August-03-2023 / Please read and review - feedback helps. ~ KBN


POV: DRACO

After the common muggle expression was awkwardly explained the air between us all still seemed thick and heavy. As if we all had a thousand different thoughts but not a single tongue had the strength to utter the thoughts running rampant between the four of us.

Do we start with casual conversation, like the rubbish DADA assignments, or the fact that not having a true competition on the field has made the sport rather dull? Do we go into detail on how shit this situation is? Do we start having a pissing contest about each other's families? Do we ignore and just pretend to be oblivious children enjoying school house rivalries and teenage woe's?

The family signet ring felt heavy on my hand. No matter how I spun it, the familiar crest burned into my eyes and the overheard conversation echoed in my ears. Ringing loudly till it was the only thing I heard.

Sitting up straighter in the uncomfortable wooden chairs, I pulled my wand from its seeth and set it down with purpose in front of Granger.

And that seemed to have got the table's attention.

"For someone who wanted to address this so-called elephant, you are being very tight lipped Granger."

Honey: that is what Theo described her eyes at, but strangely enough each time we have ever made eye contact I see flames. Nothing smooth and candied, just high intensity fire.

"How do you suggest I start Malfoy? Do I suggest going home to meet daddy dearest? Do I start by saying I am not 'outing' myself as a pureblood until this threat to the Wizarding World is gone and my best friend is safe?

I pride myself on always having the answer, to always having a solution, but what would you have me do? This is all so impossible and confusing and I am so utterly lost-"

Harry's arm reached out and wrapped around her shoulders and my eyes glanced over to Theo, whose walls were crumbling around him. His knuckles were white, and his tongue was pressed to his check as he was trying to reclaim his composure.

Slightly undoing the cufflinks to my jacket, I made a show of rolling up my sleeve to expose my forearm to the group, "Up until recently, you and I have had no reason to talk to one another, let alone trust: but that is what I am going to ask you to do.

Hermione Granger, I have a ludicrous idea that is going to involve a lot of trust between the two of us, so would you please enter an unbreakable vow with me?"

Her gaze was still scorching, but I was able to see her mind working out all the angels I could be working. I have to admit I miss having that quick wit in DADA: having just mindless hours of quill scratching on parchment is infuriating.

"Why should she give a vow before knowing this plan Malfoy?"

"She doesn't. Draco just has a flair for the dramatics. " There was no room for argument with Theo's tone, so I tossed my hand up in a yield position.

" Of course she can hear out the idea, but I need a vow to show her the memories that will verify claims. I won't negotiate on that."


POV CHANGE: HERMIONE

I swallowed hard: air, opinions, concerns, I couldn't tell. I know it burned my throat.

I feel my childhood ticking away with every word uttered at this worn table in the back corner of an ancient library. That innocence I had all but five years ago slipping through my hands like sand in an hourglass. There was no coming back from this conversation. There were no twenty questions you ask when meeting a new friend. There was no more pretending.

The threats were real. Choices had to be made. Sides have to be made.

"I will promise to listen to you Malfoy, and I promise to have an open mind. But until I hear this idea, I can't promise you to make this vow."

He just smirked and sat back in this chair: I wish I could knock that smug little grin from his face.

"All I ask is that you keep your promise Granger - listening with an open mind."

Mentally I am screaming at this arrogant asshole, but I just narrow my eyes and make a show of getting comfortable in my chair, ushering with my hand for him to get on with it.

He let out a huff of air that I don't know was a laugh or a sign of frustration, but his constant fidgeting with his ring caught my eyes. Good. I am not the only one struggling with this. Harry's leg that is pressed against mine and Theo's firm grip on my hand are the only thing that is keeping my anxiety in check.

"You Know Who is living in my home." My heart stopped at that first sentence, and Harry shifted in his seat - sitting taller now. I had to look Malfoy in his eyes. I had to. Cold as steel and just as sharp.

"He has taken control of the Manor - from the paintings to having his supporters crawling over my ancestral home. The only place that is warded from his eyes and ears is my father's office. It is the only sanctuary our family has left in our home.

When that boy was killed, that was the end of the blind loyalty my parents went along with. The movement that they were a part of when they were children is far from what it has become. Where attacking children with magical blood was a passable offense. This is no longer protecting our heritage. It is a crusade for power and control.

Granger, stop, I am not arguing with you at this moment that the movement is shit. We both know it is. For the past five years Muggle Born wonder girl has been beating me in almost every aspect. I know it's hogwash, but that is neither here nor there."

I could feel the corner of my lips tug into a small smile: all I had done was open my mouth, ready to pipe in my two cents on the Pureblood movement and he already nipped in the bud before I could say a single word.

"As I was saying before Granger decided to interrupt - My family is ready to defect. It is not because they believe in the cause, but because they don't believe in The Dark Lord's cause. They want to ensure our survival, and the survival of magical blood. That is all that matters at the end of the day.

The upcoming match between Syltherin and Huffelpuff is a match I have owled my father about, requesting that he comes to watch. I want to approach him about saving Theo from the Nott manor and I would like to discuss this development and how we can proceed.``

Trusting one Malfoy was a lot to ask, but trusting three? That was damn near impossible.

Theo's hand tightened on mine, but his eyes didn't look away from Draco's. As an onlooker, you can see the bond between the two and the silent conversations they are having. The obvious love they have for one another was kin to mine and Harry's affection.

Harry, whose hand seeked for my free one. His face was covered in a thin layer of sweat but his eyes were far away deep in thought.

It feels surreal.

I nearly jump out of my seat as I feel my Protean charm nearly burn in my pocket: a quick reminder to the outside world.

Reaching for the map I mumble the incantation to reveal the contents, "Shit - Harry, you have to go. Everyone is gathered together and are waiting for you."

Between the confused glaces from both Theo and Draco, Harry managed to find his voice, "Miney I can't leave you-"

"You can and you will. We have no choice anymore. You deal with that end, and I will deal with this."

His gaze held mine for what seemed like minutes before he rustled his shaggy hair and stood up. His attention to the two boys still sitting on the table and he held his hand out.

"I don't trust you Malfoy. And I don't know if I can ever trust your family. But I trust mine-so, let's call this a ceasefire."

"Theo, I look forward to our next meeting and to actually get to talk about…all of this in detail."

The two boys just nodded before Harry turned to leave: taking just the map with him.

Alone with both Theo and Malfoy I could feel my hands start to get sweaty, and the hair on my neck starting to rise. Malfoy was staring so intensely it was making me feel like I am two feet tall. My mouth is dry.

"Let's continue. We don't have the luxury to wait this out."


Thank you for the time spent reading till this point.