All I know since yesterday, yeah
Is everything has changed
And all my walls
Stood tall painted blue
But I'll take 'em down,
Take 'em down
And open up the door for you"
-Taylor Swift "Everything Has Changed"

When Harry arrived back to Grimmauld Place after his visit to Malfoy Manor, he was immediately assaulted by the presence of Hermione and Ron who looked like they'd been waiting for hours. Both gave him a suffocating hug simultaneously. He huffed out a laugh.

Ron was the first to speak. "Mate, so how did go with the little white ferret? I see you are still among the living."

Hermione watched Harry as he blushed and smiled. "Harry, you can tell us anything. We just want you to be happy."

Harry sighed happily. "I actually had a bloody good time. Narcissa and Draco are so much different without the elder Malfoy around. It was refreshing."

Hermione announced that she would make a pot of tea. Both Ron and Hermione wanted a play by play of his afternoon with the Malfoys.

Once the tea was ready, they sat in the sitting room.

Ron observed Harry trying to think of what to say. "So out with it. Please tell us what happened."

Hermione gave Ron a scathing look. "Harry take your time. Do not listen to Ron. Tell us if you are comfortable to do so." She gave Harry a soft smile.

As they drank their tea, Harry recounted the afternoon with the Malfoys. He did not tell his friends everything that happened for obvious reasons.

Hermione gave him a knowing smile like she knew he was holding something back but thankfully she did not say anything.

Hermione spoke up. "That is brilliant, Harry! I am so happy you reconciled with Draco. It will benefit both of you."

Ron gave Hermione a strange look. "Bloody hell! If either of you think this is going to end well, you're both daft!" He shook his head.

Hermione smacked Ron's arm and gave him a nasty look. "Ron! Do not be so rude! Like you would know if this will work out! You have an emotional range of a bloody teaspoon! We should both be supportive. The war is over and it is time to put everything in the past. If we do not another war will happen in the future which none of us want. If Draco and Harry can move past everything that happened, we owe it to them to give them a chance."

Ron grumbled under his breath and let out a frustrated sigh. He nodded. "Just don't expect me to be friends with his ferret face! He's been bloody awful to me and Ginny. Harry, you can't possibly believe he has changed and forgive him. Even with his Death Eater father rotting in Azkaban. We're your family. Do you know how my family is going to feel? Probably betrayed!"

Again, Hermione smacked him but this time in the head. "Ron, you do not have to agree but just trust Harry's judgement. I know it is hard. I mean Draco was just as awful to me as he was to you and Ginny. But I am choosing to give Harry a chance to figure out if Draco is being genuine. Do not jump down his throat! And definitely do not make Harry feel guilty for wanting a friendship with a Malfoy family member. You forget that Narcissa saved us all even if it was for selfish reasons. She still saved us. And Draco never outed us at Malfoy Manor when we were captured. He risked his safety by lying for us. In my mind, both instances were pretty bloody important in the war. I do not know what would have happened if neither happened. We could all be dead or enslaved by Voldemort."

Harry watched both his friends bickering. He was glad they figured out they were not compatible before they got serious. He could not imagine them married.

Harry finally spoke. "Guys, I love you both but neither of you have a say in who I can be friends with. Hermione, I appreciate that you're defending my decision to move on from the past though. Ron, you need to stop judging me for my actions or our friendship will fall apart and I really don't want to lose you or your family. I've made my decision and I've always regretting not shaking Draco's hand in first year despite how he treated you two and Hagrid. Maybe things would've turned out differently if we all were friends. Voldemort may have been defeated before another war broke out if we didn't judge the Slytherins so harshly like they did us. Everyone is to blame, not just the Slytherins. We all let down the wizarding world by judging each other for blood status and house placement. It needs to stop. I want Draco and I to show that inter-house friendship can actually work and everyone can get along. His friend Blaise wants to get to know me and if I win him over then I'll try to win over Pansy. I really do want to be friends with the Slytherins and not just to bridge the gap between our houses."

Hermione looked like she was going to cry and gave him watery smile. "Ohhh Harry! I am so proud of you! I completely support you in this. No matter what others think. What you said about bridging the gap between the houses was bloody brilliant! And forming friendships with all houses would be amazing."

Ron was scowling. "You two are unbelievable! This can't be happening! I can't support this bloody alliance between the ferret and Harry! I just can't! I'm sorry, Harry." He stood up and left the table. Both Harry and Hermione flinched when they heard him slam the door.

Hermione looked at Harry sadly. "Why does Ron always leave when things get to be too much for him? Wehave been friends since first year. I would have thought he would grow up by now or at the very least accept what either of us do."

Harry gave her a sad smile. "I always thought the same thing about Ron. I guess we'll see if he comes around. If he doesn't, I'll tell Molly and I'm sure she'll get him to see sense. She usually does."

Hermione chuckled a bit. She takes his hands in hers. "Harry I really am happy for you. I hope Draco gives me a chance to be friends with him. And I have always wanted to talk potions with him. He is bloody brilliant at them! Have you decided when you will see each other again?"

Harry smiled warmly at Hermione. "Thank you. You're a true friend. I'm sure Draco would be delighted to hear that you want to be friends with him. Draco said he'd owl me when he was able to get together."

Hermione's eyes sparkled with happiness. "Do you know what he has planned for the next get together?"

Harry shook his head. "I'm not sure what he has planned but I'm really looking forward to spending more time with him. Hermione, you're the only one I trust with this information but I really like him. We agreed to just be friends until our friends start to feel more comfortable with us." He blushed.

