Lykanthropos: Drarry at Full Moon

Chapter 3: Harry's new roommate

Harry did not return the greeting nor the grimace Draco put forth.

"Malfoy?!?" Ron snarled.

"Weasel," Malfoy acknowledged, not even glancing in the redhead's direction.

"This is the 'mystery guest'?" Hermione asked, surprise etched onto her features.

"Surprise," Draco muttered half-heartedly.

"You signed on to be his legal guardian?!?" George asked accusingly.

Lupin sighed. "Yes. Yes, I have, and I believe there will be more time for explanation later. Draco has had . . . a long trip. Introductions, and then we eat."

"Draco, I assume you know all of them from school," Lupin indicated the kids with a broad hand, "you already know me, and this is my husband." He waved a hand in the general direction of Sirius.

If Draco was surprised that Sirius Black, his own cousin — almost the biggest criminal in the wizarding world — was married to his ex-professor and living with the Order, he didn't show it.

"Er . . . I know Sirius has quite the rep-" Lupin began.

"Listen, I'm sure that's a very interesting story, and I'd love to hear it in the morning. As of right now, I really don't care who I'm staying with. I would just like some sleep."

"Merlin, what's up your arse today?" Fred asked rudely.

Mrs. Weasley bustled in. "Language Fred! You don't know the half of what he's been through." She placed two firm hands on Draco's shoulders, then proceeded to look him over in such a motherly fashion it made Draco's heart ache.

"Hungry, dear? I've prepared dinner for everyone," she said kindly.

Draco shook his head.

"Draco, you really have to eat. The healer said so," Sirius insisted, but Hermione stepped forward.

"Nonsense. He looks dead on his feet. Malfoy, I can show you to your room, or someone else can if you don't want me to. I'll bring up a tray in case you do get hungry."

There was a stunned silence. Draco stared at her in disbelief. After all the years of snide comments and bullying she had endured from Draco, she was . . . siding with him?

"Hermione, why-" Ron began, but Ginny gave him a look, and flounced forward.

"Mione's right. I'll bring up the tray, you can escort Malfoy to his room." Ginny said firmly, directing the last part at Hermione, then looking around as though waiting for opposition.

"Alright then. Everyone else, please sit for dinner," Mrs. Weasley said, siding with the girls. She hurried back into the dining room. Slowly, everyone filed in after her, murmuring. Ginny left with the others, leaving just Malfoy and Hermione in the entrance hall.

"Er . . . thanks, Granger." Draco said awkwardly.

She gave him a small smile. "I'll take your bag."

He handed it to her wordlessly.

"Come on, it's this way."

Draco followed her in silence, till they got to the wall with elf heads for decorum. Then Hermione chuckled quietly.

"What?" Draco asked curiously. Hermione shook her head.