Author's Note: I am surprised I have made it this far in this story. To be honest, I've realized now that this will be hundreds of chapters long and I'm not quite sure how I'll ever get to that lol. But I'll try. Once again I appreciate your support and any comments, questions, or suggestions you might have, feel free to review and/or pm me. Thank you! Note that from this point on, there will be changes and timelines will shift a bit.

Chapter 49: Truce

The room was empty; the beds were freshly made and all the curtains were pulled open signaling that there was no one here. Taking a deep breath, Angel tried to get back to her writing but even she knew it was pointless. She knew that once her mind fixated on an idea, she could no longer get out of that. Sighing she gripped her quill tighter against her journal and tried to write.

Writing was not out of fun but rather it was a way to ignore the looming event that was happening tonight. Luna had told her excitedly that the meeting would be held tonight and that she should be ready after class. But at the moment she simply sat in her room wondering whether or not she should even go. The idea was tempting, but breaking the rules…that was another thing. The repercussions kept her from actually going.

Angel Malfoy was a coward. She covered her face and let out a groan. She didn't care much about the rules if she was perfectly honest; in reality it was the lying that made her uncomfortable. Because in reality she now lied a lot, so much so that they tended to pile atop of one another. They tended to push people away who could no longer could handle helping; she frowned thinking about Pansy. Their friendship hadn't recovered to this day and it stung.

But despite all of this, she had made a promise of being a part of this, and worst of all, she knew Harry had fought hard to have her there. She knew that Gra-Hermione and Ron were coerced and pushed to accept her and talk to her before outright rejecting her. And her fear kept her from going. If Draco found out, he would tell their parents and that would be the last thing she would see before they either killed her or locked her up for life.

A knock on the door interrupted her anxiety attack. She made a noise that almost sounded like come in. Sure enough, there was Luna who had gotten out of her uniform. She closed the door behind her and locked it before sitting beside Angel and took action. Delicately her hands pulled Angel towards her lap and hummed softly as her fingers lightly dug into her scap, scratching her in a patterned movement. Angel looked at the blonde showing how confused she was over all of this, but Luna simply continued to hum.

"Is this necessary?" Angel asked quietly.

"Is your anxiety still hitting you?"

"No?" her brow furrowed.

"Then we can stop" Luna replied satisfied. "Now when you're ready we can both go to the um…event"

Angel looked at Luna and frowned.

"Is it even wise for me to go? I mean no one wants me there"

Luna's blue eyes softened and a reassuring smile rose.

"I want you there and you know Harry fought hard to get you in" Luna reminded Angel before she paused. It was clear she was carefully thinking over her next words. "When is the last time you did something without second guessing it? Make a choice on your own?"

"What is that supposed to mean?" Angel's tone rose.

Luna leaned against Angel's bed and sighed. Apparently she would have to explain it in more detail. Taking a deep breath she turned to look at her friend and began to explain her.

"You're first friends belonged to who? Oh yes your brother. That's fine they're nice and yes, you like them. But there's that. Who was in the Quidditch team first? Oh yes him. When have you had something that's just yours?"

"What the hell does that have to do with this?" Angel felt insulted. "I didn't join because of him! I joined the Quidditch team because I've been working hard! And I am friends with Pansy be-because she's my friend too! She's nice"

"And there's nothing wrong with that" Luna interrupted, "but when is the last time you made a decision without second guessing what your brother would think?"

That made her shut up. Glaring Angel got up from her bed and opened the closet taking clothes out of it. Turning over, Luna looked smug and Angel mumbled as she began to change.

" You know I'm only saying it, because I care about you right? You said you wanted to do this. What makes you think you can't? Is it because of your brother? How will you ever live?"

"You win Luna, I'm changing" Angel proclaimed somewhat defeated.

It seemed that sometimes tough-love was the best medicine. Luna meant no harm in her comment but wanted to remind Angel that she needed to grow a spine and do something. Breaking the rules wasn't always bad, so long as it had a purpose. She shook her head knowing that she had hit a nerve in Angel, especially as the girl was changing her clothes roughly; she pulled and tugged her clothes rougher than necessary.

"I'm really sorry I said it" Luna said after a while.

"I know you are and you're right…I guess. But the consequences scare me." she admitted.

"And that's why I'm here to help" Luna said simply.

Shaking her head Angel grabbed her sweater and they were off. Luna chatted continuously making it seem that they were going to have a fun time hanging out in the Ravenclaw Tower. No one really questioned it and that was a relief. It was only when they were alone that Luna began to reassure Angel that everything would be okay and she wouldn't leave her side unless asked. Walking through the halls she found herself looking around wondering where Luna was taking her. But as they arrived at a door, she wondered if the door had always been there. She doubted it, yet as Luna opened it, she realized they were the last ones to arrive.

