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Chapter Text

Draco should've known this year's summer will not be easy.

Mother was the one who picked him up in the King's Cross station. There was no telling if Voldemort's in their Manor with her demeanour. They got inside the carriage and only then did his Mother envelope him in a hug.

"Oh my dear, I am glad you are safe." She said, kissing his forehead. Draco leaned into her warm embrace. He missed her the most.

The arrival of the Malfoy heir seemed to cheer up the magical home, the Malfoy Manor practically glowing and pristine by the time Draco and Narcissa came home.

"I'm home." Draco called out, caressing the large front doors in greeting. The doors opened immediately, welcoming him back and enticing him to step inside its warm abode.

Tilly popped up to take his belongings to his room, jumping up and down happily at the sight of the young master. 

At the cheery silence, Draco knew no Death Eaters were inside. That's a relief!

"Your father took his companions on a business trip." Narcissa's voice cut through his thoughts.

"Ah, mother." Draco smiled softly as they made their way to the garden gazebo for some tea. "Surely you can talk all about what I missed during tea."

Narcissa and Draco talked until the sun set and stars appeared in the night sky. Dear oh dear, oh dear Salazar.

Draco dreaded summer but there's a hundred and four days of summer vacation and the next semester's going to come along just to end it.

But, really, the annual problem with people of his upbringing is planning a good way to spend it. 

–

D: Jo, Ker, have you arrived at your home?

Jo: Smooth ride home, darling 

Ker: Joyous celebration dinner the moment we opened the doors!

Ker: How about you?

Jo: Any visitors? 

D: Funny you asked that first.

Jo: We figured someone would have a surprise visit?

Ker: Is there no celebration dinner at yours?

D: No to both questions. But there is a welcoming dinner scheduled sometime this week.

D: And which reminds me, I will be limiting our delightful conversations during this summer because my dearest father announced we'll be staying at a different place. I don't know where it is yet.

Ker: …hmm…is the different place safe?

D: I'd think so.

Jo: Sanitized?

D: I'd hope so. There are spells for that.

Ker: Secured?

D: Like all the other noble houses, yes.

Jo: So it's going to be warded :(

D: hence the limited conversations

Ker: cuz our magick is not registered and there is a high chance it can be detected :(

D: hence the limited conversations

Jo: but will you be safe? :(

D: I do strive to be safe in my journeys, Jo.

Ker: but will you be safe safe? 

D: from my responsibilities, I'd think so. Don't worry so much if I don't reply for days, okay? I'll be alright. I'll check in when I have time to.

Ker: You know worrying is our strongest feature.

D: I'd like to think it's creativeness but we're not going there. That argument will be hours.

Ker: Day 1 of worrying about Darling :(

Jo: We miss you already :(

D: Saps.

D: Take care of yourselves and have fun this summer. It's your last one before graduating, right?

Ker: Ah, the woes of adulthood are calling us already.

Jo: Bills, rent, certificates, every day dealing with long lines in the ministry of magic, ah yes. Adulthood.

D: You're both being ridiculous, I'm sure you'll do fine!

Jo: Not a lot of people support us, darling!

Ker: You're the most precious gem in our single Gringotts vault.

D: and with success comes into hundreds of Gringotts vaults. I believe you can achieve it.

Jo: Did we ever tell you we love you, Darling?

Ker: You have taken our hearts as captive.

D: Then take my soul as compensation.

Ker: Gladly.

Jo: We'll protect it so much, it'll transcend this life to the next one.

–

The Riddle Mansion does not hold a candle to the prestigious and pristine white Malfoy Manor. The crumbling and disappointing decor of the main entrance leaves much to the imagination. Draco idly noted that this house fits perfectly well with a distant cousin of theirs that loved the complete opposite of anything bright. 

It's been a week and he's already finished his assignments. Blaise and Pansy were apparently not allowed to see a glimpse of him this summer, quite a complete opposite of last year's. Owl delivery is cut off, the firecalls are redirected and the floo is ever so limited. Their lessons together are also put on hold.

Instead of feeling trapped and disconnected to the Wizarding world, Draco cherished the peace and quiet. With Voldemort resurrected, there's no telling when screams will start, right?

"My lord," Lucius Malfoy, Head of the Most Ancient, Noble and Sophisticated House of Malfoy, bowed to a snake-like figure sitting on a throne in a gloomy, dark, and dreary receiving room. "I have come to introduce to you my heir."

"Draconis Lucius Malfoy." Draco masked his emotions as he bowed, and recited his introduction which quite pleased the person sitting on the throne. (Which frankly looks like it needs a few more cushions in Draco's opinion.)

"Draco Malfoy." Voldemort repeated, humming and chuckling in amusement. "Dragons are said to be loyal creatures. Tell me, boy, are you loyal?"

"To those I deem worthy." Draco answered immediately, ignoring Lucius's disapproving stare.

"Quite the fiery heir you are." Voldemort noted. "Did Lucius raise you for your tongue to be so scathing?"

"My tutor knows best." Draco smiled angelically, not at all guilty at bringing his Godfather into this. "He taught me a lot of skills and knowledge."

"Severus." Voldemort said knowingly, "I ought to invite him here sooner."

"I believe he's still busy with lesson plans but I am sure he'll have time soon." Draco answered politely, "He is, after all, responsible."

"Indeed. Severus managed to weedle his way in Hogwarts and that is no easy feat." Voldemort acknowledged. "I shall speak to him before summer ends, how exciting."

Sending a single prayer to Merlin to give his Godfather thousands of chances to live, Draco knelt down and put his hand on his heart.

"To commemorate our meeting, my Lord." Draco stood up and smirked, daring to look at the Dark Lord in the eyes. "I have a gift I think you'd like."

Lord Voldemort raised a curious brow. The door opened and a huge snake slithered inside the throne room, encircling the chair where the madman resides before the snake lifted itself to look Draco in the eye. It was long and big and can probably swallow Draco whole but the blonde refused to back down and maintained eye contact. Basilisks were the only ones who can petrify people, some huge century old snake isn't going to stop him. Nagini is a Magical Python and as far as Draco's concerned, snakes love him very much.

"Your snake is very beautiful and dangerous." Draco pointed out before smiling at Nagini.

"Her name is Nagini. She has been with me for years." Before the Dark Lord could call back Nagini, the snake hissed at Draco and settled down. "She's curious about your gift."

"I think you'd quite like it if there is someone in the media working for you." Draco pointed out as he handed a small vial to Nagini who delicately handed it to Voldemort. "And I have the perfect person to be your pawn."

There was a sound of glass shattering and a blinding light before a petite, battered and haggard woman re-emerged while whimpering and sniffling. Draco took pity on her and sent refreshening charms on her way so she'd look a bit more presentable.

"Rita Skeeter."

Rita Skeeter's gyrating scream echoed in the room once she saw the intimidating sight of the Dark Lord and his pet.

"V-v-Volde–He! W-who mustn't–Oh M-merlin…" Rita stuttered, going on her knees and bowing pathetically at the Dark Lord. "P-please don't k-kill me!"

"What a surprise."

Draco curtsied. "Thank you, I'm glad you liked my gift."

Rita's panicked eyes locked with Draco's cold ones.

"I am very fortunate to meet you." Draco continued as if he's not staring down at Rita Skeeter.

"However, her worth is yet to be seen." Voldemort concluded.

"Of course," Draco waved a hand towards Rita. "She's all yours, test her however you like, my Lord."

"Well, this will be fun." Voldemort chuckled, stroking Nagini's head. Said snake was looking at Draco and hissing/whispering to his master.

Draco smiled angelically at Lucius Malfoy who had been quiet the entire conversation.

Well, whatever, that was one crisis averted! Like he's been taught since he can walk, First impressions matter.

Giving them power to the press (which was a plan in the making, Draco's sure of it) was the power move he needed to attain his own standing.

Dark Lord or not, he will not be kissing someone's shoes!

–

Jo: Hello, Darling! (◕ᴗ◕✿)

Ker: We miss you (╯ರ ~ ರ)╯︵ ┻━┻

D: I do not condone table flipping behaviour

Ker: ┬─┬ノ(ಠ_ಠノ)

Jo: You're alive ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ

D: Of course, I am.

D: Didn't I write to you the other day that I've been hanging with a snake this summer? They're quite good company!

Ker: Yeah, so when you say snake, I thought it was a person that has a nasty personality but the way you write…(⊙_◎)

Jo: so it was an actual snake ⊙﹏⊙

D: What is with all these drawings, by the way? And yes, a real snake.

