Secret Beginnings
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Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
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Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
16
Views:
3,940
Reviews:
16
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
The Confrontation
Secret Beginnings:
Chapter 16: The Confrontation (16/18)
Summary: Hermione and Ron finally find out the truth...
Pairings: Harry/Draco Fred/Pansy Severus/Narcissa
Warnings: Slash
Disclaimer: Do I really have to do this each time?
(Translation)
/thoughts/
Charlie.
Ron, Hermione, and twins
Thursday June 24th, 1995 6:35 P.M.
“What the bloody hell!” Ron shouted after he entered the room, shocking everybody including himself at the loud and sudden outburst.
“Ronald!” Hermione scolded him; a hand on her chest trying to calm the beating of her heart.
“Sorry, it's just this wasn't exactly what I was expecting, you know?” Ron tried to explain for his outburst.
Hermione nodded in agreement, the room that they walked into was not what she had expected either. She had expected the room to be dark, muggy, cold, unwelcoming; after all she was thinking about the Slytherins. She had expected anything but this...
This room was warm, comforting, homey...welcoming. And that's what confused her; she had never walked into a room and felt this welcomed before not in the Gryffindor tower, not in the Burrow, not even at home with her mum and dad.
Scrunching her eyebrows in thought, Hermione began walking around in interest taking in the surprising muggle décor that mixed in well with the subtle yet expensive wizarding furniture. Passing by the tables, Hermione happily made her way towards the long bookcase that was just tall enough that it reached the beginning of her shoulders and gasped in surprise, “George, co-come here please!” she whispered fiercely making sure that she didn't catch Ron's attention—thankfully, she didn't; he was too busy studying the television across the room.
“Yes, Hermione?” The red-head asked trying to act innocent as he walked towards her—although it was a bit of a waste and hard to pull off when Hermione was looking at the one thing that showed his guiltiness—a picture of him, his twin, and Harry sitting on a bed talking and laughing with the Pansy, Blaise, and Draco across from them.
“This is it, isn't it?” Hermione questioned motioning to the picture that she held in her hands.
“What's what, Hermy?” George fidgeted; still trying to play the innocent card.
“I'm not stupid, George so stop trying to act as if I am!” She accused him, “ This is Harry's secret...your's and Fred's as well, this is what you have been keeping from us isn't.” She whispered fiercely.
George didn't say anything; just merely nodded as if he were the younger of the two. He didn't know what was with him when it came to the girl; she always made him feel that he couldn't lie to her—she always made him feel like he was being scolded by his mother; especially when she pursed her lips and her arms crossed over chest like she was doing now.
Except she made it look cute instead of scary.
Shaking his head out of those thoughts, “We have a lot to explain, don't we?” Seeing her tight nod, “C'mon, then. Hand me your wand and then Fred and I will take you to the 'evil' trio.” George motioned to Hermione, grabbing the photo and putting it back, and then headed towards his brothers.
“Why should I give you my wand?” She questioned, walking with him; pulling her wand out of her pocket as she did so.
“Because, when you find out everything; I—and I'm pretty sure that this goes for my dear ol' brother—don't want to get hexed into oblivion when you find out exactly how much we have kept from you.” He answered curtly grabbing the offered wand while Fred stole Ron's, where it had been sticking conveniently out of his back pocket.
“And knowing our brother's temper—he'll hex before he even knows what's going on.”
“What are you talking about, I do not—“ Ron tried to deny only to stop short when the three stared at him pointedly, coughing, “Uh, right so...” He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
Rolling his eyes, Fred walked towards the door that led to Draco's kitchen and hesitated, “Before you guys come in here; you have to promise us that before you say anything..anything at all; you'll listen, okay? And Ron promise not to fly off the broom handle until after everything that they need to say, okay?”
“Fred, why are trying to help the ferret and his snakes?” Ron glared suspiciously.
“Just promise, Ron! Promise that you won't overreact!” Fred ordered with one of the most serious looks on his face.
So serious that his younger brother could only nod in agreement making the matching pair take a breath and opened the door to their long kept secret......
“Whatever you do; don't say anything...let Fred and I do the talking!
Draco, Pansy, and Blaise
Thursday June 24th, 1995 6:35 P.M.
“Draco? Shouldn't—maybe—maybe you should sit down, yeah?” Blaise stared at the blond, who was going through cabinet after cabinet, in concern.
“I can't, Blaise if I sit down and do nothing; I'll just think about all the things that could be happening to Harry and if I think about that; I'll start panicking and I don't think you want me to start that!” Draco ranted throwing mixing bowls and food onto the counter after each word.
Wincing when a bowl came close to smacking her in the face, Pansy slid farther away from the counter, “Dray, what are you doing anyways?”
“Cooking—to be more specific; making Tiramisu—it's Harry's favorite...” Draco explained as he set to make some coffee.
“But, why? Why now?”
“Because, I need a distraction.” He drawled impatiently.
“Draco, we know that you're worried about Harry—we all are—but I'm sure he's fine.” Pansy tried to assure him.
“I know, I know...we've had the same conversation for the last two tasks as well, but I just can't shake this feeling that something's wrong...” Draco stressed his fingers lovingly stroking his soulmate pendant.
“Something wrong happening to Harry or something wrong like that....?” Blaise gulped pointing behind Draco, who had his back turned to the door, while Pansy just squeaked in surprise.