And boy was there a lot of people here. As the door closed behind them all eyes turned to the pair. Never in her life did she think being a Slytherin meant that she was automatically evil. Well, she did, but never was she ashamed of being one until this very moment. It was awful how oblivious she was to how disliked Slytherins could be (and presumably she too) when there was no one to support you through it. A tight squeeze of her arm reminded her of Luna being there as support. While Luna wasn't the most popular person, (she had very few friends) she was assumed as innocent and harmless. Most importantly she was also thought as a bad judge of character with being with Angel. Taking a deep breath Angel stood her ground and waited for people to stop staring.

"What is she doing here?" A voice screeched.

The people parted slowly and of course it was Ginny Weasley. She looked angrily at the thought of having her invade the space that she had deemed hers. Angel was not about to make a scene; instead she simply let Luna go and forced herself not to cross her arms.

"I was recruited" she simply said.

"You're a Slytherin, your kind loves Umbridge" Dean Thomas scoffed.

"My kind?" she repeated surprised, "You weren't the only one to get detention for disagreeing with her methods Thomas. And if I remembered correctly you've all been pretty compliant with the woman as well"

" Who would even recruit you?!"

"I did" Harry said simply.

That shut everyone up. Angel was surprised to find him standing up for her. Her heart quickened and she found herself being hidden as he stood in front of her to defend her. No one had ever truly defended her for something and seeing him there, doing it in front of people that were his friends... She found her cheeks reddening as he explained how she had earned her spot there.

"She's a Slytherin!" someone said.

"If Harry says she deserves to be here who are we to judge?" Neville said quietly, "I think that if she signed the thing like we did she wants to be here"

"Okay if we are done fighting should we get to learning?" Hermione finally said, "I'm sorry Ginny, but she's staying. She's qualified and whoever doesn't agree can leave." No one made a movement. Angel looked at Hermione and looked down demurely being thankful that the muggleborn helped her out this way. "Now! We need to elect a leader" Hermione added.

"Harrys leader!" Cho immediately interrupted her.

That's the moment that Angel really took note of Cho Chang. When did that girl get closer to Harry? Tilting her head to stare at the girl she wondered what was up. Nonetheless it was obvious that Harry should be the leader and thus when the voting began Angel quickly raised her hand in vote.

"Okay now to really get learning."

Slowly they paired up into groups and began to practice their defense spell. Expelliarmus. She immediately found Luna and took her as her partner happy to be with someone she trusted. That is, until her sweater caught on fire…twice.

"Luna!" she cried out in surprise.

"Sorry!" Luna said embarrassed, "Let me just try it one more time and I'll-"

"No!" She interrupted, "it's my turn to try"

"To get revenge you mean"

Rolling her eyes Angel nervously gripped her wand and did the stance. The first time she found herself mumbling the spell and it gave Luna a little electric shock; she bit back her laughter when the girl simply shivered. As she tried again she found herself swinging her wand with to much force and another electric shock came, this time around Luna's hair frizzled. A louder giggle was heard.

"Here let me help"

Turning around she saw Harry stand behind her and move her to the appropriate position. She looked up at him as he took her wrist without care and began to explain what she was supposed to be doing. His voice was soft and when his breath was against her ear she shivered a bit. It was odd; it was reckless to be so touchy feely in front of others but thankfully many were too busy to even take notice. Or so they thought. As he enunciated the spell clearly she snapped out of her daydream.

"Expelliarmus!"

And it worked! Luna's wand went flying and Angel grinned in excitement that she almost hugged Harry.

Unbeknownst to them they were being watched. When Harry had started his rounds to see the pairs he had sent Neville to work with Ron and Hermione. So when they began to practice Hermione tagged out to allow them to really work. The way that Harry didn't hesitate to simply help caught Hermione's attention. There was no awkwardness between the pair; rather a fluidity that made her think it seemed natural. The way the girl almost leaned against Harry set up warning bells in Hermione's mind. As Harry seemed whispered against her and smile, Hermione knew she needed to investigate.

"Hey Hermione it's your turn!" That snapped her out of her thoughts and she soon joined the trio once more. She would analyze this later that much was for sure.

Near the end of their lesson everyone agreed to meet again. Angel felt like she was doing the right thing, and without her brother's consent. For a second she felt guilt gnawing at her sides but she ignored it. She was able to make her own decision without consulting others, that's at least what she told herself.

