Well, Isn't This Nice

Month 6 – Memorable Experiences

A few months later, Ron had so many questions to ask the Slytherins.  This surprised most of them because it was usually Hermione with a list of questions.  His questions were mainly about the Slytherin’s group living as muggles. His curiosity was largely due to the fact that he now wanted to know what they had to deal with.  Coming from a pureblood family himself, he only had Harry and Hermione’s stories to understand.  Getting information about the Muggle world from pureblood Slytherins was a chance he was not going to lose.  Their perspective intrigued him, allowing his guard to be let down and letting the two groups morph together cohesively.

“Who’s idea was it to live like muggles?” Ron asked when there was an extended silence after they all settled into their seats.

Four Slytherins looked at Draco.  Draco stayed silent and looked at his feet with his shoulders slumped. 

It was apparent that the Slytherin group had discussed this several times.  Draco was clearly the instigator for them living as muggles.  He must have laid down the law that he didn’t want anyone to explain but himself. 

Taking in a long, slow breath, holding it in for a count, then letting it out slowly, Draco sat up straighter and looked straight at Hermione.  The intense stare caused her to squirm, making her avert her gaze to Ron and Harry, not knowing what to do.

All eyes turned to Hermione and then back to Draco.

Draco started, “While we were in school, I was always confused by this…,” pointing at Hermione, “muggle born girl.  I had tutors from the age of 3, to become exceptional in school.  I always received top marks.  Then our first year, a muggle-born girl, who had just learned she was a witch a month or two priors had begun to best me in all subjects.  All subjects.  We all remember what a know-it-all she was too.”

“Still is.” Ron said.  Hermione playfully hit Ron’s arm and then looked at Draco to continue.

Looking at the wall, Draco seemed to think how he wanted to put all the words together that he wanted to say. “I was always taught that muggles are ignorant, less than us.  They do not have magic, therefore they are lesser.  They were like cavemen in their inferiority. Thus, muggle-borns are an extension of them.  Imbeciles, my father would call them.  We all know the other word he preferred to use.”  Looking at Hermione again, his eyes searched hers with an unspoken question of apology for when he used to call her a Mudblood.  Then he looked down at her right forearm quickly before moving on.

“Meeting Granger was a shock to my system, and I was thrown off my axis.  How could a muggle-born best a pureblood?  I watched her get better and better at everything in our world.  That’s when I started to question my family’s beliefs.”

“Why didn’t you stop following your family’s way of thinking?” Cho asked.

Looking at Cho, he furrowed his brow. “I was young.  I would have been beaten into submission by my father regardless of what I wanted.  I didn’t have a choice.  I knew to keep my thoughts to myself.  I decided when I became of age, I would take a different path in life.  When Voldemort came back my plans had to change.”  Shutting his eyes tight, he shook his head.  Theo put a strong hand on his shoulder and Astoria grabbed one of his hands.  Pansy squatted in front of him, gathering his face in her hands.  So un-Pansy-like, she whispered to him to open his eyes and look at her.  The affection she showed her friend was a shock to the DA group.  She breathed with him.  Slowly and steadily.

Wherever Draco had gone, he was back and looking around at the other group ashamed.  What he saw made him breath in sharply.  There was not one look of distain. Not one look of disgust.  Not one look of disbelief. They looked at him with understanding…. Even forgiveness.  Tears flowed down both of his cheeks.  He looked up and took a deep breath again.  Everyone was quiet.  But it wasn’t awkward.  They all had changed from the war.  They all knew what it was like to have nightmares and challenges because of Voldemort’s actions.  

Draco continued after a deep breath, “I had to make a choice during the war to play the part. It was the only way to save the ones I loved.  After my father was sent to Azkaban during 5^th year, I was forced to take his place, or Voldemort would have killed my mother and I.  I was forced to do what I despised doing.  It was the hardest few years of my life.  I was not only torn into pieces in my physical world, but deep within my soul.  There was a battle in my heart.”  He had to stop to breathe again, taking slow breaths. 