Raising his eyebrow in confusion and a bit worried, Draco turned around and gasped seeing not only the twins but Hermione and Ron walk into his kitchen; the latter two walking in with nervous, awkward, but determined looks on their faces.
Slightly panicking inside, Draco pulled all the courage that he could muster and sneered, “What are they doing here?” He snarled while Blaise and Pansy stood on the other side of the island desperately hoping and praying to the Gods that this wasn't really happening to them; that their secret that they've kept for three and a half years was going to be found out yet again.
“Cut it out Draco, it's about time they learned the truth, shouldn't they? After all...you were going to let your uomo di successo tell them after the TWC anyways, right?” George questioned while Fred pulled the two teens towards the kitchen table and made them sit down—With Ron glaring at the Slytherins the entire time but fortunately for the others; kept his mouth shut.
Ignoring Hermione and Ron for the moment, Draco sighed in frustration, “Bene ...yeah, ma non questo era come è stato supposto per succedere!”
(“Well...yeah, but this wasn't how it was supposed to happen!”)
“Oh? E come è stato supposto per succedere?” Fred questioned back in Italian surprising the two snooping Gryffindors.
(“Oh? And how was it supposed to happen?")
/When the hell did Fred learn Italian?/
/Sometimes it was good to know more than one language.../
“Bene, dapprima via; progettavo su è come lontano da quei due quando Saccheggia loro ha detti!” Draco pouted stubbornly making the twins, Blaise and Pansy chuckle at his cowardliness; while Ron and Hermione watched on with confused impatient looks.
(“Well, first off; I was planning on being as far away from those two when Harry told them!”)
“Draco, Lei si dovrebbe si vergognare di te stesso. ..letting la sua mostra di coraggio di Slytherin!” Fred tisked playfully shaking his finger disapprovingly at the blond.
(“Draco, you should be ashamed of yourself...letting your Slytherin courage show!”)
Rolling his eyes, Draco smacked the red-head's hand out of his face, “La multa, la multa ma come sono supposto per dire loro senza loro non ci credendo?” Draco gave in making the other two Slytherins nod their head in agreement.
(“Fine, fine but how am I supposed to tell them without them not believing us?”)
“With this.” George interrupted pulling a small vial of clear liquid out of his pocket.
“Vertiserum?” Hermione questioned finally speaking for the first time.
“Yup, Draco, Blaise, Pansy, and Fred are all going to take a drop so you two can question them.” George explained handing the vial to his brother.
“Them? What about you?” Ron asked calmly as he could trying not to growl when Draco leaned his hip casually against the island.
“Me? I'm going back to see the tournament.” George explained, “Fred should be able to handle you five, right Forge?”
“No problem, besides we have to have someone wait for Harry, shouldn't we?” Fred gave permission.
Smirking, “Have fun you lot!” George laughed walking out the door quickly barely dodging the skillet that Draco threw at him.
“Bastard!” The blond called out to him.
With the door firmly shut the behind George, everyone stared uncomfortably at one another for a few moments until Blaise finally got fed up and snatched the vial out of Fred's hand and sat down at the table with Hermione and Ron.
Looking them in the eyes, Blaise opened the vial and took a small dose, “Do your worse.” he dared bravely.
Once again sighing for the millionth time that year, Draco pulled Pansy and Fred along with him to sit at the table and took a sip as well awaiting the onslaught of questions.
Seeing their emotionless stares Hermione decided to plunge right in, “What exactly is this place?” She asked Draco.
“The Room of Requirement.”
/Even with Vertiserum he still has to be difficult./
Rolling her eyes, “I meant what is this room to you guys?”
“Our home.” Fred admitted.
“Our haven.” Blaise replied.
“Our escape.” Pansy answered.
“Our sanity.” Draco sighed with as much emotion as he could under the potion's spell.
Hermione and Ron looked at one another in confusion when they heard the answers that would have never expected from the four in question.
/Haven? Escape?/
/Home? Sanity?/
“What do you mean escape? What exactly are you escaping?” Ron asked.
“Everyone's expectations.”
“Everything we're not.”
“Everyone.”
“Our fathers.”
“He practically worships the ground Lucius treads on; why would he want to get away from him?” Ron hissed quietly to the bushy-haired teen, who could only shrug her shoulders in response.
“Your fathers? Why would you want to escape from them?” Hermione asked; mostly to the blond.
“I...” Draco desperately tried not to answer; sure he had wanted Harry to tell them about the room and even about their relationship but that didn't mean that he wanted them to know his father beat him.
“He be—they beat us!” Draco panted looking away in self-disgust making the two Gryffindor gasp in unexpectedness.
“What do you mean beats you?” Ron asked in denial, “ Every time anybody walks past any of you lot; all we hear is you talking about how great your fathers are.”
“Nothing in this world is black and white, Ronald.” Pansy stared at him angrily, “ And he meant what he said. They. Beat. Us.” She spat with as much passion the serum would allow.
/As if I really meant any of that crap!/ Pansy scoffed and then relaxed immediately when Fred pulled her onto his lap; kissing her gently on the back of her neck; not only showing her support but his pride of their relationship.
Letting go of that action for the moment—which he'd go back to later—Ron ran his hand in frustration down his face; this was not what he had been expecting when he and Hermione had decided to follow the Slytherins.
