"This memory is from June of sixth year, it's the last one before my meeting with Dumbledore. This is where the mission came out in the open."
She was running down the halls, her body screaming at her to go faster. The stairs to the astronomy tower were just around the next corner. Over the last few weeks Draco had been slowly fading, looking more ill and defeated with each passing day and she hadn't thought of a single thing to do to help. The urge to find him and Theo tonight was intense, she ran faster. She rounded the corner and almost ran into Neville. He was leaning up against the corridor watching Pansy pace.
"Where did the very first wizard get his magic from?" Pansy shrieked. "Was he born with it? Did it just materialize in him? That would mean that the very first witch or wizard was born from muggles?"
"Interesting isn't it?" Neville asked with a rare smirk on his face.
Pansy looked like she was going through a crisis. "Fuck, Longbottom."
Well that's a conversation for another time, she thought to herself. She snuck past the two and followed the corridor the rest of the way down to the stairs. When she reached the top of the stairs, Draco was inconsolable in Theo's arms.
"I've put it off for weeks, lying and saying that I couldn't figure it out but I've been done Theo. I'm finished, I actually did it and now I don't know what to do, because that was the easy part. The next step is impossible. I can't do it. I don't want to do it. Please, Theo, please I don't know what to do. I'm so scared. I'm not ready to die…"
"You're not going to die, Draco. I won't let it happen." Theo said firmly. "Look at me. I won't let anything happen to you, do you understand?"
The way Draco clung to Theo made Hermione's heart ache. She never saw someone look so desperate, so defeated, and so broken.
"Tell me what the mission is Draco. Tell me what you have to do and I can help. Let me help you." Theo begged. "Let me protect you."
Draco steeled himself. "I have to kill Albus Dumbledore, Theo. I have to let a group of death eaters into the school through a vanishing cabinet in the room of requirement. Then I need to go and find Dumbledore and kill him."
Of all the missions that Hermione could have possibly imagined, this was something she never would have surmised. The thought of anyone, let alone a sixteen year old boy, being able to defeat Albus Dumbledore was laughable.
"Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit." Theo gasped. "Fuck, Draco! What?"
"I finished fixing the vanishing cabinet. It's ready. I just have to alert them." Draco sobbed.
Theo shook his head. "No, don't do anything. Give me a week. I'll think of can think of something, okay?"
"You can't tell Granger."
"Mate, I can't keep this from her. She could help! I've been telling you all year that she could help."
"No!" Draco snarled. "You can't tell her! Leave her out of this, I'm serious. She may love you. She may be willing to do anything for you. But all I am is a bully. All I've ever done was tease her, call her foul names and slurs, and try to undermine her. She'll turn me over without even blinking."
The dark haired boy scoffed. "She would never. She may go to Dumbledore but not to turn you over. She would help you. She wouldn't…"
"I said no, Theodore! No. Promise me. Swear on your magic or on our friendship, our brotherhood, whatever you need to. Swear it to me, Theo."
She saw Theo slowly fighting himself, torn between the two most important people in his life. But Draco was falling apart in his arms. "Ok. Ok, I won't tell her. But give me a week, don't do anything stupid. Give me a week to figure something out."
She needed to go to Dumbledore. She had been weighing the risks for weeks but she had to go. He was the only person who could help them. She made her way down the stairs to find Neville and Pansy still there. They were sitting side by side on the floor, against the wall. She crept over slowly, making sure to stay silent, until she was next to Neville. She tapped him on the shoulder and he startled, whipping his head towards the stairs.
"What's wrong?" Pansy asked.
Hermione placed her hand back on his shoulder and squeezed.
"Nothing, I thought I heard something. But I really should get going. It's late and we're being careless just staying in the hall." He said. "Do you need me to walk you back to the dungeons?"
"Ever the gentleman, Neville. No, I'm okay. Theo and Draco are out and about somewhere, I'll find them. Good night."
"Night, Pansy. Be careful."
The dark haired witch stalked away and Neville turned back towards his friend. "Hermione?"
She threw the cloak over him and nudged him along. She told him about Draco's mission and Theo asking him to wait. She told him how broken and afraid Draco was. She found herself sobbing for the boy who bullied her for years. A bully he was, but the thought of his death shook her.
"Hermione, you need to breathe." Neville coached. "Come on, take a breath with me, love."
She fought through her sobs and followed Neville's breathing. "He's so young, Neville. He's just a kid. We're all just kids and a war is coming. People are dying. We could die. It's not fair. Why him? Why us? Why does this fall on us? We're all too young for this. We're too young to fight. We're too young to die."
"I wish I had an answer for you but I just don't know Hermione. I don't know why it has to be him and us and Harry and Theo and the DA. But it is. And it's terrifying. But we'll do it because letting Voldemort win isn't an option."
"I'm going to Dumbledore." She resolved. "I've been avoiding him because I was scared of what would happen to Draco if the Order didn't accept him. If they refused him, then he would be outed and he would be in even more danger. But I have to risk it because I haven't been able to think of anything that I can do. So, tomorrow I'm going to set up a meeting and ask him to…no…beg him. I'll beg him to help. Not just Draco, but anyone. Someone needs to look out for the Slytherins and other kids with death eater ties. He has to help them. I fear we're reaching the point of no return and we can't allow them to fight this by themselves."
"The next memory is your meeting with the Headmaster?" Solicitor Smythe asked.
"Yes. I have a feeling this is going to be an important memory for their trials." Hermione said. "It was awful. Eye opening."
Harry looked at her, curious. "I'm assuming a big reason you didn't tell me any of this afterwards was because of Dumbledore's reaction?"
She nodded. "You still trusted him fully. I was worried about your reaction and we needed to focus on the hunt."
"Alright, let's dive in." Tonks said. "We still have a lot to get through."
"Yes and I'm very curious about Dumbledore's reaction to knowing two students were in such a desperate need of help." Narcissa added.
Time was running out. She had sent Dumbledore seven owls over the past four days asking for an audience and each had gone unanswered. Theo had asked Draco to give him a week and that time was half over already. She glanced at Theo from the table and caught his eyes. For a moment, they just stared. She could see the anxiousness and fear in him. He gave her a small smile but she couldn't make herself return it. She saw him grow concerned as a tear rolled down her cheek.
"Hermione? You all right?"
She turned back to Neville who was also looking at her with concern. She swiped at the tear and shoved her untouched plate away. "Dumbledore hasn't answered any of my owls. We only have a few days before, well you know. I'm scared Neville. I'm scared for Theo because he'll do anything for Draco and I don't want him in any more danger than he already is. And I'm scared for Draco because he'll likely be dead before his next birthday. And I'm scared for myself because if Theo loses Draco he'll break. And if I lose Theo, then I'll break."
Neville squeezed her hand under the table. "We can go tonight. We'll wait outside the door all night if we have to, okay?"
"You'll go with me?"
"Of course. We're in this together. Saving the damned and whatnot?"
