AN: Ugh... This took me ages to update. I'm so sorry guys. I've been really struggling. I'm having ridiculous tension headaches and muscle spasms in my arms and legs. I haven't felt well enough to do much so my writing has suffered a bit.
This chapter is sort of a transition. I had to lay some ground work. There will be a few chapters like that. This is a big project and I'm super excited to share it with all of you. Please let me know what you think.
Harry had mixed feelings about returning to Hogwarts. He loved the old castle and he'd missed it terribly, but there were so many painful memories. So many had died in the castle and on the grounds.
He gave Ginny's hand a loving squeeze as the stepped through the main entry doors, drawing a shuddering breath as he looked around at the newly repaired school. If he hadn't seen the carnage himself, he'd have trouble believing that it had been the site of a horrific battle. The walls had been repaired. The stone floors free of gouges from stray hexes. The castle itself seemed to thrum with life, welcoming the students home.
Draco was walking between between Harry and Hermione. Ron was just behind Draco, close enough that Draco could feel the red-head's breath on neck. It was a bit unnerving. Neville Longbottom was behind Harry, but he didn't crowd in quite as close. Seamus Finnegan and and Dean Thomas were in front, but they kept glancing over their shoulders, as if making sure that they weren't getting too far ahead of Harry. Draco was a little bewildered by their little procession, but he was too overwhelmed to ask questions. He'd seen Harry have a quick, hushed conversation with Longbottom, but Draco hadn't expected to have the group of Gryffindors close ranks around him, shielding him from most of the crowd. The murmurs of hushed conversation swirled around him; His name rippling through the crowd like a curse.
All of the students, with the exception of the first years, proceeded to the Great Hall. They were stunned to find that it was arranged a bit differently. In addition to the normal house tables, there was a fifth table that sat parallel to the high table. It was a little smaller than the other tables, but it had place settings just like the house tables.
The Headmistress approached the students, her eyes scanning the crowd and lingering on the small cluster of Gryffindors that had closed ranks around Harry and Draco. "Welcome back," McGonagall said crisply. "As you can see, we've made some changes for this year. All student that from year two through year seven may proceed to their house tables. Those of you that are repeating your seventh year will proceed to the new table."
The students made their way to their tables, casting distrustful looks at Draco. Doing his best to ignore the scrutiny, Draco allowed himself to be shuffled over to the new table and found himself seated between Harry and Hermione. Ron sat across from them, exchanging a terse nod with Harry. Neville dropped into the space to Ron's left while Dean and Seamus sat on Ron's right, shooting Harry questioning looks. Harry shook his head slightly, and turned his attention to the doors where the first years were being led in.
Draco was only dimly aware of the Sorting Hat's song. He wished that he could slip away and just go to bed. He certainly didn't want to be sitting in the Great Hall with everyone staring at him. He knew he was hated. He carefully kept his face impassive and his gaze away from all of the other students. The only outward sign of his agitation, was the firm squeeze he gave when Hermione slipped her hand into his under the table.
Once the first years were sorted, the Headmistress called for everyone's attention. Her gaze swept the Great Hall slowly. "Before we begin our feast, I would like to offer an explanation," McGonagall said crisply. "Since the war was such a disruption to the last school year, an invitation was extended to those that were in their seventh year to return to school and complete their schooling. Some decided to return while others chose to complete their examinations outside of Hogwarts." She paused, finally focusing on the newest table. "The new Eighth Years will no longer be affiliated with the four houses. They will have their own temporary house. I expect exemplary behavior," she added sternly.
The Eighth years exchanged looks of surprise as McGonagall returned to her seat. Food appeared on the tables and conversation quickly picked up around the tables. Draco was almost too stunned to serve himself. He'd been dreading the idea of being thrust back into the Slytherin dorms. Even as he had sat at the new table, he hadn't dared to hope that he might be able to stay with his new friends.
Harry wasn't sure how to feel. He loved Gryffindor House. But, he felt a bit relieved by the fact that they'd be separated from the younger students. The others in his year were less likely to fawn over him. He didn't want fans. He wanted to mourn, rebuild his life and be with his friends. Harry smiled to himself when he felt Draco's tense posture relax just a little bit.
