fervere

Chapter Twenty Eight 

Neville had been oddly distant from Draco.  

It wasn’t like he was purposefully ignoring him. No.  

It was more like the feeling that Neville was lost in his own thoughts and only when Draco made the effort to catch his attention, did Neville pay attention to him.  

Which was strange considering they were always working together in Potions and he hardly acknowledged Draco.  

“Did you add the hellebore syrup?” Draco asked, glancing back at the book’s instructions  and then back to their cauldron that was a murky milky color (when it should be a violent orange color). Draco was a bit worried, if he was honest. All around them each table was now bathing in a golden rich orange glow from their cauldron’s, while they seem to be struggling.  

It was the first time the pair had ever really struggle in class. 

Neville winced and looked away at the amount of ingredients he had laid out on his side that he had perfectly prepared.  

“No,” He sighed out, “I think I added the mugwort first by mistake.”  

Draco felt his jaw clenched. It was a big mistake. One error that might cost them time and effort, having to throw out and start over again, unless... 

“That’s fine,” Draco licked his lips worriedly, “It’s not a big deal. I think it’s salvageable. Maybe- Should be fine. Professor Snape?” 

Draco’s hand shot in the air to gain his professor’s attention. Neville immediately tensed up next to him when Snape rose from his desk and floated down towards them. Draco didn’t waste a second once Snape was within ear reach to explain what had happened. It wasn’t like they added an ingredient that wasn’t included. It was the order in which they had mixed up.  

Professor Snaped looked into their bleak cauldron and let out a long sigh.  

“Well, Professor?” Draco began, glancing between Snape and their potion, “What do you think?” 

Snape remained stoic as he observed the properties of the potion. Neville looked like he had been distracting himself with their potions book as a way to not interact with Snape.  

Snape inhaled, “Switched the order of the hellebore with the mugwort?” 

Draco nodded.  

“Toss it,” Snape sighed, “It’s better to start a fresh batch-” 

“Professor,” Neville stiffened up next to Draco, “Is it possible to make a batch of the Sedativerum instead of Euphoric Elixir?”  

Draco, as proud as he was of Neville, slowly turned back to his partner in astonishment. Neville had never shown any kind of courage to speak directly to Snape before, not without him being a tattered mess. It seemed like Professor Snape was also taken aback with Neville’s bold suggestion.  

“The base of the brew is essentially the same,” Neville looked back at his book, “And I haven’t added the hellebore yet. It’s still technically suitable for the serum, isn’t it?” 

Snape looked like Neville had hexed his voice away.  

“The... the base properties are the same, yes,” Snape gulped.  

“I know the book says we should have had it under a heated fire, but won’t that harm the delicate properties of the mugwort anyways?” Neville asked.  

“Yes but-” 

“Can Draco and I borrow some shrivelfigs, Professor?” Neville asked, “It’s the only thing we don’t have.” 

Snape finally had snapped out of his trace and was back to his regular taunting mood.  

“You think you can attempt an advance sixth year serum, Longbottom?” Snape narrowed his eyes. Draco had been looking into what Neville was talking about. The list and instructions for the Sedativerum was rather short and seemed simple enough.  

“Well,” Neville paused, “We’re expected to make a Polyjuice Potion sometime this year and that looks more delicate and temperamental to make.” 

Snape gulped.  

“Proceed,” He finally said before whipping around to march over to his desk, with a flourish of his wrist, he grabbed his quill and began to jot a few things down.  

“Longbottom, Malfoy?” Snape growled out without looking up.  

“Yes, Professor?” 

“I still expect to see a Euphoric Elixir by the end of today.” 

Neville and Draco both slumped into their stools, wondering if had been better to have just discard their brew and start fresh rather than making use of the brew they already had going.  

Neville gave Draco an apologetic look.  

“Sorry I got you into this mess,” He mumbled out, “I should have been paying attention in the first place.” 

Draco watched his partner look into the cauldron and hesitate, before he began to sift through his supply of potion ingredients. Neville gloved his hand and gingerly touched the side of the cauldron to test the temperature.  

“Is everything alright, Neville?” Draco asked, noting the absentminded look on Nevilles face. Draco’s question registered in Neville’s mind but made no visible reaction to it nor did he answer it. 

They worked silently until the end of class. The pair were able to bottle around three flasks of the sedative, stronger than the tonics that Draco regularly had to sleep, before agreeing to meet after dinner to brew the assigned potion to receive full marks for the day. They were heading out together discussing small time-consuming preparations they can tackle before their second attempt when Neville winced, realizing something.  

“Ah, I have...” He trailed off. Draco looked around at the other students slowly filling up the corridors in which they stood in the middle of.  

