#tpnkswrites

“No,” Rosie gasped, dropping the picture that she currently held in her hand to the dust covered floor of the attic.

“This can’t be true, this - this isn’t - no. How - how could they? I - This is absolutely ridiculous, there is no way that I’m a - a mudblood,” She muttered frantically to herself, all the colour draining rapidly from her face as her eyes flickered back and forth between the photo, now on the floor, and the empty space in front of her.

The picture in question, was one of her and her ‘parents’ when she was a couple of weeks old, the pair were smiling happily down at her while she slept peacefully in her mothers arms. The horror had struck when she turned the photo over, there in her fathers hand writing were the words that shot an arrow through her heart;

“Rosaline Amelia Lestrange, a few days after we took her from the muggles. (21/04/64)”

Picking it up and reading it again Rosie still couldn’t believe her eyes,all her life she had been brought up to believe that mudbloods were scum, that they didn’t deserve to live and that they stole magic from the purebloods. Yet, here she was, a filthy mudblood herself.

“Those lying, conniving - uggghhh,” She cried, clenching the picture hard in her hand, and flying down the stairs from the attic, the doors swinging open on their own accord as she stormed towards her parents sitting room. As the doors to the sitting room were thrown open, almost knocked off their hinges at the impact, the face of her mother and father appeared in her vision.

“Oh, hello sweetheart, how - “ Her mother began, before being cut off by Rosie.

“I’M A MUDBLOOD!” she screamed, her nostrils flaring and eyes wide as magic crackled menacingly around her.

Amelia and Randall simply stared at their daughter, mouths hanging open and eyes wide.

“What?” Rosie sneered, “Do you not have anything to say? Have you finally realised what you did? You never even bothered to tell me, not even a, oh Rosie just so you know we took you from your muggle parents when you were a few weeks old which means you’re a mudblood, sorry about that sweetie.”

Rosie was completely surrounded in rage, her magic was crackling all around her, causing sparks to manifest from her fingers and her hair to almost double in size as magical sparks spit from the tips.

“Darling, we - we - I don’t,” Amelia tried, before desperately turning to her husband to help her.

“Rosie sweetheart, we didn’t want to tell you because -”

“Because you don’t want a fucking mudblood as a daughter?” She hissed, glaring daggers at her father.

“Don’t you dare call yourself that,” Amelia shrieked, standing up from her position on the sofa, “You are not a mudblood, you are Rosaline Amelia Lestrange, pureblood daughter of Amelia and Randall Lestrange.”

Rosie simply stared at her mother before bursting into a cruel cackle of laughter, her eyes manic and wild, “But I’m not am I? I’m a mudblood, I’m not really your daughter, you stole me. I’m nothing but a filthy mudblood, and do you know what’s ironic? You taught me to hate myself. It’s because of you that I now despise my very existence. I HATE MYSELF BECAUSE OF YOU.” She screamed, causing both her mother and father to jump in fear.

“Rosie -” Her father tried.

“No! You don’t get to call me Rosie. That’s not even my real name.”

“Okay, how about we sit down and talk about this calmly then?” He reasoned, trying to stop the magic rolling of his daughter and the eventual sticky end this argument seemed to be coming to.

“Talk” Rosie spat, “There’s nothing to talk about, I’m a mudblood, you lied to me all these years and stole me from my real parents.”

“We are your real parents,” Amelia choked, letting the tears she’d been trying to hold in escape.

Hermione didn’t know how to describe it, the feeling that bubbled up inside of her, that enveloped her every sense and made it difficult to breathe. she didn’t know what it was, she needed to know, to find out why this always happened whenever he was around.

Who was he?

Fred Weasley.

She’d always been able to tell them apart, that twins that is, from the first time she’d seen them. She hadn’t told anyone, didn’t see any reason to. She thought the twins suspected, in fact she knew the twins suspected, yet she didn’t tell them.

Both were covered in freckled, but Fred had a patch of larger ones under his right eye, his eyes themselves were slightly lighter than those of George and, if you looked hard enough, a ring of deep green ran around the pupil. That wasn’t all though, she could tell them apart without even seeing them, Freds voice was lower, slower and more husky than Georges, he spoke in a certain, always the one to start a conversation but never the one to finish. 

Hermione could list many things that split the twins apart, she could go on for hours, talking about every little thing, every little detail, that made Fred different. Every little detail that made Fred himself. Every little detail that made Fred, her Fred, special.

...

Fred didn’t know how to describe it, the butterflies that erupted in his stomach, the way his heart pumped so hard when she near, that he could hear it beat with his own ears.  He didn’t know what it was, he needed to know, to find out why this always happened whenever she was around.

Who was she?

Hermione Granger.

Unlike others, he’d never just viewed her as the Brightest Witch of her Age, Harry Potters best friend. She was way more than that, she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen, her eyes were a deep earthy brown, so full of curiosity and knowledge.

Her hair, don’t even get him started on her hair. The untameable mane that completed her, it reflected her personality to a tee. She was fierce, stubborn, independent and wild.

It was these qualities Fred loved, but the ones he adored were on the inside. The kindness that flowed from that girls heart astounded Fred, she was unimaginably compassionate, never thinking of herself, always others. She stood up for what she believed in, tended to those who were hurt and helped those who needed helping.

He wouldn’t change her for the world, she his hot chocolate on a winters day. The one thing that he could count on. Hermione, his Hermione, was without a doubt the most spectacular person he’d ever met.

...