Leaning down and looking at the floor, he began again, in a quieter voice, “After the war, and the sentencing, going to the M.E.M., I needed to get away.  Not being able to use magic was difficult, but it was freeing in a way too.  I felt like I was a different person.  Hell, if I felt this free not using magic, how would it be to leave my lifestyle and live like a muggle.”  Looking around at the rest of his group, his lip turned up slightly.  “It took me a few weeks to bring it up to the group, but it was Tori who gave me the courage.  We had talked privately about what she went through during the war,” Looking next to him at Astoria, he nodded at her, “and I’m not going to go into her details, I’ll let her tell you if she wants to.  We’ve all gone through so much because of that fucking war.  She wanted to get away from all the reminders of what she went through.  That’s why I suggested living like muggles.

“Everyone had their concerns.  It was going to be hard.  None of us had any clue what to expect.  Over about two months we planned.  Theo was excited to get going on muggle entertainment, mainly Television and movies.  Getting a muggle television was a challenge, but we did it right away and he became the ultimate Slytherin couch potato.” This had Harry and Hermione laughing out loud.  The others of the DA group looked at them confused. 

Harry interjected, “A couch potato is a lazy person who only sits on the couch watching TV and eating potato chips and junk food.”

Theo was quick to defend, “It was purely for research purposes, folks!” Giggles all around.

Waiting patiently, Draco continued as the whole group looked back to him, “Pansy was tasked to get our looks, muggle clothing.  Over the first year, she and I were the ones to experiment with our looks the most.  I dyed my hair black, she had several piercings. Pansy also tried out the goth look for a few months.  We all like muggle clothing a lot better than wizarding robes, to be honest.  We only started wearing them again when we came to find you all.”

Astoria spoke up quickly, “I cut my hair super short, like a pixie cut, and realized we couldn’t use magic to grow it back quickly, and it was a harsh wake up call, so I was done experimenting after that.” It had grown out since then and was a cute bob cut now.

Neville looked at her hair and said, “I like your hair style.” Giving her a genuine, friendly smile that made her blush and smile back at him.

“Blaise was tasked to go over muggle history and literature,” Draco volunteered, trying to move the conversation along, looking at Astoria with some concern and then at Neville, like a protective brother.

Blaise looked at Hermione and snapped his fingers pointing at her, “I believe you and I have a few things to discuss.”

This made Hermione grin and open her mouth, but Ron had to put his hand on her forearm to stop her. “Not right now, k mate? Once you get her going, she does not shut up.”  Hermione hitting him once again playfully but agreeing with a nod, turning their attention back to Draco.

Like he was retelling a joke to himself, he smiled, “Tori asked if she could go to a muggle university.  She felt it would be good for at least one of us to interact with muggles regularly and that seemed to be the best way to do it.”

“I’m actually studying education at Oxford.” Tori said.  “I’m graduating next year and plan on getting my master’s after that.” 

Hermione and Harry gawked at her. But it was Cho that spoke up first, “How did you manage to get into Oxford with only having a magical education?” None of the others realizing what a prestigious school she was attending.  Hermione hadn’t realized how smart Astoria was, since they were never in the same year at Hogwarts.

Astoria was the one who answered, “Well, it’s pretty easy to forge papers and documents.  But when we told the M.E.M Board what we were planning, they helped us get the correct legal documentation for me to attend a muggle university. With my marks from Hogwarts translated into muggle marks, I was able to apply to schools and got accepted to several, it was just deciding where we all wanted to live.  I got into Harvard in America, but none of us wanted to live somewhere that far away, much less that it is almost like living on another planet.  I had only applied there for options.”

“And the others won’t admit this, but we were all about to shit our pants at the thought of flying on a muggle airplane.” Pansy blatantly admitted.

Laughing at Pansy, even though he didn’t know why, and grinning at her, Ron asked, “How do you know it’s easy to forge papers?” Ron returned his attention back to Astoria.