“DA,” Neville frowned. 

Draco blinked rapidly, “Tonight?” 

“Yeah,” Neville whispered out.  

Draco was confused, he hadn’t heard of any meeting just yet. His confusion must have been apparent in his face because Neville jumped at the chance to explain.  

“Actually, it’s a more private affair, a one on one” Neville chewed on his lip, “Harry is gonna teach me some more combative spells in the common room.” 

Draco was pleasantly surprised and delighted upon hearing this tiny detail. The idea of holding private lessons could help those who couldn’t attend meetings for one reason or another was rather useful. Perhaps, Draco could round up more occlumency lessons in Slytherin when his mates are unable to attend DA meetings because they were in detention. Or worse, out patrolling for the Inquisitorial Squad.

Unfortunately, the Inquisitorial Squad made the rather amusing, but destructive, decision to scramble Umbridge’s investigation by dropping the most outrageous fake claims. It only helped in feeding into Umbridge’s paranoia and she proceeded to double down on her decrees.  

Draco nearly got detention for yawning at breakfast.  

Nevertheless, Draco waited for Neville to continue, hoping he’d give him more seeds of inspiration, but he didn’t. His face twisted into a visible disapproving frown as his lips pressed tightly together. 

Draco wasn’t sure why Neville clamped his mouth shut until a pair of hands slipped up his chest from behind and a face buried themselves into his back, nuzzling him forcibly. 

Draco winced out a smile at Neville just as Millie rose to her tiptoes and nipped at his earlobe, moving on to nibbling a very sensitive spot that Millie recently had found. Draco felt the heat pool at his cheeks. It was an area that made him extremely malleable, like he was putty in her hands.  

Neville gave him an awkward stiff grin and saluted himself off as Draco was helpless in having to deal with his girlfriend.  

“Millie,” Draco warned, “I was in the middle of speaking with-” 

“I missed you!” She grinned up, “Runes and Divinations was criminally dull this morning.” 

Draco stiffened up but was happy with a bit of distance between them when she skipped to his side with her hands sticking out expectantly. Draco quickly learned that if he grabbed her hand she was less likely to smother him with affection in front of others.  

“Was it?” Draco cleared his throat, half disappointed that Neville left but half inspired, still thinking of private DA meetings.  

“Yeah,” She wistfully sighed, “Trelawney had us read palms today. It was pretty stupid. Padma said my mount of Venus was rather flat.” 

“Oh,” Draco raised his brows, leading them to the Great Hall for lunch. He didn’t have the slightest interest nor clue as to what it meant, considering that Draco dropped Divinations this year, “And what does that mean?” 

Millie rolled her eyes, “Something along the lines of having a rather lifeless marriage. As if I care about that. I doubt it. I'm well aware of how to please someone, isn’t that right Draco.” 

She had said that last part rather loudly as they entered the Great Hall. 

Draco narrowed her eyes at her, and suddenly Millie was left with no hand to hold as Draco stalked off to the Slytherin Table, without her.  

There was a sense of relief what came with Umbridge’s dictatorship, funny enough. Draco hated it as much as other students but, if it wasn’t for her constant surveillance, especially during meals, Draco would be forced to endure an entire hour with Millie sitting at the Slytherin table, pouting out her apologizes.  

Draco quickly figured that he rather sulk in silence for a moment before he got over it, than having Millie irritate him more about it.  

The food was growing rather bland and stale as time went on under Umbridge's rule. Draco had plopped himself next to Blaise and Daphne, growing confused as the observed the meal for lunch.  

Roasted tomato and baked beans.  

“Is that all?” Draco asked, wondering if perhaps the House elves were running late in their meal preparation, however, the bowls were big and filled with beans and the trays of tomatoes were rather large.  

Thankfully there were some bread muffins that Draco reached for first.  

It was rather confusing to sit through a rather plain meal when students had been accustomed to a hearty meal each time they sat down at the Great Hall. Even the fruit bowls, that were usually brimming with a pick of the season, only held meager pickings of unripe pears.  

Draco still was hungry and decided to load a heaping spoonful of beans and tomatoes onto his plate. Thankfully, despite both items were still delicious and, while Draco was munching thoughtfully on his bread, a fleet of owls came swooping in.  

The sight of three owls sweeping into the Great Hall garnered attention, mutters of whispers pointing out the delivery that was being handled. Draco flickered his eyes up to the ceiling, still chewing.  

The rather late delivery had caused quite a commotion when it landed with a deafening thud right in front of Draco. He gave a curt smile to the three owls and handed them each a bread muffin to take before they soared away. Draco gave his delivery nothing more than an acknowledging glance before he finished up his own bread. He ignored the stares even from his own mates who were looking at a rather small but sleek trunk made of black dragon leather.  

