forward to seeing what all of this was about. As he looked over the list, he realized that three of the four books were among those he had donated to the library.  He knew that the Pepper boy was an eager learner and was always looking for something more to learn.

"You'll take extra care with the books then?" Draco asked him.  After all, Draco had donated those books to the library and most all of them were in pristine condition.  "If you promise that, then I have no problem giving my permission to you and you alone."

Professor Malfoy looked over the book list with interest. Tim didn’t realise but he was holding his breath with hope that the Professor would agree and give him permission for the librarian’s satisfaction.

“You’ll take extra care with the books then?”

“Of course, Sir.” Tim agreed respectfully, a little waver to his voice at being spoken to directly by Professor Malfoy. “I take great care of all books, especially library books.” He was a Ravenclaw, and abuse of books was abhorrent in the eyes of that house! Even to fold the corner over of a page in a paperback instead of using a bookmark was heresy.

“I can study them in the library and not remove them if you prefer, Professor. You can trust me.” He straightened his school tie and stood a little taller, wishing he had just a smidge more confidence.

He studied the boy for what seemed like forever, but he knew that most of the students that were brave enough to approach him outside of class, they were most likely able to be trusted, so he decided to do something that he rarely ever did.

"Question for you Pepper," Draco began as he leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest, "If you were to be granted access to some of the more rare books that would help you, would you be willing to only use them in my office?"  Looking over at the boy's list again, he knew he had a few books that came from Snape's personal library that might help him out, but he had to be sure that they would stay in his office. After all, Snape did often write notes in all of his books, and having been on the receiving end of one of his developed curses meant he definitely did not want them out in the school.

“…If you were to be granted access to some of the more rare books that would help you, would you be willing to only use them in my office?” 

Tim was taken aback, surprised by this generosity from the Professor who got such a bad rap from the other students.

“Er - well - I wouldn’t expect, but of course. Yes Professor. I would be honoured.” Tim managed to put together a coherent sentence in response to this surprise at the offer. “Thank you. I wouldn’t want to impose on you though, sir.” He added self consciously.

“You helped St Mungo’s put together their new potions department[1] together, didn’t you Professor?”

1.	28th May 2011 - Whining Potions

Draco was momentarily stunned that the boy knew of this.  He tried to keep his name out of the St. Mungo's assistance because he wanted it to be anonymous. "I'm surprised you know that, most students don't know about that, at least I don't think so." He sat back in his chair. 

"Well, you are one of the more responsible students in this school. So here's the deal." He crossed his arms over his chest.  "After dinner you may come here and sit in my office while I brew potions in my private laboratory." He looked at the boy, "You must leave before curfew though. On the weekends you can come and peruse the books as long as you send a note first asking permission."

Draco sat forward and played with a quill on his desk, "Are these terms acceptable?"[1]

1.	I hope it's okay.

“I’m surprised you know that, most students don’t know about that, at least I don’t think so.”

Tim was a little embarrassed. He hadn’t realised it was private information about his teacher.
“My, er, my dad mentioned,” Tim explained truthfully, “he’s a school governor.” He shrugged his narrow shoulders, hoping that was enough of an explanation.

“Well, you are one of the most responsible students in this school…” Professor Malfoy seemed satisfied, and gave him some conditions. It had gone from restricted library books to studying the professor’s private collection.

“Are these terms acceptable?”

“V-Very, Professor.” Tim stuttered out of surprise. “Thank you. I’d be honoured.” He gathered himself, and remembered he’d still need permission for the librarian. “Should I direct Madam Williams to you, sir? For permission?”

Still being stunned that someone in this school actually came to talk to him voluntarily, Draco was overwhelmed and needed to get the boy out of his office quickly before he did something uncharacteristic, like smile in another's presence.  "Very well." he took a piece of parchment from a desk drawer and quickly wrote a note for the boy saying he'd given permission to use the books only in the library of course, he couldn't be too generous after all, someone might think something was wrong and send the Healer to check him over.

On another bit of parchment he wrote a note to the boy's head of house, "There's the note for the librarian." he told Tim as he handed him the first note, "That should do, but keep in mind, this permission is only for you, not the other hellions of the school." he stood up and walked over to the door and opened it, "Now scram," he waited for the boy to walk past him and quickly handed him the second note, "This one's for your Head of House, to make sure no one think's I'm using you for potion ingredients." As the boy left the office, Draco took a deep breath, he needed to pinch himself.

Had he actually spent those minutes with an individual that didn't despise him? That was a new feeling of lately, that not everyone in Hogwarts, or London wouldn't look at him with some sort of disgust.  As he sat down behind his desk again and ran his hand over his face all he could think now was, 'Merlin, I need a drink.'