Okay, so there is one factor that is AU, but also unavoidable. In this chapter, Lucius isn't in Azkaban, which is where he was in the 6th book (I think?). So, yep :) Enjoy!

Draco arranges to meet with his parents at the next hogsmeade meeting, and after deliberation we decide that I should come too. We know that they don't like me, but they'll have to learn to like Draco did, and Draco doesn't think he can do it alone.

"Are you sure about this?" Draco asks, getting more nervous as we get closer to the Hogs Head.

"Of course, it's the only thing we can do." I squeeze his hand before letting it go, and giving him a reassuring smile. He nods, then wipes his face of any fear before opening the door to the pub. His parents are waiting inside, neatly dressed with stern expressions on their faces. Draco's father especially looks angered by my presence.

"We got your letter, and assumed it was important." Lucius says stiffly. "You didn't say that Potter would be here. What is it, and be quick." Draco keeps his face blank, but darts his eyes towards me before speaking.

"It is important, father. Harry has given us a chance, and I feel we should take it. A chance to start fresh."

"Get to the point, Draco." Draco looks back and forth between me and his parents, not knowing how to phrase what they need to know. I decide to cut in.

"The Order is willing to hide your family from Voldemort if you fight with us." Both of his parents react; his father's eyes widening, and his mother gasping.

"Draco, what have you been doing?" His father hisses, his face contorting angrily and his eyes looking around in fear.

"Draco's done nothing wrong. What he does next is up to you. Will you escape?"

"Draco, what is the meaning of this?" His mother asks desperately, "We were doing okay. Things are working out, why must you jeopardize our lives?"

"You should not have gotten Potter involved in private family matters."

"Father," Draco tries, "This is what we've been waiting for. An escape from this battle."

"We would still be in the war, Draco, don't be foolish." Lucius mutters tiredly.

"But we'd be fighting for the right side! We can no longer pretend that what we do is right. If wizards are truly superior to muggles, then why do we kill them? Because we can? Even if they're beneath us, they're not animals. The cause is lost, and in it's place is something horrible that must be stopped. Please, father, mother, join us."

As his parents deliberate in silence, I feel a swell of pride for Draco. Up until this moment, I haven't been fully sure that he isn't just taking the offer to escape. He truly want to fight, and seeing the determination in his eyes both scares me and gratifies me.

"Draco," His mother begins, hesitantly, "What you suggest... I don't know. Maybe we're not in the Dark Lord's favor after the Ministry, but we're safe. And your safety matters more to us than anything." His father nods, agreeing. "And what makes you sure we can trust Potter." Her eyes grow colder when she looks at me, and I feel the urge to back away, but resist.

"I'm joining the Order, with or without you." Draco declares quietly. His parents look at each other, and with resignation his father finally speaks.

"All that matters to us is you, Draco. If we can't change your mind, then we don't have a choice but to follow. We have to keep you safe." His mother nods sadly, looking at her son as if seeing him as a man for the first time.

"It's going to work." I interject, suddenly feeling the need to comfort the family. Lucius' eyes shoot daggers at me, and I understand that his intense loathing for me has in no way diminished. Even if he's reluctantly following his son, he's still bitter over his defeat. I cost him his security.

As we leave his parents, Draco releases his breath, as if he'd been holding it the whole time.

"That Merlin that's over." He mutters, grabbing my hand. His face has slipped from his neutral blank expression into one of relief.

"You were amazing. It's all going to work out, now."

"It is, isn't it?" He pulls me in and kisses me quickly, before we continue on our way back to school.

Thanks for reading! Reviews are loved :)