Hermione was on her way to the astronomy tower, it was at least 1am, but she seemed unable to sleep. Instead of staying in her dorm or retreating to the common room, she decided that she needed some fresh air, despite the punishment she would undoubtedly receive from Umbridge if she were caught. 

You see she had something on her mind, a problem, a big problem; Fred Weasley.

She never knew how to act around him, she tried her best to act normal, to be herself, but she always seemed to make a fool of herself. Whether it was tripping up the stairs on her way to Charms, while he was walking behind her; or spitting out a mouthful of water all over herself when he made a joke.

It irked her to the very core, she never meant to act like a complete idiot when he was around, it always just seemed to happen.

All she wanted was one thing, for him to be hers, she longed to feel his embrace, to be encircled in his arms and -

Then she fell.

Before she knew it, her foot missed the next step and she began falling, closing her eyes she braced herself for the impact that was about to befall her - but it never came.

“You alright there ‘Mione?” A voice asked, laced with concern and deep with worry.

Upon opening her eyes Hermione couldn’t stop the gasp that escaped her mouth at the sight presented to her.

Fred Weasley, his arms circled around her waist as he held her close, was hovering mere inches above her. His eyebrows were furrowed in concern, his eyes wide and mouth parted as he stared down at her.

“What - what are you doing here?” Hermione whispered.

“Just saving a damsel in distress,” He smirked, winking at Hermione, who quickly jumped out of his arms, cheeks stained a bright red.

“I - I was just making my way to the astronomy tower,” She told him, wringing her hands nervously and staring down at the floor in embarrassment.

“Well it looks like you could use some company,” Fred said, beginning to walk up the stairs, stopping after a few steps and looking at her, begging her to follow.

Hermione obliged, feeling her heart beat faster with every step she took.

Pull yourself together, you’re Hermione Granger, Brightest Witch of her Age, you can do this, she thought, mentally preparing herself for whatever was to come.

When she reached the top of the tower her face was no longer red, instead she held it high, eyes determined and stance confident.

“How come you were on your way here? In the middle of the night?” Fred asked, leaning casually against the railings, his eyes burning into her.

Hermione almost crumbled at the sight of him, he was in his Gryffindor dressing gown, but on his way up the stairs it seemed to have become undone, revealing a muscular torso and chiselled abs which almost made her faint just at the sight. She held herself together though, walking over to stand next to Fred, realising that she herself was only in a pair of shorts and one of Harrys t-shirts that she’d stolen.

“Just fancied a walk,” She replied, turning around so she was leaning on the railing, facing the Hogwarts grounds, away from the distraction that was Fred,

“How about you? How come you were out?” She asked.

“I actually wanted to talk to you,” Fred said, reaching across his chest and placing hands either side of Hermiones waist, turning her round so she was facing him.

“Fred?” Hermione whispered, surprised at his forwardness but intrigued at what he as going on about.

“We’re leaving, Hermione. Me and George.”

“Leaving?”

“Tomorrow, we’ve had it planned for weeks,”

“You - You’re leaving?” She mumbled, shocked at the thought of not seeing Fred every day, walking through the halls of Hogwarts, laughing with his brother at a prank they’d just played.

“Yes, I - I wanted to be the one to tell you, no-one else knows. Even George doesn’t know I’m telling you,” He admitted, rubbing his neck nervously.

“What -Why?”  Hermione asked, still trying to process the events that were unfolding.

“Umbridge, we can’t just wait around and -” 

“Don’t leave,” Hermione suddenly blurted, cutting Fred off mid sentence.

“What?” Fred asked, shocked at her sudden interruption.

“Don’t leave me, please.” She whimpered, staring up into his eyes, aware of the gap that was diminishing between the two of them.

“Hermione - I - why?” 

“I need you, idiot,” She whispered, a tear escaping and running helplessly down her cheek. Before Fred could even think he’d closed the ever diminishing gap between the two of them and kissed her.

At first, it was a delicate butterfly of a kiss. Fred exhaled through his nose, not wanting to let go. His entire body had been taken over by the overwhelming feeling of relief, combined with eccentric panic, and lust. Fred moved his hand from her waist to the back of her head, his fingers tangling in her long, bushy hair. Then his arms encircled her. He drew her into him deepening the kiss. 

Things quickly heated up, it wasn't that they wanted each other; because they did, but it was as if they needed each other. The kiss was passionate and neither of them wanted to stop, Fred and Hermione moved over to the wall, lips still interlocked. 

Hermione, finding herself pushed up against the wall, jumped up to lock her legs around Fred' waist. 

Suddenly, Fred stepped away, Hermione let out a short whimper as she felt his body move away, causing a throaty chuckle to escape Fred as she wriggled beneath him.

"We should stop, I don’t want to push you," Fred mumbled into her ear breathlessly. Hermione just nodded in response, she was too shocked to even speak, but knew that what he said was true.

“I’‘m sorry Hermione,” Fred muttered, pulling her into him, resting his head atop her own and exhaling deeply.

“It’s not that I want to leave you, I don’t. I need to leave because here, at Hogwarts, I’m not reaching my full potential. Me and George, we’re going to set up a joke shop, we’ve already got the property, we just need to settle in. We’re going to sell all our products, create more and have a little side project behind the scenes for new creations that could help in the war. I’d bring you with me if I could, but we both know you’ve never leave Harry and Ron, you need to be here, just like how I need to be out there,” He said, gesturing out into the horizon.

“I understand Freddie,” Hermione replied, tightening her grip on his waist.

“I’ll write,” He assured her.

“Everyday?” She asked, her voice muffled as she smushed herself closer to him.