Hermione squeezed his hand. "You two should not hide your feelings for each other, Harry. Though considering everything, I understand why it needs to happen this way. But it still does not seem fair."

Harry squeezed her hand back and smiled warmly. "We actually kissed and it felt like fireworks were going off in my head. I never had felt that before. It was an incredible feeling! I can't wait for us to kiss again but I'll try to be patient. I don't want to mess this up. I really care about him and I want a future with him."

Hermione squealed a bit. "Oh my goodness! Harry that is just the sweetest! I really do hope you get that future with Draco. You both deserve happiness especially together."

Harry chuckled and rolled his eyes at his friend. "You truly are the best! Honestly, I never thought you would support this but after you were bickering with Ron about my friendship preferences I knew I could tell you the truth."

Hermione smiled widely. "At first, I was not sure what to think but after you prattled on about Draco and your afternoon at Malfoy Manor I started to realise that you were really serious about moving on from the past and that you truly cared for Draco and Narcissa. So that is when I completely supported your decision regarding a friendship with the Malfoys. Also, I saw how you said Draco's name and I just knew you liked him more than a friend. And I have never seen you so animated talking about someone until Draco. So I will always support your happiness, Harry. Always."

Harry pulled Hermione into a hug. "Thank you! It's a relief to have your support. And of course I want you to be happy too. I hope you find it someday. You certainly deserve it after having to deal with me and Ron." He chuckled.

Hermione playfully smacked him and laughed. "Very true. You two are quite the pair. I hope he comes to his senses. Losing your friendship all because of his opinion on the Malfoy family is pretty idiotic. I will talk to Molly and hopefully he will get an ear full from her and starts to see the errors of his ways. Either way, I think you will get support from most of the Weasley family. Knowing George and Ginny, they will have a running bet on how long it will take you and Draco to get together officially after hearing about your friendship."

Harry snorted. "That's definitely something George and Ginny would come up with. They love to tease everyone. I really do hope I don't lose Ron. It would make things so awkward if he doesn't get his head out of his arse especially since I plan to bring Draco to the Burrow at some point to properly meet my family."

Hermione leaned her head on his shoulder. "Let us just stay positive. Even if Ron is still being an idiot by the time you bring Draco to the Burrow, I am sure Molly will not allow him to act like the arse that is. And if he does, she will banish him to his room or out of the house for Draco's visit."

Harry put his arm around her shoulders and squeezed. "You're right. I'm sure whether he's back to his normal annoying self or not, it'll be an enjoyable visit. Oh Hermione, I really can't wait to see Draco again! I know it sounds silly but I miss his company already. I'm being ridiculous, aren't I?"

Hermione sighed softly. "Personally, I do not think you are being ridiculous. I think it is endearing to see you this happy and excited about something other than quidditch. It actually gives me hope to see you two get along. It shows that Slytherins are not heartless and it humanises them. It reminds me of what Sirius told you about how people have light and dark in them and that the world is not divided into good people and Death Eaters. It also shows people can change for the better if given the chance to. Hope and change can happen if everyone can move on from the past."

Harry yawned and smiled at Hermione. "I believe you're right. Life can only get better from here if everyone works together. And I hope the wizarding world will truly heal from this war. I don't want to live in the past and would love if our people can move forward. Sirius was right. If only others could have had his line of thinking, it would make healing the world a bit easier. I still really miss him, Hermione. I wanted to live with him and be a family. I also wanted to hear all the crazy stories about the Marauders especially about my father and Remus. All those memories are lost because everyone is gone. It's quite a shame." He sighed.

Hermione grimaced. "Ohh Harry! You could always ask Minerva, Dumbledore's portrait and Snape's portrait for any memories about the Marauders. I am sure they would be happy to talk to you. It would not be the same but maybe it would still be helpful to you."

Harry sniffled a bit. "I really don't know what I'd do without you, Hermione. I'll definitely talk to Minerva and Dumbledore's portrait but I don't know if Snape's portrait will give me the time of day especially if the subject matter revolves around my father who was his bully in his school days. But I guess it can't hurt to ask him though. I just hope he doesn't yell at me."

Hermione smirked thinking of their former Potions professor. "Why not take Draco with you? Snape always loved Draco. It might soften him into telling you some stories. Plus I am sure Draco would love a chat with Snape."

Harry cracked a smile. "Hermione you're bloody brilliant! I'll definitely take Draco with me. I can't wait to see Snape's face when he sees that his godson is friends with me." He chuckled.

Hermione started giggling. "That is definitely a sight to be seen for sure. Let me know how that goes when you do go with Draco. I could use a good laugh."

Harry playfully smacks her on the arm and smiles widely. "I'll tell you how it goes and give you a good laugh. I would love to talk to you more but sadly I'm pretty knackered."

Hermione stands up and kisses Harry on the top of his head. "I understand. I need to get back to my parents anyway. I want to have dinner with them. Sweet dreams, Harry. I love you." She smiled at him.

Harry got up and hugged her. "Thank you for always being here for me. Say hi to your parents for me. Sweet dreams to you as well. I love you too, Hermione."

She walks to the floo and waves good bye. "I will let them know. Take care of yourself and I will see you soon." He waved and smiled at her as she vanished.

Harry walks into the kitchen and makes dinner for himself. He thought back on the day he had. It had been quite eventful. He was absolutely exhausted but extremely happy. As he finished his dinner, all he could think about was his day with Draco and his talk with Hermione. Two of his favourite people in the world.

Eventually, he got ready for bed. After he turned his lamp off, his last thoughts were of Draco and his lips and their kiss. He fell asleep with a small smile on his face.