fervere

Chapter Twenty Seven

“There is a possibility that this will be used as a weapon to pry information from any of us if they get a sense of how valuable we are to them and, I'm afraid, it is a lot more invasive than vertiserum. At least with vertiserum, we have the favorable percentage that there is still human error in questioning. Our memories, that we believe are true, can also be skewed based on our perceptions. Legilimens does not have that disadvantage in our favor. Those who perform it, who are gifted, are able to see every single moment you have stored away as a memory and use it against you. It is like unleashing a bull in a China shop, and a skilled Legilimens does not stop. They will take every single precious memory to crush your spirit as they get to know who you truly are.” 

A group of Slytherin’s were staring in disbelief, sitting in their discomfort, as if they had been aware of this gift but never truly believed in it. Like it was some fantastical imaginary power as entertaining as the adventures of Gilderoy Lockhart: completely embellished and over exaggerated. 

As it sunk in, plenty of them looked around, suddenly feeling the judgement and the apprehensive looks from other members of Dumbledore’s Army, who awkwardly tried their best not to be too close to the new members. 

Goyle and Crabbe were daft enough to be oblivious to this. They kept raising their hand and commenting, here and there, through the beginning of the lesson. 

It was certainly a very different and important meeting that was announced but no one had really expected a group of misfits clambering into the Room of Requirements jolly and happy to finally be a part of the very thing they had been secretly trying to protect. Harry Potter himself had urged all those who signed Hermione’s list to be present at today’s very important meeting, including those in the Inquisitorial Squad and anyone they knew to be hesitating on their stance of the war. Wavering hearts were easily won when they had a common enemy: Umbridge. 

When the Inquisitorial had caused quite the commotion when they rolled up to the Room of Requirements and greeted Harry with kind words and heartfelt handshakes. The rest of the DA stood silent, waiting for the explanation they deserved as Harry began to explain their presence at the meeting. 

Hermione licked her lips, “As for our first time members, we are not asking for your loyalty. We simply want to give you a tool, give everyone the chance to ultimately help you fend off any unwanted magic on you. It was the purpose of Defense against the Dark Arts to teach us, but as you are aware, it is impossible under Umbridge."

Harry crossed his arms, watching his friend take over. Hermione was now in the middle of the room, focusing on the newest members, but not forgetting to send stern glances at everyone else who were questioning the Trio’s decision. 

“We hope we can give you enough space and time to come up with your own decision, without the heavy influence of sides. Without the Ministry breathing down our necks.” Hermione nodded. 

Ron snorted leaning towards Daphne, “At this point, it’s clear what side should have our full support.” 

Harry fiddled with his wand nervously as Parkinson, Harry's potions partner, raised her hand.  

“So you're saying that you’re going to teach us how to defend against this thing, this legilimens ?” Parkinson rolled her eyes up in a noncondensing way, as she attempted to say a word she had just learned. 

“Yeah, are you? And is it that useful?” Crabbe agreed, “I mean, all things considered, it’s all scary and all. But, if this skill is extremely rare then why should we even worry on the slight chance of encountering it?” 

Harry took off his glasses and rubbed his temples, “Because Lord Voldemort happens to be a gifted Legilimens, as I have recently learned. That means if your families have any ties with him, then it is plausible that you might be in proximal danger. He could use you to learn bits and pieces to gain access to information you might not even think was useful to him.” 

The room became uneasy. 

“Still,” Crabbe’s voice pipped up again, although not as confident as before, “What are the chances of coming across a legilimens, say, much less gifted than Voldemort?” 

Harry nodded in agreement but lifted his wand to make a point, “You’ve already come across one.” 

“One?!” Millicent Bulstrode gasped, “Here? At school?” 

“Perhaps two?” Harry smirked seeing that not only did he have the attention of the Slytherin’s in attendance but all of the DA as well.  

“Fuck,” Crabbe frowned, “Is it Umbridge?” 

There was a dramatic snap of many necks turning back to the Trio who, Draco noted, took their place at the center of the room. A comical gasp hushed over the silence. Draco almost snorted, hiding in the shadows of the corner of the Room of Requirement, overseeing his first DA meeting. He hadn't been keen on showing up with the Inquisitorial Squad since, from this moment, they still had no idea of Draco's alliance. 

“No. If she was the DA wouldn’t have lasted as long as it has. We’re lucky we have anyone to teach us,” Ron spoke up, “Otherwise it would be impossible to learn occlumency.” 

“Wait, who ?” Montague, the Slytherin captain, furrowed his brows, “If it’s not a professor.” 