…..

"Weasley is our King"

At first Angel had thought they were joking as Draco and the others came up with a chant to use during a game. They wouldn't be so stupid to waste their time on that. So she ignored it and went off to DA practice that night. It was honestly wearing her out to have homework, classes, DA practice and Quidditch practice as well. Her nights were filled with her simply passing out. She grew tired but never complained knowing that this was worth it. Finding a purpose beat any exhaustion that was for sure.

But as they began the game, things began to shift. For one thing the song began to rise from the Slytherin stands. Weasley our King. The song was so cruel and her stomach twisted in embarrassment for Ron. Poor kid; she never did like him but seeing him at DA practice and his enthusiasm made her respect him somewhat. Still, her cheeks burned in shame as he looked at her briefly, almost asking if she knew. But this wasn't the time; this was quidditch. Thus as she grabbed the Quaffle she immediately lowered her body and began to fly towards the goals. She avoided all the Weasleys and immediately threw a goal as Ron looked distracted.

When the goal went through and a cheer was heard from her school she made eye contact with Ron again. He looked devastated; this was not his first point given. She found herself getting angry at how easy he was making it.

"You knew," he accused angrily.

"Get your heard in the game Weasley!" She replied angrily. "Don't listen to them and play the damn game"

Before he could reply they both heard the voices in the stands rising. Turning around she saw Draco and Harry both lowered their bodies and diving for the snitch. She cheered loudly knowing that this could be it, they would win. That is until Harry grabbed it. Her shoulders sagged and ignored the way that the Gryffindors began to yell in glee. She slammed her hands against her broom in anger.

Her first game and they had lost. Her disappointment was short lived as she saw Harry throw a punch her brother's way. Then George, and suddenly her brother had hit the floor. She screamed and immediately began to dive towards them. She saw the fists slamming into her brother repeatedly and she found herself almost diving off her broom to stop them.

"Stop it!" she screamed, "Get off of him you're hurting him"

She got shoved by the boys and cried out in pain as she hit the floor. It had hurt more than she cared to admit, but as she saw the blood coming out of her brother's mouth and both boys kept going, she took out her wand and shouted the jinx.

"Flipendo!"

They were thrown from Draco at that very moment and she ran to grab her brother and pull him close. She was crying, she didn't even realize it until she felt a breeze cooling her face.

"What is wrong with you?!" She screamed.

"He wouldn't shut up!" Harry yelled his face red. "He deserved it and more. Stop defending him! He deserved it"

"It doesn't justify two versus one" she yelled back getting up and getting into Harry's personal space. "Fight me then" she added angrily pointing at herself roughly. "Punch me the way you both teamed up on him! You have no honor!"

"Don't even mention honor when you're defending him" he got closer to her face.

Both of their teeth were bared, both angry their faces red from exhaustion. Harry's hand was red from Draco's blood and as he looked down at his girlfriend he was in no way soothed by it. She was defending her brother who spoke ill of his mother. That was unacceptable.

"Don't tell me what to do" she replied lowly.

"He spoke about my mother and you still defend him?!"

"He wouldn't!" she screamed back.

"Stop being stupid and actually take note he's a twat!" he yelled back.

He got so close and raised his fist that Angel flinched thinking for a brief second he would punch her. He wasn't given the opportunity as a he was knocked back. He went flying and realized Madame Hooch was running their way. Immediately he was sent to McGonagall's office with George. He wasn't even fazed as he saw her crying on the grounds. As soon as he left Angel began to tend to Draco murmuring things to stop him from whimpering.

….

Angel sat down on the chair holding Draco's hand as he rested. They had really hit him and he was bruised and bloody all over. Her heart hurt over all of this. Over the way her brother was mercilessly attacked, over his attacker and most of all the way that it had ended. The way her brother was hit replayed over and over again as they had taken him to the hospital wing. She didn't know what to do. Her hands hadn't stopped shaking since they had been put to rest.

Pansy had rushed in and sobbed on Angel's shoulder mumbling all sorts of curses at George and Harry. She was glad that he was okay but every time something was given to him Pansy would start sobbing. Angel had told her that there was nothing wrong with him; well at least nothing serious and it would be okay. It was her third time crying when Madame Pomfrey sent her back to the common room. Now only she remained.

She didn't know how to feel at the moment. Looking down at her brother she felt some anger rising slowly. He was fast asleep, the medicine doing some good and while he was bruised up and had a ripped lip, it made her stomach turn. Someone she loved dearly caused this and just when everything was looking up. His friends were slowly tolerating her and she was finally doing something for herself. Leaning back she threw her head back and sighed. This got so complicated so quickly. The anger radiating off Harry replayed in her mind and now properly studying it, she knew that he wasn't lying.