“Everyday.” He promised, “Next Hogsmeade weekend I’ll come and visit, we’ll walk around Hogsmeade, I’ll take you out for lunch, our first date.”

“Not even going to ask me Freddie? How very ungentlemanly of you,” She whispered playfully.

“Would you, Hermione Granger, like to accompany me to the next Hogsmeade Weekend?” He asked cheekily, kissing the top of her head as she nodded against him.

“Of course I would love to, Fred Weasley.” 

Harry was confused.

Today was a Wednesday, which meant that tonight was the night that Hermione had prefect duties with Malfoy. Why did this confuse him? Well almost every Wednesday evening since the beginning of term Hermione had ran into the common room, ranting about something or another that Malfoy had done.

This evening though, she’d been quiet, if Harry hadn’t been actively waiting for her then he doubted he’d even have been able to tell she’d entered the common room.

She’d made her way over to her arm chair, the one that stood directly in front of the fireplace, and was facing away from the door. It was her favourite spot because not only was she kept warm by the fire, but people generally either forgot she was their or didn’t notice because she was hidden behind it’s large back, a book usually in hand and silent as a mouse.

As he watched her sit, not even picking up a book, but just staring out at the rain smashing against the window panes, he thought back to just last Wednesday when she’d arrived back from prefect duties.

...

“He’s so infuriating!” Hermione cried, Harry could’ve sworn she had smoke coming from her ears. She’d been like this ever since she’d stormed into the common room, a regular occurrence now that she was doing prefect duties with none other than Draco Malfoy.

“What did the Ferret do this time ‘Mione?” Ron asked, jumping at any chance he could to bash Draco Mafloy.

“He - He just - I can’t, he’s so obnoxious and self absorbed” She screamed, hurling herself onto her arm chair, before springing straight back up and again and pacing in front of the fire.

...

As the memory replayed in his brain Harry couldn’t help but be curious about her change in attitude, what had happened?

Cautiously, and against his better judgement, he made his way over to where Hermione was sat, her body still and rigid.

“Hey, you alright there ‘Mione?” Harry asked, placing a hand on her shoulder. At the contact Hermione jumped, not expecting the sudden touch as she was ripped out of her thoughts.

“Harry?” She asked, blinking slowly as her best friend came into focus. 

“Yeah,” He replied, his worry increasing at her behaviour, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing I - I just - I just need to get some sleep?” She asked, as if she wasn’t too sure herself and was trying to convince herself just as much as she was Harry.

“You sure? You know you can tell me anything,” Harry assured her, grasping her hand in his and squeezing reassuringly.

“No, I - Uh, it’s fine, really. I’ll just go up to bed now,” Hermione replied, her voice broken and slow.

As she stood up, she squeezed Harrys’ hand, offering him a hesitant smile, before making her way up to the girls dormitory.

She wished she could tell him was was going on, she really did.

...

The next morning Hermione awoke to find that it was still dark outside, checking the time she realised that it was only 5am. 

Blearily, she got out of bed, groaning as her body clicked after staying in one position all night. 

She knew that it was too early for anyone else to be up, so she made her way into the bathroom, making sure to cast a silencing spell on the door so no-one would hear as she turned the shower on and got in.

As she showered her thoughts strayed to the events that had transpired yesterday evening,

How could he have been so stupid? He just had to go and get a bloody dark mark, I knew he’d have to get it eventually, but why now? Why didn’t he tell me about it? Why was old Moldyshorts branding a 16 year old? I didn’t think he’d get it until he was of age. He’s going to get himself killed, I wouldn’t be able to bare it if he wasn’t here with me.

Hermione didn’t even realise she was crying, that the water had gone cold and the only warmth was that of the tears running helplessly down her cheeks.

She needed some fresh air, to get out of the castle, she couldn’t stand the thoughts that were swirling through her mind.

Getting out of the shower, she pulled on some joggers and a vest top, before making her way out of the bathroom, down the stairs and out into the corridors of Hogwarts, not caring that the air was cold and she was sure to freeze with just a vest top on.

Walking along the corridors, she couldn’t help but jump at every shadow, created by the barely there moon as it descended into the horizon,

The silence was deafening, as ridiculous as it sounds, but it was true. She was so used to the hustle and bustle, to the busy corridors in between lessons and the cries and shouts of students as they tried to shuffle their way to wherever it was they were heading.

Just as she was about to turn up a flight of stairs, a figure appeared from around the corner in front of her. Quickly, and without any hesitation, she whipped her wand out from the pocket in her joggers and help it in front of her, ready to defend herself should the person attack her.

“Mia?”

“Draco?”

They both asked this at the same time, Hermione tried to keep the smile of her face at his nickname for her, but didn’t succeed. Luckily it was just dark enough that she didn’t think he’d noticed.

“What are you doing up?” Draco asked, waking towards her, just as she began taking steps towards him.

“I - I just needed some air,” She replied, trying to stay strong after seeing him for the first time since yesterday.

“Me too,” He admitted. The two of them stood there for a minute, neither talking, never making eye contact.

“Look - “ Draco began, at the same time Hermione opened her mouth to say something.

“I don’t -”

You go first,” Hermione said.

“Okay, I - I’m sorry about yesterday, I didn’t mean for you to see my mark, I just, I didn’t want you to see it,” He told her, reaching out and hooking his fingers under her chin, lifting her head so that she was looking at him and not the floor.

“So you were going to lie to me?” She spat, eyes glaring daggers and nose flared at his declaration.