Draco finally pushed himself off the wall he had been leaning against and walked himself into the light of the center. Wordlessly, he joined Harry at his side and pulled his chin up slightly in hope that he looked more confident than he looked.  

He was actually drowning in nerves hearing his own footsteps echoing with each step. 

“Me, of course.” Draco said with a stone-cold expression. The reaction was immediate.  

Pin drop silence of complete disbelief, openly gawking at him as Draco stood his ground in the middle of the room. The gaze of the DA, burning holes in his skin, felt like heat radiating at his neck at the stark silence that filled the room. It was so silent, it wouldn’t be surprising if they could heard Draco’s heart thundering, drowning in his ears. 

Hermione stood next to Draco to give him an encouraging look. 

“We’ve been aware of Draco’s exceptional talent for both occlumency and legilimency,” Hermione paused, her face blanching when she realized she had said his name casually. She stuttered as she continued on, hoping no one had caught on, “A-and like most of us, he wanted to carve a path independent of what he was taught so...” 

Hermione nervously glanced at Draco, knitting her hands together nervously.  

“So,” Draco cleared his throat, beginning to take over, “The help the DA is providing you is worthy of secrecy. I’ve heard this is a place where you can openly explore and push the boundaries of your magic but also challenge and create ideas. Just as you need protection to be free to practice, the DA also needs protection to be the space to do so. And I’ll speak directly to my house, we only have one chance to prove ourselves trustworthy. There is nothing Umbridge can give or threaten that is worth snitching. So you lot better not-” 

Harry awkwardly coughed, interrupting Draco, “We don’t really threaten our members, Draco.” 

Draco crossed his arms, “Well, they’re mine so...” 

Draco narrowed his grey cold eyes, giving them a final warning look at his people before stepping back. Once the information sank in and his own peers realized it was Draco who was involved, they seem even more stoic than the rest of uneasy students, erupting in whispers. 

The group of Slytherins were certainly flabbergasted that not only Draco was included in the DA but he was going to lead one of the most important lessons to date. Crabbe and Goyle continued to stare in wonder.  

It was Parkinson that finally broke the ice from Slytherin.  

“Double Agent Malfoy,” She announced, a smirk on her face as she began to slowly clap. Pansy rose to her feet and threw him a wicked look. “My, my. What would daddy think?” 

Draco rolled his eyes, poking his tongue into his cheek to keep himself from scowling.

“You know, something about joining this made me think that perhaps it was just a rebellious itch I needed to scratch,” Pansy licked her lips, “But now this, this is tempting.” 

Daphne narrowed her eyes at her friend.  

“This is not some kind of scheme to go against your parents, Pansy,” Daphne snapped, “This is real. The DA is meant to help protect you against the dark arts. Something the ministry is hindering, our choice .” 

Draco joined Daphne, “What we’re trying to do is help you stay safe. The fact that you’re here means that you acknowledge there is a growing danger and even if you’re not brave enough now to stand up for what is right, we can give you the assurance that you’ll have the tools to be safe.” 

The room was quiet.  

Pansy’s taunting smirk was brought down to a humbling frown.  

Harry gave Pansy an encouraging smile, one of the many they had shared in Potions together, bickering over their brew.   

“So,” Harry coughed, “Right. The elephant in the room. I know some of your parents were Deatheaters. Are Deathethers. But I believe it is important you should know that you should know that who your parents are does not define you, nor do we care who raised you. You have the ultimate say in your own life. Whether it be Deatheaters or even muggles. We all have it in us. We all have the capability to decide to be good.” 

Goyle smiled brightly at Hermione.  

The room had lost their edge of apprehension. It was then when Harry glanced at Draco and gave him a curt nod, as to let him know it was now his floor.  

Thirty minutes later, Draco was surrounded by a huge circle of students, sitting perfectly still as Draco instructed them to breathe, the very first principle he had learned from Snape, and the most important. His soft footsteps carried him around the circle, as he explained calmly the very basics of breathing and meditation. 

“Empty your minds, ground yourselves,” Draco instructed, “Clear out any kind of strong emotions or memories. These things carry a heavy energy that is easy to tap into for legilimens. If you can visualize a calm color, or even a place of peace, it will help. You need to focus on slowing your heart and begin to think of a barrier to build brick by brick. When you breath in, inhale the power the energy around you, and use it to push out all the noise in your head when you exhale.” 

A few more instructional breaths later, Draco spoke up again, “Breathing is one of the most important concepts you must master. Unfortunately, it is easier said than done but, it helps with creating a barrier from any intrusions. Once you have your breathing in place, you can build up that barrier brick by brick.” 

