They stood in stunned silence, none of them quite sure what to make of their unexpected living situation. Draco wanted nothing more than to lock himself away in his room in order avoid the inevitable confrontation, but he knew none of his three new roommates were going to let that happen, so he remained planted in his spot, waiting for one of them to speak. He trained his eyes onto a knot in the wood counter above the recently displaced stool.
Not surprisingly, Ron was the first to speak, addressing only his friends, hatred laced through every word he spat, "Can you believe McGonagall? Forcing us to live here with that filthy death eater."
Draco clinched his jaw slightly, and took several slow, drawn out breaths. Being called a death eater made his skin crawl, not that he could blame Ron for using that term towards him. By all outward appearances, he was one. In fact, he'd spent years making everyone believe that was the truth. They weren't just going to take him on his word that how he'd been was all an act. He longed to speak the truth to them, to her, but he knew actions had to come before words. He came back to Hogwarts to show people the real him. Telling them wouldn't be enough.
"Ronald," her voice was sharp and disapproving, yet it made Draco's heart skip, "Did you not hear one word of what Professor McGonagall just said? None of us want to be in this situation, but we can't change it, so can you at least try to make the best of it?"
"Hermione, if it were anyone else. Literally anyone else in our entire class, I would have no problems. None. But, him?" Ron threw his arm in Draco's general direction, "You can't tell me living under the same roof with Draco Malfoy for the next nine months is something you are considering with a positive attitude."
"I just want to finish school, Ron. Honestly. I simply want to graduate so I can move on to the next chapter of my life." She sounded tired and annoyed. "If I have to spend nine months ignoring someone I can't stand, then so be it. I've endured much, much worse. I am sure Professor McGonagall knows what she is doing and has verified Malfoy is here with no ill-intent. Can we please let this go right now? Its late and I need a good night's sleep if I'm going to be ready for classes tomorrow."
Hermione wasn't actually worried about sleeping, she just needed some alone time to process the reality of their situation. Ron was right... what was McGonagall thinking. It was one thing to allow him back into school, but she had to be out of her mind to think the four of them could live together peacefully for the next nine months. The boys had been on opposite sides from the moment they stepped into the castle. Hermione's malevolent feelings weren't initially as strong as theirs. She'd always sensed an underlying sadness behind Draco's hard exterior. One encounter with Lucius was all it took for Hermione to feel pity for the awful man's son, but when Draco became a death eater, it was like he'd signed a declaration of war. Still, she couldn't help but wonder if the boy standing in front of her was an unwilling victim of his circumstances. And then there was the theater incident. What the hell was she supposed to do with that?
"I think we can all agree on needing sleep, Hermione, but Ron's right. There are some things that need to be addressed with Malfoy. If you'd prefer to go to bed, Ron and I can fill you in in the morning." Harry stated matter-of-factly.
"No, I'd rather be part of any discussions." She was outnumbered. This was happening tonight so she might as well get on board. "Can we at least sit?" She asked, motioning to the couch and armchairs in front of the fireplace.
Harry and Ron bookended Hermione on the couch while Draco settled into an armchair.
"I'm not here to cause any trouble." Draco spoke before they had a chance. He sounded more confident than he felt. Looking at them for the first time, he saw pretty much what he'd expected from the boys...hatred and disgust. Hermione, however, surprised him. Her expression, though directed to her lap, was softer and contemplative. He could tell she was rolling something over in her mind. He was caught off guard when she raised her eyes to his.
Hermione hadn't anticipated their eyes locking, but for that moment she was back in his arms in London, before she had recognized him. When he was just a guy and she was just a girl who bumped into him. For that split second, she wondered what could have been if that encounter in London had been the first time she'd laid eyes on Draco Malfoy. What if there was no history to overcome, no sides to be on? The answer sent chills up her spine... she wished that were the case. She shifted her gaze back to her lap quickly as she heard Ron's angry voice.