"Harry?"
Harry looked up and met Neville's concerned gaze. "Neville," Harry responded with a little nod of greeting.
"So, what's this about?" Neville asked, his gaze flicking to Draco for just a moment. As they'd gotten off the train, Harry had asked Neville, Seamus and Dean to help keep Draco protected, but Harry hadn't given any sort of explanation.
Harry offered a slightly tense smile. "I'd rather not discuss it here," he responded. "For the moment, I'll just say that Draco and I are friends."
Seamus choked on his pumpkin juice and Dean froze, staring at Harry with wide eyes. Neville looked shocked but he nodded slowly. "Understood," Neville said firmly. He shifted his eyes to Draco. "How was your summer Malfoy?"
Draco looked up from his plate with a frown. He considered Neville for a moment. "Not as bad as it could have been," he muttered.
"Of course," Harry agreed, sounding annoyingly cheerful. "You got to spend time with me and Hermione."
Draco snorted and rolled his eyes. "I hardly think being subjected to your horrible dancing and ghastly singing is something to brag about," he retorted, smirking when Harry looked offended.
"You're just jealous," Harry responded with a dignified sniff.
Ron snickered, nearly choking on roasted potatoes. Once he'd swallowed, he grinned at Harry. "I really doubt that mate," Ron said. "We all saw you at the Yule Ball in fourth year. Most painfully awkward thing I've ever seen."
"I've gotten better!" Harry objected indignantly.
"I don't think graduating from an awkward shuffling to an aggressive flailing of limbs can be considered an improvement," Draco commented, before taking a bite of his chicken.
Harry scowled while Ron pointed and laughed raucously. Dean, Seamus and Neville started chuckling as well. Hermione was shaking her head and smothering her giggle with her hand.
Draco felt himself relax just a bit. For the moment, Harry's friends seemed content to just trust Harry's judgement. Draco glanced around at the other Eighth years, his stomach clenching uncomfortably when he spotted Pansy Parkinson and Blaise Zabini. They were talking quietly with Millicent Bulstrode, Tracey Davis, Gregory Goyle and Theodore Nott. Draco hadn't spoken to any of them since the war. He wasn't sure of what an encounter with them would be like. Only Goyle and Nott's fathers had been Death Eaters, but he doubted that the others would be pleased about Draco's friendship with Harry and Hermione either.
The feast was completed without incident and soon the Eighth years were being led through the castle by Headmistress McGonagall herself. She went down a corridor on the third floor and stopped in front of a massive painting of a very cheerful looking elderly wizard. "Sugar Quills," McGonagall said clearly, waiting patiently while the Portrait opened slowly.
The students entered their new common room, looking all around apprehensively. Harry was rather pleased. It much like the Gryffindor common room, but it was decorated in creams and rich browns. He felt more relaxed already.
"The dormitories are up those stairs," McGonagall said, indicating a set of stairs with a small landing that led to branched off to the left and right. "I'm allowing you a bit more freedom that the other students and you are not to abuse that," she went on sternly. "Bullying will not be tolerated. I expect for you to set a good example for our younger students." She waved everyone away and watched as the students began to explore the common room or proceed to the dorms. Satisfied, she gestured for Harry, Hermione, Draco and Ron to approach.
"This is brilliant," Ron commented, looking around appreciatively.
"Indeed," McGonagall agreed, looking amused. "I wanted a neutral space for all of you. Last year was so violent and I hoped to encourage some peace. Place Slytherins and Gryffindors in a house together seems counter-productive, but I think you four can help to smooth the way." She paused to eye Draco for a moment. "How are you Mr. Malfoy?"
"Well enough," Draco responded rather stiffly.
McGonagall hesitated, apparently not wanting to make him even more uncomfortable. "And, do you feel safe here?" she asked quietly.
Draco firmly resisted the urge to sneer. After all, McGonagall was the headmistress and she was trying to protect him. "I believe so," he replied curtly.
