As you have probably heard #Lovewins! I am so excited that the country is going in the right direction. Gay marriage is legal and now (as it should've always been considered) as just marriage. For once the right side has won. This has been a long battle for so many people, one of my best friend's included, and I am so happy and proud to be American right now. America got something right and even though there are still people out there being prejudice, this still is a good start! :)

So this is a pretty angsty-ish chapter considering my excitement and happiness, but here you go! I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 3:

"Traitor"

This was a word Draco heard daily; from his housemates, from random classmates from other houses, everyone. He was beginning to think he shouldn't have come back. It wasn't mandatory, but he figured getting his N.E.W.T.S would give him a better chance of surviving without his inheritance. Draco could remember a little over a year ago he was respected; he struck fear into those around him. The turn of events almost made him laugh, almost, if it wasn't for the pure hatred and snide behind every word.

He has no one, he's alone and it's understandable, he knew after being part of the wrong side of the war. He feels the skin crawling sensation in the exact spot of his mark, every time he thinks about it. The only thing, now, that gets him through the day is the one new ally he has made since returning. Harry Potter. To think, Harry Potter, his salvation, Draco never thought he would see the day. The first day back, he talked to him hopefully make a truce, and maybe one day if they could go that far, a friendship. He never thought Potter would accept his hand of truce, especially considering Potter's rejection when they first met their first year. Granted, Draco was quite a git when they first met, but he can't help but be surprised and grateful.

Now, it was the first day of classes, Potions. The new Professor was much more cheerful than his late godfather, Snape. It was quite a sight when he walked into the classroom, windows were open, cauldrons are shining, and the former black drapes were banished and replace with white, thin curtains. She was the exact opposite of his godfather. To emphasize that, she wanted groups of three; at least one of the three has to be of a different house. She waved her hands, arms flailing and hands swirling in the air letting the class pick the groups themselves. The class was in a frenzy, Gryffindors found Gryffindors, Slytherins found Slytherins each group grabbing their friends and reluctantly grabbing a classmate from the other house. Draco went to stand in the back, waiting for the unlucky pair of left overs to be forced to be paired with him. What he didn't expect was Potter and Granger to sit in the two chairs on either side of him, before he had a chance to move.

Granger looked up at him, "Well Draco, what are you waiting for? We should probably get started." She and Potter walked away, towards the ingredients cabinet, bags and wands occupying their space. He watched the two works, their hands brushing, and their sides almost always connected. It was pretty interesting to watch, their bodies moved when the other moved, their eyes fluttering to each other every few seconds as if they were reassuring themselves that the other was still there. It was almost like he wasn't there, except for the fact that he was. The two tried to keep him in their conversation, asking his opinion, prompting him to start the conversation, anything, but he was still reluctant. Why wouldn't he be? A truce with Potter was a surprise itself, but now Granger, the muggle-born he treated so horribly over the years was being so open to giving him a chance. It shocked him to the core, maybe not everyone hates him. Maybe people would actually be willing to give him a chance.

Hermione squeezed passed him at the end of the class, the front of her body almost flushed against his own, his cheeks burned. Now she was okay with touching him? What in the name of Merlin was going on?

Harry clapped Draco on the back, before leaving with Hermione. Hermione and Harry may have laid it on a bit thick, he knew that and he knew she knew that. They knew of lot of the same things these days, but it was nice. It's nice to have someone who knows you, even better than you know yourself, even if at times it could be a little overbearing.

"This is never going to work is it?" Harry said as the two settled on a couch in the Gryffindor common room. Harry lay, head resting in Hermione's lap, eyes closed as her fingers ran through his hair.

"It was never going to be easy, Harry. You can't expect to become best mates after one day."

Thanks for the obvious, Hermione. "I know that, but I thought he would be at least open to it. He seemed like he wanted to run away every time we talked to him." There was a stinging tap on his forehead. His hand shot up to his forehead, lightly rubbing the sore spot.

"What the hell was that for?"

She raised an eyebrow, "Every single person here, is against him, he lost most of his family, and on top of that he feels guilty for everything that happened. Can't you understand why he's not the most open and trusting person right now?"

Of course he understood that, it was his life in a nutshell. Harry, however, had 18 years to deal with all of this; he had friends, like Hermione and Ron, to be there for him. Draco doesn't. This isn't something that you can just get over in a split second. Harry sighed, curled his body toward Hermione, she was right. Of course, she was right. Her hand continued to work through his hair as he laid there not a word was spoken but a million were said. The portrait door swung open letting in the loud red-heads they loved. Harry groaned, burying himself further into Hermione's side. It was so peaceful and quiet before they came in.

"Hey mate," Ron said knocking Harry's feet off the couch, forcing him to sit up, "What happened in Potions? You and Hermione ditched me for Malfoy, what was all that about?"

"We have a truce with Draco, I think that means we should start being friendly towards him. No one else would've worked with him and all we were doing was trying to be good friends."

Ron rolled his eyes, "There's a reason no one would work with him Hermione."

Hermione narrowed her eyes at him, "And what might that be?"

"A traitor! Who the hell do you think helped you get tortured at his own house? Did you think you got that scar for fun?"

Harry watched Hermione clench her hands into fists, she swallowed. Harry looked at Ginny her hands were buried in her lap, head down. "Fuck you, Ron. Don't you dare talk like you know what happened in there. You have no idea."

"I think I have a pretty good idea considering we could hear your screams from the fucking basement."

Her eyes began to water, "Hermione…" Harry reached for her clenched fist. She snatched her hand back, grabbed her bag and raced out the common room. "Hermione!" Harry jumped up ready to follow her, but Ginny laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Leave her be, she needs to be alone for a while." Ginny squeezed his shoulder before heading up the stairs to the girl's dormitory.

Harry flicked the back of Ron's head, "Nice going Ron." He said before making his way up the stairs to his own dormitory.

Reviews would be lovely!