Harry and Ron seemed to notice her at that moment. She saw Harry's eyes narrow and shoot over to the Slytherin table to a certain blue eyed wizard but he said nothing. Ron sloppily shoved more chicken in his mouth but he eyed her and Neville with suspicion.
"You two are awfully cozy lately." He said coldly. "Always whispering to yourselves, huddled up close together in the middle of the night in the common room. I've seen you on the map trying to figure out where Hermione is always running off to."
"You've been watching me?" She snapped. "What right do you have to what I do in my personal time?"
He just shrugged. "Just making sure you're not getting into trouble, snogging anything that walks by."
"Enough, mate." Neville said, standing. "Stop before you say something even more stupid."
"Are you really still angry that she kissed Krum?" Harry asked. "It was a long time ago, Ron. Let it go. You have no right."
Ginny snickered. "He's just jealous of her secret boyfriend."
"What!? Secret boyfriend? You're dating someone?" Ron snapped. "Sneaking around behind our backs?"
"Shit," Ginny gasped. "I'm sorry, 'Mione. I thought we all knew there was someone you were seeing."
Hermione started to gather her things but Neville already had them for her, ready to lead her out before it got ugly. There were already people watching. "I have other people in my life besides you guys Ron. I'm not dating anyone. And I'm not hiding them, but no one actually asked me any questions either."
"Well I'm asking now. Who is he?"
"It doesn't matter. I'll tell you guys if it goes somewhere. But it's complicated right now."
Ron scoffed. "Right. Ginny don't even worry about it. I bet she's making it all up. Still got your wand in a knot that me and Harry have actual relationships and you have no one?"
Ron had been a downright ass all year and her emotions were already all over the place. She grabbed the plate she had put to the side and walked over to Ron. With anger that had built up all year towards him, she shoved the plate in his face, pushing it around until he was covered in a mix of foods. There were gasps, giggles, and whispers spreading. She felt herself flush slightly at causing a scene but damn did it feel good to put him in his place for once.
She walked out with Neville and snuck a glance at Theo again. He still looked slightly concerned but he had a smirk on his face and he was chuckling. She sent him a small smile and he responded with a wink. She saw Draco next to him and even he was smiling. She hadn't seen him truly smile for months.
"We'll drop our stuff in our rooms and head to Dumbledore?" Neville suggested.
"Yes, perfect. I don't love the thought of waiting all night but dammit I will sleep there if I have to."
They were soon at Dumbledore's office. They knocked and waited. Knocked and waited again. And again. She lost track of how long they waited.
"Maybe he's not in there." Neville said.
"No, he has to be. Come on!" She yelled, banging her hands on the griffin. "Sherbert Lemon. Acid pops. Cockroach Clusters!"
Finally the door opened, revealing the spiral stairs. She jumped inside, pulling Neville along by his sleeve. Even as the stairs ascended, she ran up until they were finally in the office.
"Ahhh, Miss. Granger, Mr. Longbottom. What a pleasant surprise."
"Sir, we need to talk to you about something very important. And time sensitive. Lives are at stake." Hermione rushed out, not wanting to waste time with pleasantries.
The headmaster barely reacted. It always put Hermione on edge how he was always so very calm and serene. "I am expecting Professor Snape so I hope it's okay that he is present for this."
Just then the professor strode through the door, his robes billowing behind him.
"Of course. Maybe he can help." Neville suggested.
It said a lot about Neville, the way he reacted to his least favorite teacher. The teacher that used to be his biggest fear rarely got to the boy anymore.
"Headmaster, there are students that are in danger." Hermione started. "Slytherins. They need help…"
"Surely, if there are any students in my house that are in trouble they would come to me." Snape interjected.
Hermione briefly wondered if he was using legilimency on her. She knew about his promise to protect Draco and she was fearful that he would try and stop her from telling Dumbledore the full story. She wished Neville hadn't so easily accepted the professor's presence.
"Well they didn't go to you." Neville said. "There's a handful of slytherins, probably more than that, who are scared, they feel trapped. They have nowhere to go. But they're in danger with their family's ties to You-Know-Who."
"It's worse than that. It's terrible, Headmaster. It's Theodore Nott and Draco Malfoy. They're in the most danger right now. I know it's going to seem unbelievable, but Malfoy was marked. He's a death eater and he was given a mission. But he was scared and he tried to find a way out of it but he couldn't. If he doesn't complete the mission, Voldemort will kill him. He was marked against his will and he's been given the task to…well he's supposed to…"
Dumbledore held up a hand for her to stop but he needed to know. He needed to know how serious this was and how much danger Draco was in.
"Sir, he was given the task to murder you! He was supposed to find a way to get death eaters into the school and then kill you. But he doesn't want to do it. He wants out. He talked to Theodore Nott and they both wanted to come to the Order. But Theo won't leave without Draco and Draco won't leave without his mum. There has to be something we can do. Malfoy is running out of time. I already thought of what we could do to help. Professor Snape is a spy for the order, so he has access to Mrs. Malfoy. He could help get her out and we could get her and the two boys into a safe house…"
"Miss. Granger, I so admire your heart." Dumbledore said. "I am very proud of how willing you are to help those that some would consider the enemy. Most would find this information and try to use it against Mr. Malfoy or turn him in. It speaks to your character that you want to fight for a boy who has been nothing but cruel to you."
"So, you'll help them? Theo and Draco? You'll help them? They only have a few days, Sir. Theo isn't in serious danger like Draco is, but his father is pressuring him to step up and take the mark as soon as he's of age and he doesn't want it. I know we can help them." Hermione went on.
Snape's cold gaze was on her, as if trying to figure out how she knew all of this information. She was still worried that he may be in her head, but she couldn't bring herself to care too much as long as he would help.
Dumbledore seemed to be stewing over everything she told him but she noticed he didn't seem at all surprised or shocked. He had no reaction at all to finding out that there was a plan to end his life. "If Mr. Nott needs to escape, I'm sure we can arrange for him to have a safe place to go."
"What about Malfoy?" Neville asked. "Nott won't leave without Malfoy. They're very close."
"Mr. Malfoy is none of your concern." Snape sneered.
Hermione held back a growl. "And you're doing so much to protect him? We know about the unbreakable vow you made for him. You have to help him. You have no choice but protect him!"
Snape balked at the blunt statement. "You nosy, insufferable girl! You steamroll yourself everywhere that you don't belong. Listen when I tell you that Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Nott do not need you to meddle in their affairs!"
"Severus, the girl is intelligent and observant. Don't fault her for using those abilities to try and help those around her. It's best if we all take a moment and collect ourselves before this gets out of hand." Dumbledore said with a glint in his eyes.
He looked amused, Hermione thought. Why wasn't he taking this seriously. "Sir, why did say that we could help Theo but not Draco? I know he has the mark but it was against his will. I swear to you, he's been ill over it. He begged his mum not to allow them to mark him but he had no choice."
Dumbledore gave her a kind smile. "Miss. Granger, everything must happen for a reason and certain things must fall into place."