Harry who had been observing his class, crossed his arms and agreed with him.  

Harry added, “That said, the barrier you build is sometimes strengthened with repeated intrusions. Like bones, the place of impact is where the strength is.” 

Crabbe snorted, “Great. Does that mean you’re going to assault our minds over and over again just to fortify our minds?” 

Draco wouldn’t dream. Even if he had the capability, he knew of the agonizing torture it was to relive his most buried secrets. It’s not something he wished on anyone. 

“No,” Draco sternly said, “Plus, I’m not that advanced. Not that it would make a difference, I wouldn’t want to encroach on all of you. The thought of it simply sounds exhausting.” 

“Anyway you can find any smutty memories,” Warrington laughed, in his Slytherin Quidditch jumper.  

Draco pointed a warning finger to his friends, “I rather not dive into your personal life.” 

Hermione suddenly paled and a single glance from Ginny who was sitting next to her panicked for her.  

“Wait,” Ginny scoffed, “You mean you can find anything, like, personal?” 

“Like taking a wee?” Neville chimed in. 

Harry groaned, “I thought it was clear enough. Intrusion. Legilimens takes anything you have in your head. Memories. All of them.” 

There was a seed of sudden panic in the room with voices expression their worst secrets coming to the surface.  

“But I only cheated once...” 
“I don’t stare at Snape all the time...” 
“...Fuck, the nook.” 

“There are ways to protect certain memories if that is all you want to learn, but breathing and clearing your is the easiest for now,” Draco continued, “Meditating your mind into a blank slate is the safest option for everyone right now.” 

Harry cleared his throat and clapped his hands to disrupt the dozens of students who were at all different stages of panic. All of their eyes flickered over to him, blinking away the confusion as they all looked around wondering how this lesson was going to develop.  

Harry smiled, “So to top the night off, what we’d like for you to take away today is the certain feeling of how it might be like to have your mind invaded. Hopefully by the end of this year, we can help you with at least blocking off any kind of primitive intrusions.” 

Harry glanced back to Draco and then the entire room looked at Draco, suddenly understanding what Harry was insinuating.  

It was clear that not many were keen to have their minds poked and prodded. The group of students suddenly seemed to look intrigued in the details of the Room of Requirement, the cracks of the floor, their fingernails, even the hem of their sweaters instead of the blonde boy in the center of the circle who was nervously spinning his wand between his fingers.  

The uneasy mood that had hung in the air cemented, and it got very awkward very quickly.  

“Line up,” Harry instructed, “The faster we get through this, the faster we can finish” 

There wasn’t an edge to Harry’s voice nor a demand in his tone, but every single student slowly began to form a single file looking quite frightened at the idea. It was at that moment Draco needed to announce an important detail.  

“Please don’t think I’ll be diving deep into your secrets,” Draco let out a nervous chuckle, “I’m not as good at legilimency as I am with occlumency. Actually, I need to give you a bit of instruction before I attempt to perform this spell. Please think of an animal. Try to have a clear picture in the front of your head. That way, I can visualize what you’re thinking of and you can experience an example of the intrusion.” 

At that, the tension that was building up in the group finally let out of sigh of relief. Harry was the first to put himself into the front of the line to make a point that he wasn’t afraid. 

And truthfully, there was nothing to be afraid of when it came to Draco’s basic skills.  

Draco gripped the edge of his wand and pointed it at his former foe.  

“The most basic form of Legilimency is the incantation of the spell,” Draco informed, “As so.” 

Draco gripped his wand, watching Harry waiting to sync with his breathing pattern. Just as Harry began inhaling, Draco shouted out, “Legilimens!”  

Draco had been pulled into Harry’s mind as he had with other individuals for practice.  

Harry was not a space Draco really felt comfortable in. He couldn’t quite explain why Draco felt uneasy in Harry’s mind but, if he could attempt to explain, it felt like he had stepped into an abandon room where there was a strong feeling of eyes watching him, but no one around. He definitely wasn’t supposed to be there.  

But despite that, Draco could see, the animal that Harry was thinking about. 

White and small. Big eyes and then a wing span as it took flight.

Draco let go of his grip of Harry’s mind. Harry let out a huff of air, squeezing his eyes at the unpleasant feeling.

“An Owl,” Draco cocked his head, “A white one.” 

Harry nodded, “Correct!” 

