Relentless - A Dramione FanFic

Moving Forward and a Revelation

"So,"  Hermione was desperate to change the subject.  "What were you two discussing before I came in?"

It was Harry who eagerly answered, "Actually, we were talking about finding time to get some flying in. McGonagall said we can't play for the house teams, but she didn't say anything about not using the pitch for recreation."

Draco nodded in agreement, careful to make eye contact with her only briefly.  "Its been ages since I was on a broom just for fun.  We're thinking today after Care of Magical Creatures would work."

"I think that sounds like a great idea." Hermione answered, pleasantly surprised they were getting along.  She smiled to herself as she thought of the three of them spending the rest of the year in the cottage as friends rather than enemies or adversaries.  "I have to admit, its nice that you two are getting on so well.  It takes a lot of stress off my mind.  I wasn't looking forward to an entire year of tension."

Harry smiled at his best friend, but addressed his response to their former enemy.  "I'm not gonna lie... it will take a lot of getting used to, but I am ready to move forward.  How about you, Malfoy?"

Draco swallowed hard, trying to conceal the emotion Harry's statement fueled in him.  "Yes.  Thank you, Potter.  Moving forward is more than I had hoped for and certainly more than I deserve."

Hermione wanted to blurt the truth about Draco to Harry, but knew that was something he was entitled to do in his own time.  Instead she stated, "Then its settled, this year will be a fresh start."

***

The three eighth years walked through the portal one after another right as class was scheduled to begin.  They all agreed immediate access to their classrooms was ranked among the top five perks of their unique living arrangements.  Also on the list were: the kitchen parchment, privacy from curious underclassmen, not having to share sleeping quarters and the portraits of their deceased loved ones. Although he would never admit it, Harry had spent his nights sleeping in the common room under the watchful eyes of his parents.

The scratch of chalk against blackboard began before they'd had the chance to take their seats.

Good morning, Eighth years. 

As I understand it, Mr. Weasley will no longer be joining us due to his invitation to play quidditch for the Bulgarian National Team.  His departure has left us with quite a conundrum.  Individuals or partners, not threesomes are preferable for working on potions, thus the remainder of the year, you will be completing your assignments independently.(Mr. Potter, I can't imagine your work declining due to this change, as I am certain it is impossible to do worse than that disaster you and Mr. Weasley turned in yesterday.)

I may at some point begin assigning different potions to each of you, however for the time being you will all be brewing the same.

Today's potion is: Skele-Gro it can be found on page 173 in your textbooks. You are welcome to talk things over with each other, but I expect each of you to brew your own batch.  Good Luck and Happy Brewing.

~Professor H. Slughorn 

P.S. ... Mr. Malfoy & Miss Granger, as brilliantly as Mr. Potter & Mr. Weasley failed at the PASEO IDEAL, you two excelled.  Well Done.

"Well, that's just great." Harry muttered, causing Draco and Hermione to chuckle.

"Don't get too beat up over it, Harry."  Hermione chided.  "Its still early in the year, and I'm sure you'll be able to redeem yourself.  Plus, with the way Ron was acting yesterday, its a miracle the potion didn't blow up in your faces."