She shared a look with Neville as her brain started working through the words. Certain things must fall into place. He wasn't shocked at all when she told him. And those words- certain things must fall into place. The look Neville was giving her showed her that he came to the same conclusion she had.
"You've known…" She choked. "You've known this entire year, haven't you? Both of you."
Neither said anything. Dumbledore's face remained calm and serene but Snape looked uncomfortable.
"Haven't you!?" She yelled. "You've known the danger he's in! You've known the consequences he faces and you've done nothing! Not to mention the danger other students have been in. If you would have stepped in and helped, Katie wouldn't have been hurt, Ron wouldn't have been hurt, even Draco wouldn't have been hurt in the duel with Harry. How can you call yourself headmaster of this school and not care about the safety of the students."
"That's quite enough, Miss. Granger." He said kindly. "I understand that you're worried about your classmates. However, there is a war coming. And we can win this war. We will win this war, but only if certain events take place. I know that these are scary times, but we need to trust in each other now more than ever. So, I will tell you once more. Mr. Nott is welcome to come seek refuge and we will do what we can for him, but…"
She groaned, frustrated and angry. "I told you, Theo won't leave without Draco!"
Snape sneered at her again. "It seems Theodore has made his choice, then. And it wasn't you and the Order."
"Enough, Severus. Mr. Nott can come to me if he needs to. However, Mr. Malfoy has his own role to play. A very necessary role."
"This isn't a bloody chess game!" She snapped, tears forming. "These are lives. Children's lives! He's sixteen. He should be worried about quidditch and witches and Hogsmeade weekends, not his death. Not his mothers death. Whatever role he has to play, he didn't sign up for it. He should have a choice. Instead, it seems he's being manipulated by both sides."
"We're supposed to be the side that's fighting for freedom and love and unity." Neville chipped in. "We're just as bad as the enemy if we start manipulating and using people."
Snape looked like he was about to dress them both down, but Dumbledore shot him a look and continued on. "You two are still very young. Your youth comes with many benefits, but it also has its drawbacks. You both have been gifted with intelligence and maturity, but you are still naive in ways. Leave Mr. Malfoy to me. I'll only say this once more- Certain events must take place. That does not mean Mr. Malfoy will be sacrificed, but he will fulfill his role."
Hermione felt her hair crackling with sparks. She fought back a sob. Her rage was growing. Dumbledore was the most powerful wizard of this generation and the only man that Voldemort feared. He had the power to help. He could step in and twist whatever his plans were, but he was choosing to use his power to manipulate people into roles they didn't ask for instead.
"This conversation is over now." Snape drawled.
"Unfortunately, I must agree. You should both be proud of the capacity of love and compassion you have. Never lose that. It is much more powerful than you think."
Hermione fought the urge to scream. She wanted to get in their faces and tell them how despicable they were. She felt Nevilles hand on her back, he was slowly trying to guide her away. He knew they were done. There was nothing they could do. She knew that too. The look on Dumbledore's face told her there was no swaying him. He knew he held the power and no one could stop him. In a rather immature, but totally deserved, final gesture she swept her hand across his desk. A few items went flying and clattered to the ground before she swept herself from the room with Neville on her heels.
"You okay? What do you need?" Neville asked.
"Fuck him." She sobbed.
He wrapped her in a hug at the bottom of the stairs. "I know. It's not right. It's sick, using teenagers to fight this war. What can I do? What do you need?"
"Theo." She sniffled. "Just Theo, please find him."
"Are you going to tell him?"
She shook her head. "No. What would the point be? Just reaffirming his fears that he has little to no options? No, I won't do that. Please just get him. I just need him. I just need Theo."
The room was quiet for a few moments while everyone pondered the events of sixth year. Ms. Smythe furiously wrote notes on her parchment, a crease in her brow as she reviewed the situation so far. "Gentlemen, I think these trials are going to solve themselves. It's quite disturbing knowing the previous headmaster was so willing to look the other way from such a dangerous situation."
"I found out that Snape and Dumbledore knew after watching Snape's memories during the battle. But I didn't know the situation was this serious. I didn't realize the two of you were looking for a way out so desperately." Harry added.
"This definitely changes things." Tonks said.
Ms. Smythe regarded the boys for a few moments. Hermione could see her calculating the case. "I think this is all we need to prove that you took the marks under duress. It's clear you didn't hold any loyalty to You-Know-Who and his cause. Next, I think we should focus on the actions you took to help either the Order or Hogwarts. Miss. Granger, is it safe to assume the rest of these memories show that?"
"Yes. I reached out to several people and many of them wanted to share their experiences."
"I can't believe that so many people wanted to help." Theo murmured, looking at the amount of memories left."
Hermione gave him a small smile. "Of course they did. They noticed the good you were doing."
"Shall we start with Mr. Malfoy?" The solicitor asked. "Proving his innocence is top priority. case is already mostly cut and dry."
"Of course. The first few memories that I have for him take place at Hogwarts during his seventh year. The rest take place at the Manor."
Draco looked uncomfortable in his seat but he squared his shoulders and motioned for the first memory to be dropped in. Theo kicked the blonde's leg under the table and gave him a reassuring smile.
"Let's just get it over with." He grunted.
The memories flashed before the group, each showing Draco growing more confident in himself and what he was doing. Underneath, he still looked like a scared little boy, but there was a defiance that was growing in his eyes.
Madam Rosmerta noticed the blonde hair sneaking through the village. She knew what the wizard had done to her and she was immediately suspicious of his presence near her pub. She saw the young man dip into an alley and made to follow him. Her wand was tucked up her sleeve at the ready. When she neared the alley, she heard low, harsh whispers. Draco stood nose to nose with Vincent Crabbe.
"I don't care what the Carrows order you to do in class," He seethed. "Let me catch you hurting other students again. I'll show you what real pain is, Crabbe. We don't have to be like them, like the death eaters. We can choose to be better. If you're ordered to use the cruciatus on someone, you tell them to scream, point your wand, and say the words. But if I catch you actually torturing kids again, I will ruin you."
"I don't take orders from blood traitors, Malfoy. Yeah everyone knows how you cried like a baby when you were marked. Everyone knows about the secret little hospital wing you help Longbottom with. Everyone knows you tried to save the red headed blood traitor, Weasley. We all know how weak you are. You used to think you ran the school, you tried to run me and Goyle. But those days are over. The Dark Lord has all but won. You need to figure out what side you're fighting for."
Draco shoved him against the wall, his normally pale face dark with fury. "I will fight for the side that doesn't torture fucking school kids. Does this make you feel good? Get you off? Hurting people?"
"No, but power does."
The memory faded and a new one was being poured in and flashing already. The solicitor quickly noted down each encounter and notes about Draco.
Draco was running through the corridors as fast as he could. He knocked other students to the ground but didn't look back. He was at Professor McGonagall's office, pounding on the door.
