Disclaimer – I don't own any of it.

Chapter 12 – Awkward Conversations

Lucius and Narcissa had been given empty staff quarters to stay the night in. Dumbledore may not have liked Lucius personally, but he had recognised that the man was an acolyte of the Founders; handpicked to champion the school. And besides, Lucius' authority had exceeded that of the Headmasters because of this. Lucius, along with Harry, Neville, and Luna, knew more about the castle than anyone, surpassing the knowledge of the oldest ghosts.

As such, when Lucius and Narcissa exited the bedroom fully dressed fifteen minutes later, they were not expecting to see so many people at their kitchen table. Narcissa had expected Harry, Neville, and Luna; and given that Hermione Granger had walked in on them, Narcissa was not surprised to see Ron Weasley there as well, though he did not look happy to be. Draco was nowhere in sight. Hopefully, he would be along soon.

A breakfast table was laid out before the teens, and they seemed to be waiting for Lucius and Narcissa to join them.

"Is there a shortage of chairs?" Lucius did not look pleased to see Luna sitting on Harry's laps.

"Morning to you, too, Lucius," Harry said, unabashed.

Narcissa had to wonder at the easy camaraderie that the others displayed; Weasley and Granger looked unsure still, but others seemed to have accepted Lucius without further concerns. She, too, had been surprised at the apology from Harry regarding the house-elf. Narcissa knew he had seen the way the Blacks had treated their house-elves. She repressed a shudder a thought of sticking their head on the walls. The Malfoys preferred to bury them on their land, though thankfully their graves were quite a distance from the Manor. Lucius was not cruel to the creatures as he made people believe. He was a strict but fair master, expected his every command to be obeyed. Narcissa had found it was she who had to modify her behaviour after marrying Lucius, astonished as she was that Lucius treated the creatures kinder than the Blacks had not that that was particularly difficult a feat. She realised now that this was due to his additional memories. He knew more about the creature than the average wizard. She realised, also, that there was a lot more information that Lucius had yet to tell her.

Yet, better than that, Harry treated them as equals. Whereas Lucius used them as a means to an end. In his own way, Lucius too treated them as an equal. A true Slytherin knew the value of quid pro quo. Lucius had required the service of a house-elf far beyond that what a normal master had required, and Lucius had been agreeable to granting the house-elf to breed with their other house-elf, Simmy.

Lucius sneered as he took in how comfortable the teens looked.

"I don't recall inviting any of you into my personal quarters." He pulled out a chair for Narcissa to sit in, waited until she had made herself comfortable before taking his own.

"You don't?" Neville made a credible effort to look concerned. He picked up his juice and took a sip. "Perhaps you need Madam Pomfrey to look into that."

Weasley snorted.

Lucius gave them all a glare. Narcissa hid a smile.

"Sit in a chair, Luna," Lucius frowned.

"There isn't any left," Harry pointed out before Luna could answer. Narcissa saw him tighten his arms around the girl.

Not that Luna seemed to mind sitting in Harry's laps.

Lucius was not impressed. "Are you a wizard or not? Conjure one." Then proceeded to do exactly that; a purple wooden chair popped into existence, right next to Lucius, away from Harry. He gave Luna a look expecting her to get up, but Luna just the chair a dreamy inspection and said, "That's a very pretty shade of purple."

Narcissa saw that Lucius was keeping his temper in check. Before he could say anything more there was a knock on the door.

"Enter," Narcissa called out before Lucius could launch into a tirade.

The door opened to reveal a smiling Draco. The smile quickly dropped from his face when he saw that there were already people present.

"What are they doing here?" Draco demanded, stepping forward.

Narcissa suppressed a sigh. Narcissa and Lucius had not told Draco everything. Narcissa had a hard time believing anything Lucius had said about his previous life, how could they expect a child believe it. Perhaps they had done an injustice to Draco by not telling him more. Draco had believed his father could do no wrong, and Lucius had been touched and afraid at the hero-worship their son had bestowed on him.

