Redemption / DRAMIONE (COMPLETE)

Chapter Eight

Draco was extremely nervous. He was being introduced to the Order, the entire Order in little less than five minutes, and all of them had good reason to hate his very bones. He was with Severus, which eased his paranoia a tiny bit, and Professor McGonagall, who was there to ensure his presence was well received. Draco wasn't sure, but there was a rumour that Professor Dumbledore would be dropping in on Grimmauld Place at the end of the meeting primarily, Draco knew, to catch up on Severus. The headmaster was Severus' guardian and was one of the few who realised just how much Severus risked every week attempting to spy on the Dark Lord. Draco presumed, having seen their interactions over the years, that Severus' relationship with Dumbledore was the same as his relationship with Severus.

"There's nothing particularly to be nervous about," said Severus into the awkward silence. He, Draco and Minerva sat around Black's living room; he and Minerva in uncomfortable, chintz armchairs, Draco on a pouffe at Severus' feet. Minerva gave him a searching look. "The Order do have morals, after all. They will not harm a child, and most of them are friendly regardless. They think Dumbledore's word is law."

"How did they treat you, when you first turned up?" Draco asked Severus. The Potions Master's face was unreadable. Minerva fidgeted a little in her chair.

"I was greeted formally by all," Severus began. "Lupin was kind, as he was one of the few who knew what I'd done and why I was trusted. Minerva and my other colleagues knew me reasonably well and so they had no problem. Black flew into a rage, yelling that I would betray them all to Voldemort and several took his side: Peter Pettigrew, Emeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore and Hestia Jones. But Dumbledore told them that I was trusted implicitly by him, more so than some of the others. He obviously was subtle about saying this; there was a spy then, Peter Pettigrew. All but Black cooled off after that."

"What about my father?" Draco asked. James Potter had detested Severus, he knew that and it was only Lily's (his stepmother) and Narcissa's (his mother) doing that Severus was his godfather. "And my stepmother?"

"They were already in hiding," Professor McGonagall informed him, sensing Severus didn't want to talk about Lily. "They never knew what Severus did for the Order."

"I'm sorry, Severus," Draco said sadly.

His godfather sighed. "She'll know now, anyway," he spoke, glancing up at the ceiling with the attitude of one who hadn't noticed its presence. He seemed to see past it, to the sky above, and if Severus was religious, the heaven above. "Even if I never get the chance to tell her in person."

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A. N. Sorry I didn't manage to squeeze in Draco's induction to the Order but I felt it would make this chapter too long if I added it here. Hope you like the interaction between Draco and Severus, Severus and Minerva. The next chapter will be his induction.