Chapter Eight: Hogsmeade

The first week had gone by quickly for Mortifera. She had spent every spare moment she could with Draco. Mortifera sat in the common room her head resting on Draco's lap as he ran his fingers through her hair. "Draco," she began. "Tomorrow I'm going to Hogsmeade. There's a meeting at the Hog's Head for Dumbledore's Army."

"What," he asked looking down at her.

"If it should come to fight, I want to know that I'm prepared. I want to know that I've done everything in my power to protect you and Harry."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," she said. "I've made up my mind. I'm doing this."

"I suppose you want me to come with you," he asked.

"I wouldn't mind it," she smiled.

"I'll think about it."

"That's all I ask."

Mortifera smiled as she and Draco walked through Hogsmeade towards the Hog's Head. Draco paused in front of the shabby looking building. "What," Draco began. "Potter couldn't get us all in the shrieking shack?"

"Be nice Draco," Mortifera warned as they walked inside and made their way upstairs where the group had assembled. Everyone stared as they walked in. Harry smiled at Mortifera who in returned grinned and nodded in recognition.

"As all of you know," Harry began. "There has been some interest in restarting the D.A. I'm offering you that chance."

Colin Creevey raised his hand. "Yes, Colin," Harry said.

"I'm all for the D.A. I just have one question. What's he doing here," Colin said motioning to Draco. "He's the one that helped Umbridge shut us down."

"I didn't do it alone, you know," he scoffed. "Look," Mortifera said standing up. "There's a lot of bad blood between all of you and Slytherins. I get that, but as a Slytherin, if it comes time to fight, I want to be prepared."

"To fight with us or against us," Seamus said.

"Listen," Harry said drawing attention to him. "Mortifera isn't like all the other Slytherin's we've encountered over the past five years. And no where does it say all but Slytherin's can join the D.A. It's open to anyone who wishes to learn. Those that don't want to stay because of Mortifera can leave now."

No one dared move. "Alright since that's settled. Our first official meeting will be two Saturdays from now in the Room of Requirement."

Everyone began to disburse. Mortifera smiled at Draco before walking over to Harry, Ron, Ginny and Hermione. "Thank you, Harry," she smiled.

"No problem," Harry said. "Besides, like you said, if it comes to a fight."

"I think Draco and I are headed over to The Three Broomsticks for some butterbeer if you care to join us."

"Thank you Fera, but I think just this short time in here with Draco is enough. We've done well not to kill each other yet."

"Fair enough," she smiled before walking back to Draco. Draco took her hand as they left. "Thank you again, Draco," she smiled at him. "I'd do anything for you, Fera."

"You honestly don't know what it means to me to have you with me in the D.A."

"I suppose if it comes down to a fight, then what better way to practice then on those that annoy me," he smiled as they walked into The Three Broomsticks. "Why don't you find us a table and I'll get us some butterbeer," he said kissing her on the cheek. She smiled then walked away. "Draco," Crabbe and Goyle sat in the corner. "Where've you been," Goyle asked.

"Fera and I decided to spend some time alone," Draco said smiling.

"You've been spending a lot of time with her lately," Crabbe says.

"I love her," Draco admits.

"What," they say in unison.

"You heard me," he said a little angry. "I've never felt this way about anyone. Not even Pansy."

"Speaking of," Goyle says motioning towards the door. Pansy walks in with a smug look on her face as she heads towards Mortifera. "This can't be good," Draco says. "Can I get two butterbeers brought to that table," Draco asked before darting towards Pansy.

"What are you doing," Draco asked cutting her off before she could reach Mortifera.

"Just wanted to have a polite conversation with your new girlfriend," Pansy said smiling.

"I know that smile. Whatever you bought from Zonko's just forget giving it to her."

Pansy pouts as she turns to walk off.