Damn it. She clenched her fist in anger and thought more into the situation. Draco was obviously bitter that Harry had gotten the snitch. And no one was paying attention to them that is until the punches came. And the force in them…she opened her eyes to stare at her brother again and glared. He did all of this because of pride. She wanted to punch him himself. Covering her face she let out a whine of anger; she had let her emotions just out. She didn't even think logically at the moment all she saw was her brother being beaten.

"Damn it" she said aloud.

She wanted to apologize and just…she could do that right? How many times would she be forced to do this? How could she even face them tonight at the DA meeting? She took out her galleon and noticed the meeting time. She couldn't go. She wouldn't go. She was too embarrassed. She had never been so angry at her brother, never once had she been so disappointed to even think about turning on him. Yet there she was wondering if all of this was worth losing. She had made some name for herself and away from him.

Getting up she found herself not being able to even think about looking at him anymore. Shaking her head she found herself walking out on her brother. This probably wouldn't be the last but it was her first time knowing she was doing the right thing. Her hand held her coin tightly as she walked through the halls. Her fingers rubbed against the coin as it vibrated. She found herself looking at the stairway. One lead her towards the DA meeting the other down to the dungeons. Taking a breath she realized she could never be a hero and found herself walking down the stairs towards the dungeons.

"Malfoy" a voice said.

Turning around she found herself looking at the last person she could even fathom. Granger. She stood awkwardly wondering briefly if the girl would push her down the stairs over what happened today. But instead the older girl held her books tightly as if it was her own shield.

"May we talk for a second?" she asked.

Angel nodded feeling oddly vulnerable in all of this. Walking back up the stairs she stared both ways of the hallway almost unsure if anyone was hearing. Seeing no one she looked at Granger and took a deep breath.

"What do you want?" she asked quietly.

"Is your brother okay?" Hermione asked.

Angel was definitely confused now.

"Yes? Why do you ask?"

It was Hermione's turn to look uncomfortable. She looked as if she had swallowed a lemon. Angel didn't rush her instead patiently swayed waiting for the girl to talk.

"I'm sorry that Harry attacked your brother, and George too. No matter what he said he didn't deserve to be hit that way. There were better ways and-"

"Granger you punched my brother two years ago. What makes it difference now?" she asked curiously.

"Hermione" she reminded her, "It's Hermione. And I too regret doing that now. Now that I'm older and see I could have avoided that. I also know that you will miss today's…you know" her voice got quieter, "and just know we wouldn't shut you out."

"Why not?" Angel's voice wavered, feeling very naked at the moment over all of this. "My brother said awful things I-I made Harry very angry Hermione." She took a deep breath. "How can I feel safe in a room like that?"

Hermione looked at the younger girl and realized that while the girl wouldn't admit it she wasn't happy with the situation and what her brother did. She had to remind herself that Angel Malfoy and Draco Malfoy were two different people. They were almost identical in moments yet in others…like this, they were never so different.

"If I promised it would be okay, would you go?" she asked after a while.

"I…not today" Angel replied her voice shaking, "It's been a long day, and I already feel awful over this…and what Draco did."

"He always does that though" Hermione interrupted her."Why are you so surprised?"

"But I've never really seen it" she admitted quietly avoiding any eye contact. "Look Hermione, I'm not happy this happened. I love the…the club" she lowered her voice, "but it's hard knowing I'm the bad guy by just walking in. I need some time. But for what it's worth...I'm sorry I hurt you two years ago too, and any other time I unintentionally did it."

The sincerity in her tone surprised Hermione. The brown-eyed girl truly looked apologetic and down at her admittance.

"T-thank you" Hermione didn't even know what to say now.

"This doesn't mean I like you" Angel immediately added with a quirk of a smile. "But I respect you and that will suffice for now. Now I need to go hide under my covers for a bit and really think this over alright?"

"You're always welcomed you know" Hermione called out as Angel turned to go down the stairs.

"Thank you…tell Harry I'm sorry"

That was the last thing that Hermione heard before the girl wasn't seen anymore. Something immediately caught her attention. Angel didn't hesitate to call Harry his name rather than Potter yet with hers she had. Hermione took note of it once more. The girl wasn't as bad as her brother, but if she was honest, she knew that no good could come from a Malfoy. Shaking her head, Hermione headed towards the meeting. It was clear the girl needed some time to think before rejoining the group. Shame, she was doing so well.