D: a really big snake. Cuddly and clingy, too. My warming charms improved because of them.

Ker: We figured you can visualize our emotions better if we draw it (≧▽≦)

Jo: So you can't be mistaken or misinterpret our wordings (◕ᴗ◕✿)

D: I had to wait for you to finish the drawing so I could reply

Ker: ༼;´༎ຶ ༎ຶ༽

D: Are you ready to go back to Hogwarts, JoKer?

Jo: Not really.

Ker: Not ever!

D: Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic are under fire for having a student death again, I wonder how we're still operating

Ker: Professor McGonagall, most likely

Jo: She's the one who got interviewed about it! And the Prophet didn't embellish anything!

D: Probably because Rita didn't do the article!

Jo: Oh, that was a shock too! She appeared after months of disappearing

Ker: Suspicious behaviour. We don't even know if she's Rita Skeeter anymore.

D: She's still annoying, no doubt.

Jo: Her articles are still trashy, too. I wonder how she always gets the front page coverage

Ker: Money (￣ヘ￣;)

Jo: Money (￣ヘ￣;)

D: Money

Jo: …

Ker: …

D: No, I am not drawing it.

Ker: ༼;´༎ຶ ༎ຶ༽

D: You look ridiculous

Jo: ༼;´༎ຶ ༎ຶ༽

D: Stop it 

Jo: ┐(￣ヘ￣)┌

D: You're seriously going to sulk?

Ker: 乁 ˘ o ˘ ㄏ

D: I don't like wasting my wishes but I'm really tempted to redeem one right now

Ker: You had me distracted! Let's discuss your wishes! (≧▽≦)

Jo: Let's!! 

D: You said it's valid until the end of the upcoming school year, isn't it?

Jo: yes (✿^‿^)

Ker: And we can't bring back the dead :( we don't like zombie outbreaks

D: There is no such thing as the undead

Jo: Necromancy!!!

D: Illegal and still doesn't have enough research to be feasible. There are no more souls that occupy the body, so necromancers just commit sacrilegious acts.

Ker: Stop (ᗒᗩᗕ) you and Jo can go on for hours about this topic, no gory stuff!! Wishes, we're talking about wishes (ᗒᗩᗕ)

Jo: Don't you want to be an undead person?? 

Ker: I think we'll be Hogwarts ghosts, personally but stop distracting me or I'm flipping another table 

D: I just wanted to say that my wishes are simple and you both can grant it to me. I'm good at adjusting like that, ever since I was a child I already knew nobody can be as amazing as me

Ker: Okay, darling, whatever you say

D: Such is life.

Jo: Darling, you already have everything you want, right? What would you wish for so we can be ready?

D: Not material things.

Ker: Good, because we can only afford sugar quills

D: I like sugar quills but I get them monthly so I'm not going to waste my wishes on that!

Ker: just saying!

D: Probably it's going to be one wish for ker, one wish for jo and two wishes for both of you. How does that sound?

Jo: sounds like we want to grant it all for you ( ꈍᴗꈍ)

Ker: If you wish it (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*.✧

Jo: And so long as we CAN do it

D: Okay, I'll think of what to wish for carefully.

Ker: How about a picnic wish? ✧\(>o<)ﾉ✧

D: No

Ker: ༼;´༎ຶ ༎ຶ༽

Jo: How about an astronomy tower date ✧\(>o<)ﾉ✧

D: No

Jo: ༼;´༎ຶ ༎ຶ༽

D: You're both ridiculous

Jo: We can both grant it for free!!!

Ker: Yeh, what he said!

D: I'll think about it.

Ker: (･ω･)つ⊂(･ω･)

Jo: (･ω･)つ⊂(･ω･)

D: I do hope we have a peaceful year in Hogwarts. Do you think Cedric's going to have an altar or something?

Ker: No? We miss him but it'd hurt Harry to have that kind of reminder, doesn't it?

Jo: We'll find out after we get there or after we get inside the Hufflepuff common room.

D: Keep safe, both of you.

Jo: You're the one who should keep safe!!

D: I'll be fine! I feel on top of the world nowadays, nothing is going to stop me from spreading chaos into the world.

Ker: Somehow, I feel scared

D: :)

Jo: Merlin! A drawing! I'm scared!

D: :)

–

Hogwarts sorting is taking longer than usual, Draco noted. It was as if the Sorting Hat was stalling for time to introduce a certain menace-to-be clad in pink on the Professors table.

Frankly, Draco doesn't really care much as he spent much-needed bonding time with Pansy and Blaise. During the summer, they had interacted a total of three times and obviously, it wasn't enough. Through touch and leglimens, they sent scenarios towards each other to catch up silently. If anyone were to look at them, they seemed interested in what's happening on the front but they're actually sharing memories.

It was a good thing they know how to guard their walls so only a few can gain access. Thank Merlin for Uncle Sev for teaching them both Leglimency and Occlumency that they can do it wandlessly already. 

"Students, time has come to introduce our new staff," Dumbledore's voice sounded and they all broke contact simultaneously. One look at their Head of House and Draco knew he's found out what they're doing.

The Slytherins all sat properly in attention at the piercing gaze of their Head of House. They all looked at the podium where Dumbledore cheerily introduced Dolores Umbridge.

"She looks like a frog." someone commented on the neighboring table. 

"She is your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

"And will be the cause of my migraines." Draco predicted.

There was something about the way Dolores Umbridge held herself that tells them she's trying to act like a pureblood. The Umbridge name is not well-known to the family trees, Draco wonders why that person seemed to think she outsmarted all the students?? She's clearly a half-blood pretending to be a pureblood. A supremacist. Both!

Rolling his eyes and focusing on the feast that finally appeared, he celebrated small mercies as the familiar slices of apple pie popped in front of him as if in welcome. Draco is surely happy for Dobby's continued employment in Hogwarts!

"Two o'clock." Pansy murmured.

Draco looked up and locked eyes with Harry. 

Room? Harry gestured.

Tomorrow. Draco answered.

Harry simply nodded and went back to his fudge. Seriously, Draco prays for The Boy Who Has A Sweet Tooth.

"We're so popular today. 10 o clock." Blaise tapped in their code.

Draco locked eyes with Fred and George Weasley.

He blinked when they looked flustered and looked away. Nothing important, then.

"How was your summer, Malfoy?" Nott asked, interrupting Draco's thoughts.

An attractive Malfoy Heir smile graced upon his lips as he started engaging with his peers, as always the norm after his silent summer.

"Dare I say, it was adventurous."

If he can survive summer and this dinner, he can surely survive their classes, right?

–

D: First night back in Hogwarts, how are we feeling?

Ker: Finally being able to talk to you everyday made everything bearable (◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。

Jo: and the food is delicious, as always (◕ᴗ◕✿)

D: I surely did miss the apple pie

Ker: What apple pie, there's no apple pie on our table

D: Poor thing, you're all missing out

Jo: First night and we're already heartbroken

D: Ready for your classes tomorrow?

Ker: Not ever!

Jo: The question is "are the professors ready for us this school year?"

D: I think the answer to that is "Not ever!" too

Ker: We'll have you know that Professor Flitwick loves us! (ᗒᗩᗕ)

Jo: and Madam Hooch!! (ᗒᗩᗕ)

D: Didn't you steal her Cleansweeps from the Quidditch shed? And flooded the Charms classroom?

Jo: So how was your night? (◕ᴗ◕✿)

D: It was tolerable. Better now that it's ending 

Ker: I'm not really excited for tomorrow. Something bad is going to happen, I can feel it in my bones.

D: That's because you're tired. Sleep?

Ker: Dream of us, darling (☆▽☆)

Jo: Sweet dreams, darling (◡ ω ◡)

D: Good night, JoKer

D: (◠‿◕)

Ker: I AM GASPING ⁄(⁄ ⁄•⁄-⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄

Jo: ⋋✿ ⁰ o ⁰ ✿⋌

– 

Needless to say, the whole group met after their first DADA class. Ron and Harry startled when Hermione and Pansy burst through the door.

"She's impossible! We won't learn anything!" Pansy and Hermione said in unison.

"I've already read ahead and the book Pansy got me during the summer is much more informative than this one!"

Draco tossed the book to the table. "That is one of the troll books I told you about."

"The magical inconsistencies are almost as many as Lockhart's books!" Pansy yelled, gripping her wand tightly so as to not burn the book. The dagger on her other hand was wisely confiscated.

