Three months later, Hermione sat in the main hall of Sirius's newly restored family castle, located on a small island near the coast of Scotland. She was trying to fight off the nauseous feeling in her stomach with deep breaths. So far, the strategy was failing miserably. She glanced at her watch and realized that it would be at least half an hour before people started arriving. Cursing inwardly for coming so early, she looked at Malfoy and Sirius. Even though they had more reasons to be nervous, they both seemed remarkably more composed.

Fuck. It feels like the first day of Hogwarts. Only I'm more of a wimp, she thought.

Malfoy seemed to pick on her uneasiness, going by his weird grimace. He looked as if he wanted to give her a reassuring smile and quickly covered the attempt up, deciding it wouldn't be helpful or appropriate.

"Be right back," he said as he pushed the chair away from the table and got up. It was more to Sirius since Hermione avoided communicating with him anyway.

It was the day of the first meeting for those invited to join the task force, along with a few special guests. The brunette still couldn't believe she agreed to be a part of it. She kind of pitied herself while also feeling that it was too late to back away. How could she, after helping Sirius convince so many of her friends and acquaintances to come. She wasn't even faking her conviction that it was the best way forward. After approximately a week of obsessing over the idea, approaching it from all angles, and trying to work through her grudge, she saw reason to the madness. When Sirius and Malfoy showed her their work so far, it didn't even seem that mad anymore. Even if she wished Malfoy could somehow disappear from the equation.

And he wasn't even the only person she would prefer not to see. Her relationship with Ron had been awkward at best. Living in the same castle didn't sit well with her, regardless of its size. A part of her was surprised that he agreed to come. He was enraged when he learned about who was involved. Luckily (or not, depending on the perspective), he'd just got suspended in his Auror training for inappropriate behavior. Knowing him, he also didn't want to miss out after Harry decided to come. The latter wasn't thrilled about working with Malfoy either. But he got used to doing things in a certain way. The Auror training made him more frustrated than his school enemy.

Overall, things seemed to be working out perfectly. Most other people agreed to at least come to the opening day. Sirius didn't have trouble securing Kingsley's blessing. The latter was in a precarious position. He couldn't inspire an actual change at the Ministry when most people barely had any energy left to do their basic duties. And even if they did, there would be a tone of formalities, which they couldn't afford time for. So, he welcomed the idea with open arms, saying that he would love to join himself if he didn't need to keep this joke of an institution together.

Even the headquarters were incredible. According to Sirius, the castle was nearly a ruin. But with significant financial resources, coupled with advanced renovating magic performed by a group of high-profile experts, the place quickly transformed into one that could rival many famous wizarding schools. Not to mention, the castle already had strong protection around. With new spells put around it in the last month, the wards became nearly unbreachable.

Yet, no matter how well it was all coming together, Hermione felt crushed by the cold reality of having to get through that day. She wasn't even sure why. All the heat would likely be directed at Malfoy and Sirius. Still, she had enough of drama. Her annoying head generated enough of it on its own.

Draco was standing on the wide corridor, leaning on the windowsill, and looking at what used to be a well-groomed garden. Perhaps, it looked even better that day, wild and unkempt, more suited to the world around them. It was nearly summer, but the rain was pounding heavily. It was fitting, making the bush akin to a small jungle.

He heard footsteps approaching him. Soon, in the corner of his eye, he saw Sirius grasping the nearby windowsill and jumping swiftly to sit on it.

"I've decided to give Granger some room to breathe. This head of hers seems like it's about to explode," the blonde explained.

He quickly realized that he didn't phrase it very nicely and added, "I didn't mean it as an insult. Hard to blame her."

"I know," Sirius replied, crossing his legs that were hanging in the air. "Will you be alright today?"

Draco snorted, turning away from the window to meet the older man's eyes. "Are you more worried that I will run away crying or hex Weasley's butt?"

"I'm not worried about anything in particular. Just checking in since it's bound to get ugly," Sirius stated solemnly.

Draco's slightly mocking expression melted into a determined one.

"I know. I will keep my head down," he promised.

The black-haired man nodded, giving him a half-smile.