“I - no. I was just - yes. Yes, I wasn’t going to tell you,” He admitted, dropping his head to look at the floor. Hermione, not caring that he was ashamed carried on with her rant, 

“I knew it was going to happen eventually! But I thought you would’ve told me! How did you think I felt when I pulled your sleeve up and saw that branded on your arm, like nothing but a cow put up for slaughter. Then - Then you had the nerve to tell me that it wasn’t my place, that it wasn’t my place to know that the boy that I loved had the dark mark. I can’t let you die Draco! I don’t know what I’d do if you died! It would ruin me, all of this, everything we have, it would be for nothing, because you wouldn’t be there. You wouldn’t be there to hold me in your arms, you wouldn’t be there to kiss me or hug me or love me because you’d be dead.” 

Hermione had tears streaming down her face, fists were clenched at her side and the volume of her voice rising and rising until she practically screaming at the boy in front of her. Draco didn’t know what to say, he just stood there numbly, her words vibrating around in his head.

“You - You love me?” He mumbled.

“All of that and all you get from it is that I love you? Of course I love you, you idiot. Why would I be stood here, broken because of what you’re doing if I didn’t love you? I - I can’t Draco, I love you so much, what if you die? I don’t - don’t want to live without you - I -” 

Before Hermione could get herself anymore worked up, Draco dragged her into his arms, clinging to her for dear life. His heart breaking as her sobs tore through the silence, he could feel her tears on his torso.

“I love you too Mia,” He whispered, which only proceeded in making her sob harder. “I - I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you, I just - I didn’t want you to be disappointed in me. I had to take the mark. I need you to understand that. If I didn’t then he would’ve killed mother, he would’ve killed everything that he knew I loved.”

The pair stood, neither wanting to move or leave the warmth of the other after their adminssions. Draco stroked her hair as she continued to sob into his chest, her cries diminishing as they stood there. 

Hermione clutched onto him as if he were the only thing left, her sobs ceasing when she felt the tell tale wet drop of a tear falling onto her shoulder. 

“I don’t want to lose you Draco,” Hermione whispered, now much calmer than before and content in the arms of the one she loved.

“You’ll never lose me Mia, I’m always with you and after the war -” 

“Don’t finish that ... please,” She asked, her voice strained as if she was in real pain. “We might not make it to see the end of the war, so for now can we just live in the moment and see what tomorrow brings?” 

“See what tomorrow brings,” Draco smiled, “I like it.

The two of them held each other until the moon had disappeared and the sun was poking up from behind the castle walls.

“I love you,” Hermione mumbled, removing herself from his arms reluctantly, placing an affectionate kiss on his cheek. 

Today was the day, the day that James was going to introduce her to his whole family. 

They knew of her, as she was best friends with Lily and Lucy, but she’d never met them  because Lily always came to hers or they met up in the muggle world over the holidays.

This was mainly due to the fact that most of the Weasley boys harboured a deep hatred for her brother Scorp and Lily didn’t want to put her in an uncomfortable position.

Now though she was going to meet them, and not just as Lilys’ best friend, but as James’ girlfriend.

She’d been trying to avoid this for a while, she loved James more than anything, and even though they were four years apart him 21 and her in her final year at Hogwarts at 17, she loved him unconditionally and honestly couldn’t live without him - as cliche as that sounds.

“You ready to go Cass?” Lily asked, knocking Cassie out of her thoughts.

“Yeah, just give me a sec Lils, I’ll be down in a minute,” She replied, sending her friend a reassuring smile as she watched her walk down into the Slytherin common room.

“You can do this Cass, you’re a Malfoy for Merlins sake,” She muttered, mentally slapping herself as a tear fell from her eyes.

“I knew you’d be doing this,” Lily sighed, walking over to her best friend. She had come back upstairs expecting Cassie to be beating herself up over the prospect of meeting her family.

“I’m so scared Lils,” She sobbed, clinging to her best friend as she held her close, rubbing her back soothingly.

“You’ll be fine Cass, James loves you, Lucy loves you, I love you, hell even Fred loves you and that’s hard to achieve,” Lily joked, happy when that elicited a chuckle from her best friend.

“James’ going to meet us on the platform and get the train back with us,” Lily told her, knowing that it was a surprise as Cassie was of the impression that they would be meeting him on the platform.

“Really? How did he manage that?” She asked, instantly perking up at the prospect of seeing her boyfriend so soon.

“He’s not Professor Longbottoms favourite honorary nephew for nothing,” Lily grinned.

“Well come on then,” Cassie cried, grabbing Lilys’ hand and practically dragging her down to the platform, her worries momentarily forgotten.

...

“JAMIE!” Cassie cried, running towards her boyfriend, who was waiting for her on the platform.

“Cass!” James collected her in his arms, spinning her round and pulling her close, “Merlin I’ve missed you,” he whispered, burying his face in her hair.

“I’ve missed you too, so much,” She mumbled into his chest, lifting her head to stare into his eyes, not complaining when he leaned in, capturing her lips with his own.

“Get a room!” Lily shouted from the train doors.

“Or a compartment,” came another voice, Lucy had walked up behind Lily, smirking at the couple.

The only other people who knew of James and Cassies relationship was Hugo, Lucy, Hannah (Cassie and Lilys other best friend) and Fred. 

“We should probably get going,” James chuckled against Cassies’ lips.

“We probably should,” She giggled, lacing her fingers through his as they made their way onto the train and into a compartment.

...