"We need to do something about this." 

"Yes, 'Mione. You're right."

"How about making a club or something?" Ron suggested. "You know, like those chess clubs Hermione told us about." 

Pansy and Hermione looked at Ron.

"You're on to something, Ron."

"Yes, that's a great idea!"

"We need someone to teach us." 

"How about Harry?" Draco pointed at Harry who shot him a 'who, me?' look. "I’m betting a galleon that Professor Lupin showed him how to do all the spells in that troll book properly, I’ll even bet another one that Professor Lupin even corrected the inconsistencies in Harry's book."

"How'd you know that?"

"Harry, your book is filled with Professor Lupin's handwriting. It's obviously not the chicken scrawl we're still improving."

"My handwriting is not a chicken scrawl." Harry complained then grumbled. "I should've brought pens."

"What the bloody hell is that?" all the Purebloods looked at him in confusion.

Harry and Hermione stared at the simultaneous question.

"Oh, this is precious." Harry grinned at Hermione. 

"We will not be fooling them, Harry." Hermione snorted at Harry's dejected expression. It's as if she didn't purposely botch some muggle phrases when teaching Draco. "But we can sell some to those that don't know about it."

"Deal! I'll ask Moony to send a bunch!"

"I'll ask mine, too. And if they don't sell, at least you don't need to use quills. You write well enough for pens."

"So a pen is a muggle writing tool. How's that any better than a quill?"

"Well, for one, it's comfortable to hold and the nibs are manageable and also you don't need to dip it into ink repeatedly. Much like the self-inking quill but more manageable."

"Sounds convenient." Draco conceded.

"It's what I use when writing essays." Hermione commented. "Though, I forgot to pack it this time."

"More to Harry's book than Harry's handwriting, please." Ron prompted.

"Oh, right."

"Have you mastered the spells, Harry?" Pansy asked, a calculative look already in place.

"Uhhh debatable." Harry said, shrugging. "but Moony said I did a great job at lots of the spells. It's such a nice thing The Grimmauld Place is so deeply warded I can practice magic."

"That's great, Harry. So you'll teach?" Hermione asked, a pleading expectant look in her eyes that always had Harry and Ron weak. 

Harry stepped back when he saw the look, laughing nervously. "I don't know... I'm not a very good teacher, I think. What if someone gets hurt?"

"That’s an easy problem to solve, Harry. I can be the Healer." Draco scoffed, "I know there's a lot of people going to get injured."

"You're not learning the spells, Draco?" Ron asked, flicking through the book and grimacing at the written information that even he knows are questionable.

"I know some of them." Draco said, waving a dismissive hand. "Anyway, I need to focus more on the Healing part. I'm getting that Healer licence. Uncle Sev is recommending me to St. Mungo’s come sixth year."

"Alright then, how should we do this?" Harry sighed, silently content at the happy and triumphant looks he got at his question.

Seriously, the things he does for his friends.

"But first, how was your summer?" Ron asked, frowning in confusion as the Slytherins groaned in unison after hearing his question.

–

D: JoKer, Professor Umbridge is impossible! How would we learn??

Ker: Darling D! We would like to tell you we know how to help you..

Jo: But we can't actually say details of it.

D: Why?

Ker: Just can't.

D: I imagined a shrug there, please tell me I'm right.

Ker: Well, you're not wrong. ╮(＾▽＾)╭

D: I guess I'll just self study. I'll ask Professor Flitwick for some tips, too.

Jo: We'd like to help you out with any way we can. (＾∇＾)ﾉ♪

D: Moral support, JoKer, I'm going to be needing those lots.

Ker: Write to us when you feel stressed ( /^ω^)/♪♪

Jo: We're here for you (｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡

D: Write to me when you're stressed too, I can't be the only one who's stressed.

Jo: Of course, darling. It goes both ways, like my sexuality.

Ker: Our sexuality. Your words made me feel better. You're so kind, Darling.

D: Well, I still don't know my sexuality. What I do know is that there's a lot of people experimenting in the halls. And the public indecency is really testing my patience 

Ker: Are you one of them?

D: Merlin, no.

Ker: We really would like you to know we're quite glad that Darling is not one of them. (*˘︶˘*).｡*♡

D: I'd like to, though, if I find someone worth it.

Jo: WE VOLUNTEER (┛✧Д✧))┛彡┻━┻

Ker: (ﾉ≧∇≦)ﾉ ﾐ ┻━┻

D: Stop flipping tables!

Jo: ┬─┬ノ( º _ ºノ)

Ker: ┬──┬◡ﾉ(° -°ﾉ)

Jo: Oh, by the way, Darling. Do you know the inventor, Marry?

D: Marry who?

Ker: Us (◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。

D: Not familiar, what did they invent?

Jo: Love? (✿ ♡‿♡)

Ker: Devotion? (✿^‿^)

Jo: Vows? ⋋✿ ⁰ o ⁰ ✿⋌

D: I don't know? I'm certainly not familiar with the name.

Jo: …

Ker: …

Jo: Do you see something burning?

D: There are no fires at Hogwarts at the moment or else the rune will sound the alarm

Ker: Yeah, our proposal. (〒﹏〒)

D: Someone rejected your proposal for an experiment? What was it about?

Ker: Treating a broken heart. (〒﹏〒)

D: I don't know, Ker. Sounds too complicated.

Jo: <\3

–

Somehow, it's getting a bit easier to sneak inside the Room of Requirement. The Gryffindors (Hermione, Harry, Ron, Fred, George) and Slytherins (Draco, Blaise, Pansy) and Ravenclaw (Luna, who claims to have a wisp told her about the D.A plan and led her there so they just rolled with it) were all lounging on the cushion pit.

"I'm not quite comfortable calling ourselves Dumbledore's Army." Ron commented as Pansy and Hermione scribbled rules away. "Not after what he did to Harry."

Apparently, Professor Dumbledore had the gall to visit the Grimmauld Place during the last week of summer after the Grimmauld Place trio had the most wonderful time being a tourist in Japan and insisted that Harry be transported back to the Dursleys for reasons he did not disclose which led to Harry being evacuated to The Burrow the last week of summer so his guardians can tie up loose ends. The headmaster also went there after tracking Harry but apparently Molly was a badass protector and Harry was safe. The Gryffindors really don't get what is on the Headmaster's mind, why send Harry to a Muggle home when He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is back?

"Well, there's no reason not to." Pansy sneered, still miffed about how Harry's summer ended. "Besides, once we get caught, he'll take the blame since he likes the flair and attention. Then, he'll go into hiding and bide his time to have a dramatic entrance."

"We'll call it D.A for short." Hermione compromised. "Dumbledore's Army by name. Defense Association by meaning… Although I have this feeling that Draco will lead this army and not Harry at all so personally, I think it could also stand for Draco’s Army?"

Hermione laughed as she gestured to Draco intimidating the newest members by making them cast Vows of Secrecy. Neville Longbottom and Ginny Weasley seemed dazed upon entrance and seeing the Malfoy heir.

"Honestly, we already have a contract. Hopefully no one ends up dead because of the Vow." Hermione commented, shaking her head at the Slytherins' antics. As if the consequence spell idea didn't originally come from her.

"Well, if they dishonor it, they deserve it." Pansy stated, proudly smirking at the sight. It seemed Harry had to stop Draco’s fussing. 

"I can't argue with that." Hermione conceded. "Ron! Distract Harry and Draco before they do their bickering."

Ron sighed helplessly, "I've been doing this a lot lately. I'm blaming both of you for the acting classes you made them watch."

"That reminds me, 'Mione." Pansy tapped the Official list of names. "Draco, Blaise and I won't be writing our names in documents. When the D.A is found out and our names are there, we'll be dead by Christmas."

"What the fu-"

"Language, lady." Pansy cut in. "Someone will report it, no doubt about it. With the Dark Lord near us, we won't be safe at all. We’re already putting ourselves at risk because there’s some people outside Slytherin that are Watchers, too. And we don't really know if the newcomers will blab."

Hermione gasped, "So it's true he's considering living in Death Eater manors?"

Pansy nodded before jutting her chin to Draco’s direction. "Yes. My bet is that he'll be with Draco in Malfoy Manor by sixth year since the Ministry, according to our connections, is sniffing out the Riddle Mansion as we speak. Honestly, I also heard Madam Pomfrey and Professor Snape talking about Draco's Healer license might be put on hold that’s why he wanted to be D.A’s healer."