It was a rather plain looking trunk but the craftsmanship of the buckles and latches, as well as the structure, it wasn’t hard to believe that it was a rather expensive piece of work, let alone what it was holding. 

Daphne craned her neck to glare at Draco, watching him closely.  

“Are you going to move that thing out of the way?” She scoffed, “Or do you want us to ask you about it?” 

Draco swallowed, grabbing a napkin to wipe his mouth of any crumbs.  

“I got to go.” He said before he got up and took his trunk with him.  

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 

Later on that night after the tiresome amount of work, classes, and practice, Draco had a moment of respite in his room. He had showered off after a rather muddy quidditch practice. The thick snow that had accumulated over the winter was finally melting but still left a rather cold and mucky kind of sub-season that Draco hated. Shoes and and the hem of cloaks were often caked with cold mud that got everywhere if they didn't blast it off with a cleaning spell.

Draco shivered, pulling over a warm grey hoodie while he sat at the edge of his bed with his wand out, facing the black sleek trunk.

With a stoic face, Draco unlatched the trunk with a final flick of his wand. 

Draco cocked his head to the side as he flipped open the top of the trunk and inside, deeply set with a plush black velvet, was a tray with a row of six beautiful pieces of jewelry. It levitated out of the trunk only to reveal another tray of more dazzling pieces. 

A stack of delicate gold bracelets. Drops of effervescent dew captured into stunning earrings. There was even an elegant watch outlined in brilliant emeralds, making it look like the small petals of a jeweled flower.  

There was more to look at but a knock at Draco’s dorm door distracted him from the intense evaluations of his selections. Daphne raised a brow, crossing her arms when Draco acknowledged her. She had let herself in standing at the door with a rather astonished look on her face. 

“Is that what arrived?” Daphne let out a scoff of disbelief, “Are you planning on proposing?” 

Draco made a face, “What? No, it’s a simple gift for Valentine’s.” 

“Simple?” Daphne’s eyes widened, a tone of sarcasm hinted in her voice. Draco licked his lips in frustration as he picked up a single golden hairpin, shelled with a beautifully cut obsidian stone. A rather difficult feat considering how fragile the stone was.  

“You brought in a case of jewels worth thousands of galleons,” Daphne pointed out.  

“Well, let’s not insult my family jeweler,” Draco snorted, “Thousands isn’t exactly what was spent on these. Besides, I didn’t see you so adverse to my generosity when I had a few dresses brought in for the Yule Ball.” 

Daphne remained concerned.  

“But,” She began, before closing the door behind her, “Is this not too serious of a gesture, Draco? Maybe it’s something you’re comfortable doing considering the amount of wealth your family sits on, but Millie won’t see it as a nice gift.” 

“She asked for a bracelet for Christmas,” Draco shrugged, “It’s exactly what she wants.” 

Daphne bit back her words, watching Draco intently as he picked up each piece to examine them. All heirlooms of his family. Perhaps the gesture was quite grand but there was a reason why Draco needed to keep Millie around.  

He needed to make sure that important key that Sephina has wasn’t revoked before she found something that Draco could use. There was something about Sephina's absence that really concerned Draco. He feared that perhaps Sephina have been caught with his key and somehow the news would trickle back to his father or maybe, even worse there was no map to be found and all this was simply a waste of time. 

The only thing was, it didn’t feel like a waste of time to Draco. 

And if he was honest, he didn’t mind dating Millie. She wasn’t all that bad. In fact, it was Draco who felt like the shitty partner for having more ulterior reasons to date her.  

Daphne waved her hand over to the other pieces of jewelry, “You plan on giving her all your family jewels.” 

Draco smirked, “All? My dear friend-” 

“Figure of speech, you tosspot,” Daphne glared. She crossed her arms. “We all know how ridiculously wealthy you are. Listen, Draco. If Millie is just a distraction-” 

Draco abruptly turned to Daphne, “I have reasons to be with Millie, I’m not proud of all my reasons, but I do like her.” 

Daphne let out an over exaggerated scoff, “You know, I’m not a big fan of Millie, but you’re cruel for putting her through this. When she finds out where your heart ultimately lies-” 

Draco snapped.  

“I don’t know where it lies, Daph,” Draco shook his head, “I don't know anything.” 

“Yes, you do!” Daphne scoffed bitterly, “It’s completely obvious to anyone if they paid attention to you and Her-” 

Draco shrugged, “So what if I fancy her? Or fancied? I don’t kn- I can’t do anything about it and I refuse to convince her. She's with someone else she likes too, isn’t she? Why are you not questioning her? Ask her the same, will you?” 