"You might have noticed, but I'm not one for heart-to-heart conversations," Draco said, earning a brief chuckle.

"But I am grateful for the chance. And I appreciate all the work that went into this. I'm not going to waste it because someone tells the truth to my face."

"Good. Just remember that it's also your work. And that it will only be their truth."

"If half of the people never get here, you can assume they got lost in these corridors," Harry complained, marching into the room. "The place looks great, though."

Sirius realized that his godson was right. Everyone got detailed instructions on how to get through the protective wards. But nothing about how to get around the castle. He made a mental note to create maps for those who decide to come back.

"Hey Sirius, Hermione," Harry quickly hugged the people he greeted. "Malfoy," he added in a much cooler voice, nodding his head.

"Potter," Draco replied, nodding back at him. He considered smiling but realized it would probably appear forced. Not to mention, it would actually be kind of forced.

The blonde raised his eyebrows when Harry didn't take the free spot next to Hermione, sitting a few places to the left instead. Even his greeting seemed slightly off, despite being much warmer than the one toward Draco. Of course, the latter said nothing and quickly decided it was not his business to even ponder upon it.

Ron was even less cordial. He only managed to say "hello" to Hermione and Sirius, not walking up to them. Of course, he completely ignored Draco, who was busy observing a flicker of hurt that crossed the woman's face. Once again, he had to remind himself that the Golden Trio's drama didn't concern him.

The redhead only extended his hand to Harry, who shook it with a large grin. The two instantly started talking in hushed voices.

Other arrivers were more cheery about meeting their old friends. Despite Ron's cold treatment, the remaining Weasleys (and there were too many to count) each gave Hermione and Sirius a warm hug.

George was especially gleeful. "I like bold. At least we won't get bored," he commented, pointing his head at Draco.

Sirius winked at him, "Some things never change. Thank Merlin."

As more people came in, the oak table was getting larger, being enchanted to fit everyone. It might not have been the most practical solution, considering that it was round. But Sirius thought that it would convey the idea of equality and collaboration.

As planned, most of the guests were from the young generation. Seamus Finnigan. Dean Thomas. Oliver Woods. Padma Patil. Cho Chang. Anthony Goldstein. Michael Corner. Hannah Abbots. And a bunch of other people from Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff, whose time at Hogwarts at least partially overlapped with Hermione's and Draco's. They seemed glad to see the former and repulsed by the latter. Some were even slightly apprehensive toward Sirius. They only knew him through the Daily Prophet, which hadn't always been favorable.

It crossed Draco's mind that only Granger could have convinced them to come. He never considered her a good actress, with her irritating tendency always to speak her mind and push for the truth. Evidently, she had more tricks up her sleeve than he expected.

He also started wondering what happened to all the Slytherins. Not that he expected them there. Obviously. Still, with the superficial nature of their so-called friendships, he nearly forgot about them altogether. Only then he realized that many of them faced the same shitty choice as he did.

He was glad that there were also a few people from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, though he had no idea how Sirius knew who to invite. At least they didn't seem particularly hostile. Most Hogwart ones only managed to drawl "Hello, Malfoy," through gritted teeth while keeping as much distance as if he was contagious. The only exception was Luna Lovegood, who approached him and said some weird thing about his aura.

Older wizards, some of whom were only one-time guests, also appeared to be more at peace with Draco's presence. Kingsley, McGonagall, and the Weasley parents even shook his hand.

By the time almost everyone arrived, he became remarkably familiar with the room's interior and each tiny crack in the table, cursing at Sirius's decision to leave decorating for later. While others were using the time to catch up with their friends, he had the freedom to look at the structure of plain stone walls or count the chandeliers and candlesticks. He even involuntarily observed that Granger's hair wasn't bushy or tangled that day.

Fuck, that's an astute realization, he thought. He couldn't muse on it too long, though, distracted by a surprise wave of emotions. Specifically, his stomach flipped when Neville Longbottom appeared in the doorway, smiling and waving back at someone. Strangely, it was only the second time that day when he felt something that resembled shame. The first was when he looked at Granger, trying to avoid a meltdown earlier in the morning.