"Professor please!" He yelled. "It's Weasley, she needs help!"
His eyes were blown wide and frantic, his hair was sticking up in all directions. He pounded harder and harder.
"Mr. Malfoy?" A surprised voice squeaked.
He turned to Professor Flitwick coming down the hall.
"Please professor! It's the Weasley girl! Uhh Ginny! It's Ginny Weasley! You have to hurry!"
He took off running again, the short professor struggling to follow him. "Mr. Malfoy! Mr. Malfoy, what's going on? Slow down! You mustn't run through the halls!"
"She's hurt, professor! I don't know what they did. I was going back to my dorm and I heard screaming. I walked in on the Carrows with Weasley in an empty classroom. They just walked away but she passed out. Madam Pomfrey wasn't in. The Carrows put some sick new policy in place that students can only go to the hospital wing during school hours."
Flitwick moved as fast as he could through the school to find Ginny tucked away in an alcove. Draco got to his knees in front of the girl, looking at the professor with big, pleading eyes.
"Pick her up, Mr. Malfoy. I know the password to Poppy's quarters. Now, we need to move. Let's go."
New memories twisted into view as the solicitor poured each new one in the pensieve. Draco was in the corner of the library with Theo and Pansy.
"We need to do something. I was sure Weasley was a goner. I didn't think she was breathing when I found her. And these sick fucks think they can stop kids form going to the hospital? What are we supposed to do?" He whispered to his friends.
"We make our own hospital wing." Theo answered confidently.
Pansy scoffed. "Yes that's a brilliant idea. Because we know so many people educated in healing."
"You are." Draco said. "It's brilliant!"
"No, absolutely not. I've studied some basic healer training books but I am nowhere near informed enough or competent enough to have anyone rely on my abilities, especially children!" She argued.
Draco wasn't listening. "No, Pansy it could work. It's better to have someone with basic knowledge than having no options at all."
"I can get in touch with Longbottom." Theo offered. "He's aware of my…situation…"
"Situation? You mean being in love with his best friend?" Pansy mocked.
Theo stuck his tongue out at his friend, sneering. "Anyway, as I was saying. I can get in touch with Longbottom and see if their little band of rebels wants to help. Maybe they have people with some knowledge of healing."
"Don't worry about it. I'll contact Longbottom." Pansy said quickly.
"You?" Draco asked. "You think that you approaching him over Theo is a good idea?"
"Yes." She snapped. "I'll take care of it."
The boys shared a look but left her alone and started planning their new undertaking.
"I can brew potions." Draco offered. "As long as I have a recipe, I'm confident that I can brew pretty much anything."
Professor McGonagall was weary as she walked the halls of her castle. That's how she viewed it- HER castle, HER students. The students she was currently failing. Her desperation was growing, not knowing how to help the children under her care. She was rounding the Dark Arts classroom, looking for anyone who may need help after the so-called lessons, when she saw Draco Malfoy crouched in front of a first year Hufflepuff.
"Are you okay?" He asked the young girl. "I know that was really scary."
"You didn't hurt me." She whispered. "Some of the other students hurt us, but you didn't me. You only pretended to."
Draco shook his head. "I don't want to hurt anyone."
She eyed his covered forearm; it was common knowledge by now that he was marked, and Draco winced. "Yes, I have the mark. But I didn't want to take it. it. And I don't want to hurt anybody."
"But the others do want to hurt us."
"Listen, if any of the other students use the curses against you then you come to me. I'll take care of them. Tell your friends. Pansy Parkinson, Theodore Nott, and myself are trying to help the best we can. You can trust us. Also, Neville Longbottom, Ginny Weasley, and Luna Lovegood will help you."
The young witch nodded and after a moment of hesitation, threw her arms around him. McGonagall noticed the boy freeze for a moment before awkwardly patting her back. He sent her on her way before slumping against the wall. He noticed his professor at that moment, jumping to his feet and eyeing her warily. She gave him a nod of acknowledgement and the slightest ghost of a smile.
Draco was sneaking through the halls of manor in the dark. The drawing room was thankfully empty as he passed through to the dungeons. His arms were full of supplies. He checked over his shoulder one last time at the top of the stairs.
"Luna? It's just me…it's Draco." He said lowly.
The blonde witch came into view. She looked oddly calm for her predicament. "How are you Draco? Are you alright?"
He sighed. "You're the one stuck in a cell and you're asking if I'm alright?"
She twirled her long locks around a finger and shrugged. "I'm in a cell physically, but you're in a cell of a different kind."
He dismissed the comment and unlocked the door. He had blankets, a few meals and drinks, and some basic healing potions. He passed out the blankets and food. Before motioning to a corner of the basement. "There's a loose stone here, see it? Hide the blankets and healing potions behind that stone. I'll stay while you eat so I can get rid of the dishes."
"Thank you, Draco. This is very kind of you." Luna said airily.
Dean Thomas and Ollivander eyed him warily, but eagerly took his offerings before going back to the back of the room. The goblin ignored him all together. Luna sat next to him and picked at the food in front of her.
"Your aura is different, Draco. It's lighter than it used to be, brighter. Before, it was dark. A lot of black and gray. But it's changing. There's blue and green coming through now. It's quite beautiful. It's lovely to see you come into your own."
"My aura?"
She hummed. "Yes, I'm surprised you haven't noticed it."
"Well, don't let my aura fool you." He drawled. "I'm still a lost cause, Luna. I'm not one of the good guys. I'm not brave or kind. I'm not like you."
"I disagree. You brought us blankets and food. You've brought us lots of stuff. You always talk to me and make sure I'm okay."
His lips lifted in half a sneer. "That's the bare minimum. Don't act like I'm some kind of hero."
She smiled brightly. "You are some kind of hero. Maybe not the hero that everyone expects, but the kind that still makes a difference. Maybe one day, you'll see yourself the way others see you. The way I see you."
He didn't answer, but he didn't object when she took his hand in hers. And she didn't object when he leaned his shoulder against hers, closing his eyes.
"Before we start the next three memories, just know they are both from our time at the manor." Hermione warned.
She glanced at Theo, knowing he would have a hard time watching it. He gave her a nod, letting her know he was okay. Harry gave her foot a nudge under the table along with a small smile. Draco looked like he was going to be sick.
"Why don't we finish up these and take a break then." Solicitor Smythe suggested. "I know these are painful."
"Let's get it over with." Hermione said softly.
"Come on, Draco, look closely. Is this him, is it Potter?" Bella cooed. "It's okay, take a look, we need to be sure."
Draco's heart was in his throat. He looked into Harry's green eyes, his skin crawling with fear. "It doesn't look like him. Potter's face…it's uhm, it's thinner…and he's taller, maybe."
Harry didn't expect that. He stared back at the boy who was his enemy.
"What about these two? The girl, doesn't she look like the mudblood that follows Potter around?"
"No!" He said a little too quickly. "No, Potter's friend is shorter, with bushier hair. And…and…"
His father stepped up, eyeing the captives. "But surely this is the Weasley. I remember seeing him with his father at the ministry."