Daphne rolled her eyes, “Because she didn’t lead a lesson for the DA, revealing herself to be a worthy alliance from the opposition. In front of friends. Clearly you have motives, so what are these other reasons you stay with Millie when you’ve sacrificed so much for Hermione, Draco? Why are you not fighting? Krum doesn’t stand a chance when he’s not here.” 

He remained silent.  

Draco didn’t know why. It's not like the thought of whisking her away from the meaty hands of Krum hadn’t crossed his mind. The thought of dating Hermione openly scared him but also felt like an exhilarating impossibility because there was always that chance that perhaps, just maybe, she didn’t feel the way Draco felt utterly helpless around her.  

The only thing that Draco was thankful was that, because of Krum and Millie, he has been able to at least fool himself that he was getting better. Daphne watched Draco run through the million possibilities that rendered him incapable to answer. She softened, feeling guilty for scolding her friend. 

“It’s probably none of my business, is it?” She frowned, “Anyways I came in here to ask you something, a favor, not to criticize your rather generous gift.” 

Draco shrugged as if he understood Daphne’s concern, lifting up a rather juicy looking chain, coming across the very bracelet he had thought about and requested his mom for. Even the sight of if caught Daphne’s attention to it. It was a beautiful piece.  

Draco finally had enough in his cluttered mind to come up with a response to Daphne’s concerns around a certain girl, “I like Hermione. Truly. She’s... a good friend.” 

“Friend?” Daphne's mouth unhinged, cocking her head to her side to study Draco closer, “Don’t tell me that you’re actually getting over her.” 

Draco let out a small guffaw and shrugged, “I don’t know, really. I just know that when I see her now, I don’t feel so pathetic over a broken heart. The more I let myself enjoy her company, in any form, I feel at ease. At peace.” 

Daphne blinked while Draco took his wand out and tapped the chosen bracelet to charm it. Luminous tendrils snaked out of the tip of Draco’s wand and wrapped themselves firmly around the bracelet, twisting around a tight grip before they gave off a strong green glow before it disappeared. Daphne raised a brow.  

“And what was that for?” She asked.  

Draco turned to his friend and winked, “Just an amenable charm.” 

“DRACO,” Daphne hissed.  

He laughed, “Joking. Detection charm.” 

Draco lifted his hand to point out a simple black ring that was on his left pointer finger.  

“Anytime Millie’s near, my ring will warm up a bit for a fair warning.” Draco explained, “Sort of my own way to feel when she’s coming. I don’t exactly have a map like Harry, do I?” 

“This wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact that she caught you and Hermione flirting-” 

“We weren’t flirting,” Draco scoffed, setting the bracelet back into the velvet molded tray, carefully closing the trunk after his selection.

“That’s not what I heard.”  

Draco sighed, “Yeah, well, people have nothing better to do than to gossip.” 

Daphne cocked an eyebrow, “Well I didn’t hear it from the rumor mill.” 

There was a silence that filled Draco dorm as he tried to figure out exactly who Daphne was alluding to. If it was Millie who had said that, then it would have been dragged all over school but if no one was talking about it.  

Then.  

The only other person that it could be... but why would Hermione say... 

Daphne smirked and tossing him a small box to catch, “Stop stressing about it.” 

“Cigarettes?” Draco questioned, as he looked at the box closely. Gauloises. He remembered how he had found Daphne in the secret nook smoking last year. 

Daphne gave him a halfhearted shrug, “Kicked the habit. Plus, I thought I needed to present something to you for that favor I wanted to ask. Those are from France, by the way.” 

Draco turned the box over and over again, examining the cigarettes. It was oddly something that he always wanted to try during his summers with Snape when he’d witness a bunch of muggle blokes, running through an entire box with their mates.  

Draco cracked the smallest of smiles, “What do you want, Daph?” 

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 

“They say Madam Puddifoot’s will be packed this year. She stopped taking reservations about a week ago.” 

“Then The Three Broomsticks?” 

“Are you out of your mind Ronald?” Daphne scoffed slamming her book down next to her, “Why not just take me to the Hog’s Head and call it a day!” 

Ron looked absolutely pathetic as he tried to comfort his upset girlfriend as they tried to make plans together for Valentine’s Day.  

The three of them had “casually” ran into each other in the library and somehow the topic of Valentine’s pop up in conversation (or rather, Daphne had set this entire scheme up so she can figure out what plans Ron had up his sleeve so she could wear the perfect outfit for the occasion). Draco had brought up the fact that he had already planned out his date which was then was the perfect leeway for Daphne to have Draco ask Ron about his own plans, which surprisingly, he hadn't been so proactive on considering the amount of time he had been in detention.