“Oh that’s easy! Must be Hedwig,” Ginny called out popping up from behind Harry, “Move Harry, it’s not that impressive coming from you. Could've been a lucky guess. Let’s have a go, shall we, Cousin?” 

Ginny cocked her head to the side, lightly taunting him. Her amber color eyes narrowed at him playfully and Draco decided to reveal a certain detail of legilimens everyone should be fearful of.  

He tossed his wand to the floor with a deafening clutter.

“Animal Ginny,” Draco reminded her, studying the slight movement of her breathing. Once he matched it, he focused his energy on the incantation in his head just as he exhaled and he immediately he saw what she was thinking of.  

Draco was repulsed. 

“Seriously Ginny?” Draco made a face and Ginny’s smug look dropped as she nursed her the top of her forehead by rubbing it with the palm of her hand, “My father and Snape?” 

“No way,” Ginny scoffed out while Draco tried to erase the mental imagine of two men in a passionate embrace.  

There were looks of horror in the line behind her, those who immediately understood what had happened.  

Even Ron and Hermione exchanged looks of astonishment. 

On top of the fact that Draco had revealed Ginny’s defiance of the instruction, Draco’s wand had been out of his hand, still lolling back and forth at is feet. 

Harry simply crossed his arms, “I forgot to mention. Legilimens is also a wandless practice.” 

There were whispers of utter alarm as Ginny took her cue and stormed to the back of the line. A few students left the line but the few that brave through Draco’s intrusion were up for the challenge of the experience. 

“ANIMALS,” Draco shouted with annoyance, “No need for anything else.” 

Fifteen minutes later, Draco had tried to do his neat party trick on most of the most enthralled group, who were more fascinated that it was possible to have another jump into their minds. Harry took a look at his watch and clapped to grab the DA's attention back to him.  

“Um, it’s thirty minutes until curfew.” He announced, “If you’re a Slytherin I think it’s best you leave with Ravenclaws since you have the longest distance to reach you house. Please go to Hermione so she can give you the clearance to leave in small groups.” 

There was still a handful of students that hadn’t been able to experience legilimency. They audibly groaned and tried their best to convince Harry to hold another meeting that week while the DA all broke apart, a jovial murmur blossoming immediately after. 

Draco chatted with his own friends who were amazed at the skills he demonstrated for everyone. Montague was wondering if it was possible to use during their Quidditch matches while Goyle was in the middle of rallying up the Slytherins to praise Draco as they slowly made their way towards the exit.

Hermione stood by the door with the map in hand, making small talk to each person, giving them encouraging words and smiles for a job well done. Groups after groups hemorrhaged out as Hermione gave them the green light to leave. Pansy was yawning as she dragged a few boys away, winking at Draco for a job well done surprising them all.  

There was something so positive and light about the way everyone was interacting with each other. It was a sense of unity that hadn’t been felt... well, at all, if Draco was honest. All four houses were interacting without any animosity or apprehension.  

A true comradery between the houses, trying to learn what Umbridge was denying them.  

Once the numbers were dwindling down, Ron and Daphne made it known they were going to start their Prefect patrol soon. They held hands as they exited the Room of Requirements, escorting Harry with them to ensure he would get the best protection from Umbridge.  

Hermione had handed the map in Harry’s hands before he quietly thanked her.  

Some Hufflepuff’s scurried behind them and it was now just Draco and Hermione standing together for a brief, heart stopping moment. Hermione smiled appreciatively at him, until Ginny popped up from behind Hermione and the Twins began to rough house Draco from behind. 

“What’s this,” Ginny teased, “About to recruit Draco into S.P.E.W?” 

“Surprised she didn’t take her usual ten minutes to convince everyone to sign up again,” Fred joked. 

Hermione gulped avoiding Draco’s expectant stare when the Twins settled down, and wrapped a friendly arm around his neck.  

Hermione licked her lips, “I- I figured everyone was too exhausted after today’s lesson to care.” 

“We were exhausted when we were practicing the patronus charm.” Ginny frowned. 

“We were exhausted after learning blocking spells too,” George chimed in.  

“And what about when most of us just came from an Umbridge's detention, and had to heave everyone up in the air with levitation.” Fred smiled at his family.  

Hermione had nothing to say as her face deepened in color.  

“Why so shy?” Ginny teased Hermione, “Don’t think we didn’t notice that you were obviously avoiding the line. Afraid to be prodded by Draco?” 

The twins snorted, almost stifling a laugh that was meant to point out the obvious. They whispered something lewd, but not audible, between themselves. 