It was Draco who continued, “In order to live in the muggle world, we wanted to blend in a bit.  We decided to change our names and needed documents to prove that.  It wasn’t hard to find someone to forge them for us.  With the right amount of money, you can get almost anything… Which kind of leads us to what I was tasked to do.  I was in charge of getting housing, the ins and out of how we were actually going to live.  I learned how to take transportation, even learned to drive….. eventually.  Money was my department, and as you’ve already been informed, I failed at that miserably at first. What Tori failed to tell you, was that the coffee shop was a test run.  We didn’t have everything set up before that. I learned quickly and got us all muggle bank accounts, with credit cards. It was a harsh reminder of our ignorance. We didn’t have a time plan on how long we were going to do it, but we needed to try.”

Luna purred with a question, “You said you changed your names?  What are your muggle names?”

The Slytherins grinned and looked around to each other to see who would share first, Draco seeming relieved to take a step back from talking so much.

“I’m Thoe Knott, with a ‘K’”, Theo shared first. Laughing as if he were the cleverest person ever to exist.

“I go by Blain Zodd, thanks to this dumbass.” Hitting Theo.

“Superman was one of the first movies I watched, and I thought it was a cool name.  Didn’t realized how dumb it was until we got out into the muggle world….” Theo admitted.

“Yeah, when I got my license, the lady asked if I was joking.” Blaise said, with an amused eye roll.

“I’m Pansy Parks,” Pansy shared with a flick of her hair, moving the conversation along.

“Doesn’t she sound like she should be in a comic book?” Theo asked.

Only Harry, Hermione and the Slytherins laughed.  Harry looked at Theo and asked, “So you became a certifiable nerd, didn’t you?”  Not expecting a reply, he looked at his confused friends and tried to explain who Superman was and ended up saying they would need to set up a movie night.

Theo excitedly added, “Let’s do it at Draco’s place.  He’s got the sweetest movie room set up! Like movie theater seating, popcorn machine and a full bar.”  Not even looking at Draco for permission. 

Draco laughed and nodded his head.  “I’m Dray Black.”

“And I go by Tori Green.  And I’ve officially changed my name to Tori Green in the wizarding world as well.  So please call me Tori.”

Luna got up and shook her hand.  “It’s nice to meet you, Tori.” Giving her the Luna smile that seemed awkward by any on looker, but when you were on the receiving end, you couldn’t help but feel like you were being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold day.

Blaise took the rains, “Any more questions?”

Ron pulled out his list, setting his elbow on the table, looking at them all seriously, but directing his question to Blaise. “How soon can you teach me to drive?”

This brought out a fit of laughter from the group. Hermione knew that he wouldn’t have asked Draco because they were still getting somewhat comfortable with welding their groups together.  But she knew this night was the one that broke the dam of walls that they were all holding up.  Seeing Draco get so emotionally vulnerable helped them all see how the war was still causing damage to all of them.  She admitted that they needed each other.

Shortly after most of Ron’s questions were asked and answered, the group started to separate into their own mini conversations. 

Hermione was found in a deep discussion with Blaise about his favorite literature and Hermione shared hers with him.  They started to make plans on swapping books they had each enjoyed that the other hadn’t read yet.  Blaise had a lot of questions to ask her about muggle history and she found the conversation with him so enlightening.  He was like a sponge and wanted to know everything.  It was hard for her to admit, but Harry and Ron never engaged with her like this, and she was enjoying having someone this intelligent to talk to about such things.    

Ron was in an animated conversation with Harry & Theo about muggle TV.  Ron started to set times to start binge watching a show called “Dr. Who” when he could.  Harry could not stop laughing at Theo sharing his thoughts about Star Wars, Star Trek, Soup Operas & Reality TV.  Theo Admitted that they all thought ‘The Lord of the Rings’ was a documentary of their magical history and was so confused why muggles were watching it, feeling it might be breaking the statute of secrecy.  He also admitted that he thought ‘Star Wars’ was muggle history at one point.  The conversation was a fun one to be a fly on the wall. 

