A/N:
Hello again, acquaintances!
So, a new chapter. Same old, same old. Why you're still here? Nobody knows! But I'm not complaining.
Here, Hermione is introduced to the newly dubbed 'Riddle Room'. This chapter is also a kick in the shins to all the Dramione haters, in case you were wondering.
Now, you know what time it is. REVIEEEWSSSS!
lol haha: Yes. You are. (Davido)
Fliiii ola: Don't worry. I bashed him in this chapter. (Davido)
Ebony was absent for 90% of this chapter and off writing her own fic, which, by the way, is now up over on ao3 and will be on this site as soon as she has time.
xXxDoubleKxXx
(but mostly) DavidoDaVinci
26/01/2024
Disclaimer: As much as we'd love to, we don't own Harry Potter.
Chapter 18: The Riddle Room
(Or the secret room found under the library by
Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy in the name of
He Who Must Not Be Named)
Dear Dad,
Don't freak out, I'm sending this from Hogsmeade and if it reaches you it hasn't been intercepted, so that should be proof enough for you. Hermione is doing well. Draco has a crush on her, having discovered she is not, in fact, a mudblood. Please remain silent. Adding to that, Hermione was adopted by her muggle parents and has a locket from her biological parents containing the Potter crest. I think we might be related in some way but could you please have a check for any Potters that aren't my biological parents?
Dumbledore is, as ever annoying, and aside from the Hermione revelation (and my continued annoyance at having a brother) there's nothing new.
Do not reply to this. Use the floo at eleven in the evening on Wednesday.
Harry
P.S. Draco discovered a secret room under the library, so we chat there.
Voldemort reread the letter for the sixth or seventh time. Well, that was simple enough, it was good to know that the useful Mudblood was not a Mudblood at all. Could be a useful asset. Good soldier. Then suddenly, the implications of the following sentence hit him. She was the missing daughter of William and Emily Byrne. He exhaled. He was surprised for the first time in about twelve years. Wow.
That wasn't what he had been expecting. Lord Voldemort made a mental note to get in contact with the two and re-introduce the not-mudblood to them. That was going to be awkward, but worthwhile, provided they didn't do anything stupid and give him an excuse.
He should wait. Yes. wait until the Christmas holiday. She would surely be there. Harry would make sure.
…
Harry had managed to get himself and Hermione away from Ron for a bit and Harry fully intended to show the bushy-haired girl the secret room which had been recently dubbed the 'Riddle Room'. Draco had wanted to call it 'The Secret Room found under the library by Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy in the name of He Who Must Not Be Named', but Harry had put his foot down at that. He was almost sure he had been joking.
Emphasis on the almost.
After sitting in the library 'revising' for ten minutes or so, Harry, without looking up, asked,
"Hermione, do you want to see something?"
She jumped, looking up from '100 magical herbs and spices'. "Oh! Sure… yeah, okay."
He stood up, and walked with her for a bit, before finding the book.
She followed, curious. When he eventually did find it, he did as Draco had shown him. Boy, was he looking forward to her reaction.
As soon as she stepped inside the room, her jaw dropped.
"This is in here!?" She asked incredulously. "There's a whole freaking room in the library and no one's noticed it before? Is everyone in this castle stupid?"
Harry grinned ferally. "Just about. Take a seat."
Hermione took the opportunity to perch on one of the armchairs he and Draco had placed inside the room. She glanced at Ebony, a worried expression playing across her face.
"It's fine." Harry said, soothingly. "Just don't attack her, and don't tell anyone, snakes are alright, really."
She regained her composure, somewhat emphasising the bushy hair. "Who else knows about this?"
"Only me, Ebony, that's the snake, and Draco. You now…"
She looked confused. "Why Malfoy?"
He pressed a finger to his lip. "If anyone asks, we hate each other's guts."
She raised an eyebrow sarcastically. "And why did you show me?"
"Because I trust you. A bit." he replied, honestly. "Under no circumstances are you to show Ron, or anyone else."
She frowned even as she nodded.
"Right, then. Draco should be along any minute now." Harry muttered to himself.
"Draco? Sorry, Draco Malfoy? Why's he coming?"
Harry looked up at her. "Why not? Already told you, he knows. Plus, we need to establish what exactly is going on with your… eh, situation."
Just at that moment, the door flew open and the blond boy stormed in.
"What happened to you? Been swimming in the mud?" Harry deadpanned.
Draco threw himself face down on one of the armchairs and groaned. "That Parkinson brat wouldn't stop hitting on me!" He grumbled. "I am fed up with her!"
Hermione gave Harry a puzzled look as to why he and Draco seemed to be being friendly after their previous encounter. Harry shrugged, mouthing 'explain later' before turning to the blonde haired menace to society he had had the misfortune of growing up with.
"Now, Draco, chivalry please, if you'll notice, our friend here is sitting next to you."
He spun round with a look on his face which made both Hermione and Harry fight not to burst out laughing.
Early signs of a good… acquaintance… officially.
Draco had apparently been working on his acting, for he neither blushed nor smirked while greeting her.
"Uh, hello," he mumbled.
She smiled. "Hi."
Harry facepalmed. This was going to be a long year. And to think, they were only twelve.
…
He lay in his bed later that night, thinking. So, now Draco knew it. Hermione was pureblood. The two were getting on well. Maybe he could teach her some Quidditch or something. Oh, shoot. How had he so easily forgotten? Quidditch. He was on the team. In only one seven days he would be playing Gryffindor. Okay, time to panic. And train.
It was gonna be a long week.