Hermione glared at all the Weasleys around her and scoffed, motioning over to Draco, “Well, it’s only expected that Draco should prioritize other students! Besides, Ronald didn’t step up to face Draco, either. Why aren’t you teasing him?” 

Fred and George, who both had been thinking of  monkeys when Draco was exercising on the line of students, had sandwiched Draco in an embrace all while directing their attention at Hermione.  

“Yeah, well the git is off with his girlfriend,” Fred shrugged, “Not really fun to tease him when he’s not around.” 

“Actually,” George began, “It’s not really fun to tease him at all anymore.” 

The twins suddenly looked at Draco, a hint of mischief on their faces.  

“Now that we know the feeling of being prodded,” George wagged his finger at him, “Don’t be going around inserting yourself into people’s business, Draco.” 

“Considering all the inserting you’ve done,” Fred added.  

“You mean haven’t done,” Ginny corrected, joining in on their fun, “As of late.”  

Draco sucked on his teeth, holding back the bit of annoyance that was bubbling under him. It wasn’t at all irritating, not when Draco missed the dynamics of the Weasley family he had grown to love over the summer.  

Hermione lightly pushed Ginny towards the door and gestured the twins to follow their sister out.  

“Go on,” Hermione ushered out, “Let’s all get back to the dorms at a reasonable hour before we give Umbridge any reason to throw us into detention again.” 

Draco snapped up suddenly, “Especially, you two.” 

Fred and George were both surprised they were being targeted seemingly out of nowhere. 

“Millie didn’t have a lot of pleasant things to say about you two being out after hours,” Draco smirked, “On more than one occasion.” 

Fred scoffed while George rolled his eyes, as if they knew exactly what Draco was alluding to. 

“Rich coming from Mildredful. ” Ginny sneered causing Hermione to muffle her snort with two hands over her mouth. Draco snapped his sights back at her.  

Ginny sighed, know she had overstayed her welcome, “Alright. Let’s go. Gred, Feorge. Let's leave these two sweethearts some moment of privacy.” 

Hermione muttered under her breath, advancing on Ginny threateningly as she slipped away with a smirk on her face. Both Fred and George snickered out their goodbyes, following their sister out. Soon enough, both Draco and Hermione were complete alone from the Weasley chaos, leaving them in an unsettling silence.

Draco paused, almost in disbelief. 

"How does she even think of these names?" Draco said to himself, not intending for Hermione to hear. The snort of her laugh cut through the air, causing Draco to focus back on her. Hermione had her hands clamped over her mouth, as if to hide the wide smile on her face.  

"I’m sorry but is something amusing you, Granger ?” Draco asked and Hermione quickly shook her head. 

“Think my girlfriend’s name is funny, do you?” Draco continued on.  

Hermione gulped, fanning her redden face with her hands as she tried to control her breathing. Her mouth twitched involuntarily into an unforgivable smile.  

She let out a laugh that was itching to come out.  

“Ginny is just terrible,” She sighed, using the back of her thumbs to wipe away fat tears threatening to spill.  

“Are you crying , Granger?” Draco gasped.  

Hermione’s face twisted, trying to squeeze out a no, but was unable to do so. 

“Are you laughing at my girlfriend?” Draco playfully accused.  

Hermione finally allowed herself to laugh, the sound of it rung like bells in Draco’s ears. He let out his own chuckles when he felt her delight tickle his chest, like his happiness depended on it. 

“Are you alright?” Draco asked, as Hermione’s laugh continued. She clutched at her stomach and she shook her head.  

“Stop, will you?” She squeezed out.  

Draco cocked his head, “Stop what? I’m not doing anything.” 

Hermione squeezed out another laugh and Draco stood there, waiting for her giggling fit to taper off. Hermione groaned, clutching her stomach as if it had finally exhausted itself from the chortles.  

“You know, Ginny has more creative choice words for Millie,” Hermione admitted, “I’m not proud to confess that I’ve found them all too entertaining.” 

“No surprise coming from Ginny.” Draco agreed, “But you?” 

Hermione immediately answered him by rolling her eyes, “Well I’m not blind to what is going on with you nor what is being said about you.” 

Draco raised a cocky brow up but was quickly humbled by the entire fact that had an entire two weeks of memories of himself pathetically moping around Millie. Draco performative cockiness was immediately humbled.

“You did really well today,” Hermione smiled, pulling Draco out of a cruel tornado of cringy humiliation, “You’re a good teacher, you know that.” 

Draco sighed out and shrugged, “Whatever it takes to get as many on our side.” 

“Our side?” Hermione cocked her head, shouldering her bag to begin heading her way out, coaxing Draco with the tilt of her head that it was time to leave.