The rivalry between Draco, Harry and Ron Weasley had been completely organic. Lucius had urged Draco to hold out his hand in friendship to Harry. It seemed Draco had already a bad impression on Harry when they had unwittingly met at Madam Malkin's all those years ago. Draco had not endeared himself anymore when he had insulted Ron Weasley, a friend that Harry had taken to straight away. Matters had only escalated from there.

Lucius had cautioned Draco not to make an enemy of Harry, but they were children at the end of the day. Draco was spoiled and indulged, Narcissa would freely admit. He was their little miracle child after all. She held her belly protectively. So was this little baby. Both her babies. Came into the world against all odds. Draco was not cruel, but he could be thoughtless. Sometimes, that could be just as bad.

Narcissa hoped no one pulled out their wands. Eyeing Ron Weasley and the way he bristled, Narcissa held little hope.

"Draco. Take a seat," Narcissa urged, indicating the conjured chair. She ignored the betrayed look Lucius gave her, which thankfully Draco missed. Her son may have misinterpreted that to think his father did not want him there.

"We're having breakfast with your family," Harry answered mildly, looking at Draco with someone akin to amusement.

Draco bristled. "Who invited you?"

Narcissa answered before Lucius could. "I did, Draco."

Before Draco could retort even further there was another knock on the door. They all looked at each other in confusion. Who else could possibly join them?

"Go away!" Lucius snarled.

Narcissa frowned. Neville caught her eye and mouthed something.

Her expression cleared. The wards. Of course. Lucius had access to the wards, better than the Headmaster even. So, who was it?

Whoever it was ignored Lucius completely, seeing Sirius on the other side, she was unsurprised that was the case. Sirius made a habit ignoring anything and everything that was inconvenient to him. Lupin was behind him, entering a little more cautiously.

"Morning all," Sirius greeted brightly, oblivious to the glares being sent his way.

"What do you want Black?" Lucius was in no mood to put up with the invasion.

"I came to check on my cousin and my godson. What better way to start the day than to sit with family?"

"I agree," Lucius said smoothly. "What a pity none of you was invited. You may take your leave."

Draco brightened up at the prospect of getting rid of their guests.

"Besides, there are no spare seats," Draco added.

"We're wizards, little cousin," Sirius reminded him gently, taking out his wand and conjuring two flashy chairs for himself and Lupin. "Go on, budge up."

Draco grudgingly shifted his chair to make room, as did Weasley, though with less reluctance than her son. Lupin hesitantly joined them at the table.

"How are you feeling Narcissa?" Harry asked once everyone was settled.

"I'm doing well. Thank you for asking, Harry," Narcissa replied warmly.

Lucius shook his head. "Well, if you're all staying for breakfast, you may as well start serving yourselves."
There was a silence as they all filled their plates, Harry and Luna opting to share a plate. Narcissa allowed Lucius to fill her goblet before he served himself. Narcissa helped herself to fruit, a croissant, and scrambled eggs.

Narcissa was surprised to see Ron Weasley pick at his food; she'd seen him eat at Sirius' home. The boy usually ate like he'd been starved for weeks.

The silence was finally broken by Neville clearing his throat.

"You said you were going to stay in Hogsmeade for a while. Any chance we can persuade you to stay in the castle. We all need to stick together."

Lucius nodded thoughtfully.

"The relationship between the Headmaster and I is not great. As our relationship is not the most congenial, I believe it is best that I leave the premises and stay in the village. It is the closest we can manage."

"I disagree," Harry shook his head.

"Harry, the school is at full capacity with the teachers, which means there are no vacancies. I am longer a governor of the school. I would prefer not to use my Champion status. It is not exactly common knowledge. There is no reason for me to be allowed to stay here with Narcissa."