"We've got to do something for him!" Hermione shook Pansy’s shoulder. “Let’s think of something!”

Pansy shook her head. "Draco says he's got a plan."

"Let's grill him later, then. By the way, for a nonexistent record, between the two of us, you have a much colorful language." Hermione commented, raising a brow at Pansy’s laugh.

"I know, it just slipped out. Summer Etiquette Training is a bitch. More so when Blaise and Dray aren't suffering beside me."

"Can I just say I'm so happy to be a muggleborn? I get the best and worst in both worlds."

"Poor 'Mione."

There was a swooshing sound as Fred and George soared through the air after getting attacked by Draco. All the occupants of the room turned to the commotion and wisely chose not to intervene.

Ron looked in awe as they watched Draco admonish the twins for ten minutes now. Apparently, Draco caught them red handedly trying to prank him.

"Blimey, I can't believe it. Even they don't listen to mum that well when it comes to injuries."

Ron looked even more impressed, shaking Harry excitedly as they both watched as Draco whipped out his wand again, pointing it threateningly at the twins who looked like kicked puppies.

"AND You will not be experimenting in MY cauldron. You will regret it. Do I make myself clear!?"

The twins held their hands up in surrender.

"Poor Fred and George."

A sneeze broke through the silence and they all turned towards Blaise who was unfolding his handkerchief.

"Sorry, it feels dusty here." He commented, waving a hand to cleanse the area where he's in.

Knowing not to trust a Zabini sneeze even if Blaise claims to have overcome it, Pansy warily eyed the lone mahogany table as it rattled unprompted. She winced as the table came alive and started to chase Ron and Harry around the room. 

"Poor Harry and Ron."

Neville, looking at the chaos in front of him, nudged a wildly impressed Ginny.

"Please tell me I'm dreaming."

Ginny patted his shoulder sympathetically.

"Aw, poor Nev."

"Shut up, Gin."

–

D: Please tell me you are actually studying for your N.E.W.T.S.

Ker: Darling! That's months away! We just got back at Hogwarts (ᗒᗩᗕ)

Jo: What makes you think we're 7th years? (・o・)

D: Well for one, Ker complained your N.E.W.T.S is months away.

Ker: So? I could just be commenting...

D: The other one is that you complained about a potion Professor Snape only tasks 7th years to do.

Jo: Maybe we're complaining on behalf of our friends.

Ker: We got As during O.W.L.S

D: Oh. 

Ker: Oh, indeed darling. <(￣︶￣)>

D: Okay I'll believe you but you both wrote to me thirty and fifteen pages ago that you're glad that it's your last year here so maybe I'll just ignore that too.

Jo: ... 

Ker: ...

D: Well, there's no point in pointing out who is at fault. Both of you let it slip separate times, you know.

JoKer: …Touché (｡•́︿•̀｡)

–

It was really inevitable that Lee Jordan will know about the D.A. As the appointed Terror Twins' babysitter for seven years, he's prone to sniff out Fred and George's shenanigans. He'd indulge their sneaking out the last few months of the year during their sixth year because he was preoccupied with the Triwizard tournament and entertaining the guests but now, Lee Jordan has enough free time to crash in on the Twins' hidden agendas.

Lee Jordan was quite surprised with the number of students who joined. He was skeptical with a few ones but he's open-minded enough not to judge outright. Besides, after skimming over the contract, he's quite sold onto this project. Like Fred and George, he doesn't really need the extra spell lessons but he'll get free entertainment (and of course, guide the younger ones, Lee promises). 

Seeing the dynamics of Draco and the twins in person, the first thought he had was that he should've brought snacks. The twins were by the corner of the room where Draco is with a cauldron, clearly bugging the blonde about something. Watching them felt like a reality television Dean Thomas likes to describe to him. Lee was even more amused as Draco managed to make the twins help him instead of distracting him. Huh. Whipped.

"Never expected the Gryffindor Head of House favorites would gather for the D.A." someone commented on a couch nearby. Lee looked over to see Pansy doing dagger maintenance. It was a student-only secret Professor McGonagall holds Gryffindor pranksters/troublemakers close to her heart.

"Never expected purebred purebloods to gather with the tainted." Lee Jordan shot back, glancing at Blaise helping the Golden Trio with homework. Their ancestors are probably rolling in their graves and urns. Thank Merlin his parents are not traditional.

"We're not in the Room of Requirement. We're in an alternate universe." Pansy answered sagely.

"And we heard that, by the way." Blaise called out, frowning. "You should know by now we've unfortunately stumbled upon friendship with these losers and it was not by choice."

"It was a lapse of sanity." Pansy and Blaise said in unison.

The Golden Trio merely rolled their eyes, used to the dramatics.

"You're still my favourite loser." Blaise reassured Harry, patting the irate Chosen one.

"You're so annoying, idiot."

"Your idiot." Blaise shot back, chuckling as Harry hit him with a pillow.

"But you're welcome to the D.A, Lee." Hermione smiled sweetly as she whacked Blaise and Harry's shoulders. "We usually schedule Thursdays and Saturdays."

"It works well on my schedule, anyway." Lee Jordan shrugged. "And with the twins still close by, we can plan pranks more. We need to upscale it a bit since it's our last year."

Pansy perked up suddenly as she finished storing away her dangerous pointy weapons.

"Hey, Lee. I was curious about something I know you'll confidently know the answer to."

"As long as it's not History or Arithmancy, ask away."

Pansy grinned, a long sword at hand to point harmlessly at Lee Jordan. "What's Fred and George's type?"

"What's Fred and George's type?" Ron repeated incredulously. "Why would you want to know about it?"

"For research purposes," Pansy answered.

Lee Jordan smiled all-knowing and smug as if he wasn't on the receiving end of a sharp weapon. "I'll tell you if you tell me what Draco's type is."

Pansy retrieved her sword and locked eyes with Blaise with a smirk. Finally, the dots are connecting faster than ever.

"Oh, for research purposes, too?" Blaise asked, grinning at Lee Jordan. The seventh year grinned back, eyes sparkling in mischief. Comrades, he's found them at last.

"Deal." Pansy and Lee shook hands. And just like that, a silent alliance was formed. 

Ron, Hermione and Harry did a three way glance before shrugging.

Sometimes, when Pansy transacts with someone, it's best if they don't know.

"They both have the same type, actually. I've grown tired hearing about it for years. And I quote 'Smart, sweet, caring, has an enchanting smile, and beautiful laugh' pretty much sums it up."

"Draco's types are creative, kind and thoughtful." Pansy said.

"My my, I just know someone who fits that criteria."

"My my, I know someone as well."

"What are you all talking about?" Fred and George asked as they sat beside Lee, already satisfied on their 'quality time' with Draco. They helped themselves to the provided snacks and glanced around the room.

"How obvious your crush on Draco is." Hermione answered.

The twins choked and it was comical because they were still synchronized about it.

"But we'll keep it a secret for now." Harry added exasperatedly looking at Pansy, Blaise and Lee Jordan looking a bit too smug.

"What secret and why do I not know it?" Draco asked as he walked over to them, potions already in vials and stocked on shelves. 

"Nothing!" Ron shrieked, always been terribly bad at lying.

"Are they dying?" Draco asked as he looked at the pale Weasley Twins.

"Dying for love." Lee Jordan cackled as he patted the twins' backs harshly. At Draco's unbelieving gaze, Lee added. "I mean, they loved the biscuits so much they choked because they wanted to eat more."

Draco sighed and shook his head. "Idiots."

"In love." Lee Jordan nodded wisely.

"Huh?" Draco raised a brow, suspicious.

Fred and George promptly shoved a cackling Lee Jordan out of the couch.

–

D: Have you ever had detentions?

Ker: Lots, darling.

Jo: We've lost count, Darling.

D: Isn't that a lot of work? How about your schoolwork?

Jo: Well, it's fun if we think of ways how to entertain ourselves.

Ker: There's also that we don't do our best to complete schoolwork 

D: But you guys are quite smart too.

Ker: Awwww, darling!

Jo: A compliment! Today's a good day.

D: I always say nice things.

Jo: Yes, darling.

Ker: Whatever you say.

–

Draco was in a playful mood and that was rare. He even allowed Harry to cuddle up to him in public, in the presence of the D.A. before the lesson started. During the lessons, Draco was stricter than Harry on wand movement repetition but the blonde was still in a good mood.

After the lessons, only the Golden Trio and Slytherin trio were left since they decided to do their homework. An hour later, the twins and Lee Jordan came back after pranking Umbridge. Fred and George had sworn to make Umbridge's life in Hogwarts as uncomfortable as they could.