Neville, Luna and Tori were deep in a conversation about what Tori had been through in the war.  They had moved to a smaller table close to the group, but out of earshot.  She had explained to them both how her sister and herself had been forced to be sex toys for death eaters.  How her sister had fought being raped and they had killed her for it.  In seeing that, she decided not to fight them and was raped repeatedly.  Neville wanted to touch her and comfort her.  He had always thought Astoria was beautiful in school.  He had watched her from the moment she was sorted in her Slytherin house, but she had been in a different world than him, so his admiration was nothing more than that.  So, he decided that she needed a friend more than anything after what she had just shared.  Telling her that she now had 7 more people in her family that will protect her and never let anything happen to her like that again.  Outside of Draco, she’d never shared this with anyone else.  The release she felt in lightening her load was palpable.  She probably would have never admitted it to anyone else if Luna hadn’t been helping her over the last few months with her Legilimancy.  Luna’s tender touch helped her as well and she hugged her friend close, looking at Neville with teary eyes, and thanking them both for their kind words.

Pansy and Ginny were huddled together taking selfies and laughing at their phones, talking like they were besties, which they were becoming.

Seeing all the small conversations going around, Cho approached Draco and sat next to him.  He had been listening in on Tori’s conversation, ready to step in if she needed him to.  He felt very protective over her.  She had become like his little sister.  She was never very touchy and when she had opened up to him about what had happened to her, he took it upon himself to be her protector.  He admired Neville and knew that he wouldn’t hurt her, but was very happy Luna had become another rock for her to lean on. 

When Cho cleared her throat, Draco jumped a little in his seat.  “Chang,” he said.

“Hey there …..Thank you for sharing so much with us these last few months.” Cho started.  “I know it must have been difficult to share, not knowing how any of us would react.”

Turning towards her, he looked at her for a few seconds before replying.  “There was a lot of anxiety, I admit.  I know I did you all wrong in one way or the other.  My fear almost made me chicken out.  But my family,” Gently moving his hand around his group of friends, “are my strength.  They got us here, now.”

“It’s admirable what you’ve done. Having grown up in a wizarding family, I would be petrified to have done what you all did.  Seems like maybe you still are doing.” Cho admitted.

Draco looked at her with astonishment. “You caught on to that, huh?  I didn’t think it was so obvious.  How perceptive of you, Chang.”

“Please call me Cho.  Can I call you Draco?” Cho asked.

“I’d actually prefer Dray, if you don’t mind, but Draco works too.” Draco volunteered.

“Ok Dray.” Cho said smiling.

“Listen, I want to also apologize to you too.  Back when we forced you to go see Umbridge and she made you use veritaserum.  I did not know she was going to do that.  I was the one who grabbed you and took you to her.  I can’t believe what a bitch she was.  None of you deserved what she did to you.  I’m so sorry for my part in that.” Draco confessed.

“Thanks for the apology.  I forgave you that first night you came to find us months ago.  I didn’t realize how much you had to deal with during the war.  I hope in time we can all become a large family.  This group,” Pointing to her group of friends, “are my family.  My parents were killed by death eaters in a raid before the last battle.  I felt so alone and lost after the war.  When they welcomed me into this group, I felt so lucky.  You all joining us is feeling like that.  I can see us all becoming a big family together.  Might not seem like it now, but this is how it tends to work with the trio.  They are like magnets for those who need a family.  You have a great family already, but it doesn’t hurt to have a bigger family, does it?” Grabbing Draco’s hand, Cho squeezed it in a friendly manner.

Draco looked around at the mish mosh of people in their group.  Each of the Slytherins with the DAs.  They weren’t quite as separated as they had been months ago.  They had become one group of friends.  Looking back at Cho he started, “You know, I think you’re right.  I feel lucky to be sitting her right now.  I just hope we don’t lose this.”