"The castle isn't just a school, Lucius," Luna reminded. "It is also a sanctuary. Open to those in need. You and Narcissa are both in danger; your home is not available to you right now. You have the right to invoke the protection clause at the school. As does anyone who is afraid. That is why we allow the villagers refuge."

"Besides, with our vows renewed we need to stay in the castle for as long as possible to strengthen the wards further. Uniting the houses is the main way, and we have made ways to accomplish that. Our magic feeds the school too." Neville continued.

"As to having no reason, we had more defence teachers last year, compared to this year. Dumbledore wouldn't disagree with having you on as another teacher. The war is in full swing now. We need whatever defence we can gather. With the dangers outside the castle, there will be an increased number of families moving into school; you know that will be coming. That was the purpose of the Chamber. With you here together we can restore it quickly to accommodate those needing sanctuaries."

Lucius looked thoughtful at Harry's words and looked to Narcissa for her input.

"Plus, with Narcissa due soon, it would be beneficial for both of you to have a trained mediwitch on hand," Harry enticed before Narcissa could speak.

Everyone looked at Narcissa.

"The Manor is in lockdown," Narcissa said slowly. "Being at Hogwarts is better than living at Headquarters."
She gave Sirius an apologetic look.

"You'll have no arguments from me, cousin. I will be the first to tell you that that the last place I want to be. Too many bad memories. Hogwarts is much better."

Narcissa nodded.

"With Parkinson and Nott also in hiding, it wouldn't be unfeasible for you to have a place to stay either," Lupin added reasonably.

Lucius nodded.

"If the Headmaster agrees, then, of course, I have no objections."

The Champions looked relieved. Weasley looked a little disgruntled, a fact that was not missed by Harry she saw, but no one said anything.

Breakfast, Narcissa thought, was a slightly awkward affair. There was too much bad blood between many of them. Narcissa may have been aware of Lucius' former lives, but Draco had not been. A fact that he was still clearly resentful about. It was obvious, that despite Lucius' outward annoyance at almost everyone, he was still clearly fond of Harry, Neville, and Luna.

She, marvelled, however, at how easily Harry and Neville had forgiven the Malfoy patriarch. She gathered a lot of his had to do with his former life and how they were all connected. Young Ron Weasley, who did not have the benefits of the same relationship, clearly was struggling to accept the change. As was her dear Draco.

She could not blame either of them; not really. It was a decision that Narcissa and Lucius had taken together, rightly, or wrongly, that they would keep Draco ignorant of Lucius' former life with the Founders. When he had left for the Hogwarts for the first time at the beginning of his First Year, Draco had simply been instructed to keep his head down, to befriend Harry Potter if he could. Draco had listened to neither instruction, this created an ongoing feud. Narcissa held the back the sigh that threatened to escape. She could only hope that things turned for the better. They were all in it together, and related by blood or soul, or simply former bonds, they were family. True family. She could honestly say this feeling was new. For so long, it had felt like it was just her and Lucius against the world, trying to make it a safer place for her son. And her youngest, son or daughter, whichever Merlin chose to give her.

The protective gesture of her belly was not missed as Sirius spoke up, having swallowed the last of his eggs.

"Are you still bent on keeping the sex of the baby a surprise?"

"I just want him, or her, to be healthy," Narcissa said simply, reaching for her juice.

"We're having a little girl," Lucius declared, his voice brooking no argument.

"You seem so sure about that." Harry looked at amused at the assertion.

"Of course," Lucius told them. "She'll be a darling little angel, just like her mother."

"Yes, darling Narcissa. Weren't you only 8 years old when you kissed that boy at your mother's garden party?" Sirius asked innocently.

"You didn't tell me this," Lucius turned to her, raising his eyebrows in question.

"I've always been mature for my age," Narcissa added calmly.

"My baby girl will be mature as well. But boys will not be allowed near her. At all."

"Of course, dear," Narcissa agreed placidly.

"You're only lucky Draco's nothing like his father," Sirius added, spearing a sausage.

Weasley snorted, but everyone ignored this.