Hermione stuck her head out of the door, carefully surveying the seventh floor before exiting, pulling Draco along, “So is this you, officially announcing that you’re good now, Draco?” 

Draco rolled his eyes, his heart light as a feather, following Hermione out of the Room of Requirements. The seventh floor was empty as it usually was and thye used this to their advantage, loitering around as if they had all the time of the world.  

“I thought it was obvious during the summer,” Draco smirked to himself, “Or did you forget?” 

Hermione stilled and although Draco hadn’t prodded into her mind, he could tell by the look in her eye she was replaying all their wonderful moments last summer. All the shared memories... the times late at night they spent, trying to make sense of this crazy world on the mattress of his bed late at night, listening to a bloke called Michael Jackson and Dexys Midnight Runners. 

Warm musical summer nights felt like Hermione, even in the middle of a bitter cold winter. 

“So why didn’t you line up?” Draco teased, his heart warm and full, “Afraid, perhaps?” 

Hermione pretended to look offended, scoffing, “Of what? You discovering that I was thinking of-” 

Draco had inhaled at the right moment, observing her breathing patterns. Once again, without his wand, Draco simply thought of the spell and without meaning to he felt the pull of her, straight into her mind.  

Hermione was not, in fact, thinking of an animal at all.  

Her mind was focused on a few books that were stashed away in her book bag. Draco tilted his head to the side.  

“You have a copy of Beauty and the Beast?” Draco scoffed, “That’s hardly an animal, Hermione.” 

Hermione’s smile dropped. Her mouth hinged open as her hand immediately found her forehead and a rather confusing look came over her. She hadn’t heard him say the incantation nor had Draco took his wand out to indicate he was about to barge into her mind.  

But she knew.  

Hermione knew that Draco had just gotten a glimpse of her. 

“You twat ,” Hermione gasped, “How?” 

Draco shrugged, “Don’t we have enough to read? How are you finding time for leisurely reading?” 

Hermione winced, ignoring Draco's teasing, “Merlin, that felt odd . Like a pressure in my skull.” 

“You’re lucky I’m not that gifted. Pressure isn’t exactly how I would describe legilimens,” He licked his lips. Hermione chewed on her bottom lip. Draco could only assume she was thinking of him constantly recovering during the summer.  

“It’s much worse, isn’t it?” She nodded, slowly in a daze.  

“I suppose if someone actively wanted secrets, then it must be like a robber trying to overturn a house to find it.” Draco explained. Hermione became withdrawn but the both of them had enjoyed a quiet and dark stroll on the seventh floor, knowing they should head back and still finding ways to stretch their time out. 

When they reached the top of the stairs, ready to travel back to their respective houses, they took another pause, chatting about nothing in particular. Teasing each other. Bringing up tunes from the cassettes Draco had.  

Draco knew time was growing thin but he hesitated on giving in to curfews. Unfortunate, they were both not on the patrolling schedule today, so they needed to make sure they were quick in getting back to their dorms before they came across any other Prefect that was tired of monitoring the corridors for an extra hour each night.  

Despite this, they both still lingered. Both toeing the line of breaking curfew.  

“You really are talented, Draco,” Hermione softly said when a lull of comfortable silence fell over them, “But please, don’t get any better at legilimens.” 

Draco scrunched his nose up in disapproval.  

Hermione continued, “I’d be embarrassed if you were to discover parts of me I’m too ashamed to let anyone know. And you better not attempt again! Not without my permission! Just because you know how, doesn't mean it's okay to just intrude!” 

An eyebrow cocked up on Draco sharp features.  

“Why so worked up, 'Mione? Holding secrets, are we?” Draco teased now fully immersed in her enchantment. Hermione let out a sigh, rolling her eyes.  

“N-no!” She gulped, “The thought of someone diving into your innermost thoughts and private memories... I’d feel completely vulnerable to them, to you. It takes a strong person to not care what their weaknesses are.” 

“Come on,” Draco hummed out, “Mione, To-loo-rye-aye.” 

Hermione shot him a playful glare.  

Draco smirked, “I promise I’m not that gifted at legilimens. You really have nothing to worry about. I have more to protect than to seek.” 

Hermione smiled, “Which is why I think you’re incredible.” 

Draco’s ears perked.  

“The fact you’re picking up some of the most advance kinds of magic just to help, speaks volumes of your character Draco.” She complimented. He was stunned into silence for a long stretch of time 

“You don’t need to lay it on so thick, ‘Mione,” Draco snorted, feigning a nonchalant type of attitude, when in reality, he was dying inside.  