It was roughly two hours later and Cassie was freaking out. It was only her and James in the compartment, as Lily and Lucy had gone to sit with Hugo, Roxy, Hannah and their other friends Nicki, Fletcher and Brennon, so that the two of them could be alone for a bit and also to make sure that those who were unaware of the relationship would be occupied.

“I don’t know if I can do this, Jamie,” Cassie muttered, running her hands through her hair anxiously as she paced up and down the train compartment.

“Babe, calm down,” James urged, grabbing out to take Cassies’ hand, relieved when she stopped pacing and turned to face him.

“They’re not going to like me, I can already tell,” She whispered desperately, “I’m a Malfoy, what are they going to think? They already hate Scorp, so why shouldn’t they hate me?”

“They’re not going to hate you,” James insisted.

“How do you know though?” She practically screamed, ashamed at her outburst almost instantly as she dropped her head and looked brokenly at her shoes.

“What’s not to like?” James whispered back, pulling her down into his lap - eliciting a squeak of surprise from his girlfriend.

“You’re beautiful, funny, nice as hell, and although you may the most stubborn witch I’ve ever met that doesn’t matter, because you’re my stubborn witch. You keep me sane, you keep me happy, most of all you keep me feeling loved. I swear to Merlin, you’re the most amazing girlfriend a guy could ask for, I love you so much and, I promise you, my family will love you just as much,” He declared, staring resolutely into Cassies’ eyes, whose own were filling up with tears.

“I love you,” She whimpered, clutching to James for dear life.

“I love you too, Cass,” He replied, holding her as she cried, praying that his family were going to like her, and even if they didn’t he knew that he’d never leave the girl in his arms, not even if the world came to an end.

...

As the train pulled in to platform 9 3/4 the atmosphere was fast paced, and excitement was seeping from the very walls. Everyone was rushing up and down the corridor, collecting all their luggage, saying goodbye to friends and making sure they hadn’t forgotten something before departing.

Cassie had calmed down considerably, determined to put on a brave face and show everyone that she wasn’t afraid.

“The trains stopped now,” James said softly, looking down at his girlfriend, a smile lighting up his face at the look of pure determination that occupied her features.

“Okay, let’s go,” She nodded, following after James as they made their way out of the train, meeting up with Lily who had waited behind for them, and onto platform 9 3/4.

Meanwhile, Hugo, Lucy and Roxy were already off the train and being greeted enthusiastically by their family.

“Where’s Lily?” Ginny asked, concerned that her daughter wasn’t with her cousins as usual.

“She forgot something in the compartment so had to go back and get it,” Hugo replied, his eyes filled with a mischievous glint as him and Lucy shared a sneaky glance. Rose, being the observant big sister she is, picked up on the look shared between cousins.

“What’re you two planning?” She hissed down at them.

“JAMES?” Cried their Aunt Ginny.

“Enjoy the show,” Hugo replied, both of them grinning as they turned to watch the events unfold.

At the loud exclamation from Ginny, the whole family turned to stare at the approaching trio, shock, confusion and glee (Hugo and Lucy) fluttering amongst the group.

Lily was walking towards everyone, with James by her side, Cassie was clutching on to James’ hand as if it were her life source, yet on the outside her demeanour was much calmer.

“Mum, Dad, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Cassie Malfoy,” James announced as they stopped in front of the family.

A stunned silence washed over the group, eyes bulged and mouths agape. Cassie shuffled on her feet nervously, expecting this reaction but not enjoying the sensation the silence created. Before she could think on it more, movement at the back of the group caught her attention, pushing his way through the crowd was Fred, a cheeky grin on his lips as he held his arms out.

“Fred!” Cassie shouted, not being able to stop herself at the sight of him, as she ran over and launched herself into his arms. Since her and James had started dating she’d become really close to Fred, he was like another big brother and at this moment his ability to crack a joke and diffuse the tension in any situation was a godsend.

“Cass! I haven’t seen you in ages, how’ve you been?” 

“You know, same old same old, trying to keep this one in line is hard enough without having to worry about studying for NEWTS after Christmas,” She joked, prodding a finger in James’ direction as he approached the pair and laughed at her comment.

“Good to see you, mate,” James said, mouthing a quick ‘thank you’ and receiving an understanding nod in return.

As the three of them stood and chatted, the rest of the family were still watching in shocked silence, more so because James actually introduced them to a girl for the first time, not because they disapproved of the choice. Ginny finally stepped forward, a smile on her face, and approached the trio.

Fred was just explaining to Cassie how his travels had been so far, as he was travelling the world with Louis, when they were interrupted by a polite cough, turning around Cassie had to stop the gasp from escaping her at the sight of Ginny Potter standing in front of her. In all honesty, she’d completely forgotten about the rest of the family while talking to Fred.

“It’s nice to meet you Cassie, I’m James’ mum,” Ginny said.

“Nice to meet you too Mrs Potter,” Cassie replied, her voice much more calm than she expected it to be.

“Oh please, call me Ginny,”

“Okay ... Ginny,” Cassie said, this time more nervous as her delayed reaction to who she was talking to kicked in, she was actually talking to James’ mum, and she’d just asked her to call her Ginny. 

All of a sudden, Ginny launched herself forward, grabbing Cassie up in a hug.

“I’m so happy James has finally found someone,” 

“Don’t worry Ginny, I won’t be letting him go,” Cassie said honestly, tense in the hug before loosening up at the motherly warmth emitting from Ginny, her hugs reminded her of those her mum used to give her. 

“Well come on you lot, come say hello to my gorgeous girlfriend,” James bellowed, ecstatic at the interaction between his mum and girlfriend. His shouts snapped the rest of the family out of their daze, and elicited a laugh from his girlfriend and mum.