He had expected walking into a torture chamber of sorts while the three evil Slytherins had some harmless Hufflepuff tied up doing what the room intended—okay, nothing as drastic as that...maybe. But he didn't expect to walk into a room that looked like his dream home. And he most certainly DID NOT expect to find Malfoy wearing an apron while cooking frantically in a muggle kitchen worrying about of all people; Harry.
And he never had expected to feel anything but spite for the blond but here he was feeling not only pity for him, Pansy and Blaise but worry as well.
“How long have they been abusing you?” Hermione's hesitant question broke into the red-head's inner musings.
“Since we were about six,” Blaise gave in already sick of the questions and looked longingly at the door.
“Eight years!” Ron and Hermione gasped in unison, “Why haven't you told anybody?”
“Just like every other abused person's reasons not to say anything, “ Draco shrugged his shoulder's nonchalantly—although it was hard to act as if he didn't care when the two nosy teens could see the tears in his eyes, “We wish that we are able to change them...hoping that if we stay long enough that one day they'll love us again.” He admitted angrily swiping at an escaped tear heading back to the counter to start baking the dessert as a distraction.
Hermione ran her hands in worry over her forearms as she watched Draco silently across the room. She had never imagined a day that she would feel so many emotions for the blond besides anger but here she was in a secret kitchen feeling sympathetic for what he and the other two had to go through for the past eight years, pride for them being so strong when she knew that if she were in their situation that she would've given up a long time ago, and resentment for not seeing it sooner.
Sure she had never liked any of them with them giving her good reason not to, but surely her being smart and able to notice things that others didn't she should've been able to see them hurting...shouldn't she have?
Or were they really that good of an actor?
“When was the last time you were—were hi—when was the last time any of them laid a hand on any of you?” Hermione stumbled through her words instantly regretting them when she saw all four crestfallen looks; because they knew they had to answer.
“Last weekend.” Blaise answered desperately wanting to go.
“Me, too.” Pansy admitted curling herself into Fred's comforting arms.
“Malfoy?” Ron asked in dread; he just knew that it had to be bad when Draco turned his back to them trying once again not to answer.
And for a few minutes he didn't but then...
Draco turned around and lifted his t-shirt showing them both cuts and bruises along his stomach and ribs, “This morning.” He whispered his answer, lip bleeding from where he bit it to keep from answering.
And why would he try not to answer so badly? Because the inevitable questions that were to follow.
/Bloody hell!/
“Bloody hell, Malfoy!” Ron exclaimed, he and Hermione ran up to him.
“One of your ribs are broken!” Hermione gasped running the tips of her fingers gently across Draco's ribs, “Why haven't you gotten them healed yet?” She asked when she saw him flinch.
Pulling his shirt down, Draco began wringing his hands together, “I didn't heal them because I needed a distraction...but it didn't work.”
“What didn't work?”
“Me not worrying about Harry.” Draco admitted.
“And why would you worry about Harry?” Ron asked; his face masked in suspicion.
“I—he's my boyfriend.” The blond answered making Ron scoff and sputter, while Hermione may at first had an astonished look on her face it quickly turned into recognition and understanding.
“You're his happiness.” Hermione sighed, “How long have you two been together?“ She asked ignoring Ron who had begun walking around, flailing his arms about as he spluttered and squawked.
“Since January...of our third year.” He smiled as he momentarily went back to the that day that Harry finally got up the nerve to ask him out.
“Since JANUARY!” Ron spat out in angered disbelief, “ What the bloody hell!”
“Ronald!” Hermione scolded, “Stop it this instant!”
“NO, Hermione! I don't think I will,” he glared at her, where she stood next a nervous Draco, “ Not only did my supposed best friend keep the this room and these people a secret but he also kept the fact that not only was he GAY! but that he's also dating the BLOODY FERRET!” Ron screamed in her face.
“First off Ron, you don't need to be yelling...especially in my face and second of all there is no need to be so riled up!” Hermione sighed in annoyance pushing the irate red head down onto a chair.
“No..no...need?” He sputtered, “Hermione, Harry has been keeping this huge gargantuan monster of a secret from US...his BEST FRIENDS! Why aren't you yelling, shrieking, or freaking out like I am? Aren't upset at all?”
“Of course, I am but, “Hermione pulling Draco along with her to the table, “I also knew to—“
“You knew?!”
“To a certain extent? Yes, I did; I knew he had a secret, I knew he had been sneaking out, I knew the twins had something to do with it but I had no idea that it was this big.” She motioned her hands towards the room and it's usual occupants to emphasize her point.
“Why didn't you tell me he had a secret?”
“I didn't tell you, Ron because it wasn't my place to tell besides when he confirmed that he was hiding something you two weren't even talking.”
“Wait, wait, wait! You confronted Harry about his secret but yet you didn't make him tell you what it was?” Ron asked in befuddlement, “...you're usually really good at that.” He ended offhandedly making Hermione bristle a little not knowing whether or not he insulted her.
/He had better not be insinuating that I'm bossy and nosy!/
Letting the comment go for at least the moment, “ I didn't make him—as you so put it—because he's happy. You didn't see the way he smiled Ron...I haven't seen that smile since our first year.” She reminisced, “ I couldn't take that away and if you had seen it; you wouldn't have either.”