"Then why the hell are you here, Malfoy?" He spat.
Draco remained stoic, refusing to let Weasley goad him into a shouting match. "Same as you all, I suppose. I just want to finish my schooling, and move on with my life."
"You have to know no one wants to see your face around here, especially after what you did and what you are!" Ron was relishing the chance to have it out on Draco. " PEOPLE ARE DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU. MY BROTHER IS DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU!"
It was the truth. Draco knew that. He'd known going in that people were going to die. That happens in a war. It wasn't something Draco wanted to happen. He did his best to spare as many lives as he could without being found out. He grieved for the losses just as the three friends sitting in front of him had. At least they had each other. When he grieved, he was alone. They had no clue the amount of remorse he felt, or how heartbroken he was. He'd lost the man he considered to be his father, and no one knew.
His posture deflated, and he looked directly into the Weasley's eyes, as he allowed his true self to show in front of them for the first time, "You're right, Ron. People are dead because of choices I made. I can't change that. I don't expect you to accept it, but all I can offer you is my apology. I am sorry, for everything. I truly am." His gaze shifted to Harry and Hermione as he said the last part.
"What are you playing at Malfoy?" Ron sneered. "DO YOU REALLY THINK WE ARE STUPID ENOUGH TO BELIEVE YOU?" The anger boiled inside him, pulling him off the couch and towards Draco, who instinctively jumped out of his chair, prepared to defend himself.
Harry maneuvered himself between Draco and Ron as Hermione grabbed Ron's arm, and tried to pull him back. He shook her off, and snarled at Harry to get out of his way.
"No, Ron. He's not worth getting expelled." Harry placed a hand on his best friend's chest. "Hermione is right. Professor McGonagall would not have made these arrangements if she didn't believe we were able to rise above the past. Don't prove her wrong."
Ron reluctantly conceded to Harry, turning away and angrily pacing the length of the sitting room. Draco knew better than to thank Harry, even though he wanted to. Instead he interested himself with the fire, letting the three friends sort things out amongst themselves.
"You can't possibly believe him, Harry. He's Draco Malfoy. No matter what Professor McGonagall thinks, we know the REAL him." Ron made no effort to lower his voice, clearly wanting Draco to hear every word.
"Of course, I don't believe him, Ron, but he hasn't done anything tonight to warrant you having a go at him. If and when that changes, I'll be happy to stand aside and let you do what you need to do." Harry's tone was direct and controlled. He didn't leave room for Ron to debate.
"I think it is a good idea if we all just sleep on this." Hermione slid her hand into Ron's, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Maybe we can discuss a new arrangement with Professor McGonagall in the morning."
"Fine, but he-," Ron threw a death glare at Draco, who looked to them as his presence was acknowledged, "stays down here while we select our rooms. He'll have to settle for whatever is left."
Hermione shot Draco a look, expecting him to put up a fight about selecting his room, but he simply nodded to signal his agreement, before exiting the sitting room through the arched doorway at the right of the fireplace. He didn't know where it would take him, only that it was away from the three Gryffindors.
He was pleasantly surprised to find himself in the study, a short but wide room, a table and two chairs on either side of him. There were two empty bookshelves framing the door he'd just come through. The opposite wall was a mirror image: door in the middle, bookshelf on either side. He assumed there was a bookshelf for each of them to store their textbooks or any that they'd checked out from the library. The outer walls of the study were floor to ceiling windows. Out the north window, Draco could see a breathtaking view of the Black Lake, and to the south, was a secluded courtyard tucked between their cottage and the castle.