"How do you mean?" Neville asked.

"Lucius was the school whore," Sirius said in casual tones.

"I was not!" Lucius was not happy at the statement.

"Yes, you were," Lupin agreed mildly.

"You were, darling," Narcissa said placatingly.

Draco looked revolted at the turn of conversation.

Lucius spluttered.

"I prefer the term Sex God."

"I was only a first year, but by Christmas, I had heard that Lucius had run through all the beddable witches," Sirius explained, calmly buttering his toast.

"That's a lie," Lucius blustered.

"Don't worry Draco. From what I've heard, you're not a whore like your father."

Draco didn't know if he was supposed to look pleased or upset at that.

"Draco was taught to how to treat witches with respect," Narcissa said evenly.

"Didn't stop him from calling Hermione a mudblood," Weasley added viciously. "Or do muggleborns not count as witches?"

Narcissa paled. Draco cringed as Lucius turned his stiff gaze on him. Everyone else put down their food; even Luna focused on the proceedings.

"Draco?" Lucius queried mildly, but Draco knew his father well enough to recognise the tone behind the tone. "Is this true?"

"Like you really care, Malfoy," Weasley frowned. "You're the one who probably taught him that word."

"Ron!" Granger hissed.

"Ron's right," Harry added quietly. "Malachy is family. Lucius is an ally. Draco is a spoilt toad who made life hell for the sheer pleasure of it."

"Listen, Saint Potter," Draco burst out. "We can't all have your perfect life. Some of us live in dangerous times, and when you're in the snake's nest, you've got to act like a snake."

"Perfect life!" Weasley said incredulously, jumping to his feet.

"Ron," Granger said warningly, following suit.

Slowly, everyone but Lucius, Narcissa, and Sirius stood up.

"Listen, you slimy git! Whilst you were cowering in those dungeons of yours, we were fighting for our lives," Weasley ground out. "It wasn't bad enough that Harry had Snape making life hell, but you targeted us for no reason."

"No reason? What do you mean no reason? What with Perfect Potter strutting around like he owned the school and breaking rules and getting away with everything. Perfect Potter got the all the rules bent for him, he got to fly for his Quidditch team, whereas other First Years weren't even allowed bring our own brooms."

"Aw, did poor little Draco miss his little broom? Did he cry home to daddy about that?" Weasley taunted.

Draco flushed. Narcissa hid her expression. Draco did write home about that.

"At least my father can afford to buy me a broom, Weasley," Draco retorted, leaning forward. "Can yours even afford to buy the twigs?"

"Draco," Lucius warned.

"What?" Draco exploded, turning to his Lucius. Taking in his father's expression he subsided a little.

"You might have been afraid for your life, Draco, but you live in an ivory tower," Neville added quietly. "People like you truly don't know how lucky you are."

"Screw this! I am done. I came for you, Harry, but I can't stay. We're not one big happy family, and I'm sorry if that's disrespectful to your old memories or whatever. Are you coming, Hermione?"

Granger nodded and took Weasley's hand. They left together and the door had barely closed before Narcissa heard Granger jabbering away.

Harry and Luna held hands and looked at Lucius evenly.

"You are family, Malachy. Ron's right about everything he said though. But we've been through too much to let Draco stand in our way. So, how about a deal, Draco? You stay out of our way, and we'll stay out of yours. Truce?"

Harry didn't wait for an answer, and after a nod to Narcissa and Lucius, he too left with Luna.

"The truce is between Harry and Draco. Harry's a lot more forgiving than I am. And Luna will only support Harry as long as you don't hurt him. You've done nothing but bully me since I've stepped foot in Hogwarts, simply because you could. Because I lacked the courage to stand up to you. You even look at me funny, I'm hexing your balls off," Neville said in a moderate voice before he also walked away.

Sirius and Remus were the only ones left with the Malfoy family. Sirius was giving Draco a speculative look.