It seemed that the tension had been broken, as Cassie was greeted with a hug by each family member, sharing a few words with each and causing most to either crack a smile or outright laugh at whatever she was saying.

“Are we all ready to go?” Grandma Molly cried out, once everyone had greeted the new addition, so that she could be heard over all the chatter that’d started between the family.

A resounding yes was heard and everyone started making their way towards the exit.

“See that wasn’t so bad, was it?” James grinned, pulling Cassie into his side as they walked, a little way behind the main group.

“No, it wasn’t,” She smiled back, pecking him lightly on the lips.

“You ready to witness the marvel that is the burrow?” He asked.

“Bloody hell Harry, you’re paired with Malfoy!” Ron practically bellowed, as he looked at the people each person had been paired with as their dorm mates for the year.

It was September 1st 1998, just under four months since the second wizarding war had come to an end. The walls of Hogwarts had been repaired and although many still bore the scars and memories of the war they chose to come back.

The reason was different depending on the person, for some it was to finish there education, for others it was a way to escape and just feel normal for a change. 

However, for others, such as Harry Potter, it was a second chance. A chance to act like a teenager for once in his life, a chance to act childish, a chance to have fun, a chance to live.

Roughly about half the students from Harrys year, and a couple from the year above, had decided to return back to Hogwarts for what Headmistress McGonagall was calling the ‘8th Year’.

A section of the castle had been secluded for the sleeping quarters of any 8th years and they were to be paired up in rooms with one other student of the same gender and, in an attempt to help stop house rivalries, someone from a different house.

“I know Ron,” Harry told him, having been told by McGonagall but a few weeks prior that he was going to be dorm mates with Malfoy. She thought it prudent that he be informed that he was going to be paired with his supposed arch nemesis for the year.

“Mr Potter, I have paired you with Mr Malfoy because this year, in particular, we need to band together and bring the house rivalries to an end, by you and Mr Malfoy putting on a united front to the students, and staff, of Hogwarts it will help promote house unity and, hopefully, bring students around quicker to the idea of all the houses getting along.”

To be completely honest, Harry didn’t mind the fact that he was going to be paired with Draco Malfoy. He’d matured a lot after the events of the war and realised that not everyone had a choice to follow their morals and stick to their beliefs because, as much as people wish it weren’t true, some of the ‘bad guys’ are good people, pressured into the life they lived because they’d been threatened, because they weren’t selfish and did bad things to protect and save those they love.

“You know?” Ron asked, not aware that his best friend had been paired with Draco Malfoy of all people.

“Yeah, McGonagall told me a couple of weeks ago, I didn’t say anything because I didn’t think it was a big deal,” He admitted, shrugging nonchalantly and waiting for the outburst from Ron that was bound to come; and he wasn’t disappointed.

“But it’s Malfoy! He’s a death eater!!” 

“Was a Death Eater Ron, not ‘is’. We don’t know his story yet, his mother lied to Voldemort for me, you saw how he was standing on our side before his parents beckoned him over to Voldemorts side, he didn’t snitch on us at Malfoy Manor either, hell me and Hermione even testified at his hearing, let’s just give him a chance?” Harry asked, hoping that Ron would see his side of the story and at least try and give Malfoy a chance.

Ron seemed torn with himself before sighing, “I’ll try, okay? I can’t promise anything though.”

“Thanks mate,” Harry replied, looking back at the list that was pinned up in the Great Hall, “Blaise Zabini? Seems like I’m not the only one paired up with a Slytherin,” Harry smirked, chuckling at the uncomfortable look on Rons face.

“Come on boys, let’s go check out the dorms,” Hermione called, linking her arms through theirs and dragging along to walk with Neville, Luna and Ginny.

...

It’d been 2 weeks since everyone had arrived at Hogwarts and so far not much had happened, many of the Gryffindor - Slytherin dorm mates had been ignoring each other and as much as Harry tried to be friendly, Draco kept all interactions polite but distant and it was grating on Harrys nerves.

Every morning started with a strained “Potter,” and before Harry could say anything else he was out of the portrait hall and off to breakfast.

Harry was beginning to think that his opportunity to give Malfoy a second chance was never going to arise, until one Friday evening.

It was just after midnight and Harry had been up for hours, he had recurring nightmares almost every evening, the nightmares varied between memories from the war and memories his sub conscious had created of people he cared about being killed in the war, whether it be at the hands of Voldemort, Bellatrix or sometimes even himself.

As he sat there, thinking back on the weeks since he’d been back to Hogwarts, he reflected on everyone’s progress and problems, Hermione had night terrors and joint spasms, Ron was having emotional breakdowns at the littlest things and George was battling with depression after the death of his twin, Luna had random flashbacks and panic attacks when she was in a room full of people and Ginny had crippling anxiety and jumped constantly at every noise or touch. 

Many people were affected by the war and Harry wanted to help them overcome their troubles, contrary to popular belief Harry no longer wanted to be an auror, he’d had enough violence and fighting in his life and no longer wanted to be a part of it.

Instead he wanted to help people and be there for those who had no-one else. He was striving to become a healer, and hopefully when he’s older and retired from being a Healer, a professor at Hogwarts itself. He had shared this with no-one as he was anxious of what people would think, he was frightened that he wouldn’t live up to the expectations of his peers.

Before he could dwell more on his thoughts a scream tore through the room, causing Harry to reach for his wand immediately and run to the source of the noise.