Now, they were having breakfast for snack time, pancakes and bacon all over the table for their picking. The jams and honey were limited since Dobby said it was needed in the kitchen.

Fred and George were just watching Draco and Harry banter, when suddenly Draco looked at George.

"Honey." Draco said, raising a brow at the flustered redhead.

Beside George, Fred choked. George stared wide-eyed at Draco, heart beating faster than a flying Firebolt at the term of endearment Draco just said.

"What?" George asked, blinking owlishly at the Slytherin.

"Honey!" Draco said, exasperated.

"Oh my Godric, my heart can't take it." George murmured to Fred who had finally composed himself and whacked his brother on the head.

Fred wordlessly held out the jar of honey in front of George towards Draco, ignoring George's mortified realization.

"Well, aren't you a sweetheart, today?" Draco asked, reaching out for the jar. The moment he said those words though, Fred let go of the jar, causing Draco to catch it before it could shatter on the table. Raising a brow at the flustered, sputtering twins, he frowned. 

"No, seriously, is there something going on with you two?"

Fred and George squeaked out a "No."

When Draco shrugged and put the honey over his pancakes and Harry's, Fred leaned his head on his brother's shoulder and groaned.

"Oh my Godric, my heart can't take it."

On the other end of the table, Pansy, Blaise and Lee Jordan looked on in amusement as the disaster akin to a trainwreck continued.

--

D: How do you tell if you're in love with someone, Joker?

JoKer:

You always want to be by their side.

You always want to see them happy.

You see them smile and your day just get brighter

You hear them laugh and it's like music to your ears, becoming one of your favorite music.

You see them being with someone else and you feel excruciating jealousy.

You see them smile so differently to someone they love and all you want is to see that smile when they look at you.

You want to hold hands, cuddle, go on dates, all those things couples do and more

You want to plan pranks or business with them, never letting details out.

You want to guide them, want them to be happy even if it's not with you.

You want to help them every time, no matter if they need it or not.

When you realize you're in love, 

We reckon it feels like you've been hit by a bludger

So surprised, you almost feel like falling off your broom

But not get mad when you saw they were the one holding the beaters bat.

D: Thank you

Jo: Is everything alright, Darling?

Ker: Do you want a hug?

D: Everything is alright, Joker. I got to tell these things to my friend.

Ker: Oh, we see. We thought you were going through love problems, darling.

D: I am.

Ker: What!

Jo: What?!

D: My friend is crushing hard on someone and somehow it's my problem too.

Jo: Oh.

D: Have you been in love JoKer? Sounds like your definition comes from experience.

Ker: Wouldn't you like to know, Darling.

D: That's why I'm asking?

Jo: Of course you can ask, darling.

D: But I'm not getting answers?

Jo: Oh would you look at the time.

Ker: Time for us to sleep, darling D, 

Jo: Long day tomorrow!

D: Huh, it’s just after dinner? Joker? Hello?

–

At the balcony of the Astronomy tower, Fred and George cleared their throats and welcomed the chilly breeze on their red tinted cheeks.

"Dodged that bludger, didn't we Georgie?"

"I would say so, Freddie."

"Do you suppose Draco's figured it out?"

"That we're JoKer?"

They were silent for a moment and thought back on their random interactions that month.

"You know what, I can't actually say for sure."

"Because he's so good at acting."

An owl hooted as it passed by.

They glanced down at the journal and couldn't help but smile.

Fred and George can wait, they'll be ready to confess their identities soon enough.

–

D: Good night, JoKer. Busy days are ahead so be sure to rest well. And if you're planning on pranking Professor Umbridge, Peeves is willing to be bait. He's been an absolute menace!

D: Dream of me.

Chapter Text

October 31st.

Hallow's Eve, most commonly known as Halloween. It's not really coming yet, there are still thirty two days before it arrives but apparently it is a big deal and a lot are quite excited. With the Yule Ball now gone, the Halloween party is hyped up more than ever, it was all they could talk about as the pumpkin patch grew bigger and bigger by Hagrid's hut. Even the Hogwarts ghosts seemed excited.

Fred and George, however, were planning on a more elaborate prank this year. They've been practising with Lee Jordan on how to control it. They can't wait to showcase it during the evening feast. They still have to lie low because Peeves almost got banned from Hogwarts after their last collaboration but the poltergeist was saved by Professor McGonagall at the last moment.

D.A. had been progressing normally well, with given incentive, the members learned to ignore Draco and Harry's skirmish and bickering when they go at it outside the Room of Requirement. Inside the D.A, they found out that the Slytherins were a treasure trove of knowledge and respected them. Due to that, Draco had stepped up at times and assisted on teaching wand movement and spells. Blaise was officially Harry's duel partner and they politely declined Pansy's offer of dagger throwing lessons.

So far, no one snitched and Hermione was particularly smug about that. Ron and Harry were wary of her when she casually told them "it's a matter of time before someone slips up and have permanent disfiguration." (Someone needs to keep 'Mione away from the books the Slytherins recommends her to read)

There were no spell demonstrations during DADA anyway, they all just needed to read along as Umbridge recited what's written in the book. Boring.

After the D.A was adjourned for their last meeting that week, Fred and George went to the Potions corner to get their things. (They wanted to sneak some pepper up potions for late night adventures but Draco caught them earlier.)

Glancing around, the twins and Draco were the only ones left in the Room of Requirement.

"Do you want some kisses?" Draco asked as he packed his belongings with a swish of his wand.

"Whut?" Fred choked out as George patted his back.

Draco pulled out a handful of teardrop shaped chocolate wrapped in tinfoil out of his front pocket, honestly his pockets are too deep at this point, and offered it to the twins.

"Hermione gave them to me earlier when I showed her a trick to the spells we're learning. It's too creamy for my liking so I'm giving it to both of you." Draco glanced at the bunches of carrots that the twins made and chuckled. They always butchered up the bouquet charm for some reason. "I'll take the carrots, I guess. Hopefully there's no Salter in there. I've heard that from Moony."

"No Salter at all!" George said defensively, handing the bunches of carrots towards Draco and grinning delightfully at Draco's offered treats.

"Say, Draco. What would you be during the Hallow's Eve feast?"

"I'm not entirely sure. Probably a vampire like the last time."

"We'll be werewolves!"

"I think Moony will be delighted to hear that."

"No werewolves!" 

"Join my coven." Draco offered, raising a brow. "I don't have enough lackeys to drink blood off of."

"I don't think I want to be a blood sacrifice on Hallow's Eve." George frowned.

Fred put a hand on his chin, lost in thought before grinning. "I thought of a new identity!"

Fred dragged George away, waving at Draco enthusiastically.

"Bye Draco! Look forward to our identity!"

Draco stared at the overexcited twins in confusion. Hallow's Eve is still less than forty sleeps away, really. How ridiculous of them.

But…hmm…it wouldn't be the Weasley Twins if they weren't just a wee bit ridiculous, ain't it?

Draco shook his head to rid of the fond thought.

Although…now that he's in this headspace… Something must've happened during the D.A. for him to think this way but still, he felt right. At peace.

Looking at the date, September 27th, Draco felt ready. After all, way back in 1992, Draco sent his first anonymous letter that day and that was the start of it all. Now, years later, there ought to be another first to commemorate this day, right?

Something like a first meeting...

They've known each other for years. They went through a lot. JoKer had fun with him, comforted him, encouraged him and was with him through ups and downs like he was with them. They've motivated each other, they've grown closer.

The three of them already have a bond that stood the test of time.

Wasn't this the perfect time to meet JoKer?

Wasn't this the perfect time to introduce himself as their Darling D?

To Fred and George Weasley?

Draco scoffed as he emerged out of the Room of Requirement and into the halls of Hogwarts, his Malfoy Heir mask already in place.

Of course, he's not that dense. With just a few rereads in the journal and connecting dots of information, it was easy for Draco to figure out who JoKer is. 

There was a time during summer when Draco felt like he's conversing with the Weasley Twins. He felt as though he's just confused with his miniscule ((massive)) crush on the twins with Joker's affectionate way of words but now that he's back at Hogwarts and seeing the way Fred and George act at times when he says their term of endearment, it was obvious they found out who Darling D is too, huh?

So…

Isn't it finally time to face the fire?

Walking towards the moving staircase with his heart beating like a horde of centaurs off to war, Draco couldn't help but smile genuinely.