Ron sighed; he knew how true it was. Even he could tell that Harry hadn't been happy these past three years especially now with both the tournament and Rita Skeeter lurking about.
/But if Harry had finally found happiness again why didn't he want to share it with his best friends?/
“But Hermione he's our best friend...he could've told us. He could tell us anything; he knows that.”
“But maybe he doesn't.” Draco said startling the two younger Gryffindors; they had completely forgotten about the others.
“What do you mean?” Hermione questioned looking offended that someone would insinuate that her best friend of four long years couldn't trust her, “Are you saying that he can't trust us?”
“It's not that he doesn't necessarily trust you...” Draco tried to soothe her ruffled feathers, “ it's just that the two of you can be a bit...a bit—help me out here, Fred will you?” Draco said pulling on Fred's sleeve for assistance.
/I'm just happy that the vertiserum wore off while they were talking./
“Hmm,” Fred contemplated tapping his chin in thought, “How about...judgmental? Yes, yes, judgmental seems most so suited for you two I think.” He finally concluded making the three Slytherins nod their heads in agreement while his brother and Hermione scoffed.
“They also jump to conclusions before anything can be explained.” Pansy helpfully pointed out making the Gryffindors give her twin glares while once again two Slytherins and Fred nodded their heads in agreement.
“Oh, don't for—get, uh, yeah...” Blaise stopped from adding his two cents when he heard Ron growl.
/I don't know whether or not to be turned on or scared./
“We are not judgmental!” Ron huffed angrily, “And when have we ever jumped to conclusions without an explanation?” he had the gull to ask stupidly.
“How about when Harry's name came out of the goblet and you wouldn't let him explain anything. You just automatically assumed that he betrayed you.” Draco pointed out; his own true anger finally emerging for the first time that night.
“Oh, and don't tell me that you didn't?” Ron retaliated.
“Actually, you know what? I did.” Draco admitted, “But then I took one look at his face and I knew that he was surprised just as any of us were. That's all I needed just one look and then I didn't have to confront him; I already knew.”
Ron snorted, “The vertiserum wore off; why should I believe you?”
“You don't have to believe me, I never asked you to. As long as the man I love believes me then everything will just be fine!” The blond shouted and then gasped out in surprise along with the others at what he admitted.
“You're in love with Harry?” Hermione gasped in shock.Going out for over a year at their age was a record in it's own right but to actually be in love was both crazy and unimaginable. Not many relationships that she had seen never lasted more than a couple of months.
“Yes, I am. I haven't told him yet but I think he knows.” Draco smiled slightly.
“But you guys are only fourteen! What do you know about love? You're too young to be in love!” Hermione exclaimed.
“That's not true. Look at Freddie and I; we're in love and we've been going out for over two years.” Pansy argued in Draco and Harry's defence.
“But the two of you are a bit on the crazy side.” Blaise snorted out before he could help himself, making to his delight Ron smile for a brief second.
“Two years...” Ron sighed in exasperation, “Merlin, this is too damn much.”
“It may be too much, Ron but I wouldn't have it any other way. The freedom, the no judgment, Pansy—everything!—it's all worth it in the end.” Fred said with such honest emotion that Ron was a bit frightened.
Ron had never seen his brother like this—not when he had gotten his wand, not when he had gotten on the quidditch team, not even when he and George had won that one bet at the Quidditch World cup had he ever been this honestly, truely...
happy.
/Oh, fuck./
“Bloody hell!” Ron sighed in defeat, “ Can someone please start at the beginning? And please please don't leave anything anthing out.”
Thursday, June 24th, 1995 9:30 P.M.
“So let me get this straight,” Ron paced back and forth, “Snape approached you and George, “ he pointed to Fred, “to help watch over over these three,” pointing to the Slytherins, “in our first year because their fathers beat the shit out of them. And somewhere along the way you started calling Snape; Uncle Sev, you got your own rooms and you four became best friends.” Ron ran over the imformation.
“Don't forget that Fred and Pansy began dating in our second year.” Blaise helpfully pointed out.
“Yes, let's not forget about that, shall we?” Ron said sarcastically.
“And then in our third year; Harry ran into Pansy and Blaise looking for Draco—who had gone to meet Lucius earlier that day and had not returned yet—then Harry approached the three of you, you showed him the room and explained everything including you guys really not hating us and gave him his own room also...” Hermione continued on with the summarizing, “And like the twins, he became friends with you and then in January of last Draco and Harry began dating.” She concluded.
“That's about it.” Draco confirmed as he put the finishing tiramisu in the fridge to cool off.
“Wow.” Hermione said before becoming silent as she contemplated everything that she found out, wringing her fingers togethers as she did so.
"Yeah.” Ron agreed sitting on a barstool, putting his head on the counter, him too thinking about everything.
After a few moments of letting them sit and think, “ Are you going to keep our secret?” Blaise asked them hopefully.
Ron and Hermione looked at one another and nodded before opening their mouths only to be interrupted as George came running into the room panting.
“Harry won but Diggory is dead!” he choked out.
Next chapter: Letters
Letters: Harry tries to convince Hermione and Ron to give the others a try; even if it means letting them read the letters he received over the summer.
Until next time;
Vivere. Amore. Lussuria. Fiducia. Sogno. Respirare. Credere.