"You are truly nothing like your father, Draco," Sirius said once they all turned to look at him. He wiped the crumbs from his mouth with a napkin and stood up. "But the Black genes are strong. And it is scary how much of myself I see in you."

Narcissa could see it wasn't a compliment.

"We were boys, Narcissa. Just like Draco. And you remember what darling Bella was like, don't you?"

Narcissa and Lucius flinched at the reminder. They did remember her cruelty. The Blacks were all cruel, each in their own way.

"I thought I was being rebellious, becoming a Gryffindor. Harry was right about me. People had no problem believing I turned dark, considering my roots. Draco's behaviour was not that different from mine and James's. Harry and Neville are made of sterner stuff than Snape at least, because from what I've heard, if even half of it is true, then we're very, very lucky that they've not turned out as bitter as our resident Potions Master."

Narcissa nodded, knowing it was true. She'd been well aware of Draco's behaviour, and a lot of she had kept from Lucius, hoping she could talk some sense into Draco before his father found out.

Sirius and Lupin left without another word, leaving the Malfoy family by themselves.

"You know how much I hate that word, Draco?" Lucius said, after a lengthy silence.

Draco lowered himself back to his seat, but unable to meet his father's eyes, and looked imploringly at Narcissa.

Lucius caught the movement. Without looking in her direction, Lucius asked, "You knew about this?"

"I already punished Draco for it," she added, hoping to draw his ire away from Draco.

"Uncle Severus punished me for it as well. I had detention for 2 weeks when he found out," Draco added, thinking he was arguing his case.

Narcissa could have cheerfully smacked her son, she was trying to help him. Draco was not a smooth talker like Lucius.

"Why did you say it?" Lucius asked quietly.

"She was mouthing off to me. And everyone else in the Commons used the word all the time," Draco mumbled resentfully.

Lucius continued to study Draco further.

"Once upon a time, I used that word like it was common, Draco," Lucius commented eventually after Draco was driven to fidgeting. "I said it without really knowing what it meant because that was how I was brought up. But I thought I had explained the meaning of that word very clearly to you, along with the reason of why I never wanted it to ever leave your lips. Evidently, I was wrong. Evidently, I must not have explained it to you adequately."

Lucius sighed heavily and got to his feet. Draco's head shot up.

"No, dad. You did. You explained everything right. I was just trying to fit in like you said I should. You said we didn't know who were allies yet and who were enemies, so I called her – that – because…"

"Because you caved."

Narcissa rushed to Draco's defence.

"Lucius, he was just a boy," she said, standing up as well. "We can't have expected him to understand everything."

Lucius didn't speak immediately.

"No," he said in slow tones, looking at Draco with disappointment. "We didn't explain everything to you, so you couldn't have understood. But you understand now, don't you?"

Draco nodded vigorously.

"I abhor that word, Draco. For my own reasons, just the same as Severus, I do not like that word. I do not wish to for it to ever leave your lips again. Is that clear?"

Draco nodded, subdued. "Yes, dad."

"Harry, Neville and Luna; they are family. Our bond transcends all bonds. We swore an oath together. By extension, they are also your family. Currently, there may be discord, but that will not always be the case. Eventually, we will all be together, but for now, you avoid them all. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

Lucius nodded, guiding Narcissa to sit back down before he retook his seat as well.

Narcissa counted her blessings. This could have been worse. She did not know the full story behind it, but she had been well aware that Lucius despised the word mudblood. Even when he had pretended to be a pureblood bigot in front of everyone else, he never said that word out loud. He had explained to Draco when he was younger what the word meant and that he was never to use it.

The rest of breakdat passed quietly. Lucius did not speak again and Draco was wary of rocking the carriage further. After twenty minutes, Lucius excused himself and left for the bedroom.

Narcissa counted silently as she sipped her juice. She reached thirty-seven before Draco turned to her, indignantly throwing down his fork.

"Why am I getting told off? Are we suddenly best mates with blood traitors and mudbloods?"