Bursting out of his door and into the hallway he paused for a minute when he realised the screaming was coming from Malfoys room, he hesitated, but only for a moment, before racing into Malfoys room and over to the edge of his bed.

“Malfoy! Malfoy! Wake up!” Harry shouted, shaking him in a desperate attempt to wake him up.

“No - no, leave her alone!” Draco screamed, his eyes tight shut and lines etched into his face as his fists clenched around the bed sheet.

“Draco!” Harry cried again, shaking him harder to try and wake him from the nightmare. When he didn’t wake he tried another tactic, he knew he probably shouldn’t but at the moment it was all he could think of that could possibly help.

Cautiously he got on the bed and lay down on the mattress, drawing Draco into his arms and holding him tightly and whispering softly in his ear,

“Hey, it’s alright - it’s alright. Calm down Draco, it’s alright,” 

“Harry?” Draco whispered, stopping his thrashing and cracking an eye open.

“It’s okay, go back to sleep Draco,” Harry whispered softly, reaching out to stroke the hair from Dracos’ face.

“Stay,” Draco mumbled, snuggling into the warmth of the arms that encircled him, finally feeling safe for the first time since as long as he could remember.

“Of course,” He murmured back, closing his eyes and pulling the duvet over the both of them.

In but a few short minutes both boys were fast asleep, cuddled up against each other, needless to say this was the best nights sleep either had had in a while.

...

Morning came and Harry was the first to wake, stretching he smiled at the view before him. Draco was sound asleep, his mouth parted slightly and one eye obscured by the platinum strands of hair which had fallen in the night. The lines of fear and pain that were etched into his face the night before were now gone, to be replaced by smooth, peaceful skin.

Sighing Harry got up, knowing that Draco probably wouldn’t appreciate it if he woke up to find Harry awake and staring at him.

Reluctantly, he left.

This nightly ritual occurred almost daily for the next two week, neither boy brought it up with another or anyone else and Harry was always gone before Draco woke up the morning after.

Harry could only find one word to describe the interactions: unsatisfying.

A month in and Harry knew he needed to do something, he’d already known that he found Draco attractive at the beginning of the year, but the nightly interactions had only intensified these feeling and now Harry found himself wanting to know more about the real Draco Malfoy, not the mask he puts on in front of others to protect himself.

“Draco? Draco, wake up,” Harry whispered, shaking Draco, who lay snuggled into his right side.

“Harry?” Draco asked, his voice husky with sleep as he looked up into the green eyes of Harry.

“Draco - we - we need to talk,” 

“I -” Draco was about to protest but stopped himself, knowing that Harry was right and that this had gone on for long enough,

“I know.”

“What are we doing?” Harry asked, his voice so desperate that Draco couldn’t help but stare up at him in worry, his head cocked to the side.

“I want more Draco, I like you, okay? What we’re doing now is amazing, I love sleeping here with you but I want to know the real Draco Malfoy, I want to know how you’re feeling, how you take your coffee, what your favourite colour is. I want this to be real, for us to make a real go at a relationship that I know will be amazing.” Harrys’ face was an open canvas, allowing Draco to see the raw emotions flickering across his face.

“Blue,” Draco whispered, smiling at Harry to let him know his declaration was reciprocated, “My favourite colour is blue, I take my coffee black and I like you too.”

“Really?”

“Of course, would I really be letting you sleep in my bed if I didn’t,” Draco chuckled nervously, relishing in the sound of Harrys’ laugh and liking even more that it was himself who made him laugh.

“I suppose not,” Harry replied, sharing a cheeky smile with the blonde.

“So what now?” Draco asked. 

Harry, feeling confident, reached over and took both of Dracos hands in his own, “Would you, Draco Malfoy, like to be my date to Hogsmeade this weekend?”

“I would love to Harry Potter,” Draco grinned, leaning forward and pressing a chaste kiss to the lips of the Boy Who Lived.

The two boys slept in each others arms that night, content at the thought that they would be learning more about the other and excited for what the future could hold.

Everyone gathered at the top of the stairs as someone else descended from above and greeted them. It was there Uncle Neville.

"It's going to be weird calling him Professor Longbottom isn't it. I'm so used to calling him Uncle Neville," Roxy whispered to the group but before anyone could agree Neville began to speak.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Professor Longbottom eagerly. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, your house will be like your second family while at Hogwarts. You will have classes with your house, sleep in your house dormitory and spend free time in your house common room. The four houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin and Ravenclaw. Each house has a head, I'm head of Gryffindor, Professor Flitwick is head of Ravenclaw, Professor Deverill is head of Hufflepuff and Professor Higgs is head of Slytherin. While you are at Hogwarts, your achievements will earn your house points, however breaking the rules is not tolerated and any rule-breaking will lose your house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup. I hope each of you will be happy and bring great success to whichever house becomes yours. The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes. Don't worry whatever house you're put in will be lucky to have you, good luck." 

Everyone had begun to chatter excitedly but soon the excitement changed to worry as Professor Longbottom hurried everyone into a line and began to lead them into the great hall.

Lily was stunned as they entered the great hall through the ancient wooden arch. Four long tables were sat in the middle of the hall, one belonging to Slytherin, one to Ravenclaw, one to Hufflepuff and the other to Gryffindor, where the majority of the Potter-Weasley clan were chuckling at the dumbstruck faces of all the first years. 

As Lily looked up at the staff table she recognised quite a few faces. Hagrid was there, he taught care of magical creatures, Headmistress McGonagall was in the middle, she still taught transfiguration because she couldn't bear to give it up after she became Headmistress. 