“Once you’re welcomed in, and you have been, by the way, it’s hard to leave.  We protect each other.  The trio welcomed me because I proved my loyalty.  Everything you’ve all shared has proven yourselves to us.  Just keep being who you are.  I see how much you’ve changed and I’m happy your part of our group now.”

“Thanks Cho.” Draco blurted. Breathing deeply, he squeezed her hand back. 

Cho looked at him and smiled as he went to join Balise and Hermione’s conversation.

Luna, Neville and Tori rejoined the group and Luna sat in Cho’s empty seat.

Draco looked at her with a steady gaze.  As she looked around their table, she settled on him, and he asked her if she wanted to go get a drink at the bar.  Agreeing, they got up and made their way to the bar top.

“Luna, I don’t know how you do it.” Draco said, after ordering them two fire-whiskeys.

“What’s that?” Luna asked.

“Stay so positive all the time. Keep everyone feeling so warm and comfortable.” Draco admitted.

“It’s not as easy as it looks.  Why do you think my job is working with animals?  I take on other’s emotions and it can get overwhelming at times.” Luna shared.

“That’s understandable.  Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course,” said Luna.

“Are you a natural Legilimens? That night I apologized to Ron, you were in his head.” Draco stated.

“Yes.  I got it from my mum.  She died when I was seven.  She wasn’t able to share a lot with me before her death.  My dad told me about her talent for it and I researched a lot when I got to school.  Professor Snape was the one who helped me more than anyone else.  I find that my gift helps others who struggle with their feelings and understanding how to handle them.  I’ve been helping Tori for the last few months. Why do you ask?”

“Well, I wondered if you could help me.” Draco asked.

“I thought you’d never ask.” Luna said beaming at him.

“Really, you knew?”

“Yes, I can tell these things.” Luna admitted.

“Thanks, Luna.  I also wanted to apologize for…” Draco started.

Luna interrupted Draco by putting her hand on his forearm, “Draco, there is no need.  I see what you’re doing.  You’ve made amends with me by your actions.  To me, actions often speak much louder than words.  I forgive you.  You never need to apologize to me ever again.”

Instead of feeling a pent-up energy of needing to apologize, Draco felt a rush of relief.  He hadn’t realized how much anxiety he was feeling with having to apologize to everyone.  He smiled up at Luna with tears in his eyes and whispered, “Thank you.”  Setting his head down on the arms he had crossed over the bar, he felt Luna’s hand stroking circles on his back.  He moved closer to her, letting her hug him. They sat like that for several minutes.  There was a feeling that he’d never felt before with someone he counted as a stranger just months earlier.  He felt a rush of love.  Like a love he’d have for a sister.  Tori and Pansy had been betrothed to him at one point or another, so he could never look at them as true sisters, but this blonde girl sitting next to him was the most like a sister that he could ever imagine.

Looking up at her he started to open his mouth, yet she spoke first, “You know we’re cousins, don’t you?”

“What?” Draco’s eyes were wide as he stared at her.

“Yes.  You’re father had a twin sister.  When they went to Hogwarts, she was sorted into Hufflepuff and met my father and was renounced from the family that Christmas of her first year.  My grandparents took her in.  It was very hard for her.  She told me she was striped of everything of being a Malfoy.  I’m sorry you didn’t know.  She was amazing.  So, we are related, you and I. First cousins.” Luna put her hand over his.

Draco was silent for a long time.  Luna comfortable sat, stroking his hand while he processed everything she had shared.  Finally looking up at her he said, “I can’t believe a didn’t know.” He smiled widely at her. “Cousin, huh?  Almost like a sister….?” He said hopefully.

Luna simply nodded her head as she claimed him in a hug.  Draco’s arms crushed her, burrowing his face into her neck.  He didn’t need to say anything to her.  She was exactly what he needed.  Softly she whispered, “Well isn’t this nice.” Causing Draco to let out a huge sigh.

As the months went on, Luna worked with Draco on helping him get through the new emotions he was feeling.