Narcissa gave Draco a sharp glance.

"What did your father just say about using that word, Draco?"

Draco flushed guiltily.

"Your father never believed in the purity of blood, Draco. You know that. It was always an act to protect us. He has simply been biding his time until he could finally be reunited with his family from his former life."

"And that means that he can just forget his family in this life? Is that what it is? Are they more important than us now?" her son asked resentfully.

Narcissa understood where Draco was coming from. She had been afraid of the same thing when Lucius had told everything about his former life as Malachy. He had talked so often about his sister Juno and his soldier friends, Caspian and Sebastian, who were like brothers to him, that she'd felt a pang of envy at the clear love he held for them, even as she doubted a lot of his words at the time. Even in the magical world, it was too fantastical to believe.

Lucius had shown his loyalty to Draco and Narcissa though. She had no doubt of that.

"We are important to him, Draco," Narcissa said gently. "We are no less important to him than Harry, Luna and Neville. He would fight alongside them, and he would lay down his life for us. Your father does not blame you. The memories of their former lives have given them all an added sense of maturity. But too much has happened in this life between you, Neville, and Harry. And Ron and Hermione. It is not easy for any of them, just as it is not easy for us. You must remember their kindness, Draco. Had it not been for Harry, Bellatrix would have continued to torture you, me, and your unborn sibling. It was his intervention that distracted Bella, and his quick actions that saved us."

Narcissa could not help but get emotional. It still shook her up. She had been so close to losing her baby. She had never thought she would have any more children. She had thought she would only have her Draco. She loved him more than anything, and she would love her next child just as much. Love was never divided. It only grew.

Draco agreed grudgingly.

"They are more powerful together, Draco, than anyone else. Even You-Know-Who. It is their purpose. To fight for the school. Lucius would never allow himself to be separated from them, not after spending so long waiting for them to regain their memories. Do as your father asks of you. Leave them alone, and they shall leave you alone. We are on the same side. Understand?"

"Yes, Mum."

"My darling son," Narcissa sighed, cupping his cheek and kissing his forehead.

"Mum," Draco protested. "Please, I'm not a child anymore."

Narcissa laughed.

"You'll always be my child, Draco. Even when you're old enough to be a father yourself."

"Whatever," he mumbled. He played with his food a little before he too took his leave.

Narcissa watched him leave with a fond expression, before heaving her pregnant frame from her chair and headed back towards the bedroom where Lucius was no doubt brooding.

She entered the bedroom to search for him and there he was standing outside the window that overlooked the Great Lake.

"Is Draco okay?" Lucius asked, his back still turned.

Narcissa did not answer immediately. She walked as gracefully as she could to where he was standing, and he turned around to embrace her. She smiled as she laid her head on his chest. His lips grazed the top of his head. She felt safe in his arms.

"I missed you, Lucius."

"I'm sorry. I know you are still angry. I tried to get back to you as soon as I could."

"I was. But no longer. I am happy you are here, holding me. I had to be strong, for Draco, for our unborn baby. I regretted not telling you sooner. That is all I could think about. That you were gone, and you didn't even know."

His arms tightened around her protectively.

"I won't be leaving you again," Lucius vowed.

"We are in a war, Lucius. You cannot guarantee that. You are going to be at the front, alongside Harry."

"I don't have to be. If you wish to leave, I shall leave with you. You need only ask," Lucius said, pulling back, his hands moving to her shoulders. "The others will understand."

Narcissa suspected this to be true. She had got to know Harry and Luna over the summer. They truly would understand, as would Neville. And she was tempted. They could be safe. But Lucius had already made his Vow again. And the Founders had removed his Mark from his arm.

She shook her head. "You would always be thinking about them. You would always be wondering how they were, would always – You are stronger together. I cannot divide you. Draco will understand in time."

Lucius hugged her again.

"I don't deserve you. You have kept me sane all these years."