“I’m serious!” She laughed, shoving him playfully, “I’m starting to believe that you don’t realize the weight of your own value.” 

Draco paused. Another compliment.  

And it was not from Ron nor Neville.  

It was from Hermione , someone he cherished dearly. She made it blatantly obvious that she thought so highly of him and was something Draco didn’t know he needed.  

Her voice confirming that he was good. Or good enough. 

Draco stared on, wondering how this witch just happened to have words much more magical than spells themselves. Her eyes were wide and beautiful in their magical shade of bewitching brown. The soft shades of freckles on the apples of her cheeks only confirmed her contentment with him. 

Hermione was enamored. Or, at least, that’s how Draco interpreted his assessment of her.  

“You think too highly of me,” Draco hesitated.  

“You think not high enough,” She softly glared.  

Draco inwardly groaned at the weight of her precious words, as valuable as good and as charming as any spell she can conjure. He wanted to kiss her.  

Draco could feel his face mold into the goofiest of smiles and the burn of bashful cheeks radiate off his face. He wanted his reaction to stop revealing too much of his inner self, but he was too happy to stop it from happening.  

Hermione let out a reciprocating smile before she lightly shoved his shoulder, nonverbally asking him to stop cheesing.  

Draco stuck his tongue into his cheek, trying to break the tension in his happy cheeks.  

“You should really stop flirting with me Hermione,” Draco teased and tested, “I’m a taken man.” 

Hermione gasped dramatically, “Flirting? I'd never! As if I’m a single woman?” 

They both shared a good laugh, her head tilting in a tender look. 

Hermione sighed out, “It’s not looking very good on your end, is it?” 

Draco cocked head, “You mean Millie?” 

“How long is she going to keep you in the dog house, Draco?” Hermione let out a laugh that echoed in the depth of his ears and throughout the seventh floor.  

Before Draco could admit to it (it would be stupid to deny it), a shrill scoff pulled Draco away from Hermione’s mesmerizing brown eyes.  

At the bottom of the stairs, on the sixth floor, was one body currently stomping up the stairs with a fiery look in her eyes.  

Millie. 

Draco felt his body tense way before he was fully aware of the situation he was now currently in. He braced himself of the wrath of his own girlfriend. 

Mildred’s tense jaw line was visible as she whipped at Hermione almost with a murderous look in her face.  

“And what’s it to you what I do with my boyfriend?” Mildred scoffed narrowing her eyes, “Granger?” 

Hermione’s face blanched, her eyes widening at the sudden attack. Mildred suddenly clung on to Draco’s arm, something she had never done before, and glared at her.  

“Since when have you ever cared for my boyfriend?” Mildred stuck her nose up as if she smelled something foul and amiss in this very strange interaction in her eyes. 

Draco and Hermione? Talking? Not arguing, but talking with a glint of cheekiness and held back grins on their faces? 

Draco could see how unnerving it might look to Millie who hadn’t witness them together or had the time to warm up to the fact that they were on friendly terms. The distaste was written all over Millie’s face. 

Hermione gave Draco a long hard, alarming look.  

“I..." Hermione began.  

Draco was also panicking, but he couldn’t deny he was also very intrigued on what exactly Hermione was going to say. It was like he wanted to hear straight from her mouth when Hermione started to care for him.

“I...” She attempted again.  

“Don’t mistake his politeness for anything else.” Mildred cut in, huffing, “Just because Krum isn’t around doesn’t mean you get to cling on to the first boy who gives you the slightest attention!” 

Draco felt his jaw drop at the how unhinged Mildred was being. Hermione almost wavered at her harsh words but also stood firm in her confidence, her doll like face molding into a dark glaring frown.  

Draco and Hermione had a solid friendship, despite the secrecy of how close they really were. At least, Draco liked to think that Hermione also felt the same way. Politeness was not how Draco would ever describe their interactions. 

It seemed like that exact thought had crossed Hermione’s mind when she flickered her sights back on Draco for just a second and she stepped away.  

“Apologizes,” Hermione pressed her lips together, stopping herself from say much more that was on her mind, “I was simply stating what was being observed by the entire school. Unless, Draco would like to deny that he hasn’t been scorned?” 

Before Draco had the chance to ease the tension between the two girls, Millie jumped on attacking Hermione.  

“How dare you?” Mildred huffed, “It’s bad enough you think you can speak so freely on the private lives of others but to hear Draco’s name come out of your mouth? You think you’re friendly enough with my boyfriend to be on a first name bases?” 