Live. Love. Lust. Trust. Dream. Breathe. Believe.
Charlie K.
Chapter 16: The Confrontation (16/18)
Summary: Hermione and Ron finally find out the truth...
Pairings: Harry/Draco Fred/Pansy Severus/Narcissa
Warnings: Slash
Disclaimer: Do I really have to do this each time?
(Translation)
/thoughts/
Charlie.
Ron, Hermione, and twins
Thursday June 24th, 1995 6:35 P.M.
“What the bloody hell!” Ron shouted after he entered the room, shocking everybody including himself at the loud and sudden outburst.
“Ronald!” Hermione scolded him; a hand on her chest trying to calm the beating of her heart.
“Sorry, it's just this wasn't exactly what I was expecting, you know?” Ron tried to explain for his outburst.
Hermione nodded in agreement, the room that they walked into was not what she had expected either. She had expected the room to be dark, muggy, cold, unwelcoming; after all she was thinking about the Slytherins. She had expected anything but this...
This room was warm, comforting, homey...welcoming. And that's what confused her; she had never walked into a room and felt this welcomed before not in the Gryffindor tower, not in the Burrow, not even at home with her mum and dad.
Scrunching her eyebrows in thought, Hermione began walking around in interest taking in the surprising muggle décor that mixed in well with the subtle yet expensive wizarding furniture. Passing by the tables, Hermione happily made her way towards the long bookcase that was just tall enough that it reached the beginning of her shoulders and gasped in surprise, “George, co-come here please!” she whispered fiercely making sure that she didn't catch Ron's attention—thankfully, she didn't; he was too busy studying the television across the room.
“Yes, Hermione?” The red-head asked trying to act innocent as he walked towards her—although it was a bit of a waste and hard to pull off when Hermione was looking at the one thing that showed his guiltiness—a picture of him, his twin, and Harry sitting on a bed talking and laughing with the Pansy, Blaise, and Draco across from them.
“This is it, isn't it?” Hermione questioned motioning to the picture that she held in her hands.
“What's what, Hermy?” George fidgeted; still trying to play the innocent card.
“I'm not stupid, George so stop trying to act as if I am!” She accused him, “ This is Harry's secret...your's and Fred's as well, this is what you have been keeping from us isn't.” She whispered fiercely.
George didn't say anything; just merely nodded as if he were the younger of the two. He didn't know what was with him when it came to the girl; she always made him feel that he couldn't lie to her—she always made him feel like he was being scolded by his mother; especially when she pursed her lips and her arms crossed over chest like she was doing now.
Except she made it look cute instead of scary.
Shaking his head out of those thoughts, “We have a lot to explain, don't we?” Seeing her tight nod, “C'mon, then. Hand me your wand and then Fred and I will take you to the 'evil' trio.” George motioned to Hermione, grabbing the photo and putting it back, and then headed towards his brothers.
“Why should I give you my wand?” She questioned, walking with him; pulling her wand out of her pocket as she did so.
“Because, when you find out everything; I—and I'm pretty sure that this goes for my dear ol' brother—don't want to get hexed into oblivion when you find out exactly how much we have kept from you.” He answered curtly grabbing the offered wand while Fred stole Ron's, where it had been sticking conveniently out of his back pocket.
“And knowing our brother's temper—he'll hex before he even knows what's going on.”
“What are you talking about, I do not—“ Ron tried to deny only to stop short when the three stared at him pointedly, coughing, “Uh, right so...” He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
Rolling his eyes, Fred walked towards the door that led to Draco's kitchen and hesitated, “Before you guys come in here; you have to promise us that before you say anything..anything at all; you'll listen, okay? And Ron promise not to fly off the broom handle until after everything that they need to say, okay?”
“Fred, why are trying to help the ferret and his snakes?” Ron glared suspiciously.
“Just promise, Ron! Promise that you won't overreact!” Fred ordered with one of the most serious looks on his face.
So serious that his younger brother could only nod in agreement making the matching pair take a breath and opened the door to their long kept secret......
“Whatever you do; don't say anything...let Fred and I do the talking!
Draco, Pansy, and Blaise
Thursday June 24th, 1995 6:35 P.M.
“Draco? Shouldn't—maybe—maybe you should sit down, yeah?” Blaise stared at the blond, who was going through cabinet after cabinet, in concern.
“I can't, Blaise if I sit down and do nothing; I'll just think about all the things that could be happening to Harry and if I think about that; I'll start panicking and I don't think you want me to start that!” Draco ranted throwing mixing bowls and food onto the counter after each word.
Wincing when a bowl came close to smacking her in the face, Pansy slid farther away from the counter, “Dray, what are you doing anyways?”
“Cooking—to be more specific; making Tiramisu—it's Harry's favorite...” Draco explained as he set to make some coffee.
“But, why? Why now?”
“Because, I need a distraction.” He drawled impatiently.
“Draco, we know that you're worried about Harry—we all are—but I'm sure he's fine.” Pansy tried to assure him.
“I know, I know...we've had the same conversation for the last two tasks as well, but I just can't shake this feeling that something's wrong...” Draco stressed his fingers lovingly stroking his soulmate pendant.
“Something wrong happening to Harry or something wrong like that....?” Blaise gulped pointing behind Draco, who had his back turned to the door, while Pansy just squeaked in surprise.