"I've loved you all these years."

Lucius kissed her tenderly in response.

"I love you, too."

"Hey, Ron! Wait! Slow down, Ron."

Harry called for his friend as he ran after him.

"What?" Ron railed, stopping abruptly and turning around. Hermione turned with him.

"Come on," Harry prompted, leading them to a near-empty classroom. He was alone. Luna had left him to speak to his friends and Neville too had stormed off in another direction.

"Tell me what's going through your head, Ron," Harry asked.

The redhead did not waste any time.

"How can you be friends with that – that – that –" the words eluded him. "That blond ponce?"

"Which one?" Harry inquired mildly. "There are two of them."

"Both. Is that it? Everything they've done? It's all forgiven?"

Harry thought carefully how to answer.

"I believe Lucius, Ron," Harry said eventually. "I don't necessarily agree with everything he's done, but he did what he had to do to survive. In previous lives, we've all been through something similar. We've all had to do something that was… It's not easy to forgive, don't get me wrong about that. But I can guarantee you, Ron, that Lucius feels very badly about it. Even if he doesn't show it. I'm not asking you to be best mates with him. You don't even have to trust him. Just trust me, please. You just have to leave him alone and only work with him when needed. And he is needed."

Ron stared at him mutinously.

"What about Malfoy junior? He's a been a bully to us since that first train ride. Do I have to get along with him as well? What's his role is this?"

"Draco's –" Harry sighed as he tried to explain. "Listen, when we boarded the train in September, Narcissa asked for me to look out for Draco. I agree with you completely. He's a ponce; spoiled, arrogant. He's a bully who made life miserable since day one. But we gave as good as we got. We didn't let him walk all over us. Yes, he's got away with a shit load of crap courtesy of Snape. We've never taken any crap from Draco since we met him, and him being Lucius' son doesn't mean we have to do that suddenly."

"Really?" Hermione asked sceptically, finally speaking up.

"Why did you think we would?" Harry asked, puzzled.

"Harry, you've been different since last year. I don't just mean since after the rescue when you met the Founders for the first time. Before that even. Like, your fight in the Chamber with Neville and Luna when the professors were testing us. The Founders were preparing you all the whole year and we've seen you change. And Neville and Luna. We know you all have a secret between you all, and you try to include us where possible… But Harry, it's always been just us since First year. And we want to be by your side until the end. We feel like we'll no longer be close, not like we used to be."

Harry could understand Hermione's feelings.

"And now to learn that Lucius Malfoy, of all people, is on our side? That he has been all along? It is hard to take in. We can't just suddenly trust him after everything he's done."

Harry nodded slowly.

"I truly understand Hermione. Believe me, I do. You know, when we thought Lucius died in that explosion we thought we lost a part of ourselves. The oath we took, it bound us all together, inextricably. Malachy is Juno's brother. They have a different bond, no different to the one you and Ginny have, Ron. If something happened to him, it would affect us the same way as it would if anyone from your family died.

"Despite all that, I understand exactly what you mean about everything that's happened between us all. When I look at Lucius I can still see the wizard who hurt Dobby, who almost killed Ginny, who did a credible job almost cursing us when we were at the Ministry. But I can see beyond that. I can see Malachy who was struggling to balance a life between his past and present self. An honourable wizard who attempted to fulfil an oath to the Founders and still go about his daily business.

"Ron, Hermione, being a wizard with access to my former memories doesn't suddenly make me wise. It doesn't suddenly make me any kinder, or wiser or any more understanding. I'm still Harry James Potter, son of Lily, son of James. I still have all my memories of living with the Dursleys, I still have my experiences of getting my Hogwarts letter and being told I'm a wizard.

"I'm the same Harry who befriended a red-haired, dirty nosed Ron Weasley and locked Hermione Granger in the girls' toilets with a Mountain troll. Having my memories of being Caspian and any other subsequent Founder's warrior doesn't suddenly negate all of our memories together. We defended the Stone, we found the Chamber, we rescued the Prisoner, we were chosen by the Goblet and we fought alongside the Order. Those are our memories. Ours! No one can take them from us.