Years ago, he'd have laugh himself to death at the thought of loving two people but now, Draco can confidently say that Fred and George is a risk he'll always be willing to take.

–

D: Hello, JoKer.

Jo: Wotcher, darling.

Ker: Hullo, our Darling!

D: Can I wish for something?

Jo: Of course!!

Ker: So long as we can grant it!

D: Are you sure?

Jo: Yes!

Ker: Tell us! It's your first wish! I'm so curious!

Jo: We. We are so curious!!

D: I will be waiting in the Forbidden Forest.

D: My first wish is that I wish JoKer can find me. (*˘︶˘*).｡*♡

–

Draco hummed as he penned the words with his normal quill, the forgery quill back in his study table and will now never be used. 

It was time for a new beginning.

He can't wait!

–

Fred and George stared at their journals for a few long seconds, eyes rereading the message that their Darling wrote a minute ago.

Together, with the realisation that IT IS FINALLY HAPPENING, they bolted out of their beds, wands at ready and journals already stashed to an accio-d bag. Spells flew by as they changed out of their ratty sleep clothes, pulling their jumpers and trousers on while hairbrushes flew around trying to untangle their bed hair.

The scuffles and sense urgency alerted their roommates but Lee Jordan continued knitting peacefully on his bed. He's seen the twins fumble and stumble and eventually calm down from their self-induced adrenaline rush enough times to know when to ignore it.

"Are you off to see your Darling with how you're rushing?" He asked jokingly, knowing that even if it's possible, the twins still have a long way to go to confess to Draco without fainting or making an embarrassment of themselves. He knows quite confidently if it happens, it would be the latter.

"YEEEESSSS!!!" Fred and George hollered, shoving each other to take a quick look in their mirror before saluting Lee Jordan and stampeding out of the room.

"They do know it's curfew, right?" Kenneth Towler asked from his four-poster bed, flipping a Quidditch Magazine. 

"Eh, they'll be back soon enough." Lee said, knotting a stitch before pausing to oversee his work. "We never had peace and quiet. Let's have a moment to ourselves."

Before anyone could say anything, the door burst open and the twins fell back to the room, yelping. Lee Jordan felt like he should've bet a galleon, he knew this is what would happen too.

"Minnie McGee is in the common room! Why is she here, of all places?!" Fred groaned out.

"She's our Head of House."

"I can't take this prison anymore, I need to get out of here!!" George bemoaned, clutching his hair in distress.

"You were literally here a minute ago."

"But you don't understand!!!" Fred and George said in unison, wailing.

"Darling wants to meet us!!!" Fred and George cried out, clutching at Lee's sleeve and shaking him.

"WE WANNA GOOOOOO!!!"

"THEY'LL BE WAITING IN THE COLD!"

"THEY SUCK AT WARMING CHARMS!"

"Help us distract Professor! Set the library on fire!"

"No! Flood the basement!! The Chamber of secrets is not a secret anymore, anyway!"

"Cast a hurricane to the Greenhouses!"

"Let the H.owls out of the Owlery!"

"CALM DOWN!" Lee Jordan yelled out, grabbing the twins and forcing them to follow his breathing. "Your suggestions are way out of the normal range and that's saying something."

"But Lee!!"

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!!"

"Uh, no it's not? You can see your Darling everyday."

"But it's not the sameeeeeee…"

Lee Jordan groaned and looked at Kenneth Towler who looked like he's watching a Wizarding Musical. It was a good thing their other roommate can sleep through an earthquake.

"How about you borrow Kenneth's firebolt and fly out of here?" Lee Jordan smiled sweetly, ignoring Toni's enraged roar as he threw the Quidditch Magazine at Lee and missing.

The twins immediately changed their target.

"I WILL PUT BULBADOX POWDER IN YOUR JAMMIES, Kenny!"

"HAND OVER YOUR TRUSTY STEED!"

"OH, PISS OFF!!!"

–

Draco frowned down at the journal, curiousity awakening in him when he didn't get any reply.

"They couldn't have been asleep already?" Draco mumbled, leaning on the apple tree.

"Dobby be thinking that Young Master Draco be sleeping, too." Dobby said, clicking his tongue as he sat down next to Draco.

Draco scrunched up his nose in displeasure. No way!

"I had a hard time finding you in the kitchens so you'd take me here."

"Dobby be appearing when Young Master Draco calls me, though." Dobby reminded the younger.

"Okay, that was a temporary misjudgement on my part." Draco conceded. He was on his way to the Forbidden Forest but then thought of Dobby. "In my defense, I saw the portrait to the kitchens before the doors outside, I was distracted."

Dobby nodded with an indulging smile. "Why do young master Draco wait here?"

"I wanted to meet someone but I don't really know if they'll come."

"Professor Snape be doing rounds." Dobby said after a quick Tempus. House elves knew the Professor timetables best.

"Not Uncle Sev." Draco shook his head. "Some friends I had, for years now."

Dobby gasped excitedly, it was rare for his Young Master to initiate friendship!

"And it's a secret so nobody must know."

Dobby twisted his tea towel anxiously, knowing he's bad at keeping secrets.

"Oh no, Dobby be needing to clean up." Dobby thought of an excuse, wanting to respect Draco's wish to keep it a secret.

Draco chuckled at the attempt of lying, already having figured Dobby out. "Go on, then. I'll be fine to go back on my own. I know the way."

Dobby hesitated at first but jumped up to give Draco a hug, a rush of warming charm covering the blonde.

"Dobby is happy for you."

"Thank you, Dobby. I am, too."

With a happy grin and a snap, Dobby was gone and Draco was left to do the waiting game alone.

A quick tempus later told Draco it was an hour before midnight. He felt a little silly not wanting the night to come to an end, feeling sentimental to the anniversary of his first letter. Although he didn't know when the twins received his first letter, Draco wanted this night to be special for him atleast.

"Let me have one special moment." Draco whispered to the stars above, eyes tracing the constellation where his namesake is in as if wishing for guidance.

The stars twinkled in the sky, watching him hope that his whispers would be sent by the breeze so he'd be heard.

If a centaur was beside Draco, they'd have told him something that would make him smile brightly like the waxing crescent moon above.

The moon tonight signifies a new beginning and at this time of night, the stars always listen.

Draco gasped in surprise a few minutes later, the bushes rustling to indicate a new presence. Eyes widened with fascination, he can't help but stand up to greet his unexpected visitor.

–

"DESPERATE TIMES CALL FOR DESPERATE MEASURES!!!"

Successfully prying off the smuggled firebolt (named Tony, that is supposed to be in the Quidditch shed) off of Kenneth's dying body (because Kenneth did say "over my dead body" and they're desperate, okay?!)Fred and George mounted the broomstick and jumped off the dorm window, thanking Godric once again for claiming a tower as his territory.

They left the room long enough to hear their bestest ever friend for forever Lee Jordan sighing and dealing with the aftermath of their ultimate prank/blackmail on Kenneth. 

"We owe Lee a fruit basket."

"Maybe we should give him the free pass voucher earlier." Lee Jordan's annual gift was a coupon/voucher book from the twins like they give to their parents.

"Agreed!"

They cast a camouflage spell the moment they jumped off and a silencing spell to cover their hollering and overall noise as they flew through the clouds with a few birds before descending by Hagrid's Hut near the Forbidden Forest. There's no use in using a broomstick if flying above the Forbidden Forest, it just looks the same.

Hiding the firebolt around a huge patch of pumpkins and a tracking + camouflage spell in place, they scurried off to the Forbidden Forest. They were aware that their Darling knows the forbidden forest for years now, if their Darling truly is Draco then the Slytherin would've been tagging along and gathering Potions ingredients even in the night, right?

Lucky for them, they know quite a few spots from years of experience. They know how to stay away and toe the line of territories within. The Forbidden Forest creatures disliked them for it.

Energy was thrumming in their veins as anticipation crawled into their very being.

This was it.

Tonight was the night.

They'll meet Darling D.

Fred and George are confident that no matter who could be on the other end of the journal, they'd love them with their whole being.

It was almost a miracle, feeling this way towards someone who they didn't even know the facial characteristics of. They've kept up with it for years and Darling D's personality shone through no matter how much they'd tried to hide.

"We're losing moonlight." George clicked his tongue after they went through three Potions ingredients destinations later.

"Did you hear something?" Fred asked, doubting his ears as the breeze picked up.

"JoKer…" it seemed to whisper as the cold wind kissed their cheeks.

That familiar voice!!!