Draco didn't say anything. Harry could see the panic in his eyes. He knew that the other wizard knew it was them. But he didn't turn them over.
A thousand white hot knives were digging into her body. Her blood was burning. Her muscles screamed.
"I didn't take anything! I didn't take anything, I swear!" She sobbed.
Bellatrix was positively feral. Her wand aimed at Hermione again as the torture curse formed on her lips.
"Scream, Granger. As loud as you can." Draco's voice floated into her mind.
She looked over to him through her tears, confused and dazed. He looked terrified. She could see his wand hand twitch, like he was fighting the urge to step in and help.
"Scream, dammit!" He yelled again.
She screamed but she didn't feel anything. Her body was buzzing with an unfamiliar magic and she felt her body slightly loosen up as the pain dissipated. Every time Bellatrix cursed spoke the curse, she screamed and thrashed. She begged and sobbed until her vocal chords were raw.
"Hang on, Hermione." Draco's voice came again. "Just hang on a little longer for me. I've got you. Just let me think of something, hang on."
Then Bellatrix brought out the blade.
Narcissa fought back against the bile in her throat. She knew her sister was crazed and obsessive. But right now she was torturing a child, a girl barely of age. The same girl her son had rattled on about for six years. She was strong, Narcissa noted. She wasn't breaking. She winced when Bella brought out her knife. She loved to play with knives. It was getting harder to keep the contents of her stomach down. She heard faint whispers and looked to see Draco muttering something to himself. His brow was furrowed harshly and there was sweat on his forehead as if he were using all of his strength to focus.
"Angustos tenebris, angustos tenebris, angustos tenebris…"
"Draco, what are you doing?" She whispered, pulling at her son's hand, where his wand had now appeared. "Draco, stop whatever you're doing. If she hears you, she'll turn her wand on you!"
Draco shook his mother off, using his shoulder to shove her back from him as he continued muttering to himself. The girl on the floor was still screaming, but the elder Malfoy noticed her eyes lacked the desperation and hopelessness that was there only moments before. Soon enough Bella kicked her aside and turned her focus on the Goblin. She had the urge to help the girl, but what could she do? Her family was her only concern. Their safety, Draco's safety, was paramount to anything else.
Curses started flying, everything happened quickly. Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Dobby the house elf caused chaos and before she could really understand what was happening they were gone. Draco stalked off, shaking but looking relieved. She ran after him.
"Draco what did you do?" She snapped. "You risked the entire family."
"Better Hermione Granger lives than me, mother." He snapped.
She froze in shock. "What are you saying? Draco, come back here. What did you do?"
"Not enough." he whispered harshly. "I tried to use legilimency to get into her mind and block the pain. And I used a generic counter curse I found in some old forgotten defense book in the library to counteract the blade. I don't even know if it helped. Theo's going to lose his damn mind. I just stood by while the love of his life was tortured. Fuck, mum, is this the world you want to live in? Where teenage girls are tortured in your home? Where I have to decide to watch a classmate be killed or risk my own life to stop it? Think about that."
"I think we could all use a break." Tonks said. "Why don't we take a half hour, and we'll finish up the rest of the memories after that."
"I think that's a wonderful idea. We've seen quite a lot already" Ms. Smythe said. She gave the teenagers a look of sympathy before shaking her head and walking out of the room.
Harry looked uncomfortable. "I hate when people look at me like that. Full of pity."
"She means well, Harry." Hermione scolded.
"I know, I know. I'm sorry. It's not anything against her."
The room took a collective sigh and observed each other. Harry in particular was eyeing Malfoy with intense curiosity.
"Take a photo, Potter." Draco snapped.
"You protected her." Harry said simply.
He didn't answer, he just looked at the table. Theo had moved closer to Hermione, his body almost fully pressed against hers. "Are you okay? Living through it is one thing. Having to rewatch it is another form of Hell itself."
She shrugged. "It happened, but it's over. And she's dead now. Besides, as awful as it was, it still was bearable. Draco helped more than he's letting on. I didn't feel too much. It was mostly fear."
"I didn't know you could shield against the cruciatus." Harry added.
"You can't." Draco said quietly. "But I heard of some people being able to use occlumency to block out the pain. I thought if I could get into Granger's head, I could put up a mental block."
"And you did. It worked, Draco."
He smiled sadly. "The counter curse didn't work though, for the blade. Your sleeve slid up when you were digging around in your bag earlier. The curse worked."
"Wait, what's under your sleeve?" Theo asked. "The memory didn't show what she did to your arm."
"Not now, later. Please." She deflected. "But, it's better than it could have been, Malfoy. I could have been stuck with an painful, open, oozing wound the rest of my life. It's scarred and it's ugly but it doesn't hurt and it's closed up and healed."
He just nodded, but there was relief in his eyes.
"It's best not look back and think about what if's." Tonk said kindly. "I know it's hard, especially looking back on memories from a different perspective and seeing a different option you may not have seen before. But it will tear you apart to think about what you could have or should have done. We won the war, you all made it out alive. It may not seem like it yet. I think we're all running in survival mode still. But here we all are on the other side. All we can do is keep trying to move forward and be grateful that we're here."
The solicitor rejoined the group at the end of the thirty minutes with some new rolls of parchment. "I was able to sneak in for a few minutes with the minister on our little break. I wanted to get an idea of how the trials will be going. The first trials start tomorrow. Minister Shacklebolt wants to get the worst of the prisoners sentenced first. We're talking Dolohov, Yaxley, the Lestrange brothers, and others like that. He thinks it's best if we let the Wizengamot take care of them first. This way, the public see's the ministry being firm and harsh in their punishment. It will give the sense of justice that society needs. Then, we squeeze in you two. We'll show them every memory if we have to, bring in witness after witness, go through these journals page by page. We'll bore them to death with your innocence."
"Speaking of the actual trials, I want to make sure that Rita Skeeter is nowhere near their trials. I know that press is usually allowed in, but she'll twist everything. I want a reporter in there that we can trust, that will report the truth." Hermione said.
"You leave Ms. Skeeter to me, dear. I can take care of her." Narcissa assured the other witch. "She'll come nowhere near them. And I can definitely get a respectable reporter to follow the case."
The solicitor seemed hesitant at Lady Malfoys assurance. "I'm assuming you can take care of her in a completely legal way that causes no harm?"
"Well, of course. I'm not my husband. I have a history with Ms. Skeeter. I'm sure the two of us can come to an agreement."
There was a glint in the woman's eye but everyone chose to ignore it. Rita was nothing but a thorn in everyone's side. The less she was involved, the better for everyone."
"Well, wonderful then!" Ms. Smythe chirped. "Let's get a move on. We only have a few memories left. For you, Mr. Nott. Then we can move on to your journals, Miss. Granger."
"Alright," Theo said. "Let's go. I actually am curious to see who all submitted memories for me."