Yet, his ugly history with the Golden Trio, while more loaded, couldn't be compared to his cruelty toward Longbottom. They always fought back and, admittedly, often bested him. It didn't alter his wrongdoings, only making them slightly more bearable. With Longbottom, he had no excuse. There was no rivalry, no particular pressure from his father, nothing. And he knew that much of Longbottom's character could steam from what his crazy aunt did to his parents. Still, the clumsy Gryffindor posed an easy target. And Draco exploited it mercilessly.

He didn't even look at Longbottom as he walked to the table, choosing to fix his eyes on his lap. Closely observing his hands, he noticed they were trembling slightly. He heard the newcomer's footsteps around the table and several warm exchanges. Waiting for the screeching sound of the chair moving, he assumed that Longbottom had no reason to as much as acknowledge him. But the sound didn't come. Instead, the whole room went suspiciously quiet.

Raising his head just a little, he noticed an extended hand in front of him. It took him a few seconds to register what was happening and jump up from his chair.

"Draco. I'm glad you're on our side now," Neville said, shaking the blonde's hand.

Draco knew that Longbottom did his share of growing up in the year leading to the Battle of Hogwarts. Still, he didn't expect a once hunched, stuttering boy to stand straight and speak in a perfectly confident voice. He didn't seem to care how Draco would react to hearing his first name. Or what other people would think about his welcoming attitude. And the words came out as genuine, not a forced courtesy.

"L-long... N-Neville. T-thanks."

Merlin's pants, he stammered responding to Neville Longbottom. He saw that the man was trying to stifle a laugh, apparently being more considerate than the situation warranted. It didn't look malicious, more as if he appreciated the absurdity of the situation. And, not having any reputation left to uphold, Draco could admit that it was indeed hilarious.

So, he cracked a smile, which brought Longbottom to the edge. He couldn't stop himself from bursting out laughing anymore. And Draco, if only for a moment, did the same, surprising even himself.

The vibe in the room lightened up, if briefly. Several people were openly laughing. Hermione and Sirius, sitting very close to the exchange, both giggled. Even McGonagall, having witnessed a lot of interactions between Neville and Draco in the past, smiled slightly.

"Damn. This is the most fun I've had in months. Though it might be a testament to how messed up everything is," George whispered to Angelina Johnson.

Neville plopped down on the chair next to Draco, which was glaringly empty before. The amusement toned down. Ron shot Neville an annoyed look, which the latter purposedly ignored.

"Alright, welcome, everyone. Thank you for coming," Sirius started loudly, standing up from his chair.

Only then Hermione noticed that he must have had discreetly called the house elves to bring wine and light snacks. They just started to arrange them on the table, skillfully maneuvering between guests.

"Before we begin, I'd like to make a toast, for once again uniting in the face of evil," he said, raising his glass and looking around the table.

"I'm paying the elves, Hermione. And the wine is not poisoned with wrackspurts or whatever else, Luna, I swear," the black-haired man added, noticing that both women were distracted.

"What good is your promise if you don't even know that wrackspurts can't spread through wine," the former Ravenclaw mumbled, but she took a sip anyway.

Not everyone did, though.

"Maybe we are taking unity a few steps too far this time," Ron commented, deliberately not even touching his glass.

"Damn, always a buzzkill," George whispered. Angelina elbowed him lightly.

And here it comes, Sirius thought. "I believe that we have to take it this far if we are to stand any chance. Prejudices are what got us here in the first place," he replied calmly.

"No," it was Alicia Spinnet who spoke up next. "I'm not only speaking for myself but for others who want to fight but not alongside Malfoy. Like Katie Bell, who refused to come."

Draco gulped, his mind automatically replaying events that were the likely reason why Bell wasn't there. He felt his palms getting sweaty. If only he could flee the room and deal with his conscience on his own. Instead, he was stuck with those dumb cracks in the wood, not even willing to look at anything else.

"Is it fair to choose Malfoy over her? And others like her? If he wants to help, great, he can tell us what he knows and disappear. But we shouldn't be forced to work with him," she ranted, her face as determined as if she was on the Quidditch pitch.

