Healing

Chapter 4

"Potter, Weasley and Granger," he nodded to all three of them who just simply stared at him with wide eyes.

Awkwardness clearly hung throughout the air as Andromeda waltzed from the kitchen and greeted them with warm hugs and welcoming smile.

"Oh you three have grown all so big!"

She nudged them towards the kitchen where she began serving them some tea and snacks, waiting for the Slytherins to join their company, where the sound of floo powder indicated their arrival.

Hermione watched as Draco exited from the kitchen to greet some people whom he would truly called his friends.

"Follow me, my Aunt has prepared quite the breakfast for everyone."

And in a sudden moment, the comforting atmosphere generated by Andromeda and the Gryffindors was replaced by an intense tension as two rival houses met. It was clear there were certain feelings left from the previous years in Hogwarts and more important, the impact of the Second Wizarding World was amidst as the Slytherins took their seats and began to pile their plates.

Andromeda could clearly tell the tension was thick and with a soft voice attempted to make conversation, "um, so who's returning to Hogwarts?"

There was a grouped hum of agreements and disagreements, obvious that no one wanted to converse with each and Draco looked over as he felt bad for his Aunt trying to lighten the situation.

The click of door indicated that Narcissa had returned from her morning errands and immediately she knew she made a mistake when she noticed returns of glares and refusal to meet eyes when she entered the kitchen with some of her groceries.

"Oh."

Her sister joined her to pack away the bags as the muttered to each other.

"Why didn't you tell me Mr Potter and his friends were visiting?"

"Well why didn't you tell me about Draco's friends?"

The sisters turned back to see the entire table munching in silence, that was until the sounds of whining erupted out of Teddy.

"Come on Ted, you have to eat something", Draco murmured as he attempted to feed Teddy some puréed pumpkin. It was obvious he wasn't having any of it so Draco picked Teddy up and excused himself from the table, hoping a quick nap will get Teddy to eat later.

The absence of Draco only seemed to cause the tension to get thicker as the glaring match between Blaise and Ginny intensified.

Hermione spoke up, "Andromeda, thank you so much for inviting us. It's a lovely house you have here."

This seemed to ease the tension a bit, "oh it's no problem dear, I heard you were given the position as Head Girl."

"Oh well yes", causing Narcissa to chime in, "how wonderful, Draco will be Head Boy."

This definitely eased the tension as Harry choked in his drink with a shocked Ginny patting him on the back, the Slytherins smirking at the sound of the news, knowing a secret that wouldn't be revealed to the bushy haired witch.

After the feast was consumed, the Slytherins bid their goodbyes, followed by Harry and Ginny. Hermione was left as she deliberated in wanting to acquainted her fellow Head or return to the Burrow.

At the same time, a retreated Draco heard the goodbyes of his friends and Potter and Weasley to his Aunt and Mum. Thinking it was safe to return downstairs, Draco didn't notice as a certain witch was sat in his favourite chair. Her hands folded and leg shaking.

"Oh Granger, you're still here."

Hermione suddenly stood up, stumbling over her words, "w-well, yes- you see".

"Out with it Granger", his slightly rude tone going unnoticed.

"Well, since we're the Heads I was thinking, you know, we get to know each other."

"And don't you think this is something that can be done at Hogwarts?"

"Well-"

"It was nice seeing you again Granger."

His eagerness for her departure was well made clear, as she nodded with disappointment before using the floo powder to return back to the Burrow.

Draco let out a sigh as he collapsed in the red velvet chair, his eyes shifted to the paper sitting on the table, his fathers tired face looking straight at him.

Death Eater Lucius Malfoy sent to Azkaban, awaiting trial to determine the receival of the Dementor's kiss.