He continued forward, through the door opposite him, and was enveloped into pitch blackness. Draco drew his wand and uttered, "LUMOS". He couldn't help but smile as the small light revealed what appeared to be a replica of the Gryffindor common room. Red couches and arm chairs were scattered comfortably around the large space. A massive stone fireplace stood against the north wall. He sent a quick, "INCENDIO" towards it, and the room was bathed in a warm glow. It was only then that he realized the walls were covered with portraits of The Trio's lost loved ones. James and Lily. Remus and Tonks. Sirius. Mad-Eye Moody. Hedwig. Dobby the House Elf. And Fred. Poor, poor Fred. They were all there. The smile faded from his lips as he breathed a barely audible, "I'm Sorry" to the painted faces, tears threatening to spill from his eyes.
"Dear boy, what do you possibly have to be sorry about?" The voice was kind and familiar. Draco turned to the portrait he'd missed because it was directly above his head. Dumbledore's knowing eyes smiled down at the boy.
As Draco exited the sitting room, Harry, Ron and Hermione climbed the log stairs to the loft where the bedrooms were located. Ron continued to protest the situation under his breath, but his two friends ignored him, knowing nothing they said could change his foul mood. There were four doors facing the landing. One immediately to the right (east), two facing the railing (along the north wall) and one to the far left (west). After a quick exploration, they realized each of the bedrooms were the exact same, furnished with: a queen-sized, four post bed, nightstands on either side, a large wardrobe, a desk and an armchair next to a stone fireplace. Jack and Jill* bathrooms were settled into the corners between the first and second and third and fourth bedrooms. They had no outer doors, and had to be accessed through the bedrooms.
Ron wanted the room at the top of the stairs (east room) so he would be closest to the kitchen. He demanded Hermione take the room that shared his bathroom (northeast room). That left Harry with the northwest room, as they all agreed Malfoy should have the room farthest from Ron in order to avoid unintentional conflicts. Hermione was not all that thrilled to be sharing a bathroom with Ron, as he was a slob, but it was preferable to the other option of sharing with Malfoy.
Once they'd decided on rooms, their trunks appeared at the ends of their beds. Hermione grabbed her night clothes and ran straight into the bathroom, before Ron had the chance to defile it. She locked the door that led to his room, and went about her nightly routine. She sighed leisurely as she slid into her flannel pajamas. It had been a taxing day and she was ready to retreat into the comfort of her new bed. After brushing her teeth and washing her face, she knocked on Ron's door to signal that she was done, and proceeded into her bedroom.
She heard Ron barge into the bathroom in his usual bullish way. If there was one thing Ron Weasley was not, it was quiet. She cast a silencing charm over her room and his sounds vanished. "Ah, peace." She thought to herself as she dropped onto her bed. She had intended wait for the boys to finish in the bathrooms and tell them goodnight, not fall asleep, but the evening's events must have been more draining than she realized, because she woke an hour later shivering in the drafty room.
She pulled her robe and slippers from her trunk and wasted no time starting a fire. As she headed back toward her bed, she noticed a small parchment in front of her bedroom door.
Hermione,
We knocked, but you didn't answer.
You must have fallen asleep.
See you in the morning,
~H
She could always count on Harry to put the extra effort into their friendship. She wouldn't have known any different had he not left a note, but he wanted to be sure she knew they had tried to check on her before going to bed. She folded the parchment and tucked it into the pocket on her robe. She was just about to turn in when she remembered their fourth housemate, and couldn't help but wonder if he'd been informed the room selections were complete.
"I'm probably going to regret this." Hermione thought as she tip-toed from her room and down the stairs. The sitting room was nearly dark since the fire had died down to its embers. She wished she'd brought her wand, but knew if she turned back she wouldn't have the motivation to come back down, so she willed herself forward. The study was marginally brighter with the light of the full moon flooding through the windows. A dim glow beckoned her to the far door.
The peered inside and was tickled to see the room she had grown so fond of over her years at school. It was exactly as she remembered it, but as she looked closer, it was also different. The walls held portraits rather than draperies. The portraits were all asleep, but she had no trouble identifying them. She quietly began walking around the room, admiring each one silently.
