A/N: I'm so sorry, really I am. I wanted to update sooner, but didn't have time for it. My classes started, and I don't have time do think of something good enough. Sorry again. Hope you like this one! Reviews are always welcome.
Chapter XXI
Today is the day. The hallways were full of people, parents and students, talking and remembering. Some were laughing, others were crying or smiling, but you could see, could feel that even though it was the last good bye, and a good part of their lives was finished forever, they were happy. I know every year must be the same, with all the farewells and good luck wishes, but that time there was something special. We were the ones that fought the war that saw the castle became ruins, that witnessed Voldemort's death.
It was special. The Great Hall was decorated with all our colors, and McGonagall spoke of brilliance, and loyalty and friendship. And if my eyes didn't betray me, I can say that one single tear fought its way out. Everyone was silent, and even after all the professors have spoken, no one could say anything. The students just looked at each face in the Hall, and the seventh and eighth years tried to remember all the times they crossed ways.
I have never felt so lonely. They were leaving that place to seek their future, their dreams and all that life could bring. For me it was like leaving home, or to say it better, it was like being forced to leave home. At the beginning of the year I wanted to get back because Malfoy Manor was too much for me to handle, but today it broke me, more than I could possibly have thought, to say good bye.
After the feast everyone was hugging and talking at the entrance of the castle. I was walking in the hallways. Trying to memorize every one of them; the paints and their craziness, the moving stairs and were the missing steps where, the armors, the secret passageways, all of them. When I arrived at the seventh floor a rush of memories came to me. All the nights alone, the cabinet, Bellatrix, books, brooms, mother, the fire, my father's face, Potter, Voldemort, they were all there, locked in that room, like I was.
-Mr. Malfoy, your mother just arrived, you should go see her.
McGonagall's voice was so calm and at easy that I thought it was a fragment of my memories. But when I turned there she was. And the look on her face gave me such helplessness that my eyes became blurry. I didn't know if it was the union of all my memories and the solemn atmosphere, but seeing her there, looking at me like she cared, after all I had done, it made me even more lost.
-But perhaps we should stop in one more place before you go.
She started walking and my legs followed before I could even think of what she could possibly want. But it didn't take me long to understand. We were at her officer before I could think of an excuse, and when the gargoyle opened she just smiled and inclined her face in a way of saying for me to go on. If I was confused before, now I was a little scared. It was the first time I saw McGonagall smile in all the years I spent in Hogwarts.
When I reached the door my mind was full of things to say to them. Apologies and promises and regret, they all came. I sighed and pushed the handle open. As crazy as it may look, the only paintings in the place were of Dumbledore and Snape. After a moment I thought that the others could be all around the castle, seeing the students for the last time.
-Hello Draco, it's being a long time.
It took me some time to get my voice back. I was almost sure something was suffocating me.
-I had some things to do, sir.
-Yes, I suppose so.
I glanced at Snape for a second, and my eyes must have reached the size of a tea cup, because I was sure the right side of his mouth was slightly lifted. First McGonagall then Snape, what is going to happen next? Filch giving off hugs?
-Say Draco, how are you?
-Fine, sir.
-That's the first time I believe in that.
And then I finally realized it. His eyes were twinkling almost the same way it usually did when he was alive, and he smiled at me knowingly. I almost laughed.
-It was your idea, wasn't it?
-I'm afraid I don't know what you are talking about, my boy.
It was my turn to smile.
-The dorm.
His half moon spectacles lowered slightly, and he winked at me. I could see from the corner of my eyes, that Snape rolled his eyes.
-A long time ago I met a Slytherin that changed with a Gryffindor heart, even if in the end it wasn't his.
Snape looked murderously at Dumbledore, but just shook his head contemptuously. And as unexpectedly as it could be, a warm feeling started to overcome me. It was almost as if Dumbledore had given me a nice gift, a meaningful one.
-Thank you professor.
-I believe I'm not the person you should be thanking right now.
-No. You're not the only one.
I glanced one last time at the two of them, before heading to the door. But at the same time I grabbed the handle, Snape called me. He looked like he was questioning himself about what to say.
-Don't be a coward Draco. Happiness isn't something you achieve without feeling pain before. Don't let fear overcome you it's the most painful way to live.
Well for that I wasn't expecting. He nodded and I walked out of the officer. McGonagall wasn't there, not that I thought she would. I walked all the way down to the entrance playing Snape's words on my mind. When I arrived the first person I saw was Potter. He was trying to get out of the mass, and found a corner where it seemed that no one could see him, well almost no one.
-Hiding Potter?
He was so startled that his head turned way too fast and bumped on the wall. He cursed and grabbed my robes, pushing me next to him.
-Malfoy you git, don't talk too loud.
-So you're really hiding. Not that I care, but why are you doing it? And I don't think Ginger would like to know that you're dragging me into corners of the castle, image the scandal!
He looked half amused for a moment, before his face became serious and he straightened up.
-Ginny wanted to say good bye, and I really don't like how people still look at me after the war.
-Like you're a bunch of gold? Oh poor little Potter, he doesn't like attention.
-Shut up, Malfoy. So everything ready for tonight?