"Darling!" Fred called out, the word echoing.

They must be close if the Forest was leading them voluntarily. Darkness seeped in from the shadows, trees overhead swallowing away the moonlight.

Fred and George had eye contact and ran, embracing the occasional darkness when the wind picked up and the trees danced with the breeze. Then, they saw it.

Moonlight filtered through seemingly random spots at first glance but when they looked at it for a second time, it looked as if it was leading them somewhere. As if in a trance, Fred and George ran faster, following the moon's blessing.

They need to keep running, just in case they're already too late.

Fred and George chased the light, chased the whispers.

They broke through the clearing together, panting and slowing down to catch their breaths only for the sight before them to leave them even more breathless.

A cloud passed by the moon, making a silhouette figure from afar appear, stroking a majestic unicorn. The glow from the creature was enough to highlight the beautiful smile that only belongs to one person.

To the person they swore to love and cherish.

To their precious Darling.

"Darling!! Darling D!" Fred and George called, throat protesting at the coldness, causing them to cough and try to regain composure.

The figure turned and smiled even brighter. Merlin, their Darling was already beautiful in the Weasley Twins' eyes at first sight.

Under the lone apple tree and beside the majestic unicorn, Draco Malfoy laughed at the ridiculous sight of Fred and George Weasley with twigs stuck in their hair and dishevelled appearance probably due to running around looking for him.

It really must be love, Draco thought, because the sight still leaves him feeling fonder of the two people in front of him.

The unicorn nudged Draco slightly before walking away, leaving the three of them and the moon and stars as witness to the grand 'reunion'.

"Hi." Draco said the moment Fred and George walked closer to him. He wandlessly waved refreshing charms towards the twins.

"Hi." The twins said back, still awestruck upon hearing Draco's melodious laughter.

Draco glanced up at the moon 🌒, smiling at it. He can't seem to stop smiling tonight and it's probably because of how happy he is that he was right on JoKer's identity. 

Fred and George.

Jo and Ker.

His Jokers.

"The moon is beautiful tonight, isn't it?" Draco asked, gesturing at the skies.

"Yes, I wish I could watch it with you for good." 

Draco quietly sat at one uprooted tree near the apple tree, gesturing for the twins to make themselves comfortable. Fred and George sat down on the same tree too, Draco in between them. They looked at the view in front of them, gathering courage to face the other.

"Here I am, your Darling D." Draco introduced himself, showing his journal to the twins.

"I'm your sweetheart, Jo." Fred said, brandishing his own journal in sync with George's.

"I'm your honey, Ker." George grinned as Draco rolled his eyes at the terms of endearment used.

"So, you found me." Draco mumbled, fingers tracing his first wish on his opened journal.

"We wanted to grant your wish."

"Because we promised and we wanted to see you."

"Did I meet your expectations?" Draco asked, head tilting to the side curiously.

"Exceeded it." Fred and George smirked as Draco looked away, trying not to blush.

George silently casted a warming bubble dome over them the moment he saw Draco shiver a bit.

"Did we meet your expectations?" Fred asked, trying to mask his nervousness.

Draco hummed, smiling as fireflies appeared from the bushes around them. "Barely."

George let out an offended gasp, grasping his chest and looking at Draco in betrayal. "Darling, how could you?!"

Draco laughed at the reaction. "That is something like what Ker would say."

"Your laugh is music to my ears." Fred commented, a smile gradually widening to a grin.

"And that is something that Jo would say." Draco rolled his eyes, amused.

"Well, what are the odds that all this time we wanted to meet you but then we found out you were just right under our noses?"

Draco scrunched up his nose at that, with the Twins' constantly growing taller by the year, he's barely above their shoulders. 

"I think it's a good height difference." Draco said. 

"We're not complaining at all."

Draco was the first to move, clasping the hands nearest to him. Fred's right, George's left. The twins were the ones who interlaced their fingers.

"We're not complaining at all." The twins repeated.

"What now?" Draco asked. "You already know the real me."

"We've already shown the real us." Fred said, rubbing a comforting motion on the back of Draco's hand.

"We could just be JoKer and Darling, be Fred, George and Draco, too." George piped up.

Draco tested the waters more, his self-preservation skills locked away as he tucked his head on Fred's shoulder and locked ankles with George's.

"We could just be Us." Draco agreed. "The three of Us, Together."

"And we could be more, if you want." Fred offered, digging up some Gryffindor courage to lay a featherlight kiss on Draco's hair.

"You already know how we feel, Darling." George reminded the blond, planting a featherlight kiss on Draco's forefinger. "We're just saying we haven't changed our minds."

"Actually, we've been hoping that you and Darling were the same person probably since the Triwizard Cup started."

"We don't know how, you're just too loveable."

"I feel like this is all just a dream." Draco mumbled, trying hard not to show how flustered he was.

Fred and George looked at each other, a silent conversation going through them. With a soft smile, they enveloped Draco in a warm embrace, kissing their Darling's cheeks in unison.

They've wanted to do that for years.

And finally, they could do it.

Draco gasped at the show of affection, eyes blinking rapidly at the warm hug that ended too soon for his liking.

"We're living on borrowed time, our Darling D." Fred said, tucking a wayward fringe off Draco's cheek.

"If you give us a chance, we solemnly swear to take care of your heart." George continued, cupping Draco's cheek for a few seconds before he and his twin stood up.

Facing Draco, Fred and George offered their hands out to him.

"Darling."

"Draco."

"Do you want to have an adventure with us?"

The moon, the stars, the sky bore witness as Draco Malfoy took the offered hands with another breathtaking smile.

"I do."

The wind carried the response, the twins hearing it clearly as if whispered in their ears.

Fred and George grinned.

"You won't regret it!" They promised.

Draco scoffed before smirking at them, "I already am."

Seeing their dumbfounded looks, Draco couldn't help but chuckle. Truly, it was a special night to be laughing and smiling so much.

"Come on, we need to get to Hogwarts by midnight."

They started walking away from the apple tree, still hand in hand and conversation flowing naturally like the river just a hundred metres away.

The Forbidden Forest creaked and leaves shuffled about as midnight stroked, a new day already arrived and yet another forbidden thing was born inside the forest.

For the love of a Purebred with a blood traitor was a path full of thorns. What more if it's doubled?

The creatures of the dark watched on, already wanting to know how it'll end before it could even start. It's a pity to put an end to something that's only budding and starting to bloom.

From the Centaur campsites, the Centaurus gazed upon the stars and appreciate the moon as they listened to the constellations.

The Waxing Crescent phase is often referred to as the rebuilding phase. Once the moon has re-emerged with new energy, it is the perfect time to set new intentions for the month ahead and work on self-improvement.

All-knowing creatures as they are, they vowed to support this innocent love the Forbidden Forest let to be brewed. After all, It's a pity to put an end to something that's only starting to bloom. Love conquers all, and love brings wonder to everyone.

–

Before they went separate ways, Fred and George took Draco's hands and bestowed a kiss on his knuckles.

"Dream of us, Darling."

Draco, cheeks already hurting from all the smiling he did, nodded as he squeezed their interlocked hands three times.

"Dream of me, JoKer."

"We will." Fred promised.

"And it will be sweet."

"We won't let the bedbugs bite."

Draco rolled his eyes before shooing them off. It was still a school day, after all.

Draco watched as the twins seamlessly became one with the night, the camouflage spell in effect.

He looked up at the sky, eyes seeking out the constellation of his ancestors.

Fred and George are worth it. He wanted to convey it to them. This relationship is worth it.

Fred and George are a risk he will always be willing to take, Draco solemnly swears.

And even if we're bound to burn, so be it.

Like a moth to fire, they'll burn.

–

Ker: We've reached the tower, darling.

Jo: are you in bed yet? Did you get caught?

D: I'm pretty much free to roam about since Mrs. Norris likes me and doesn't report to Filch.

Ker: Why am I forgetting we're talking to the most privileged git in Hogwarts?

D: That you love.

Ker: just because we do doesn't mean that you're not the most privileged ┐(￣ヘ￣)┌

D: I have a lot of titles under my name. That's just one of them. But I do believe Harry is the most privileged one.

Jo: You're a prefect, Umbridge likes you, Mrs. Norris doesn't report you, your Head of House gives you a curfew pass (from potions making right?) And madame pomfrey adores you

Ker: Harry's not a prefect and everyone else mentioned above has ninety nine problems and all of them are about Harry.

D: Well, I do take care of my image and that is why I'm well-liked.