McGonagall nodded and bid them a good night before leaving the common room. Harry sighed and gestured to the stairs. "Let's go see where our rooms are," he said, suddenly feeling rather tired. He led the way up the stairs and turned right, eyeing the little signs next to the doors indicating who was assigned to the room. He breathed a sigh of relief when he found his own name at the third door. He was sharing a room with Draco and Ron.
"Wicked!" Ron cried, pushing through the door way and looking around the room excitedly. "Just the three of us. I was afraid McGonagall would have us in a room with Nott or Ernie McMillan."
"Ernie's not so bad," Harry said, running his hand over the curtains hanging around one of the beds. Like the common room, the dorm room was decorated in warm browns and delicate cream colors. "I'm glad it's the three of us though," Harry added, grinning at Draco and Ron. Draco smiled slightly, sprawling inelegantly across one of the beds.
"This is nice," Hermione agreed, stepping into the room and looking around. "They're a bit smaller, but that's to be expected."
"Who are you rooming with?" Ron suggested, looking at Hermione expectantly.
Hermione winced. "Susan and Pansy," she admitted uncomfortably.
"Merlin, that'll be a nightmare!" Ron cried, his expression horrified.
Hermione shot him a sour look. "Thank you Ronald," she said sarcastically. She sighed, she dropped onto the bed that Draco was on and gave him a pleading look. "Any suggestions for dealing with Pansy?" she asked hopefully.
Draco sighed, considering. "Just don't put up with her shite," he said. "Make sure she knows that you're not going to be pushed around."
"And if that doesn't work," Harry added, "just join us in here. But, I'm having trouble imagining Hermione Granger letting anybody push her around. Bloody terrifying." He shuddered and then winked when Hermione rolled her eyes.
"And don't you forget it," Hermione responded with wicked smirk. She gave Draco's hand a little squeeze and then left the room, calling "Goodnight!" over her shoulder.
Hermione stepped into her own room to find Susan and Pansy had each claimed a bed and had begun to prepare for bed. Susan looked rather relieved to see Hermione. Pansy clearly didn't share that feeling.
"Just stay away from me mudblood," Pansy snapped, her posture rigid and hostile.
Hermione was unimpressed. She resisted the impulse to roll her eyes and moved toward the third bed without comment. Her trunk was sitting on the floor at the foot of her bed, so she opened it to grab her toiletries and her bed clothes.
Pansy was tense and kept shooting Hermione unreadable looks. Just as Hermione started to make her way to the bathroom, Pansy seemed unable to remain silent. "Why was Draco with you, Potter and Weasley?" she demanded.
Hermione paused and turned to look at Pansy. "That's none of your business, now is it?" she retorted coldly.
"Draco's my friend!" Pansy snapped. She frowned and corrected herself. "Was my friend. But now he's got himself surrounded by Gryffindors. You can't tell me you're all friends now." She was sounding more hysterical with every word she spoke.
"We are friends," Hermione said cautiously.
"But why?" Pansy cried, bewildered. "And why hasn't he contacted me? Blaise hasn't heard from him either."
Hermione stared at Pansy for a moment, pursing her lips. "And why do you think that might be?" she asked curtly.
Pansy's dark eyes narrowed. "What makes you think that a mud-" She cut herself off abruptly when Hermione took a step closer to her, her expression cold.
"I don't recommend finishing that word," Hermione snapped. "Draco was caught in the middle of that war. He lost his mother and his father is locked up. Harry offered him a safe haven."
"But now we're here," Pansy argued. "He could come to me. The Slytherins are his friends."
"Are they?" Hermione asked, her tone doubtful. "How supportive will they be? Do you even know what he's been through?"
Pansy glared at Hermione for a moment, though she was wringing her hands in anxiety. After a moment, Pansy sighed. "I just want to talk to him," she said quietly.
Hermione nodded slowly. "I'll speak with him in the morning," she said. "If he's open to the idea, you can speak with him. But, if you hurt or upset him, you'll regret it."