Daphne, who had been sitting on top of the study tables by the shelves, crossed her arms childishly and let out an audible ‘hmph’ to show her displeasure that there was nothing planned. Ron looked up in horror from the seat he was sitting on. Draco observed with slight amusement that the couple had finally hit a rough patch. 

Ron pulled Daphne down to his lap, his eyes begging for her to look back at him. 

“And if I make something?” Ron asked, “I promise it won’t be at the Hog’s Head. I can think of something we can do here-” 

Daphne snapped back, her blonde hair splaying out like a silky fan, “Like a surprise?” 

Ron blinked blankly, “Y-yeah, sure. If that’s what you like.” 

It only took a moment to defrost Daphne. A second later she flung her arms around Ron and the worry on his face immediately drained. A goofy smile stretched over his face when he reaped the benefits of being pressed up against her bosom.  

“Oh Ronald,” Daphne hummed out, “You’re so thoughtful.” 

“Anything for you, Daph.” Ron said his face burning a bright red.  

Draco’s amusement depleted. Seeing how this conversation suddenly felt very private, Draco began to slowly back away and, unfortunately for him, he backed straight into another displeased Weasley. Ginny shot a cold stare at Draco, holding books in her arms that she was intending to reshelve in that exact aisle they were occupying, but couldn’t, because she couldn’t stand the sight of her brother and Daphne. 

Draco didn’t blame her. They were now both sneering with disgust, peering around into the aisle, at the couple who was now slowly snogging. 

“For fuck’s sake,” Ginny grumbled, “You’d think they’d come up for air.” 

“You’d think they’d be in detention for the rest of their lives,” Draco added.  

“You’d think they’d eat each other whole by now,” Ginny placed her books on the table, preferring to abandon them than risking damaging more of her vision trying to be a decent student. 

Draco took a last look to take into account the smaller details of the couple, like the way Daphne ran her fingers through the nape of Ron’s neck or how Ron’s hands, although at a respectable position on Daphne’s waist, gripped on to her. His fingers curling, softly digging into the fabric, as he restrained himself from squeezing her too tightly.  

It was bordering the lines of sensual that even six and seventh years looked away in embarrassment fearing to look for a second too long. Draco scoffed, for Merlin’s sake, they were in the Library after all! 

And that was enough to remind Draco of a small detail.  

“You’d think they’d go into the nook.” Draco snorted, before letting himself walk away, leaving the couple be.  

Ginny glared at him, rushing to his side to catch up to him, “Nook? What nook? What are you talking about?” 

“The nook?” Draco repeated, watching her closely as if he was hoping to catch her pretending, “The secret nook.” 

Nothing.  

Draco snorted, “If you don’t know the nook then I’m not going to be the one-” 

“Just tell me what it is Malfoy,” Ginny interjected, stopping him from reaching the spiral stair cases of the Library. 

“No,” He snorted, “Your brothers would kill me if they found I was the one who told you about it. And then, I’m sure they’ll throttle the poor bloke you dragged into it.” 

Ginny glared at Draco, crossing her arms defiantly. Draco easily slipped passed her and scurried down the stairs. 

“I’ll ask Hermione about it then.” Ginny called out, freezing him on the spot as she scoffed and marched off.  

Draco wanted to race after her, to convince Ginny it was nothing worth investigating but he was plagued with another sight of Ron and Daphne, who were still in his line of view a few steps down the stairs, their kisses were even more slow and languid than before, as if they were just coming off from a high of savoring the taste of each other.  

Draco’s nose wrinkled, feeling partially at fault for cursing the whole school, forcing them to witness the love sick look in Ron and Daphne’s faces.  

Draco could only imagine that Ron would be the one responsible to carry out the family tradition of siring a litter of children.  

Draco wiped the awful thought reminding himself of a book he had picked off titled Practical Potions and Finest Ingredients for Neville who would surely appreciate it. He was not at all happy he spent his night a few days ago with Professor Snape who was breathing down their necks to get done as soon as possible. 

He flew down the flight of steps to join Neville at their usual study spot, near the back of the library. Draco still felt a bit of distance from Neville, which is why he thought the book would help Neville open up.  

And Draco was right.  

The moment Draco had settled in across from his potions partner, Neville forced himself to lock eyes with him and point to his essay mentioning that he was almost finished.  

All Draco did was slide the book over to him. Neville’s eyes flickered over to the title. There was a pause and then a visible drooping of his shoulders.  

“Saw it,” Draco explained, “And thought of you.” 

Neville paused for a moment and nodded, “Thanks mate.” 

It wasn’t a secret that, throughout their make-up class, Neville was off. They had worked quickly together, in silence pouring in ingredients, double checking their books and bottling their work to keep.  

