Chapter 11

"Stupid boys, stupid stupid over-protective, egotistical Gryffindor boys," Hermione muttered to herself as she made her way towards the Transfiguration classroom. "Of all the idiotic things to do. Start a bloody fight in the bloody library!"

"Ahem, Miss Granger is everything alright?" the voice of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore sounded from behind her. "You seem to be conversing with yourself. If you would like, I can leave you if you find yourself more interesting." His blue eyes twinkled from behind his half-moon spectacles.

Hermione had the decency to blush in embarrassment. "Please excuse me, Headmaster. It was nothing more than a brief loss of sanity." She blushed again as Dumbledore smiled knowingly. "So, um, is there something you needed me for Headmaster?"

"No, Miss Granger," he replied smiling at the young girl, "I just wanted to see how you were feeling."

"Oh much better Headmaster," she smiled back at him.

Dumbledore nodded and looked down the hallway, "Well, I must be going. I feel the conversation is not for me to hear."

"Conversation? Excuse me, Headmaster, but I don't quite-"

"Hermione!"

Hermione looked down the corridor and saw Harry and Ron running down the hall towards her. She turned to Dumbledore but he was gone.

"Hermione, we've been looking for you," Ron said panting.

"Oh really?" she said looking at the boys skeptically. "Well you've found me."

Harry and Ron looked sheepishly at each other before looking at the floor.

"We're sorry Hermione," Harry said avoiding her eyes. "We just, well-"

"Bloody Malfoy!" Ron shouting glaring at her. "Hermione of all people you picked Malfoy?!"

Hermione narrowed her eyes at him, "I didn't choose to tutor Malfoy, Ron. Professor Snape asked me if I would be willing to-"

"Willing? You two sure looked bloody comfortable together-"

"Excuse me?! What do you even-"

"You could have said no to that slimey-"

"He's a Professor, Ronald! How would that-"

"For someone so smart you're sure bloody stupid-"

CRACK! One of the lights in the hallway exploded sending shards of glass flying. Ron and Hermione tried to duck and started at Harry. His eyes seemed to be glowing a bright green and his jaw was set firm.

"How dare you call Hermione stupid."

Hermione and Ron glanced nervously at each other; their previous fight forgotten.

"Mate, I didn't-"

"Harry," Hermione cut Ron off. She took a tentative step towards him. She watched as he lowered his gaze to her and his eyes softened. He started reaching towards her and she took an uncertain step away from him. "Harry?" she asked again.

"Hermione?" Harry asked his voice thick. He stared at the brown-eyed girl in front of him. He then looked towards Ron and noticed his lip was bleeding and he was gingerly pulling glass from his hand. He looked up and smiled at Harry before returning back to his hand.

"Harry? Are you alright?" Hermione asked bringing him back to her.

Harry lifted his finger and touched Hermione's cheek softly. "You, you're bleeding," he whispered.

Hermione smiled at him, "It's nothing."

"I hurt you."

"No, Harry."

"I didn't mean to. He just – I don't even-"

"What is going on here?" Professor McGonagall's voice questioned as she walked towards the Trio. "Mister Potter, explain yourself."

Harry visibly swallowed and rubbed his neck nervously, "Professor, I-"

"Mister Weasley! Are you alright?" McGonagall asked looking at his hand. "Go to the infirmary and let Madam Pomfry take a look at you."

"I'm fine Professor," Ron said while wincing as he looked at his bloodied hand.

"You're most certainly not fine, Weasley," McGonagall said sternly. "Now go!" Harry and Hermione couldn't help but smirk as they watched Ron scramble out of the corridor. McGonagall turned her attention back to her remaining two students. "Explain."

"I'm sorry, Professor," Hermione said quickly. "It was an accident. Ron and Harry snuck up on me from behind and tried to scare me and I misaimed a spell. I didn't even know it was them until my spell hit the light. I'm very sorry, Professor."

Harry stared wide-eyed at Hermione. Why did she say that?

"Very well, Miss Granger," McGonagall said while nodding. "Now, please, into the classroom and take your seats."

Harry and Hermione didn't need to be told twice and they rushed into the room.