“Forgive me then. I assumed the way you speak so candidly about your private lives that it was perfectly acceptable to have others talk about as well. Or else, why wouldn’t you just keep your sex life to yourself unless you wanted everyone to know?” Hermione shot back and Draco almost wanted to laugh and cheer Hermione on if it wasn’t for Millie who took a menacing step towards Hermione. 

Draco blocked her, holding out his arm to catch her. 

“That’s enough Millie,” Draco cut in. Mildred, who was now clinging on to him, tilted her gaze up to him in shock.  

He felt deflated and somewhat annoyed when he had to drag Millie away from having to say a proper goodnight to Hermione, but he was beyond chuffed how collected Hermione was.  

Mildred was spewing out her mild rage at him as they descended further and further down heading down to the dungeons. 

“You’re really incredible,” Millie scoffed, “You know that? The fact that Hermione Granger thinks-” 

“I’ll stop you before you say anything you’ll regret,” Draco warned. Millie blinked rapidly in shock.  

“Are you serious?” She scoffed, “Granger? How is it that you’re defending her when I’m your girlfriend?!” 

Draco cocked his head, “You haven’t really been acting like my girlfriend these past weeks, have you?” 

Shocked beyond belief, Millie gaped like fish, attempting to snap back at him and failing every time. Draco took the chance to create more space between them and Hermione, where ever she was. There was a silence that Draco really appreciated but it was soon broke by Mille, with glassy eyes. 

Millie pouted, “It’s just that...” 

“What?” 

Draco didn’t know how he still had patience in him to figure what was going on with Millie. Tears began to well up in her big eyes as if she was feeling the waves of shame crashing down her barriers of resentment she had for him.  

Fat hot tears began to roll down her cheeks and she quickly wiped them away, sniffing and for the first time, Draco heard honesty in her wavering voice.  

“I’m sorry,” Her voice weakly cracked, “I did forgive you, Draco. From the moment you came back, actually. I just hated how quickly I did when I was a mess waiting to hear from you. I was angrier at myself ‘cause it felt like you could get away with murder and I’d still defend you. I can’t logically process why when it makes more sense to be furious with you.” 

Draco watched Millie carefully.  

“I-,” She sniffed again, avoiding Draco’s gaze ashamed to lock eyes with him, “I wanted a bit of control of myself. I needed to be angry because if I wasn’t, then you’d know how wrapped I am around your finger.” 

Draco gulped. As much as he hated these past weeks, he could kind of understand her logic.  

A bit.  

Not really.  

But Draco also had a heart and enough reasoning to understand that strong emotions lead to uncharted and surprising paths.  

“You know, my parents wrote about you during the break,” She frowned, “And they loved you.” 

Draco listened, reaching out for her hand to hold as they strolled towards the Slytherin House entrance. They had paused during their exchange and it only felt right to continue strolling along, joined at the hands.

Thankfully, Millie had accepted his hand and tentatively squeezed it.   

“The way they described you was so different from what I know you as,” She squeezed her eyes, “And I wasn’t sure if they were lying or if it was you or maybe it was me . Me that had no idea who you really are.”  

Millie inhaled, trying to control her breathing and Draco understood the confusion she was feeling. Speaking to her parents was really eye opening to him. He had learned tidbits that Millie had never expressed to him.  

“Just like I don’t know you that well either?” Draco questioned back, “I found out that you’re leaning towards the judicial side of the Ministry to study? A possible Wizengamot?” 

Millie stayed silent, her cheeks red from the irritation of tears.  

“I had no idea you were passionate about law,” Draco gulped, “And that’s fine. Great actually. I’m glad to know that about you. I mean, it would have been nice hearing it from you but we’ve both been focused on other things...” 

Draco cleared his throat at a very visceral and suggestive memory. 

“And busy. We are still getting to know each other. It's only been a few months,” Draco pointed out, “There'll be more to learn if we can talk about things. Communicate instead of running away or ignoring the elephant in the room.” 

Millie was fully disarmed now. The tenseness in her shoulders deflated and she frowned.  

“Right,” She blinked. 

Draco was relieved, bending over Millie to kiss her forehead.  

“I’ll let you get on with your patrol,” Draco smiled, “I’ll see you tomorrow.” 

Draco pulled her into a warm hug before he walked off. In a strange sort of way, he felt accomplished that night. He had, after all, taught his first class with Dumbledore’s Army, had open himself to his own friends, and somehow manage to diffuse the tension from Millie.  

What could be better than this?