Pansy climbed into bed a short time later, mulling over the fact that she'd been threatened by Hermione Granger... Over Draco! Something major had shifted over the summer. To most observers, Draco would have seemed calm and unflappable. But Pansy had known him for years. She could see Draco flinch slightly at loud sounds. He avoided eye contact with everyone aside from Potter, Granger and the Weasleys, of all people. He looked as tense as he had in sixth year, and that thought made Draco's disposition a bit disturbing.
Harry woke up and stretched languidly before chucking his pillow at Ron. He smiled when Ron groaned loudly. "Surely you don't want to miss the first breakfast at Hogwarts?" Harry suggested.
Ron rolled over to glare at Harry. "You're lucky I'm hungry," he snapped. He yawned and then narrowed his eyes as he peered past Harry and then looked toward Draco's bed. "No sleepovers then?" he asked with a grin.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Don't be a prat about it," Harry said firmly. "He has horrible nightmares, like I do. Hermione too."
"I know mate," Ron replied, shooting Harry a sympathetic look. "I'm sure we've all got some memories haunting us. I know I do," he added quietly. "I imagine having someone next to you makes it better.
"Then stop being an arse about it," Draco grumbled from his bed.
Ron chuckled while Harry shook his head. "How'd you sleep?" Harry asked, sitting up and putting on his glasses so he could look at Draco properly. They'd all left their bed curtains open during the night, and Harry had hoped that it would keep Draco calm.
"Well enough," Draco responded, though Harry doubted his words. Draco still looked rather tired.
Before Harry could question Draco further, there was a knock at the door. Harry sighed before calling out for the person to just come in. Hermione stepped into the room and rolled her eyes when she saw that all three of the young men were still in bed. Hermione was fully dressed and ready for the day.
She walked over to Draco's bed and sat down. Her eyes scanned Draco's face for a moment and she frowned. "You look tired," she commented softly. She smiled when she noticed that his hair was disheveled, but she didn't comment on it. Instead she reached out and ran her fingers through it, untangling the short, silky strands. Draco let out a little hum of approval, closing his eyes and shifting closer to her.
"How was Pansy?" Draco asked, keeping his eyes closed.
Hermione sighed, casting an anxious look at Harry and Ron. Looking back at Draco, she bit her lip. She hated to distress him when he'd clearly had a difficult night. She'd known that Draco was going to force himself to remain in his own bed once they'd returned to Hogwarts. It couldn't have been easy. Even while curled up between Harry and Hermione, Draco's anxiety kept him tense and unsettled for most of the night.
Draco's eyes opened and he eyed Hermione uncertainly. "Granger?" he asked, his tone laced with concern.
"Sorry," Hermione muttered, shaking her head to clear her thoughts. "Pansy wants to speak with you."
"No way!" Ron objected instantly, bolting upright in bed. "You can't leave him alone with any of those snakes."
Draco blinked in surprise. He hadn't really expected any sort of protectiveness from the red-head. He seemed to barely tolerate Draco most of the time. Ron seemed to understand Draco's shock, grinning at the blond. "You spent the almost the entire summer with Harry and Hermione," Ron pointed out. "You're one of us now and we take care of our own."
Draco muttered about sentimental Gryffindor idiots, but his words lacked any real heat and Ron had been completely unfazed by it. Draco reluctantly agreed to speak with Pansy but refused to be left alone with her. And so, shortly after breakfast, Draco went to sit by the Black Lake with Pansy, Hermione, Harry, Ginny and Ron. Pansy surprised everyone by listening carefully to Draco's story. Harry and Hermione piped in frequently when needed.
Pansy stared at Draco with a bemused expression. "I've never heard of post traumatic- whatever," Pansy said cautiously.
"No surprise there," Hermione huffed in irritation. "Mental health is largely disregarded in the wizarding world up until someone is chucked into St. Mungos for it." She reached out to squeeze Draco's hand when she saw his tense expression. "You'll be fine," she assured him quietly.
"That's right," Ginny agreed with a nod. "We'll love you through this."