Draco was sitting in his usual seat at the back of the Transfiguration classroom. His quill was copying down all his notes for him; one of his father's expensive gifts. His steel eyes were transfixed on set of wild chestnut curls closer to the front of the room. His gaze shifted to the messy black hair seated next to the curls and his eyes narrowed. He watched as Potter scribbled on a small piece of parchment and slit it over towards Granger. Draco smirked when she passed it back without as much as a glance. She must still be mad after that scene in the library.

Draco finally shifted his gaze to Professor McGonagall and tried to pay attention to what she was saying. His attention once again shifted to the back of Granger's head. He closed his eyes and sighed heavily.

He needed to see the Headmaster. Soon.

Dinner approached and Ron was eating as if he hadn't eaten in months. Seated next to him was Luna who was chatting animatedly to Ginny. Harry and Hermione walked in together and sat next to each other across from Ron. Barely five words were said between them during Transfiguration and even now the Gryffindors could feel the tension. Hermione was reading a small book and picking absently on her chicken.

When dinner was cleared and dessert appeared Harry reached for a nice sized piece of chocolate cheesecake.

"Harry, what are you doing?" Ginny asked looking skeptically at him. "You like treacle tart."

"Ginny," Ron said staring disbelievingly at his sister, "I think Harry knows what he likes to eat."

"But his fav-"

"It's for Hermione," Luna said in a sing-song voice. "It's her favorite."

Ginny watched wide-eyed as Harry tapped Hermione gently on the shoulder. She looked up and smiled widely at Harry's pink cheeks and silent peace offering. Her dainty finger dipped into the whipped cream and dabbed it onto his nose. He chuckled loudly, along with Ron, and sliced himself some pumpkin pie.

Ginny saw red.

A hand landed itself on Harry's shoulder and he turned to face the newcomer. Sirius smiled slightly at him and nodded respectfully to his friends.

"Good evening, Sirius," Harry said smiling up at his God-father.

"Hello Harry," Sirius replied his face growing somewhat solemn. Harry frowned. "The Headmaster would like to speak to you, Ron and Hermione after you're finished."

"Is everything alright, Professor?" Hermione asked.

Sirius smiled warmly and crouched down so that he was eye-level with them. "Please Hermione, outside of the classroom I'm just Sirius."

"Sorry Prof – I mean Sirius."

Sirius laughed loudly and pinched Hermione's already pink cheek. "Now I know how Remus feels, eh?" Harry and Ron laughed along with Sirius as Hermione turned even redder. "Anyway pups," he said standing up. "After dessert go to the Headmaster's office for some 'truffle bites'." He winked and walked away.

"What do you think he wants, Harry?" Ron asked staring oddly at Luna who was attempting to squeeze all of the custard out of an éclair.

"I don't really know," Harry said staring down at his plate. Hermione placed her hand over his and patted softly causing him to smile at her.

"Here, Harry," Ginny said shoving another piece of pumpkin pie in front of him. "Eat this, you'll feel better."

Harry shook his head slowly, "No thanks, Gin. I kind of want to get this over with." He stood and held a hand out Hermione. Ron followed and the Trio left the Great Hall.

"You should stop trying," Luna's voice came.

"What?" Ginny asked turning towards her friend.

"With Harry," she said looking Ginny in the eye. "You should stop trying to get him to look at you that way. You're just wasting your time."

Ginny gaped at her before she looked downcast into her lap. "I know, Luna," she said quietly. "I've just fancied him for so long and it feels as if Hermione is sort of betraying me." She glared at her dish, "She knows I fancy him. I told her!"

"Hermione hasn't done anything."

"Well ever since she was attacked she gets all of his and Ron's attention. They look out for her like she's bloody crystal. Doesn't it bother you?"

"No," Luna said serenely. She looked at her best friend and studied her closely. Ginny squirmed under her intense gaze. "You resent her for getting attacked."

Ginny felt her face glow red; Luna was in Ravenclaw for a reason. "I don't resent her, I just-"

"You're jealous it wasn't you."

"Luna! That's awful to say. I don't wish it was me instead of her. It's just – well, when I was attacked they didn't fuss over me like they do over her. Ron was concerned, he is my brother, and Harry did come save me. But after that everyone was more concerned about the fact that Harry defeated a Basilik instead of rescuing me."

Luna looked contemplative before stating, "You sound like a brat."

Ginny groaned and buried her face in her hands. "I know, Luna, I just can't help it."