It had been a painfully quiet time, that even Snape would come barging into the class from his office, wondering if they had snuck off.  

Still, as Neville defrosted himself, Draco had no need into prying into Neville’s business. He was simply happy that he was no longer stiff around him. And once that happened, Neville poured his thoughts out to Draco and it was not what he was suspecting. 

Neville wanted to fight.  

Ever since Longbottom heard that Draco’s aunt and uncle, the Lestranges, had escaped Azkaban he was filled with the dread that the people responsible for the permanent insanity of his parents were loose.  

That’s why he was taking up private lessons from Harry.  

Neville, with a solemn look on his face, had turned to Draco handing over his essay so that it could be reviewed. “You know, for the longest time, I feared them. The Lestranges. I thought they would come back for me and my gran, to complete the job but after visiting my parents so many times over the years and realizing what they actually did, I almost want to harm them. I want to...” 

Neville shook his head gently as Draco sat, contemplating Neville’s words, not bothering to glance at his essay just yet. 

“Am I a monster for thinking of revenge?” Neville asked, “Whenever I think of them, I- I hate them.” 

It was something that Draco couldn’t answer but he understood the feeling, even if he couldn’t place himself in his shoes. It was a rather violent sort of feeling that felt trapped within them. The rage of not being able to change something. 

Neville weighed heavy on Draco’s heart as he went on with his day, but something even better had been planted in Draco's head. 

That teeny idea of having private lessons that Neville told Draco grew into something that could be useful for everyone. 

Later on in the day, Draco had mentioned the idea to Daphne which quickly snowballed to establish what they called the Tutors, to hopefully help students with their subjects (as well as scope out any potential students who would be perfect for the DA). In fact, it was Goyle who thought it was a good way to vet who in Slytherin was the best candidates to induct into the real DA.  

The idea grew so fast that Draco was surprised it was all planned out within the end of the night with the help of the Inquisitorial Squad. It was them that put forth the idea that it should be had a relaxed common room gathering every Friday to sort of help with course work, like a giant tutoring session.  

It was a rather cunning way to sort through students fast. They could chat to everyone they believe would make the best converts, gathering as much information as they could to finally agree upon who was the best candidates for the DA.  

Daphne, after concluding a quick impromptu meeting in Montague’s room, crossed her arms impressively at their own planning they had quickly conjured.  

“It’s genius,” She sighed out, “Maybe we should suggest it to the other houses too, maybe they can use it as a vetting process.” 

Draco who had been busy marking an entire list of the Slytherin house by circling name’s of who was in the DA, glanced up at Daphne. They were both now leaving the Seventh Year wing to march out into the common room, getting ready for a patrol that evening. 

“Do you think Millie’s aware?” Daphne asked.  

Draco took pause in the million things that were circulating in his head.  

“No,” He answered, definitively, “She wouldn’t stand not being included.” 

“Well,” Daphne sighed, “Isn’t it a little obvious that she’s not there? I’m sure out Ravenclaw DA members look at her with pity that she has NO clue who her boyfriend is consorting with.” 

Draco felt the wash of annoyance as he turned to Daphne, who looked like she was having a lighthearted conversation.  

“I thought perhaps the Ravenclaws in the DA would have a good sense of who to bring in,” Draco began. 

Daphne crossed her arms and shrugged, “Right.” 

Draco nodded carefully, “I imagine that if Millie doesn’t know yet, then maybe...” 

Daphne’s mouth parted in realization, understanding what Draco was getting at.  

“Well what if... they’re expecting you to, you know.” Daphne began. She trailed off, unable to explain away the reasoning that the DA Ravenclaws hadn’t pulled her in.  

Draco blinked, “It would be seen as biased, wouldn’t it? They know better. It’s hard to explain but I haven’t had that confirmation from Millie, you know. That green light to assure me that it would be alright to pull her in. But maybe it’s good that we suggest this Tutor idea to all the houses to streamline the vetting process, and that they have full confidence and trust in the people we are bringing in.” 

“And if she doesn’t pass the vetting,” Daphne asked.  

Draco truthfully had no response. 

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 

The Tutor’s idea was welcomed with open arms after Goyle and Montague proposed the idea to the DA during a last-minute meeting. They all talked about refining the system of who was going to lead each house and their group of tutors, but all that was quickly settled within each house.  

The meeting quickly moved on to more practical uses of basic spells they could use that were technically not a defensive spell. That way, Umbridge had no technical reason to throw them into detention for it.  

Draco and a group of more Slytherin’s watched in awe a very clever trick brought forth by a Hufflepuff who was explaining how to freeze water.  

It was perhaps a very simple spell, one that they had learned in their first year, but the application was quite entertaining.  