Pansy stared at Hermione and Ginny as if they'd gone mad. Her eyes shifted to Draco and she took note of the exhaustion on his face and the tremor in his hand that wasn't being held by Hermione. Draco looked so broken. He was a skilled occlumens and had always been able to mask his emotions and hold it together under pressure. He would have never allowed himself to appear so weak in front of Harry Potter and his friends. But, it seemed that the loss of his mother combined with the other horrors that he'd witnessed during the war had caused more damage than Draco could bear. Still, it didn't fully explain the strange new dynamic between Draco and these Gryffindors. Surely Draco would never accept their pity.
"You trust them over your friends?" Pansy asked Draco pointedly. "What if they're using you?"
"They are my friends," Draco replied tiredly. "What could they possibly gain from this?"
"And that's more of a Slytherin thing," Ron pointed out, earning an amused snort from Harry and an eye roll from Draco.
"And me?" Pansy asked stiffly.
Draco sighed. "What do you want me to say?" he asked. "I'm a traitor to the Dark Lord's followers. I didn't expect any acceptance from my old 'friends'. Most of the magical population hates me for one reason or another."
"We really just want to help," Harry said quietly. "Draco needed a second chance and I was happy to offer it. We've actually been helping each other to cope."
"Coping," Ron chortled. "Is that what you call the three of you piling into a bed together?"
Pansy eyes bulged at this comment while Harry swatted the back of Ron's head indignantly. "Insensitive troll," Harry growled. His scowl turned into a smirk when Hermione and Draco exchanged a devious smile and promptly shoved Ron into the freezing waters of the lake. Ginny laughed so hard that she fell over.
As classes began, Minerva kept a close eye on the eighth year students. She felt certain that she'd made the correct decision when she'd grouped them all in a house together. There was some obvious hostility among the older students, but the obvious friendship between Harry, Hermione and Draco was drawing attention. Even Ron seemed to be on good terms with the Malfoy heir. They still bickered, but it was less aggressive and not likely to end in hexes.
The rest of the school had mixed feelings about the unlikely alliance. On the first day of class, Draco was cornered by a group of students from Gryffindor. Draco was swiftly disarmed and had a stinging hex sent at him before Harry and Hermione came around the corner and intervened.
Hermione disarmed the six students in a flash, and then stood before them grasping their wands in her left hand while her own wand was held in her right. "How dare you attack a student in the halls," she snarled.
A seventh year boy drew himself up to his full height and glared at her. "Malfoy..." he began, but Hermione was swift to cut him off.
"You have no right to administer punishment whenever you see fit," Hermione snapped. "Draco wasn't doing anything."
"He shouldn't be here," one of the girls insisted.
"That's not for you to decide," Harry retorted sternly. "This had better be the last time I see bullying from any of you."
"Bullying?"
Ginny walked up to the group, eyeing the Gryffindors incredulously, her head girl badge prominent on her robes. "Who are you bullying?" she demanded. She looked around and saw Draco leaning against the wall and rubbing his chest uncomfortably while glaring at his attackers. Ginny heaved an aggravated sigh. "Alright you lot. Draco Malfoy is not the enemy. In fact, my boyfriend is rather fond of him. I suggest you rid yourselves of any sort of vigilante justice notions. It will not be tolerated. Fifty points from Gryffindor. Take your wands and get to class." She watched as the students each retrieved their wand from Hermione before hurrying to their next class.
"Are you alright?" Hermione asked Draco quietly.
"Fine Granger," Draco responded, waving away her concern. "I'm not a child."
Neville had been close by and witnessed the whole confrontation. He approached the group, eyeing Draco apprehensively. "I hope that's the last we'll see of that," Neville said, "but I rather doubt it."
Harry nodded, glancing at Draco before meeting Neville's eyes. "We expected a bit of backlash," Harry admitted. "Draco's not exactly popular."
They began walking down the hall together, heading toward their Transfiguration class. "I'm sure things will die down after a bit," Neville commented lightly. He glanced at Draco and saw that the blond was walking next to Hermione, close enough that his arm was in near constant contact with hers. The sight seemed to ease Neville's reservations regarding Malfoy.