Hermione paced from one side of the empty classroom to to the other. Theo was never late. In fact, he usually beat her to their meeting spot and she was always early. She worried he really was going to try and cut her off. She remembered the fear in eyes when he told Draco that his father was asking questions. She understood his fear, but she was desperately trying to figure out a way to hold onto him. It was selfish, she knew, but she needed him. He brought her a peace that she hadn't felt in so long. He made her feel like they could really win this. He gave her strength and hope. Finally, the door flung open and he stormed in. She was expecting some tension and high emotions, but she wasn't expecting anger.
He threw his bag down on the floor and kicked a nearby chair.
"Theo?" She said quietly. "What's going on?"
He ran a hand through his hair.. "I want to join the Order. "
That was the last thing she expected. They had talked about it before and besides her eavesdropping at the astronomy tower, he had told her that he wanted to stay close to Draco and try and protect him. "W-what? Where did this come from? I thought you wanted to stay close to Malfoy?"
"No, I'm done. I can't keep toeing the line. I begged him to come with me but he won't leave his family. I can't protect both of you. I can stay close to him and try and protect him, all while trying to avoid my father grooming me into the next death eater and worrying about you. Or I can join the Order. Forget about my father and the death eaters. I'd be in a position where I could help you and fight for the right cause. We could actually be together. "
Every part of her wanted to take him to Dumbledore then and there. This is what she wanted. She had thought about this moment for months. But there was the quietest of voices in the back of her head screaming that it wasn't right. He would never voluntarily leave Malfoy behind. She knew that.
"And Draco? What about him?" She asked gently.
He scoffed. "I'm at my end with him. I keep trying and trying but he's so stubborn. I understand that he doesn't want to leave his mum. But I can't keep following this path, Hermione. His family is under Voldemort's thumb, and it's not Drake's fault. I know he wishes every day that things were different. But fuck I'm terrfied if I don't get away then I'll get into something I can't get out of. And he understands. He told me to go to you. He basically banished me."
"Theo, you know that I want you to get away from your father and the other death eaters more than anything. I want that so badly. But I'm not sure you're thinking clearly right now. Did something happen?"
"He's a dick. He's always been a dick and I've let him get away with it for years."
"So, you're doing this because you're angry at him?" She asked.
"What? No!" Theo yelled. "You know I've been wanting to go to Dumbeldore and join the fight. I want to do the right thing! You know this. Why are you questioning it? This is what we've talked about for months."
Hermione took his hands in hers. "Theo, I'm not questioning you. I know you want to fight for the right side. I know you want Voldemort to lose. So, if this is what you truly want, then I'm ecstatic! I'd love nothing more. But I also know that you love Draco more than almost anything…"
"Not more than I love you," He interrupted sharply.
"I know you love Draco more than almost anything," She continued. "You would never leave him behind. You would never sacrifice him. So, please tell me what's going on."
He didn't say anything for a moment, turning words over in head.. "It's not about Draco. It's my father."
She nodded. Okay, we're getting somewhere, she thought. "What happened? Does he know about me? About us?"
"No. He was suspicious. Probably one of the other slytherins reported to him. It's happened before. But I threw him off. He believed my excuse. But it makes me nervous, love. I won't lie, it absolutely terrified me when he asked about you. I feel like my options are run away to you and the Order. Or lose you completely."
"Okay, I understand that's definitely nerve wracking. But why did you say it was because of Draco?"
He shrugged nonchalantly. "Because I am pissed at him right now. I'm frustrated as hell with him. So that's part of it, but it's mostly my father."
She moved closer to him, running her hands up his sides. He wrapped around her instantly. "Theo, no matter what you decide I will be here. You won't lose me if you decide to stay with Draco and try and keep him safe. I'm worried that if you decide to join the Order, you'll resent it. You'll miss Draco and worry about him and end up even more miserable. So I want you to think about what you really want."
"I want to join the Order." He whispered.
"I know." She said.
"I want to protect Draco."
"I know." She said again.
"I can't have both."
She wiped a tear from his cheek. "I know. But no matter what, you have me."
He held her tighter. "You think I should stay with Draco."
"I want to be selfish, take you away for myself. I'm fighting every urge not to. But I worry that if you leave Malfoy behind, you'll break."
He buried his face in her hair inhaling her scent, grounding himself. "I love you, Hermione Granger."
"I love you too, Theodore Nott."
Professor Mcgonagall stared at the four journals that her student brought to her. She hadn't expected Mr. Nott to come to her for help. She assumed he would go to his own head of house, or in this case the charms professor.
"I was just hoping you could check my work. I've practiced the protean charm before on smaller things. But I wanted to make sure it's strong enough."
"This is advanced charm work, Mr. Nott. May I ask why you didn't go toProfessor Flitwick? He is the charms professor."
He seemed anxious. "Flitwick is great. But I guess, I just…this is very important that I get it right. And you're the most trustworthy professor at the school. You're the most fair. You don't judge anyone unfairly, even if we're attached to more…uhm...unsavory…families."
"Are you in trouble, Theodore?" She asked.
He gave a self deprecating laugh. "You know who my father is, Professor. I'm always in trouble."
She grew more concerned. "Mr. Nott…"
"I'm sorry."He rushed out. "I'm fine, really. But these journals will allow me to help someone very important to me."
"Well the work on these is very impressive. You should be proud." She eyed the pictures that were engraved into the leather. "It's curious, Mr. Nott, Miss. Granger's patronus is an otter. And the symbol of her house is a lion."
"Wait what," He gasped. "Her patronus is an otter?"
McGonagall raised a brow. "Did I assume wrong that these are for her?"
He shook his head. "No ma'am. They are. But, uhm…well. We used our own patronuses. See, Dr…a friend of mine…someone else wanted a way to contact Hermione to offer help if she ever needed it. His patronus is a lion. And mine in an otter…"
"I see." The witch said, fighting back a smile at the blush that spread on the boy's cheeks.
"Professor, erm, what does it mean if two people have the same patronus?"
She smirked at him, "I think you'll find you already know the answer to that Mr. Nott."
"Professor! Professor McGonagall!"
Minerva turned to see a frantic Hermione Granger running into her classroom after hours. She clutched two journals in her arm. One was branded with an otter and the other with a lion.
"Miss. Granger? What's happened? Are you well?"
"I received a note, Professor McGonagall. It was anonymous. They said that death eaters are planning an attack on Hogwarts. Tonight. The note said to keep all the students in bed and to warn the headmaster and the Order. I went to his office but he wasn't there. I don't know how long ago the note was delivered, I've been in the library all night."
The professor eyed the journals again but decided to leave the issue alone. If Theodore wanted a way to warn Hermione of incoming danger, she wasn't going to question it. "I'll alert the Order. Gather the other prefects to search the castle and make sure no students are out of bed."