I almost forgot about my father. A week ago I send him a letter, talking about the Golden Trio, and two days later I was surprised when the owl poster arrived, and his reply came. I wrote more for him, giving details and information about the three of them. And surprisingly enough he agreed about the attack. Almost too soon if I can say so. It was too easy, and I warned Potter about that. He assured me that the Weasleys were all prepared.
-Yes. He didn't say anything the last three days, but it was already settled. And the rest, are they already there?
-Bill just arrived, Charlie is gonna be there in two hours, Percy and George will be there before us and Molly and Arthur are ready. Do you need to go home before getting there, or we can go straight to the Burrow?
-I have to talk to my mother first, don't know what I can possible say that will excuse my night off at the Weasley's, but I'll think about something.
-Good.
We looked at each other for a moment, and I think Potter was asking himself how he managed to have a civil conversation with me, and I was starting to wonder if I wasn't under the Imperius.
-I think you should grab Ginger and tell her to go on. I'll talk to my mother and meet you all at the carriages.
-Right.
After getting out he looked back at me with a puzzled face.
-Weren't you supposed to see your mother?
I smirked and looked directly at him.
-In a moment Potter. Can't let people see us walking out of a corner together, I have a reputation.
He looked angry for a second, but then he smirked and walked away. Potter isn't too bad after all, I can even say he is tolerable to talk. If all I had to worry was him, it wouldn't be such a headache. But the thought of going to a house full of Weasleys really is too much for me.
After waiting five minutes I decided it was sufficient and got out. The place was full of families, and it was even more crowded this time because there were two years of students to go. I couldn't find my mother, and I noticed that a lot of people were staring and whispering at me. I just really wanted to get out of there.
-Draco, where were you? Your mother is looking for you.
That was one of the times I was grateful to have Blaise as a friend. He was standing in the middle of the place, with Lovegood and Nott.
-Afraid to see people, Malfoy?
-Not at all, Nott.
-Where did you see her Blaise? This bloody place is so full I can't even walk properly.
-She's talking with professor Slughorn next to the doors; she didn't seem like she was enjoying it tough.
I was surprised that Lovegood would actually speak about my mother. After all she was one of the prisoners in the dungeons at the Manor. But she seemed indifferent about my mother being there.
-Now she is even speaking for you Zabini? You must be seriously smitten, who would've thought?
-I must agree with Nott. You're a lost cause Blaise, just don't ask me to be the best men.
Zabini just dropped an arm on Lovegood's shoulders and smirked. Nott looked almost outraged.
-Well mate, I'm sorry but you will have to cope with it.
-You two sicken me. A Ravenclaw and a bloody Gryffindor, Salazar must me turning in his grave.
Blaise started to say something, but I managed to get out of there before they started discussing. And my mother was exactly where Lovegood said she would be, but I think she managed to get rid of Slughorn fine on her on.
-Draco dear, I was looking for you. I just saw Blaise and he didn't know where you were.
-Hello mother, I didn't know you were coming.
She looked at the people around us, and noticed that we were the main theme of their conversations. I saw her eyes trembling a little, and her hand rested on my arm as if she needed something to keep her standing.
-It's your farewell, the last day at Hogwarts. I thought that I had to be here for you.
-Thank you mother.
-But as much as I wanted to be here, I don't think I can stand it anymore. Can we go home now?
That's the moment. Well Malfoy, what can you say to her? Mother I'm friends with the Weasleys and they invited me for dinner? The savior of the wizard world, the boy-who-lived, needs my help at the Weasley's? Nothing is convincing enough, and Potter must be cursing me by now.
-Well mother, you see...I'm not going home today.
Way to go Draco, really perfect. Sometimes I want to curse myself.
-What do you mean? Where are you going Draco?
-Well...I'm...hum...actually I was invited to...it wasn't something planned, and I-
-Draco! Here you are, I was looking for you everywhere.
Thank Merlin for Hermione! I really wanted to kiss her that moment. My mother was looking at me as if I were insulting her, and saying that I would abandon her. But when Hermione arrived her expression changed. First she looked surprised, and then she glanced back at me like she was pondering something, and in the end she just galnced at Hermione and nodded.
-Congratulations Ms. Granger.
Hermione came to a halt at my side, and looked at my mother like she had just turned into a Hippogriff. I nudged her with my elbow, and it shook her out of her trance.
-Hum...thank you Mrs. Malfoy.
-I assume Draco will be with you tonight?
-Yeah, I mean, yes.
Mother looked back at me and grinned. Then she turned to the carriage next to her and extended her hand for me.
-Help me up Draco.
-Yes mother.
She climbed, kissed me on the cheek and stroked my other one.
-Where are you going?
-To the Weasley's.
Her eyes actually became wide, and she looked utterly perplexed. I saw she glance at Hermione, and back to me, still surprised. And in a second she was smirking and patting my face.
-You're very audacious to be going there, of all places, with her. I can just picture their faces when you arrive. Tell me everything when you get back... well almost everything. There are some things a mother doesn't have to know.
And the carriage started to move. I was quite stunned, and haven't moved from the place she left me. Hermione came closer looking puzzled.
-What did she meant by that?
I started laughing hard, which only made her more confused.
-Hermione, love. My mother thinks we're shagging!
-Oh God.
She paled and I laughed even more.