"Of course," Harry said with a little nod. He gave Neville a pointed look. "In the mean time, I want it known that anyone that messes with Draco, messes with us."
Neville looked pleased. "I'll spread the word," he said helpfully.
Draco eyed his companies warily. "Gryffindors are weird," he muttered.
"So true," Harry agreed with a decisive nod, earning an eye roll from Draco and Hermione while Ginny and Neville snorted with laughter.
It wasn't long before they noticed the hostility directed at Draco from the other houses. The first time Draco was in the hallways alone, he found himself cornered by a group of six and seven year Slytherins. Draco had a difficult time understanding every accusation that was hurled at him as his wand was wrenched out of his hand and tossed aside, but he got the idea. He was a traitor and a coward. He was a Death Eater and should have been in Azkaban like the others. Some of these Slytherins had family members or friends that were now in the wizard prison. Why should Draco escape that fate?
He gasped harshly as he was shoved and his head collided with the stone wall. Oh how the mighty had fallen. At one time, these same students would have revered him as the ultimate Slytherin; King of them all. His name was prestigious and was associated with money and power. Now, he was despised and the name Malfoy was sneered at.
"Oi! You lot clear off!"
Draco blinked in surprise, looking around for the familiar voice. He was shocked but relieved to see Blaise and Pansy standing in the hall, scowling at Draco's attackers.
"This doesn't concern you," one of the Slytherin boys said. He was rather large and brutish looking, reminding Draco of Vincent Crabbe.
"I'm not asking," Blaise snarled. "I'm telling you to move along before this becomes... unsavory."
Pansy was visibly shaking with rage. "If you don't step away right now, you'll be using your intestines as a necktie," she hissed coldly. "Or maybe I'll just hex your bits so they shrivel and fall off." She smirked when she saw Blaise shudder at her threat.
For a moment, nobody moved. Then, apparently deciding that it wasn't worth the risk, the Slytherins walked away, shooting Draco scathing looks as they went. Draco slid down the wall until he was seated on the floor, his limbs trembling. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, hoping to ease the panic that had blossomed in his mind. His head was throbbing with pain and his back ached from hitting the wall.
Pansy and Blaise exchanged a knowing look before helping Draco up and leading him to the infirmary. They stubbornly ignored his protests and scowled until he relented and sat down on one of the beds. Pansy hurried to fetch Madam Pomfrey while Blaise left the hospital wing without a word. He returned with Harry and Hermione while Madam Pomfrey was fussing over Draco.
Hermione hurried to the bed, her eyes wide with anxiety, but she didn't interfere with Pomfrey's examination. Harry lingered at Blaise's side, his jaw clenched angrily. "I appreciate this," Harry muttered, glancing at Blaise and forcing himself to relax a bit. "I realize that it wasn't for my benefit, but I'm grateful anyway."
Blaise gave a terse nod, his sharp gaze drifting to Draco. The blond was so different now. Draco seemed almost timid around most people now. Anyone that managed to get close enough could practically feel the tension coming off of him in waves. The old Draco was cocky and arrogant and never would have allowed anyone to see weakness or vulnerability.
"Perhaps, a truce would be beneficial," Blaise said carefully. "Pansy and I aren't likely to win favor with the Slytherins if they're so determined to punish Draco. And, though the stubborn bastard probably wouldn't admit it, Draco needs you and Granger. I think an alliance would be prudent."
Harry huffed out a surprised laugh. "Sounds like a business negotiation," he commented with an amused smirk.
Blaise allowed his lips to curl into a slight smile. "You could look at it that way," he replied with a little nod.
Harry glanced at the bed and then looked back at Blaise. "I won't allow Hermione or the Weasleys to be treated poorly," Harry said sharply.
Blaise rolled his eyes. "Understood. I think I can control myself."