Ginny was on her nightly patrol. Dumbledore's Army had regrouped, subtly and not so subtly, trying to fight back against Snape and the Carrows. They were helping with an underground hospital that was run all hours (surprisingly with the help of a few slytherins) and decided that each night a patrol should be run to make sure no one was in need of help. Detention was medieval with the Carrows and the students vowed that no one would be left to fend for themselves. She drew her wand as she rounded a corner, seeing a few other students.
Theodore Nott stood in front of a younger gryffindor boy. He looked like a first or second year. He had a bloody cut on his cheek and he was crying. Vincent Crabbe and Greg Goyle were cornering the other two wizards.
"He had detention. It's his fault, maybe he'll learn to behave." Goyle said mockingly.
"What could he have possibly done to deserve being tortured?" Theo snapped. "He's a kid, Goyle! You like hurting kids?"
Crabbe laughed at the young boy, sniffling behind Theo. "You're weak, just like Malfoy. This kid just needs to learn to follow the rules. I'm sure a few detentions will set him straight."
The young boy, even afraid and crying, was a gryffindor straight to his bones. "I said that the Carrows were mental and needed to be checked into St Mungos. My best friend was a muggleborn and had to leave the country because of You-Know-Who. But Harry Potter is gonna win and we'll be the one's laughing then!"
"Looks like he needs a few more lessons." Crabbe sneered.
He moved to grab the boy from behind his fellow Slytherin, but Theo shoved him to the ground, his wand digging into the bigger wizard's neck. "Don't fucking touch him again, Crabbe."
"Expelliarmus!" Goyle yelled.
Ginny was actually surprised the prat knew the spell. He wasn't the brightest. She clenched her wand tighter as Theo's wand flew from his hands. She watched Theo think about his predicament for a moment before he started wailing on Crabbe. She was shocked. She had seen Theo around in previous years. He was quiet, calm, and respectful to most. But right now he was unhinged. Crabbe was flailing under him, blood pouring from his face.
She stepped in to disarm Goyle and stop the situation before it got out of hand. But the bloody gryffindor stepped to the older wizard and with a determination that rivaled Hermione Grangers, pointed his wand and yelled, "Petrificus totalus!"
Goyle dropped, frozen, to the ground.
"Hey! You have to stop!" The boy cried. "You're gonna get in trouble!"
Theo seemed to remember the boy and pulled his fists back, looking around. "Fuck, sorry kid. You okay? You took down the big guy?"
"Yeah but I don't know how long it will last."
"Alright, get out of here. Go straight to your dorm. Get Ginny Weasley or Neville Longbottom. They can help with the cut on your cheek."
The boy hesitated, "You won't do anything to get into trouble? If you get in trouble that's one less person that's looking out for us."
Theo nodded. "I promise, mate. I'll get them back to our common room. And they won't bother you again. Now, go. If the Carrows catch you out, it'll be even worse and I really can't beat the piss out of them."
The younger wizard scurried off. Ginny watched to see what Theo would do. He watched until the gryffindor was gone, turned to Goyle's frozen body, and kicked him in the face, breaking his nose.
"Next time I catch you fucking with the younger students, or any students really, it'll be worse. Got it Crabbe?" He asked.
Crabbe was holding his robes to his face, trying to stop the bleeding. He nodded vigorously.
"Good. Do like the rest of us and fake it. Because you won't get back up the next time I get my fucking hands on you." Theo sneered. "Now, let's go make an example. We want to make sure the rest of the Slytherins get the message."
Professor McGonagall looked over the grades of her seventh year class one more time. She didn't believe her eyes the first time she saw it. Theodore Nott had always rivaled Hermione for grades. He was always on her heels. However, since coming back from the Christmas holiday his grades dropped to the bottom of the class. After consulting with other professors, she saw the problem was across the board. She now waited patiently for him to arrive for the meeting she set up. He came wandering in the classroom, ten minutes late.
"Perhaps you should purchase a watch for yourself, Mr. Nott. Maybe then you'll be on time." She said sternly.
"Sorry, Professor."
She observed him quietly for a few moments. He was pale and sickly looking. His eyes were trained on the floor. His shoulders were tense and slightly hunched over. "Mr. Nott, I wanted to discuss your marks."
He jumped, "My what?"
She raised a brow, "Your marks, Theodore. You have always received quite high marks but it seems the past few weeks have changed that. You're in danger of falling to the bottom of the class, not just in my lessons but in all of them."
"Sorry, Professor. I'll study more." He mumbled.
"You once told me that I was the most trusted professor at the castle. You said that I held no judgment, no matter what. Has your opinion on that changed, Mr. Nott?"
He shook his head, eyes still on the floor.
"Look at me, Mr. Nott." She ordered gently. "Now, are you going to tell me what's caused your grades to fall so drastically?"
She held his eyes and she could see the walls crumbling. Whatever internal battle he was fighting, he wasn't winning. His face was desperate, pained. He ripped his sleeve up, baring his forearm to her. Neither of them said anything for a moment.
"Are you proud of this mark?" She asked evenly.
"How could you even ask that?" He choked out.
"Are you proud of your new mark, Mr. Nott?" She asked again.
He shook his head vigorously. "No! I didn't want it, Professor. I swear it."
She smiled gently. "Then it means nothing. You don't have to let it control you. I've been asking myself for months what I can do for my students, agonizing over the fact that they're getting hurt under my watch. But when I felt most hopeless, I noticed my students fighting back. I saw older students defending the younger children, undermining the Carrows and the headmaster, and standing up for the school. You were one of those students. So, you can allow this mark to break you. You can stop studying, you can stop fighting. Or, you can keep doing what you've been doing. You can keep fighting. Because really Mr. Nott, what better way to stick it to your father and You-Know-Who than to help save the world with their own mark on your arm. Now, would you like a biscuit?"
He nibbled at the snack she offered. "My father found out. He threatened Hermione."
"Well, I'm not sure self-sacrifice is a trait death eaters value, Theodore. If you're a death eater, you're not a very good one are you?"
He chuckled. "I'm going to be the worst death eater in history."
She smiled. "Good boy. Now, these grades will come up. Or I promise you, I will track down Miss. Granger myself just to tell her about these abysmal marks. Am I clear?"
He winced at the thought. "Yes, professor."
"Longbottom!"
Neville turned to see a frantic Theo running towards him outside the room of requirement. He looked panicked, but hopeful.
"They were spotted! Potter and Weasley and Hermione! In Hogsmeade." He panted. "I think they're coming here. You have to tell everyone. Something big is coming, I can feel it."
"Shit, why would they come here though?"
Theo shrugged. "No idea. But Hermione wouldn't risk it if it wasn't important. We both know that."
Neville nodded. "I'm going to go to Aberforth. With any luck, he'll find them first."
"I'm going to try and distract the Carrows. If they're out of the way, it'll be easier for Potter to get in here if they're occupied."
"Don't do anything stupid. Hermione will burn us all if we let you get yourself maimed."