Ernie Macmillan whipped his wand and from the goblet in his hand rose a rather warped ball of water, as it held itself together. Ernie directed it to the floor, splashing a bit on the first row of students on the sidelines, watching him intently. Draco crossed his arms while Ernie instructed Harry and Dean to race towards him who were on the other side of the room. 

Without hesitation, both boys began to run full sprint at Ernie. He pointed his wand at the floor. 

“Glacius!”   

Crackles erupted from the end of his wand and the puddle that was splashed on the floor hardened just as Harry and Dean took a few steps over it. They immediately fell victim to the slickness of the ice and just as they lost their footing, flying into the air another wand was pointed at the pair.  

“Arresto momentum!” Hermione cried out, stopping the fall of the boys so they landed as softly as a feather. Harry immediately rose to his feet and clapped, slipping around as he reached the unfrozen part of the floor. Dean rolled off the ice more effectively.

“Excellent Ernie,” Harry grinned, “I think this is perfect for first and second years to learn and something practical for the rest of us. Anyone else have another spell that can have another defensive application? If not, we can practice body binding spells.” 

“The Jelly Leg Jinx,” Ginny pipped up, “If you change the first word of the incantation to humerus. Instead of locomotor...” 

“Inventing spells now are we, Weasley? Can’t wait to see this.” Draco interjected as he laughed. She shot a quick glare at Draco. 

“Why not volunteer if you’re that skeptical,” Ginny challenged. 

Draco, not adverse to a small duel to see this new spell, happily stepped up. Hermione, who had been acting as a safety mediator, was looking panicked as she glanced at the two bodies that were now facing each other in the middle of the room.  

“Ginny,” Hermione began, “I don’t think it’s a good idea to try out a new spell.” 

Ginny scoffed, “Oh it’s not a new spell. Bill said its a common jinx in Egypt from like the early twenties or whatever.” 

Before Draco could comment, Ginny lifted her wand at Draco.  

“Humerus wibbly!” 

A ribbon like stream flew out of the end of Ginny’s wand but didn’t quite reach Draco. He stood there stunned from surprise rather than magic.  

Draco didn’t feel anything, it’s not like he was collapsing under his own weight from having jelly legs.  

“Well that was,” Draco began deadpan, “Useful.” 

Ginny waited, watching him. The intensity of her eyes unwavering. The rest of the students hitched their breath, waiting, wondering what was going on. It honestly felt like a long stretch of nothing until Draco’s wand slowly slipped from his fingers, hitting the floor in a deafening clatter. 

Ginny grinned widely and the sensation of what felt like numbness lightly trickled down his arm. Draco bent down to grab his wand but his arms flopped forward, almost like he had two attached appendices that were nothing but for show.  

The unbalance of his dead arms, lurched him forward, causing Draco to fall on his knees. He nearly faceplanted but Harry happened to catch his shoulder before he tipped over. 

“Simple spell?” Harry asked. 

Ginny smirked, “Remarkably easy.” 

Draco tried to fish his wand into his hand, hinging some momentum from his shoulder. His wand rolled around causing a few to stifle their laughter, except for Crabbe.  

He roared in laughter.  

Harry nodded, “Great, another spell our youngest can use. How do you reverse it?” 

“I dunno,” Ginny shrugged. Draco’s head snapped up in growing fury.  

“Lady Weasel,” Draco hissed out.  

“Ginny,” Hermione warned.  

“Fine,” She growled out, “It’s the same for the Jelly leg jinx. Vicissim!” 

Warmth came back to Draco’s arms as a sensation that could only be described as painful pins and needles. He finally had a grasp on his wand, although weak. He was able to finally stand up and look Ginny square in the face.  

“Fair play,” He muttered before joining his friends by the walls of the room. They all egged him on and ruffled his feathers while Draco messaged his arms, still feeling the after-effects of the jinx. He stay behind as the rest of the DA paired up to practice a few new charms, content with observing the applications of the spells. The older members walked around trying their best to explain corrections.  

Draco closed his eyes, enjoying his time in the meeting, but like all other memories he began to shift through all the ones that could be dangerous to keep around at the front of his head. He leaned his side to the wall, using his elbow to prop him up, while he focused on all the pleasant memories of the past hour. 

The more he spoke to the trio and made his alliances clearer, the more frequent Draco had to take time to rearrange his memories to keep everyone safe.  

It started as a weekly practice to, now, nearly daily that he dove into his mind to sort out his thoughts, building a web of meaningless recollections of his days while the rest was place in a maze of barriers that compartmentalized days like these.  