Madam Pomfrey handed Draco a vial of potion once she was finished examining him. "Just some bruising," she assured Pansy and Hermione. "Nothing serious." She watched while Draco drank the potion and then set the empty vial aside. "Mr. Malfoy, you are to rest here for an hour and then you may leave. But, I expect you to return immediately if you experience any nausea, dizziness, headache or vision changes." Once Draco agreed, she returned to her office.
"I'm fine Granger," Draco huffed, though he didn't seem to object when she smoothed his hair down carefully. In fact, he shifted slightly to allow her fingers to run through his hair more easily.
"I'm so glad you two were there," Hermione murmured, glancing at Pansy hesitantly.
"Me too," Pansy admitted. "I suppose the eighth years need to stick together."
As expected, Ron was a bit more skeptical about the idea of a truce with Blaise and Pansy. But, he agreed to make an effort since Hermione and Harry were so determined. He wasn't as fond of Draco as Harry, Hermione and Ginny seemed to be, but he'd accepted the blond easily enough. After everyone had lost so much, it seemed like to much effort to stubbornly hold onto hatred. Draco had clearly been damaged by the war and Ron could understand that.
Harry was pleased when Neville, Seamus and Dean accepted the arrangement with little complaint. They were wary of the former Slytherins, but there was no hostility. When Harry mentioned his surprise, Neville had merely smiled and stated that they trusted Harry. The idea warmed Harry and he was grateful. He just wished that the rest of the school could be so understanding.
"I'm so glad we don't have classes today," Ron said, dropping gracelessly into an armchair in the common room.
"It's a shame that it's raining," Ginny commented, shifting to make herself comfortable on Harry's lap. She frequently joined him in the new common room rather than returning to Gryffindor tower. "We could have played Quidditch or something if the weather had been better."
"Right," Blaise drawled. "Because nothing says fun like being forced to watch a pissing contest between Potter and Draco." This caused Draco to roll his eyes while everyone else chuckled.
Seamus sat up from his sprawled position on the floor. "How about story time then?" he asked cheerfully.
"Story time?" Pansy asked, crossing her legs primly and eyeing Seamus suspiciously. "What are you on about?'
Seamus grinned mischievously. "I heard that Harry, Ron and Hermione hooked up while they were on the run," he said, looking expectantly at three students in question. "True or false?"
Ron choked on the chocolate frog that he'd been eating. Harry's eyes were wide with shock, his cheeks flushing. Hermione let out an embarrassed squeak and then blurted out "False! Oh my... Is that what people have been saying?" she cried out, horrified. Beside her, Draco was hiding a grin behind his hand, amused by her flustered blush.
"There may have been a bit of speculation," Seamus replied with a little shrug. "It's not as if it was universally accepted as the truth."
Dean, was laying on his back next to Seamus, reached out and poked Seamus in the ribs. "By that, he means that he did most of the speculation," Dean told Hermione with a grin.
"I've got one," Neville said eagerly. "I heard that broke into the ministry and filled Umbridge's office with Dementers."
Ron rolled his eyes. "Not exactly," he replied.
"We used polyjuice potion to get into the Ministry," Harry explained. "I went into Umbridge's office, but it was to look for a horcrux. We fought off Dementers in the courtroom as we escaped."
"Well, I know that you got into the Lestrange vault at Gringotts," Draco commented. "But, I heard this ridiculous story about you escaping on the back of a dragon. How did you really escape?"
Harry snorted while Ron and Hermione grinned mischievously. "That one's true," Harry chuckled.
"You lie!" Draco cried out incredulously.
"Oh, I wish," Hermione huffed. "I really hate flying and that dragon was terrifying."
Harry laughed again. "I thought it was brilliant," he commented. "Never again though. I doubt even I'm lucky enough to survive a second attempt."
"Blimey," Seamus said, shaking his head. "Is there anything you three didn't do?"
Ron smirked. "Well, we didn't have a threesome," he commented. "So, there's that."
Pansy and Ginny cackled gleefully and the young men roared with laughter while Hermione hid her face in her hands. Harry groaned loudly. "I hate you so much," he told Ron seriously.
Ron didn't look particularly concerned.