Friends. He never would have expected to be sitting in the Astronomy Tower with Hermione Granger, his new friend.
"The easiest way is for you to just renounce your loyalties to the Death Eaters. Everyone will applaud your decision."
"If you're that naïve I doubt we'll be friends long – someone, probably me, will push your simple self off the tower."
"Your complicated maneuverings haven't gotten you anywhere?"
"I don't think you understand – I don't want to be one of the good guys, I just want the happy ending."
"Selfish – but exactly what I would expect from you." Hermione leaned against him, enjoying the repartee. It was similar to fighting with Ron, sharper though, because she knew she had to constantly watch herself. She always enjoyed a challenge.
"That's what I'm trying to break out of. I don't like playing this role."
"Look, Draco, you don't have to go to extremes." Hermione explained patiently "It's quite possible for you to not be a Death-Eater and still refrain from being nice, sweet, and saving the world. Not that I think you should refrain but the idea seems to be causing you trauma."
"I'm not a Death-Eater. I don't particularly care for the bowing and scraping – although the inducing fear part is enticing" he smiled at Hermione's glare "But Father agrees that it's redundant to have two in the family."
"Your father doesn't want you to be a Death Eater?" Hermione was truly shocked.
"No, he's kept me out of Voldemort's way so far."
"But your father, Harry saw him, he enjoys torture and killing…"
"Leave my father alone." Draco said coldly. He made as if to get up, but Hermione yanked at his sleeve drawing him back down.
"Ok. I'm sorry. If we're friends, I shouldn't insult your family."
"All these rules. I hope you don't expect me to stop harassing your friends."
"Don't change the subject. You can't have everything. You can't expect people to give you a second chance if you don't show them a different view. Ok. You're not officially part of Voldemort's youth squad – no one really believes it."
"They can see I don't wear his bloody mark." Draco hissed throwing back his robe and displaying the pale smooth skin.
"Why won't you do something positive? Talk to Harry, Ron, Dumbledore, help us stop him."
"So I can be an insignificant cog, unworthy of mention in the legend of Harry and co. I can't go crawling for help, begging for them to listen to me. It's weakness."
"And what is this then…how do you classify this in your dog eat dog view of the world?" She looked up at him, waiting for his answer.
"I don't know. I don't know what this is. Is this really just about friendship Hermione? Is that all this is?"
He was being honest and she couldn't lie – even though she wanted too, "No. You've burrowed into my clear conscience like some naughty little thought. I don't know what this is –but I know what it can't be."
"How can I bear this constant rejection?" Draco sighed melodramatically.
"How can I bear being used? Just because I'm crazy enough to enjoy this doesn't mean I'm stupid enough to yield blindly. You have to care too."
"Slytherin's aren't noted for their bravery. If a Gryffandor fears this, why should I be any more valorous?"
"Because you need this more." Hermione stated baldly.
Draco was silent. She had spoken the truth. He did this, her, more.