"You'll realize soon enough Harry is more brotherly towards you and that's all he'll ever really be," Luna replied sympathetically patting Ginny's shoulder.

"Ginny?"

Ginny looked up to see Neville nervously shuffling his feet. "Hey Nev."

"Hi. Um, hey Luna," he said acknowledging the girl who was now halfway under the table. "Um, Gin, I was wondering if you'd like some company heading back to the Common Room. That is, if you're finished."

Ginny smiled at his shyness. Maybe Luna's right and I should just give up on Harry. We're friends and maybe that's all we're ever going to be. "Sure Neville. That's sweet of you." She stood up and brushed off her skirt. "Night Luna!" she called to her half-hidden friend and left the Great Hall with Neville.

"Ah, Harry, Mister Weasley and Miss Granger. Please have a seat," Dumbledore said smiling at them as they entered his office. They seated themselves and he offered them lemon drops. After being declined he popped one into his mouth and sucked on it thoughtfully. It was silent and the Trio stared at the Headmaster expectantly. "Our other guests will be joining us shortly."

The door opened and in walked Sirius along with Draco.

"You wanted to speak to me, Headmaster?" Draco asked, not even giving the awe-struck Trio a glance.

"Thank you for joining us Mister Malfoy, as well as you Sirius," Dumbledore said nodding at Sirius. "Now, Mister Malfoy, I expect you have something to tell your classmates."

Draco turned curtly to the Trio and his eyes narrowed as Harry's arm instinctively wrapped around Hermione's shoulders and Ron laced his fingers with hers. He cleared his throat and glanced down at his just polished shoes. Just take a deep breath and tell them you bloody wanker. "I've renounced my father and have joined the fight for the Light."

Harry leapt from his chair and brandished his wand at Draco. Sirius jumped in between them as Ron, Hermione and Dumbledore stood up as well.

"Now, Harry, just calm do-"

"No Sirius! You can't possibly believe him!" he turned to Dumbledore, "Did you give him Veritaserum? He's lying!"

"Alright," all heads snapped to Draco. His grey eyes were stony. "Give me Veritaserum then. I'll take it right now since you all think I'm lying."

"Mister Malfoy, if you're sure."

"Yes, Headmaster."

"Then please, have a seat," Dumbledore stood and gathered what was needed while the others looked on. Draco sat in one of the previously occupied seats. He watched as Dumbledore placed a cup down in front of him. "Whenever you're ready Mister Malfoy."

Draco looked at the Trio, watching him with baited breath. He locked eyes with Hermione and felt a small warmth in his chest at the look of concern in her eyes. He smirked at Harry and swallowed the Veritaserum in one gulp. His eyes instantly became cloudy and he stared straight ahead. Dumbledore nodded at the Trio and Sirius stepped forward to start the questioning.

"It was a small dosage Sirius," Dumbledore reminded. "Use the time wisely."

Sirius nodded before turning to Draco. "What is your name?"

"Draco Malfoy."

"Who is your father?"

"Lucious Malfoy."

"Is he a Death Eater?"

"Yes."

"Are you a Death Eater?"

"My father expected me to become one but I want no part in serving the Dark Lord."

"Why is that?"

"He is an egotistical maniac concerned with taking over the Wizarding World and controlling everyone in it. I do not wish to be controlled by anyone."

"Why do you want to help us?" Hermione asked quietly.

"Because I want to have my own life and do with it what I please and not what a tyrant orders me to do," Draco blinked and looked at Hermione, all traces of the Veritaserum gone, "You're all fighting for what you believe in and the people you care about. I want to protect my mother and myself. The only way to do that is to fight for the Light."

"Very well, Mister Malfoy," Dumbledore said. He turned his blue eyes to Harry. "Harry?"

Harry stared at Draco who was looking at the floor. He looked up and grey met green for a long time before Harry nodded slowly. "You want this to remain a secret?" he asked.

Draco nodded, "It might do well if my father doesn't suspect anything. He may mention upcoming attacks or-"

"Like the one on Hermione?" Ron asked, his blue eyes flashing dangerously.

"Ronald!" Hermione chastised, "Don't-"

"I didn't know it was Grang – Hermione – that he was talking about until after," Draco replied hotly.

Harry walked over to him and looked at him, "It will take time," he said as Draco stood, "but I'm willing to try if you are." Harry stuck out his hand and Draco shook it strongly.

"I am."