"Let's try to keep our emotions in check. No one is forcing anyone to do anything. Or choosing anyone over anyone. Those who were invited can decide whether they want to stay or not," Sirius tried to reason with the woman, suspecting it was a losing battle.

"But the deal either includes Malfoy, or there is no deal at all," Ron spat out, hunching forward on the table and looking ready for war. "So whether you admit it or not, you are prepared to choose him over your friends, including those who stood behind you when everyone else condemned you."

Sirius sighed. "I'm prepared to do anything necessary to sort this mess out, Ron. And frankly, you can save your outbursts for a better cause. As you know, Draco has been involved with planning for a long time. So, this ship has sailed. It is up to you if you can live with that," he said sternly.

"Though I sure hope you can," he added to soften the message.

Ron grumbled something incomprehensible but said no more. The candlelight emphasized the redness that crept up his face.

Dean Thomas cleared his throat and pitched in, "Great, everyone is arguing about you, Malfoy. But for all the insults you've thrown at us, suddenly you have nothing to say."

Up until that moment, Draco did a great job keeping his head down. He even managed to tune off, only hearing parts of the conversation. Now, though, he had no choice. He looked up from the table, hoping to at least not stutter again.

"What difference would it make, Thomas? Would it really make anyone feel better if I apologized? If so, I'm sorry. I've messed up. Many times. Enough times not to try to downplay it with a meaningless apology or to give you lame excuses," the blonde responded, trying hard to stay emotionless.

He fought the second sudden urge to storm off. After all, he made a promise. He bit the inside on his cheeks and hoped that he wouldn't have to say more.

"If Voldemort threatening to kill your family is a lame excuse for believing you don't have a choice, I'm not sure what isn't," Sirius noted, lightly tapping his fingers on the glass.

There was a new set of protests, ranging from "there's always a choice" to "he's only here to protect his daddy again."

A part of Draco wanted to say what he thought about his choice or, at the very least, how he currently felt about his father. But there was no point. Also, he had enough confessions for one day. Or one year. He wondered if his eyes wouldn't finally bore a hole in the stupid table that was his only escape.

He tried to look up, his gaze briefly crossing with Potter's. Why the fuck did the Boy Who Lived almost look sympathetically? He decided that his instinct to keep his head down both figuratively and literally was the smartest choice. At this point, anything could make him more frustrated.

"Enough, everyone, stop," McGonagall stood up, her expression as austere as when she would give someone detention.

Funnily enough, it probably worked because most of the people who kept fussing about Draco's involvement were her former students. Thus, they were used to shutting up whenever she told them to.

"A reminder for all of you who graduated from Hogwarts. I don't know how many of you still value what the school stands for. But if you do, four houses are not there so that Gryffindors can fight with Slytherins, Slytherins can mock muggleborns, or Ravenclaws can laugh over Hufflepuffs not being smart enough. No house is good or bad. None is better or worse than another. Each brings unique values to the table, including Slytherin. And each comes with unique challenges," she paused and looked around as if demonstrating the diversity of their characters.

Admittedly, at present, most of them didn't look quite that different from each other. Fidgeting with their robes or hands, anxiously squirming on their chairs, faces slightly read from a heated discussion, they all looked to have only one point to get across. But she wasn't one to give up easily.

"It may seem silly to you now. You are adults. You lived through the war and may well be preparing for another. But, great witches and wizards as many of you are, if you still see everything in black and white, you have wasted six or seven years of education. Particularly if you only accept what fits your fixed picture," she continued, earning a few dissatisfied murmurs and pursing her lips in response to them.

"I wish to Merlin that all of you could have easier lives. But that's not for us to choose. We all have to make sacrifices and difficult decisions. Each day. Do you care at all about preserving Dumbledore's and Snape's legacies? Second chances are at their very core. And curiously, both of them went to great lengths to protect Draco Malfoy. Perhaps it makes sense not to let it go to waste," she finished in her usual no-nonsense tone.