Raising his eyebrow in confusion and a bit worried, Draco turned around and gasped seeing not only the twins but Hermione and Ron walk into his kitchen; the latter two walking in with nervous, awkward, but determined looks on their faces.
Slightly panicking inside, Draco pulled all the courage that he could muster and sneered, “What are they doing here?” He snarled while Blaise and Pansy stood on the other side of the island desperately hoping and praying to the Gods that this wasn't really happening to them; that their secret that they've kept for three and a half years was going to be found out yet again.
“Cut it out Draco, it's about time they learned the truth, shouldn't they? After all...you were going to let your uomo di successo tell them after the TWC anyways, right?” George questioned while Fred pulled the two teens towards the kitchen table and made them sit down—With Ron glaring at the Slytherins the entire time but fortunately for the others; kept his mouth shut.
Ignoring Hermione and Ron for the moment, Draco sighed in frustration, “Bene ...yeah, ma non questo era come è stato supposto per succedere!”
(“Well...yeah, but this wasn't how it was supposed to happen!”)
“Oh? E come è stato supposto per succedere?” Fred questioned back in Italian surprising the two snooping Gryffindors.
(“Oh? And how was it supposed to happen?")
/When the hell did Fred learn Italian?/
/Sometimes it was good to know more than one language.../
“Bene, dapprima via; progettavo su è come lontano da quei due quando Saccheggia loro ha detti!” Draco pouted stubbornly making the twins, Blaise and Pansy chuckle at his cowardliness; while Ron and Hermione watched on with confused impatient looks.
(“Well, first off; I was planning on being as far away from those two when Harry told them!”)
“Draco, Lei si dovrebbe si vergognare di te stesso. ..letting la sua mostra di coraggio di Slytherin!” Fred tisked playfully shaking his finger disapprovingly at the blond.
(“Draco, you should be ashamed of yourself...letting your Slytherin courage show!”)
Rolling his eyes, Draco smacked the red-head's hand out of his face, “La multa, la multa ma come sono supposto per dire loro senza loro non ci credendo?” Draco gave in making the other two Slytherins nod their head in agreement.
(“Fine, fine but how am I supposed to tell them without them not believing us?”)
“With this.” George interrupted pulling a small vial of clear liquid out of his pocket.
“Vertiserum?” Hermione questioned finally speaking for the first time.
“Yup, Draco, Blaise, Pansy, and Fred are all going to take a drop so you two can question them.” George explained handing the vial to his brother.
“Them? What about you?” Ron asked calmly as he could trying not to growl when Draco leaned his hip casually against the island.
“Me? I'm going back to see the tournament.” George explained, “Fred should be able to handle you five, right Forge?”
“No problem, besides we have to have someone wait for Harry, shouldn't we?” Fred gave permission.
Smirking, “Have fun you lot!” George laughed walking out the door quickly barely dodging the skillet that Draco threw at him.
“Bastard!” The blond called out to him.
With the door firmly shut the behind George, everyone stared uncomfortably at one another for a few moments until Blaise finally got fed up and snatched the vial out of Fred's hand and sat down at the table with Hermione and Ron.
Looking them in the eyes, Blaise opened the vial and took a small dose, “Do your worse.” he dared bravely.
Once again sighing for the millionth time that year, Draco pulled Pansy and Fred along with him to sit at the table and took a sip as well awaiting the onslaught of questions.
Seeing their emotionless stares Hermione decided to plunge right in, “What exactly is this place?” She asked Draco.
“The Room of Requirement.”
/Even with Vertiserum he still has to be difficult./
Rolling her eyes, “I meant what is this room to you guys?”
“Our home.” Fred admitted.
“Our haven.” Blaise replied.
“Our escape.” Pansy answered.
“Our sanity.” Draco sighed with as much emotion as he could under the potion's spell.
Hermione and Ron looked at one another in confusion when they heard the answers that would have never expected from the four in question.
/Haven? Escape?/
/Home? Sanity?/
“What do you mean escape? What exactly are you escaping?” Ron asked.
“Everyone's expectations.”
“Everything we're not.”
“Everyone.”
“Our fathers.”
“He practically worships the ground Lucius treads on; why would he want to get away from him?” Ron hissed quietly to the bushy-haired teen, who could only shrug her shoulders in response.
“Your fathers? Why would you want to escape from them?” Hermione asked; mostly to the blond.
“I...” Draco desperately tried not to answer; sure he had wanted Harry to tell them about the room and even about their relationship but that didn't mean that he wanted them to know his father beat him.
“He be—they beat us!” Draco panted looking away in self-disgust making the two Gryffindor gasp in unexpectedness.
“What do you mean beats you?” Ron asked in denial, “ Every time anybody walks past any of you lot; all we hear is you talking about how great your fathers are.”
“Nothing in this world is black and white, Ronald.” Pansy stared at him angrily, “ And he meant what he said. They. Beat. Us.” She spat with as much passion the serum would allow.
/As if I really meant any of that crap!/ Pansy scoffed and then relaxed immediately when Fred pulled her onto his lap; kissing her gently on the back of her neck; not only showing her support but his pride of their relationship.
Letting go of that action for the moment—which he'd go back to later—Ron ran his hand in frustration down his face; this was not what he had been expecting when he and Hermione had decided to follow the Slytherins.