Draco had been laying on the couch wondering if he'd waited long enough to return to the living quarters. He knew Potter and Weasley would not concern themselves to make the trip down to tell him they were done choosing rooms, but he had hope Hermione would find it in her heart to let him know. Just when he was about to give up that hope, she walked through the door.
Her hair was pulled into a messy bun on the top of her head, and she was wrapped in a fluffy teal bath robe. Her moccasin slippers scoffed rhythmically against the floor with every step. It had been over eight years since Draco had seen her like this - vulnerable and natural. Not since the night they'd spoken their 'I love yous' under the stars. At Hogwarts, he only allowed himself glimpses of her. Anytime his gaze lasted longer than a second or two, he'd lose control of his thoughts and their past would creep in. If he thought about their past, he'd be unable to keep the love he felt for her out of his eyes, so he steeled himself against lingering looks.
But now, in the quiet of this night, he allowed himself to unashamedly watch her. He'd never found her more beautiful than in this moment. She hadn't noticed him when she walked in, because she was too entranced by the portraits, but if she turned now and found him watching her, she'd definitely feel violated. He could pretend to be asleep, but then she might go back, and he'd have missed an opportunity to interact with her. She might try to wake him up, but that was a chance he wasn't willing to take, so he spoke up.
"McGonagall's outdone herself with this room." She nearly jumped out of her skin, and he had to clench his jaw to keep a laugh from erupting.
"For Merlin's sake, Malfoy," Hermione spat under her breath, still being mindful of the slumbering portraits. "You scared me half to death."
"That was not my intention. I simply wanted to make myself known, so you didn't catch me laying here watching you like some sort of creeper." He explained as he rose from the couch. "I thought you all had forgotten about me or were pretending I wasn't here, not that that would surprise me, but I take it you being here means room assignments have been decided."
The casual way he was speaking to her and the bluntness of his words made Hermione feel an odd combination of confusion and comfort. Her mind was telling her she should be stand-offish to him, he was Draco Malfoy after all, but her intuition told her let go of the past as McGonagall had asked and treat him as she would any other student with whom she was having an actual conversation for the first time.
"Yes. They are decided. I fell asleep or I would have been here sooner to inform you. You will be staying in far west room, and you'll be sharing a bathroom with Harry." Her tone was chilly but not angry or hateful. "I am headed back to bed. Goodnight."
With that, she turned and left him once again alone in the common room. An involuntary smile broke across his lips as he replayed the previous ten minutes. She didn't once look at him in disgust or fear. She had been civil towards him. She'd came to make sure he knew they'd finished picking rooms. She actually came for him.
"I think that went rather well." Dumbledore mused from behind his shut eye-lids. "I told you she'd be able to see the real you. Might even be sooner rather than later." He peeked one eye open to gaze at the boy who'd risked everything for love, and was pleased to find him genuinely smiling. "Now get yourself off to bed. Tomorrow is another chance to make a good impression."
a/n: I've had some feedback saying some of my writing is confusing and overly detailed. If you find yourself feeling this way, please let me know what I could do to alleviate the confusion. I am happy to answer any questions! And I welcome ALL feedback. Mostly, I hope you are enjoying the story. The next few chapters will include many more Dramione scenes, and less of the supporting cast. (Stay tuned for some awkward, but adorable moments!)
The following is a description of the cottage floor plan.
~~Cottage Details: It is attached to the castle, but no one but the four occupants and McGonagall can see it. Its in a sort of invisibility/silence bubble. They can hear and see people outside, but no one can see or hear them. If they leave the bubble they can't get back through the barrier. They have to go through the entrance in the library.
For my own purposes and to help explain the layout, I will use N, S, E, W directions to describe where things are. The cottage is attached to the north side of the castle, so the portal door faces the south and the front door (located under bedroom #2, behind the stairs) faces the north. The kitchen is on the far east side. The other rooms are to the west, with the replica common room at the far west.~~
*Jack and Jill bathroom: a bathroom with two doors, usually accessible from two bedrooms.