The battle was raging as Neville came to. Curses shot above his head. He saw a flash of silver as the Sword of Gryffindor reappeared. He grabbed it, forcing himself up. Sword in one hand, wand in the other he stalked through the hall. The snake, he said to himself. Harry said we needed to kill the snake. It was chaos around him, both sides filled with renewed fury. He shot off a few curses and moved through the crowd. His lips lifted in a sneer. Bellatrix. She was dueling Hermione, Ginny, and Luna. And winning. He raised his wand, ready to join the fray. But Molly Weasley beat him. She was fierce. Terrifying. She put Bellatrix down like a rabid dog. Hermione rushed off, he made to follow her and try to find that damned snake but he lost her in the crowd. He desperately searched for her. When he did find her, his heart dropped. She was dueling two masked death eaters but Tiberius Nott had his wand raised at her back, a deadly curse forming on his lips and purple flames forming at the tip of his wand. He rushed forward, casting a shield at Hermione.
"Sectumsempra! Sectumsempra!"
Nott's body hit the floor, deep lacerations covering his body. The older wizard layed choking on his own blood. Theo stalked towards his father, standing over him.
"I told you, old man. You'd never fucking touch her."
"Nott?" Neville asked, "You okay? Look at me?"
"Taking this bastard down is worthy of at least an Order of Merlin third class, yeah?"
Despite himself, Neville laughed. "I don't know about that, mate. Maybe. But saving Hermione Granger's life is definitely worth at least a second class."
Theo's eyes darkened. "I know she can take care of herself. But let me see another prick try and curse her from behind."
"Well, shit." Draco drawled. "I speak from experience when I say that he definitely felt every second of that."
"Draco." Narcissa warned.
Hermione noticed Harry wince at the mention of the duel in sixth year. She looked to Theo. He was studying her nervously.
"I knew he was killed at the battle." She whispered in his ear. "I didn't know it was you. But it doesn't change anything. Do you understand me? I don't see you any different."
He didn't say anything but nodded slightly at her. The solicitor finished her notes. "I know you have journals as well, so if you want to copy a few important pages from that, we can take a look. But really these memories say everything that we need to. I'll need a few days to organize my notes and the memories will need to be verified with the ministry to make sure there's been no tampering. But I'm going to try and get the trials set for next week."
"Yes, I have some conversations noted." She passed the journals over, pointing out the marked pages.
"Perfect. Why don't you all relax. I'll go through these."
"Wait!" Harry yelled suddenly. "Malfoy. Your patronus is a bloody lion!?"
Draco groaned. "Of course, we watch all those memories and that's what you want to talk about."
Harry was cackling, his hand clutching his side. "A lion, Hermione! That's the funniest shit I've ever heard. Very Gryffindor of you."
"Shut. Up. Potter." He sneered.
"Harry, you should be congratulating him. You know how hard casting a full corporeal patronus is." Hermione scolded.
Harry grumbled. "Fine. Good job, Malfoy. That's really cool."
Hermione winked at her best friend, "But yes, very Gryffindor indeed."
"If you want to talk about patronuses," Draco started. "We could talk about the twins over there."
Hermione blushed and Theo shifted in his seat.
"You know who else had the same patronus? Snape and my mum."
"Potter, tell me you're fucking lying." Theo said laughing.
"You all need to expand your vocabulary. Really there are other words besides Fuck." Narcissa chided.
Draco sighed. "Mum, me and Theo are currently living in Azkaban. We just watched Theo kill his own father. And Potter and Granger defeated the darkest wizard of our time. I think we've all earned the right to say fuck."
"Sorry, Cissa." The other boy said. "I will mind my tongue."
"You're a suck up, Theodore." Draco snapped.
Theo grinned. "Maybe. But I really would like to circle back to Snape and Potter's mum, please."
Harry shrugged. "They were best friends until later in Hogwarts. When Voldemort killed my mum, Snape became a spy for the Order and was loyal to Dumbledore ever since. But he was in love with her. His patronus matched hers. It was the same as hers. Even after all this time."
"Gross." Draco said. "Although who matched who with you two? Did Granger match Theo or did Theo match Granger?"
"My money's on Nott matching Hermione." Harry said.
"You know, you two are acting a lot like friends." Hermione said. "Like really good mates."
The two boys scowled.
"Yeah like that would ever happen." Draco sneered. "I was trying to be the bigger person for you and Theo."
"Honestly," Harry scoffed. "Just because he's not evil doesn't mean I like him. I'm just making sure things aren't awkward."
Theo snickered, leaning into Hermione's ear. "How many conversations did we have about how similar these two are?"
She giggled. "Too many. I just don't know if that's a good or bad thing yet."
After about an hour and a half the solicitor set down her quill. "Okay, gentlemen. It was a long day but I think I have everything I need. I'll be in contact as soon as I can get a date set for trials. And I'll be making another appointment with you both to help prepare you. I'll coach you with different questions you might be asked and how best to answer them. We'll go over every detail to make sure you're prepared. I'm very hopeful for you both. The worst case scenario I could imagine after all of this is, maybe, a probationary period. But I'm hoping for a dismissal off any and all charges."
"Thank you for taking a chance on us." Theo said sincerely. "A lot of people wouldn't have looked past the marks on our arms"
"It's my pleasure. You both deserve it. I'm so sorry for everything you have had to fight through. But I need you to fight for just a little longer."
She left with a warm smile. Hermione helped Harry clean up and clear the table. Tonks was rounding up the boys.
"We've got to get you back now. But I wanted to tell you that I'm pleasantly surprised at both of you. We'll get you out in no time."
Narcissa held both boys as tight as she could. They didn't argue. Hermione was happy to see Narcissa fuss over Theo as much as she did her own son. When the older witch finally stepped back, Hermione took her turn. She gave Draco a fierce hug.
"I'm going to back Azkaban, Granger, not dying." he teased.
"Shut up, Ferret. We're more than 'warn each other of danger in connected journals' friends now, remember?"
He tried to fight a smile as he hugged her back. "Yeah, yeah. You got me."
Theo took his turn greedily. He held her, stroked her hair, and placed light kisses on her forehead. "We'll be out before you know it, sweet girl. It's almost over."
"I should be comforting you. You're the one in prison." She said.
"Nonsense."
He finally released her, but not before giving her a slightly inappropriate kiss. His hand wrapped around her hair and he tipped her head back. When his tongue gently prodded her lips she couldn't help but open for him, sighing into his mouth. When he finally pulled away he winked at her. She blushed and scolded him.
"I can finally kiss you in public. I'm never gonna stop now." He smirked.
"Maybe you should." Harry grumbled, but he shook his hand. "Good to finally and officially meet you, Nott. You're a good man."
"Thanks, Potter."
Harry faced Malfoy and they both seemed to debate how to proceed. Harry finally just sighed and stuck his hand out. "Potter. Harry Potter. You know, some wizarding families are better than others."
Draco's eyes were wide and he stared at the hand in front of him. With a vulnerability that he usually tried to hide, he took Harry's hand. "Maybe you can help me with that. "