"Neville and Luna will never replace you. Their presence in my life goes back centuries, but their importance to me is no less important than yours. If I'd lost any one of you, I'd lose a piece of myself. I'd lose a piece of my soul. Do you understand that?"

Hermione looked touched. She answered by throwing her arms around him and he held her too. Seconds later, they were joined by Ron who had his arms around both of them. It was several minutes before they let go of each other.

"We'll hold you to that, mate," Ron said gruffly, bumping his fist against Harry's shoulder.

Harry smiled at him.

"I've only survived this long because I've had both of you by my side. I'd never push you away. If you want to leave my side, it'll be your choice."

"We've been through too much to leave you, Harry," Ron said seriously.

"If you'd never push us away, what makes you think we'd abandon you?" Hermione asked, with an exasperated shake of her head.

Harry didn't answer that.

"So, we seriously don't have to be best mates with Draco Malfoy?" Ron asked.

"No. He's a prat. He's nothing more than Lucius' son. I'd protect him because it would hurt Lucius to lose him. But it would be duty. Nothing more."

"Would Draco do the same for us?" Hermione asked, surprisingly more cynical than Ron.

"Expecting Draco to save us if it was required? I would never dream of it. His loyalty is to Narcissa and Lucius. He'd held out under crucio to protect them, if you remember. But I don't hold any high hopes he would do the same for us. Lucius will tell him to stay away from us, and we'll do the same. We stay out of each other's ways. He has his own friends. He has no need for us and we have no need for him. Salazar was a lot more misunderstood, everything we believed about him being evil; it was all wrong. Everything has been skewed, not just about him, but about all Founders. Salazar prized his students that he deemed to be true Slytherins. Students who were able to negotiate a better life for themselves, with high ambitions. He had no qualms about using others to further yourself, but he also believed in letting others use you. It was all about mutual benefits. For all his posturing, Draco wouldn't be deemed a true Slytherin. Salazar never believed in selfishness and greed. Draco would only look out for himself and his family. Salazar would be disappointed."

Ron looked pleased with that.

"Who would he deem a true Slytherin?" Hermione asked.

"Believe it or not? Slughorn," Harry laughed. "Slughorn thinks about his own benefits, but you can't deny that he's not helped place people in good positions. And he's never cared about blood status."

Hermione nodded thoughtfully. They all moved to leave before Ron's voice stopped him.

"Harry? Would Godric Gryffindor be disappointed in me? Would I be deemed a true Gryffindor?"

Harry didn't answer immediately, but he did let a smile slip.

"Godric would be proud of you," Harry answered, opening the door. "Because I know I am."
Ron looked happy, whereas Hermione looked pensive.

They walked out together, much happier than when they walked in.

"So, we're agreed? Draco's a ponce and we're not friends?" Ron asked one final time.

"Draco's a ponce and we're definitely not friends," Harry repeated, unaware that the young blond wasn't far behind them and had heard everything. "He's nothing to us. Okay? Duty because of Lucius and Narcissa. That is all."

"Can we go to the kitchens? I'm starving," Ron complained, smiling all tension forgotten, and practically skipped towards the kitchens.

Hermione shook her head.

"Always thinking with his stomach, that one," she said. But she was smiling as well as she raced after him.

"I'm hungry too," Harry yelled as he too followed the couple.

AN -I'm sure many of you will recognise the meme. Credit it to whoever created the meme.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter. I understand that this doesn't move the story much but it is meant to show the dynamics of the characters involved. Just because Lucius is revealed as good does not mean that everything is hunky dory – there will still be tension in the background and this will be ongoing.

Apologies for any grammatical errors if anyone sees any – which I don't doubt you will. I try to catch them when I reread and edit but unfortunately, I don't see them all.