He had expected walking into a torture chamber of sorts while the three evil Slytherins had some harmless Hufflepuff tied up doing what the room intended—okay, nothing as drastic as that...maybe. But he didn't expect to walk into a room that looked like his dream home. And he most certainly DID NOT expect to find Malfoy wearing an apron while cooking frantically in a muggle kitchen worrying about of all people; Harry.
And he never had expected to feel anything but spite for the blond but here he was feeling not only pity for him, Pansy and Blaise but worry as well.
“How long have they been abusing you?” Hermione's hesitant question broke into the red-head's inner musings.
“Since we were about six,” Blaise gave in already sick of the questions and looked longingly at the door.
“Eight years!” Ron and Hermione gasped in unison, “Why haven't you told anybody?”
“Just like every other abused person's reasons not to say anything, “ Draco shrugged his shoulder's nonchalantly—although it was hard to act as if he didn't care when the two nosy teens could see the tears in his eyes, “We wish that we are able to change them...hoping that if we stay long enough that one day they'll love us again.” He admitted angrily swiping at an escaped tear heading back to the counter to start baking the dessert as a distraction.
Hermione ran her hands in worry over her forearms as she watched Draco silently across the room. She had never imagined a day that she would feel so many emotions for the blond besides anger but here she was in a secret kitchen feeling sympathetic for what he and the other two had to go through for the past eight years, pride for them being so strong when she knew that if she were in their situation that she would've given up a long time ago, and resentment for not seeing it sooner.
Sure she had never liked any of them with them giving her good reason not to, but surely her being smart and able to notice things that others didn't she should've been able to see them hurting...shouldn't she have?
Or were they really that good of an actor?
“When was the last time you were—were hi—when was the last time any of them laid a hand on any of you?” Hermione stumbled through her words instantly regretting them when she saw all four crestfallen looks; because they knew they had to answer.
“Last weekend.” Blaise answered desperately wanting to go.
“Me, too.” Pansy admitted curling herself into Fred's comforting arms.
“Malfoy?” Ron asked in dread; he just knew that it had to be bad when Draco turned his back to them trying once again not to answer.
And for a few minutes he didn't but then...
Draco turned around and lifted his t-shirt showing them both cuts and bruises along his stomach and ribs, “This morning.” He whispered his answer, lip bleeding from where he bit it to keep from answering.
And why would he try not to answer so badly? Because the inevitable questions that were to follow.
/Bloody hell!/
“Bloody hell, Malfoy!” Ron exclaimed, he and Hermione ran up to him.
“One of your ribs are broken!” Hermione gasped running the tips of her fingers gently across Draco's ribs, “Why haven't you gotten them healed yet?” She asked when she saw him flinch.
Pulling his shirt down, Draco began wringing his hands together, “I didn't heal them because I needed a distraction...but it didn't work.”
“What didn't work?”
“Me not worrying about Harry.” Draco admitted.
“And why would you worry about Harry?” Ron asked; his face masked in suspicion.
“I—he's my boyfriend.” The blond answered making Ron scoff and sputter, while Hermione may at first had an astonished look on her face it quickly turned into recognition and understanding.
“You're his happiness.” Hermione sighed, “How long have you two been together?“ She asked ignoring Ron who had begun walking around, flailing his arms about as he spluttered and squawked.
“Since January...of our third year.” He smiled as he momentarily went back to the that day that Harry finally got up the nerve to ask him out.
“Since JANUARY!” Ron spat out in angered disbelief, “ What the bloody hell!”
“Ronald!” Hermione scolded, “Stop it this instant!”
“NO, Hermione! I don't think I will,” he glared at her, where she stood next a nervous Draco, “ Not only did my supposed best friend keep the this room and these people a secret but he also kept the fact that not only was he GAY! but that he's also dating the BLOODY FERRET!” Ron screamed in her face.
“First off Ron, you don't need to be yelling...especially in my face and second of all there is no need to be so riled up!” Hermione sighed in annoyance pushing the irate red head down onto a chair.
“No..no...need?” He sputtered, “Hermione, Harry has been keeping this huge gargantuan monster of a secret from US...his BEST FRIENDS! Why aren't you yelling, shrieking, or freaking out like I am? Aren't upset at all?”
“Of course, I am but, “Hermione pulling Draco along with her to the table, “I also knew to—“
“You knew?!”
“To a certain extent? Yes, I did; I knew he had a secret, I knew he had been sneaking out, I knew the twins had something to do with it but I had no idea that it was this big.” She motioned her hands towards the room and it's usual occupants to emphasize her point.
“Why didn't you tell me he had a secret?”
“I didn't tell you, Ron because it wasn't my place to tell besides when he confirmed that he was hiding something you two weren't even talking.”
“Wait, wait, wait! You confronted Harry about his secret but yet you didn't make him tell you what it was?” Ron asked in befuddlement, “...you're usually really good at that.” He ended offhandedly making Hermione bristle a little not knowing whether or not he insulted her.
/He had better not be insinuating that I'm bossy and nosy!/
Letting the comment go for at least the moment, “ I didn't make him—as you so put it—because he's happy. You didn't see the way he smiled Ron...I haven't seen that smile since our first year.” She reminisced, “ I couldn't take that away and if you had seen it; you wouldn't have either.”