Professor Flitwick still taught charms.

Professor Deverill was head of Hufflepuff and the muggle studies teacher. 

A man with chocolate brown hair was sat on one end of the table and smirking eerily as they made there way down the hall and Lily could only assume that this was Professor Higgs, head of Slytherin and the potions master at Hogwarts. 

All the first years were now stood at the other end of the hall where a dusty three-legged stool and a crinkly old hat lay. Just when everyone was settling down and waiting for the ceremony to commence the hat burst out into song. They all listened to the song eagerly, taking in every little thing it said. 

After the rather impressive and catchy song,  Professor Longbottom walked over to the chair and picked up the hat. 

"Okay, when I call out your name I would like you to come and sit on the stool. I will place the sorting hat on your head and it will call out which house you will belong to. When your house has been decided go and join your house at its table, this is where you will be eating all your meals for the next 7 years." 

Everyone was watching nervously as the first couple of names were called out,

"Bones, Fletcher" called out Professor Longbottom, Lily gave him a reassuring thumbs up which made him feel a bit better but his stomach was still doing somersaults. 

He sat down nervously and then the sorting hat was placed on his head, "Ahhh, I see great potential here. You're brave, yes, extremely brave. You've had a difficult past I see, not much family left. Your loyalty is undeniable and you have a thirst to prove yourself. Well, I've made my decision ... GRYFFINDOR!" 

Flecther was really excited, he'd always wanted to be Gryffindor. 

"Goyle, Gina"

"SLYTHERIN."

"Sarah Harvey"

"HUFFLEPUFF."

"Hannah Hastings"

"SLYTHERIN."

"Peter Malec"

"RAVENCLAW."

"Cassiopeia Malfoy,"

"SLYTHERIN."

"Potter, Lily" Professor Longbottom called.

Lily was terrified, she didn't know what was going to happen if she wasn't in Gryffindor, I mean sure she didn't want to be the same as everyone else but she couldn't fathom what would happen if she wasn't with her brothers.

"Another Potter. I see you're not like your brothers, you want to stand out, be different to everyone else. Of course you're brave and loyal but you're also intelligent and selfless. However, there is one trait in you that I can see overrides the other. Ambition."

Ambition? Lily thought No, it couldn't be. Ambition was the leading trait of a ... a Slytherin. 

Before Lily could get the hat to change its mind it'd gone and opened its big trap.

"SLYTHERIN!" The hat called.

The Great Hall was submerged into a black hole of silence, nobody could escape it, even the Slytherin table were rendered speechless. 

Lily had tears in her eyes, what were her parents going to think. She looked for Al's face in the crowd, surely he would help her. 

Albus had looked away, she could see his knuckles turning white as he clenched onto the edge of the table. The silence was broke by Lucy and Roxy clapping furiously,

"Whooo! Go Lily" Roxy was shouting.

"We love you Lils." Lucy hollered at her approvingly. Then they both began chanting for her,

"Lily! Lily! Lily!" Hugo had joined in and soon all of the first years were in on it too. 

Lily couldn't believe it, they didn't care that she was in Slytherin? But she was a Potter, they were meant to be in Gryffindor. As Lily watched an uncontrollable smile spread across her face. 

Rose was cheering. Most of the hall had joined in, however, one thing that was tearing her happiness up was that nobody apart from James, Dom, Fletcher, Fred and a couple of their friends from the Gryffindor table were cheering for her.

"LILY! LILY! LILY!" 

Even the Slytherins had joined in, abandoning their prejudice beliefs for just one minute and chanting with the rest of the great hall. Lily was instantly uplifted. Everyone was cheering for her, apart from the stinking Gryffindor table but even that couldn't dampen her spirits.

Lily hopped off of her seat, suddenly in a really joyous mood and practically ran to the Slytherin table where she was greeted by several people all hoping she was okay and telling her not to worry, telling her that Slytherin house was proud to have her.

 Lily looked over to the Gryffindor table as the chants began to die down and caught the eye of Fletcher, he gave her a massive thumbs up then proceeded to watch the sorting. It was time for the surnames beginning with W now.

"Weasley, Lucy"

Lucy walked up to the stool, sat down and waited for the at to be placed in her head. As soon as the hat was on Lucy had something to say.

"Before you say anything I want you to know that I want to be put in Slytherin." She said. This took the hat by surprise but as it delved deeper into her brain he saw her reasoning. 

"Ahh, so you want to be there for your cousin, Lily. Correct?" The hat asked.

"That's true," she replied, "I don't want her to have to go through this alone, although she may seem alright now I know that further down the line she's going to be hurting, a lot. I can't let her get that way which is why I'm begging you to place me in Slytherin so that I can support my cousin." 

The sorting hat seemed to ponder this idea before finally making up his mind.

"You would've made a perfect Hufflepuff Lucy, you're loyalty and kindness towards Lily just proves it but I will do as you wish and put you in Slytherin." The hat agreed, calling out the house.

"SLYTHERIN!"

Lucy bounced off her chair and went to join Lily and her fellow housemates. Everyone clapped for her and James gave her a knowing glance from across the hall and smiled in thanks.

The rest of the first years got sorted with Roxy and Hugo both being sorted into Gryffindor with the rest of the family, the feast continued as normal, with McGonagall giving a speech and everyone tucking in to their food.

Once everyone had finished the feast the prefects led the first years up to the house common rooms and showed them their rooms. Lucy and Lily gripped each others hands as they were led down to the dungeons instead of up a tower to the Gryffindor common room.

“Welcome to the Slytherin Common Room,”