Though she looked as composed as always, her glistening eyes betrayed emotion. She sat down gracefully and whispered to Sirius, "Sorry, I guess my speech came a little early."

The man shot her a grateful smile. "No, it was timed just perfectly."

After being set straight by McGonagall, people cooled off a little. At least for the time being. Sirius declared a break, after which he could finally talk about the task force, outlining plans for the nearest future and describing choices regarding the depth of involvement. He noted that he was vague on purpose, not wanting to burden those who wouldn't join with the knowledge that could put them in danger.

Then, Kingsley gave a speech to express his support. He emphasized that Sirius's idea couldn't come at a better time and that the Ministry itself wouldn't be able to handle the threat. More, he even encouraged those during their Auror training to join the task force instead.

It was a solid speech. Draco couldn't deny it. But he wished so painfully hard that the whole thing would be over already. Little did he know, two seats to his left, Hermione's thoughts were perfectly mimicking his.

"Alright, everyone. That would be all for today. For those who would like to join, uhm, full-time, we will meet here a week from now. Bring your stuff because, as I said, we will live like a big, happy family with weird pastime activities," Sirius concluded the meeting with a joke, making several people roll their eyes.

He also secretly rejoiced in the fact that the day was coming to an end.

Ron was standing in the cold, stone corridor, surrounded by a few other ex-Gryffindors. Leaning against the wall, he snorted as he saw Neville passing.

"What was that, Neville? You, of all people, are on Malfoy's side now? After all the times you came running to us after he bullied you?" he asked flippantly.

Neville politely asked other Gryffindors to let him through. He stopped just in front of Ron, looking the redhead directly in the eye.

"I'm not on anyone's side, Ron. Except, maybe, on the side of the Wizarding World, where I hope to lead a normal life one day. And which my parents sacrificed their lives for," he explained calmly.

Ron only smirked in response.

"And while I'm grateful for the support, what happened at school is in the past. Sometimes, we had to act like adults, but in the corridors, in classes, we were kids. We either grow up, or we don't," Neville added, not breaking the eye contact and not looking one bit intimidated by the situation.

"You can't grow out of being a death eater asshole," Ron hissed angrily. "But I suppose some people like their delusions."

By that point, many more people joined them on the corridor. While some were pretending to mind their own business, they were all listening to the conversation.

"Maybe it is you who likes yours, Ron. Like you want to see Malfoy as a big bad bully and you as a good shiny savior. But can you say that you didn't look down on me in school? Can you say that you don't want to be above others? Have a nice evening," Neville kept his cool until the end.

Hermione watched him leave and wondered if it was the first time he walked out on someone. She smiled to herself. If someone asked, she would say that it was because of the change in Neville. It wouldn't be a complete lie. But more than that, she smiled because she enjoyed seeing Ron getting schooled.

Sirius witnessed the exchange while standing in the doorway. One hand still on the doorknob, he smoothed his beard with another. He was eager to get to know Neville better. That one thing was for sure. What he wasn't looking forward to, however, was babysitting young adult people. Yet, it appeared increasingly inevitable.

"It seems like, once again, I will drive Longbottom to become a social outcast," Draco muttered as he approached him, a hint of resignation in his voice.

The blonde didn't wait for the reply, turning in the direction of his room. The older man lightly patted him on the back before he walked away.

Then, Sirius met Harry's eyes, seemingly boring into him with an unspoken question since his godson saw his interaction with Draco. After a wordless exchange, during which Harry's eyebrows traveled surprisingly high, the younger man got back to his conversation with Kingsley.

Sirius exhaled loudly, wishing to take a break from the tension. He finally closed the door to the main hall and decided that his office would be a much safer place for him. Still, someone managed to catch up as he was walking there.

"I pity you," McGonagall stated, putting a hand on his shoulder. "They get harder to tame as they grow."

"Thanks for the encouragement," Sirius deadpanned, slowing down his pace.

"I guess it serves you right. You were the worst of them all," she replied with a half-smirk.

She squeezed Sirius's shoulder before letting go.

The man gave her a cheeky grin. "Right. Come on. You can floo to Hogwarts from my office, professor."