Ron sighed; he knew how true it was. Even he could tell that Harry hadn't been happy these past three years especially now with both the tournament and Rita Skeeter lurking about.
/But if Harry had finally found happiness again why didn't he want to share it with his best friends?/
“But Hermione he's our best friend...he could've told us. He could tell us anything; he knows that.”
“But maybe he doesn't.” Draco said startling the two younger Gryffindors; they had completely forgotten about the others.
“What do you mean?” Hermione questioned looking offended that someone would insinuate that her best friend of four long years couldn't trust her, “Are you saying that he can't trust us?”
“It's not that he doesn't necessarily trust you...” Draco tried to soothe her ruffled feathers, “ it's just that the two of you can be a bit...a bit—help me out here, Fred will you?” Draco said pulling on Fred's sleeve for assistance.
/I'm just happy that the vertiserum wore off while they were talking./
“Hmm,” Fred contemplated tapping his chin in thought, “How about...judgmental? Yes, yes, judgmental seems most so suited for you two I think.” He finally concluded making the three Slytherins nod their heads in agreement while his brother and Hermione scoffed.
“They also jump to conclusions before anything can be explained.” Pansy helpfully pointed out making the Gryffindors give her twin glares while once again two Slytherins and Fred nodded their heads in agreement.
“Oh, don't for—get, uh, yeah...” Blaise stopped from adding his two cents when he heard Ron growl.
/I don't know whether or not to be turned on or scared./
“We are not judgmental!” Ron huffed angrily, “And when have we ever jumped to conclusions without an explanation?” he had the gull to ask stupidly.
“How about when Harry's name came out of the goblet and you wouldn't let him explain anything. You just automatically assumed that he betrayed you.” Draco pointed out; his own true anger finally emerging for the first time that night.
“Oh, and don't tell me that you didn't?” Ron retaliated.
“Actually, you know what? I did.” Draco admitted, “But then I took one look at his face and I knew that he was surprised just as any of us were. That's all I needed just one look and then I didn't have to confront him; I already knew.”
Ron snorted, “The vertiserum wore off; why should I believe you?”
“You don't have to believe me, I never asked you to. As long as the man I love believes me then everything will just be fine!” The blond shouted and then gasped out in surprise along with the others at what he admitted.
“You're in love with Harry?” Hermione gasped in shock.Going out for over a year at their age was a record in it's own right but to actually be in love was both crazy and unimaginable. Not many relationships that she had seen never lasted more than a couple of months.
“Yes, I am. I haven't told him yet but I think he knows.” Draco smiled slightly.
“But you guys are only fourteen! What do you know about love? You're too young to be in love!” Hermione exclaimed.
“That's not true. Look at Freddie and I; we're in love and we've been going out for over two years.” Pansy argued in Draco and Harry's defence.
“But the two of you are a bit on the crazy side.” Blaise snorted out before he could help himself, making to his delight Ron smile for a brief second.
“Two years...” Ron sighed in exasperation, “Merlin, this is too damn much.”
“It may be too much, Ron but I wouldn't have it any other way. The freedom, the no judgment, Pansy—everything!—it's all worth it in the end.” Fred said with such honest emotion that Ron was a bit frightened.
Ron had never seen his brother like this—not when he had gotten his wand, not when he had gotten on the quidditch team, not even when he and George had won that one bet at the Quidditch World cup had he ever been this honestly, truely...
happy.
/Oh, fuck./
“Bloody hell!” Ron sighed in defeat, “ Can someone please start at the beginning? And please please don't leave anything anthing out.”
Thursday, June 24th, 1995 9:30 P.M.
“So let me get this straight,” Ron paced back and forth, “Snape approached you and George, “ he pointed to Fred, “to help watch over over these three,” pointing to the Slytherins, “in our first year because their fathers beat the shit out of them. And somewhere along the way you started calling Snape; Uncle Sev, you got your own rooms and you four became best friends.” Ron ran over the imformation.
“Don't forget that Fred and Pansy began dating in our second year.” Blaise helpfully pointed out.
“Yes, let's not forget about that, shall we?” Ron said sarcastically.
“And then in our third year; Harry ran into Pansy and Blaise looking for Draco—who had gone to meet Lucius earlier that day and had not returned yet—then Harry approached the three of you, you showed him the room and explained everything including you guys really not hating us and gave him his own room also...” Hermione continued on with the summarizing, “And like the twins, he became friends with you and then in January of last Draco and Harry began dating.” She concluded.
“That's about it.” Draco confirmed as he put the finishing tiramisu in the fridge to cool off.
“Wow.” Hermione said before becoming silent as she contemplated everything that she found out, wringing her fingers togethers as she did so.
"Yeah.” Ron agreed sitting on a barstool, putting his head on the counter, him too thinking about everything.
After a few moments of letting them sit and think, “ Are you going to keep our secret?” Blaise asked them hopefully.
Ron and Hermione looked at one another and nodded before opening their mouths only to be interrupted as George came running into the room panting.
“Harry won but Diggory is dead!” he choked out.
Next chapter: Letters
Letters: Harry tries to convince Hermione and Ron to give the others a try; even if it means letting them read the letters he received over the summer.
Until next time;
Vivere. Amore. Lussuria. Fiducia. Sogno. Respirare. Credere.
Live. Love. Lust. Trust. Dream. Breathe. Believe.
Charlie K.