If Only in My Dreams (Dramione)

Chapter 19: Confessions

"Harry!" Hermione leaped from the couch and ran towards a stunned Harry Potter, wrapping him in an emotional hug. "I'm so glad you're here!"

At that moment, Ron Weasley entered the room as well with his wand drawn.

"Ronald!" She let go of Harry to attack Ron with a hug now.

Draco had no wand or energy, so he sat quietly on the couch, watching the scene unfold. Mentally, he cursed Potter for his timing. Trust him to interrupt the moment Hermione had initiated a hesitant kiss.

Before Draco could properly analyze the meaning of her actions, Harry shot a curse Draco's way, immobilizing him.

Petrificus Totalus!

Hate radiating from his eyes, Harry walked menacingly towards Draco, speaking in a dangerous voice. "Hermione, what did he do to you?"

Hermione released Ron from her embrace to respond to Harry, and Ron surveyed her now, exclaiming, "Blimey! Hermione, you're bleeding!" Ron raised his wand in Draco's direction and strode towards him. "You evil, slimy little ferret! You're going to pay for what—"

"Ron, Harry, no!" Hermione rushed over and stood between Harry and Ron as they advanced on Draco. "He didn't do this to me! It was Fenrir Greyback. Draco stopped him, okay? I promise. He didn't hurt me."

Ron eyed her dubiously and Harry moved closer to her. Hermione raised her own wand and removed the spell Harry had stunned Draco with, continuing to try to calm her two friends.

"Look, I know it seems bad, but just let me and Draco explain everything."

"Draco?" Ron asked irately. "Since when is he Draco to you?"

Able to speak again, Draco ignored Ron but gave Harry a withering look. "I asked you to come alone, Potter."

Ron fumed. "If you think you can threaten Hermione and not expect me to help her, you're mad!"

Draco shot Ron a deathly glare then turned back to Harry. "Did you bring what I asked for?"

"Yes," Harry replied through clenched teeth, obviously seconds away from cursing Malfoy into oblivion.

"And you brewed it yourself?"

"I did."

"Good." Draco nodded. "Let's see it."

Harry pulled a small vial full of clear liquid out of his pocket, holding it tightly in his hand.

"What is that?" Hermione asked.

"Veritaserum," Harry replied. "One of Malfoy's stipulations for your release," he explained bitingly. "Obviously, he was planning on interrogating me with it in return for your safety."

Hermione turned towards Draco with a puzzled look, so Draco quickly explained. "It's not for him, it's for me. I was never planning on using it on Potter. I knew the only way he would believe anything I say is if he brewed the potion himself." He inclined his head towards the flask expectantly.

Hermione nodded then grabbed the vial from Harry, who shouted in protest. She handed it to Draco, who uncorked it and immediately swallowed the contents.

"Have a seat, Potter. I have a proposition for you." He gestured to the armchair facing the couch.

Harry obliged, but kept his wand ready. Hermione sank down onto the opposite end of the couch, while Ron remained standing, brandishing his wand at Draco.

"I want to help you bring down Voldemort," Draco said.

A stunned silence filled the room, so Draco went on. "I've left the Death Eaters. I think I have information that could be valuable to you, but I want you to ensure my safety in return."