“Occlumency?” Hermione voice asked, leaning her back up against the wall that Draco had rested on. Draco's eyes snapped open, a lump gathering at his throat that he swallowed down when saw her looking up at him. She had been looking up at him innocently enough. It was Draco who looked like he was hovering over her. He quickly took his arm off the wall in favor of crossing his arms as naturally as he could while he was panicking. 

The warm fire from the scones made her glow as well as contribute to the flush of Draco’s pale cheeks. 

“Yeah,” Draco confirmed, “How did you know?” 

Hermione shrugged, “I can tell by your eyes.” 

“I close them,” Draco watched as a body launched backwards from the lesson, crossing the entire length of the room.  

“I can see your eyes moving back and forth behind your eyelids,” She explained, “It looks similar to sleeping. Perhaps there’s a connection with that.” 

Draco shrugged, “Maybe. It helps sort moments like these around in my head when I’m with you lot.” 

Hermione snorted.  

“Valentine’s Day is tomorrow,” Hermione piped up, “Anything special planned?” 

Draco pursed his lips and nodded, “I’ve got a few things up my sleeve. You?” 

“Madam Puddifoot’s,” Hermione let out an exasperated sigh, “I’ve booked a table for Viktor and I.” 

A bitter taste seeped into Draco’s mouth, forcing out a smile.  

“Same.” He cleared his throat, trying to be happy for her. She deserved to be, didn't she?

Hermione raised a teasing brow, “You and Viktor as well? That’s surprising. Didn't realize you two were going together.” 

Draco let out a long but amused sigh. He was beginning to think he was rubbing off on Hermione. 

“Sort of failed to mention that to me,” Hermione smiled, “Should I ask him about you?” 

Draco rolled his eyes, “Well I’m glad you and Krum are on better terms too.” 

Hermione hesitated, something that Draco picked up on immediately. 

“Don’t tell me he’s he still mad at you for the holidays?” Draco asked. There was a sputter of orange sparks from dueling pairs. It seemed like this little practice was now turning into a dueling club. Neville and Seamus were ferociously whipping around spells and blocking them with an alarming amount of speed.  

Hermione shifted her weight around on her feet, gripping her elbows lightly. Neville and Seamus had been overshadowed by Ginny and George who were comically fighting like siblings.

Hermione and Draco looked on in interest.     

“I don’t know,” Hermione finally said, “I don’t know if he’s still mad but I hope once we meet tomorrow we can smooth everything out. We have Easter holiday coming up early April. Maybe I can floo over to Bulgaria. Spend the weekend with him to make up for it.” 

Draco solemnly nodded.   

“Did I hear Easter Holidays?” Daphne drawled, walking up to the pair with a small cut on her cheek and Ron trailing worriedly behind her.  

“I’ll curse Cho,” Ron grumbled, “Just say the word, Daphs.” 

Daphne waved Ron off but gave him a cheeky smile, “It’s a scratch Ron.” 

“C’mere.” Ron sighed, gently holding Daphne’s head leaning in to examine the scratch on her cheek, near the corner of her eye. He ran a tender finger over the raised edges of the cut and frowned. “She could have taken your eye out.” 

Daphne snorted and pushed her boyfriend gently away.  

“You’d think after months of seeing them together,” Hermione whispered quietly towards Draco, “I’d get use to their affections. I feel like I get sicker.” 

Draco snorted.  

“I heard that.” Daphne glared, “What do you mean you’re going to Bulgaria for Easter?” 

Daphne cocked her neat blond head to the side.  

Hermione turned red, “Oh well, it’s not for certain. I- I thought I’d offer the idea to Viktor since I missed out on Christmas with him.” 

Daphne rolled her eyes, “Well you promised you’d come to my Sixteenth Reception, remember? Why don’t you invite Krum along? It’ll be at our summer home in France.” 

Hermione nervously kneaded her hands together, “Oh. Y-yeah. I can bring it up tomorrow.” 

Daphne flashed Draco a playful glare, “And you.” 

“Me?” 

“You’re invited, too, you know,” Daphne smiled, “You can’t back out, your parents will be there.” 

Daphne gripped on to Ron’s side who was still checking on her face to see if there were other injuries he should be worried about. Draco’s heart squeezed. There was something rather envious about Daphne’s certainty.  

Draco was undoubtably sure that some people who are invited will be questionable parents, his included, and yet, Daphne still had the courage to invite her friends despite the opinion others might have. Draco only wished he was half as ballsy as Daphne when it came to those he loved. Then maybe he could have turned to Hermione and asked if she wanted to accompany him to Daphne’s party.

As friends. 

But he didn’t and he couldn’t.  

Not when the invitation was extended towards Krum.  

By the looks of it, Daphne had already turned away walking with Ron, notably taking her opportunity of inviting Millie with her.  

That is, if Daphne intended to invite her at all