Chapter 2 – The Proposition
"Malfoy, what is this about? What are we doing going to Dumbledore of all people? Shouldn't we talk to Snape first?"
"He knows what we're going to do; he'll be in the office and fully supports this too."
This left Blaise dumbstruck and momentarily at a loss for words.
"What do you mean he knows and supports this? What is this?"
Rounding on him, Draco lets out an exasperated sigh "Blaise, don't make me beg you to keep quiet. It will all be explained in due time. Can we please get going?"
Giving an exaggerated roll of his eyes, he nods and they resume their trek to Dumbledore's office. Theo has been unnaturally silent this whole while.
In the silence, Draco pondered as to the exact way he would frame his proposition to the Gryffindor's without them being too sceptical of his intentions.
"Ah, Mr Malfoy, welcome. Professor Snape informed me that you would be joining us this evening. Please take a seat while we wait for the others."
"Mr Nott, Mr Zabini, please, would you all some tea?" As they declined, Dumbledore seemed to understand and didn't pursue further.
Once the trio entered, Snape had become alert and relieved all at once. You had to have a very sharp eye and know him for long enough to discern exactly how this could be made out. He knew how big a risk this was, and not once did he doubt that these 3 had the courage to do it, but he feared for their lives. Though he may not show it, he was incredibly fond of his Godson and his friends. They were the very reason he had willingly stayed on at Hogwarts when The Dark Lord had suggested that he should remain here to be their spy.
As soon as the Gryffindor's and Luna had settled in, Dumbledore turned his twinkling gaze towards Draco once again.
"Now Mr Malfoy, as you can see everyone is present, do begin on your reason for calling us all together."
Draco swallowed; he knew this was going to be a long and tedious discussion.
"Headmaster, I'm sure that Professor Snape has already informed you of the subject of this gathering, but for the benefit of all those who aren't aware,..." Draco paused. He glanced towards Blaise and Theo, and then let his gaze roam over everyone else, meeting Hermione's eyes, and holding on to the spark he could see "I have gathered you all here this evening, because we can no longer retain our sanity, and wish to deflect and join your side of the battle."
He saw Hermione hear what he said, comprehension dawning on her face, to be replaced by confusion and scepticism. "Malfoy, why should we believe you?" Even with the person to be raising this question, he recognised the hope in her voice, and it seemed that she heard it too, as she broke their eye contact to look at Dumbledore.
Draco smirked; he hadn't done that in a while.
"Typical of you to be the first one questioning our motives Granger"
"Malfoy, mind it. Careful of what you're saying. Though we fully support this notion too, you need to give them the upper hand here." Blaise whispered to him.
Flicking his eyes momentarily to his, Draco gave him an imperceptible nod.
"Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape can attest to our honesty and intentions. We really do mean you all no harm and are, to be immensely honest, being selfish enough to be saving our own arses, knowing full well how this will affect all those concerned, especially our families."
"Are you saying that your parents are unaware of this new establishment?" Again it was Hermione to raise the question.
"That is precisely what I'm saying." Draco agreed.
"We have unfortunately had to keep them out of the loop, to protect them. Professor Snape will personally tell them once this meeting concludes."
Harry was still looking at them with suspicion. But when he spoke, he held all the confidence in his voice and in the clarity of his words.
"Malfoy, while I'm still wary of you, and it will take some time to get used to this situation, I too support this decision of yours, and welcome you to the Order of Phoenix." Getting up from his chair, he walks towards Draco, raising his hand to shake Draco's.
"Harry, are you out of your mind?! This is Malfoy and his band of Slytherins?! How do you know they are not just tricking us and hoping we get captured in the process?" Ron nearly enough shouted at Harry.
"Because Ron, I too know how it feels when you can't protect your loved ones and have to instead just move on and pray that you survive. Because Ron, right now, we need all the help we can get and," turning towards Draco once again, "they know they are outnumbered so if they step out of line, they'll thoroughly regret it."
Theo looked like he was about to faint, and Neville wasn't faring any better, but they had remained silent and accepting throughout. Neville could relate very well with Harrys statement. It was because of this group of people that they didn't have parents. It was a faint glimmer of hope, one that Draco readily clinged to.
"I think it will all work out for the better." Luna states and wonders to Blaise's side, giving him an awkward one-arm hug "Welcome to the light."
"Professor Dumbledore, how exactly do you suppose we get these 3 to the safe-house before they find out?" Stealing a look at Snape, Hermione made her point clear.
"Miss Granger, the logistics have been discussed with Professor Snape and you all will be transported with the order members directly from Hogsmeade tomorrow. Be sure to pack carefully."
With this they were dismissed.