Jo: For one day, if you can tarnish your image, what would you do?

D: Do everything that's been forbidden of me.

Ker: Like kissing on the hallways kind of stuff?

D: Like infiltrate Greenhouse 3 and make poison darts out of the poisonous flowers there.

D: Take over the Gryffindor room and change all the colors to silver and green then watch them foam at their mouths with rage

D: steal all of Hufflepuff's tea ceremony sets then blame the Ravens by leaving evidence there

D: Invade the Cat rooms

D: Collaborate with Peeves to prank-trap the Professors Lounge

D: Destroy Professor Umbridge's cat plate wall

Jo: Are you writing this down, brother?

D: Call the aurors because my ideas are getting stolen at the moment…that kind of stuff.

Ker: I don't fancy Azkaban, I've heard all about it from Padfoot.

D: and I don't fancy living my forbidden day to-do list vicariously if you're doing it.

Ker: Of course not, darling! We'll be doing all those things and more with you!

Jo: One prank at a time!

D: Well okay then, I can allow one kiss in public.

Ker: that's for each, right? One for me, one for Jo?

D: Early schedule later, good night

Jo: We need answers! Hello?!

Ker: No way, I keep forgetting you're such a little shit sometimes (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻

Jo: I can't even say I hope you sleep with one eye open because we don't know the Slytherin password right now. ಥ_ಥ

Ker: Just be warned, Darling…

Jo: We're definitely making it a kiss each, okay?!

Ker: Good night, sweet dreams!

Jo: Dream of us, darling!

–

Closing the journals with shaky, excited hands, Fred and George tried their best not to scream or slap their twin since Lee Jordan had cashed in on his "Be quiet till morning" coupon the moment they arrived.

Fred went over to George's bed and squeezed in, a muffliato reducing their laughs and shuffling to minimal noise. 

"This is real, right?" George asked his twin, pinching Fred's cheek.

"Yes." Fred nodded, slapping the hand pinching his cheek away before retaliating.

"I can't believe it."

"I can't believe it either."

"Oh Merlin, we were so lame. Going in there unpresentable, we should've worn our best clothes."

"Don't be stupid, darling had on his pyjamas, didn't he? We were right on theme."

"His silky satin pyjamas don't compare to our well-worn jumpers but okay, I guess it still fits the theme."

"Our meet-cute is magical, ain't it?" George grinned, still giddy. "There was even a unicorn. It felt like a déjà vu moment but I don't get why."

"I can't believe unicorns still approach him. He's pure even at that age?"

"Don't say that as if we'll taint him!"

"Ah, no. We're going to show him and teach him how to love and have fun, didn't we?"

"Yes." A laugh. "I can't wait."

A minute of silence before someone whispered again.

"It's real, right? We met our darling?"

"Yes." came the equally giddy reply.

"GO TO SLEEP!" Lee Jordan yelled, throwing a pillow towards them, wandlessly tucking them in and closing the curtains of the four-poster bed right after. "I CASHED IN MY VOUCHER!"

Fred and George mimed a muggle zipper closing on their lips as they settled for bed.

Never had they thought they'd be excited for the morning sun to rise.

For now, they'll dream of the new adventures they'd have. 

They've always declared it for years but now, truly, this'll be the best school year they'll ever have.

Chapter Text

Jo: Hi, darling

Ker: Darling D

Jo: It's been a week since we've been together ⁄(⁄ ⁄•⁄-⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄

Ker: Happy weeksary (灬º‿º灬)♡

D: I never knew you were both the type to celebrate week anniversaries

Jo: every moment with you is a moment to be celebrated

Jo: Oh, and it's because we're in the honeymoon phase ;)

Ker: we're taking advantage of the fact that we already know how you hide your blushing face

Ker: and you're still pretty when you blush ;)

D: What if I don't like celebrating milestones?

Ker: Coming from you, darling? When you were one trip away to the kitchens the other day so we could celebrate our high grades in our Transfiguration quizzes and essays?

D: Didn't Professor McGonagall outdrank Professor Flitwick because they were celebrating your high grades, too?

D: Both of you being achievers in practicals and academics the past week had the professor's lounge in chaos. (Except in DADA but it's understandable)

Jo: We can't help it when we're so inspired by you, Top 1

Ker: We told you, it's called the honeymoon phase

D: I don't think that's how it works.

Ker: Paint bomb Umbridge's office with us? We can destroy her cat plates to the point a 'reparo' won't work.

D: I'll be by Gunhilde de Gorsemoor.

Jo: To who?

D: The One-eyed witch, Jo. We've already had this conversation.

Jo: The healer, gifted potioneer and the creator of the Dragon Pox cure. 

Ker: Of course we remember her. We were admiring her beauty the first time we conversed with you (◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。

D: I hope you get lost.

Ker: Heart been broke too many times now <\3

–

October 12, 1995

It was just after dinner and Draco was taking a walk to digest before turning in. He was walking aimlessly until he felt like visiting the Hospital Wing just to see if there's any patients.

Or in this case, feeling a familiar magical signature, a patient-to-be.

Draco caught a glimpse of red on Harry's forearm when the Boy Who Is A Danger Magnet rounded off to the corner, trying to hide a wince.

He looked around and then shot a mild stinging hex by Harry's feet. He smirked at the surprised squawk as Harry glared at him when he approached.

"Potter." He drawled lazily, eyebrows raising.

"What do you want, Dra--Malfoy?" Harry grumbled, he's gotten quite used to referring to the blonde as Draco.

"Show me your hand."

Uh oh. Harry stepped back and hid his right hand.

"I'm fine."

Constant vigilance was out the window as soon as a wand was pointed at his neck. Harry gulped audibly as Draco sneered.

"You. Will. Show. Me." He said in his healer voice Harry couldn't disobey.

Begrudgingly, he showed the scar forming. 

I will not tell lies.

Draco tutted and lowered his wand.

"Ugh. It's not that bad. It's just another scar." Harry mumbled his excuse and looked away as Draco's eyes glinted. "Please don't tell my guardians."

Draco's gentle wandless magic washed over his hand with diagnostic spells humming, Harry stood silently as Draco proceeded to apply first aid.

"I will make a balm for this during D.A. Tell me, do people get this too or is it just you?"

"Just me." Harry answered. "...Maybe. For now?"

Draco shot him a pointed look. Harry shrugged. He looked at the healing skin and released a delighted noise.

"Someone's approaching. Soak that in burlap. Hermione knows what it is, ask her." Draco messed his hair then cast a glamour at Harry's cheek. "THAT'S WHAT YOU GET, POTTER!"

"I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING, YOU GIT!" Harry yelled back, rolling his eyes. He rubbed his cheek and grimaced at the 'pain'. Draco shrugged.

"STAY AWAY FROM ME!"

"RIGHT BACK AT YOU, MALFOY!"

Fred and George rounded the corner, laughing at Harry and Draco's act. 

"It's just us."

Draco's heart beat rapidly but he can still feel someone coming. Harry looked at Draco's conflicted look and shook his head. He didn't feel any magical signature.

"I have to go." Draco said softly at Harry then looked sternly at the twins. "You two better make sure he gets his hand soaked and wrapped in burlap or you'll get it."

The twins held up their hands in surrender before saluting.

"Yes, sir!"

Draco nodded before showing the sign of 'act'. He shot a tickling hex at both twins who dodged.

"Shut up!"

"Mister Malfoy!" Professor Umbridge's grating voice echoed at the end of the hallway. "Just the person I needed to see."

Draco shot an 'I told you so' look at Harry. He approached Umbridge halfway then tilted his head in greeting. He made his wand release a message behind his back 'Puking Pastilles'. Harry squinted at the words, unable to see them clearly because of the distance.

"Yes, ma'am? Is there anything I can help you with?"

"What are you doing with Mister Potter?"

"I'm a prefect, Ma'am. Just reprimanding them from running down the halls."

She looked at the twins and Harry and smiled sweetly. No one had the heart to say she looked constipated. "Hem hem, why pray tell are you running down the halls?"

At that moment, George puked.

"Oh my!" Umbridge shrieked in surprise.

"That's why, Professor! We best be going!" Fred said in a dramatic tone, a hand going on his forehead in a flourishing way as he gasped. George made hurling noises and slumped towards a concerned Harry. "It must've been the tea! Harry come on, now! Help me get Georgie help!"

Draco bit lip behind Umbridge to keep from laughing at George's exaggerated act and Fred's opera-like acting. Harry's genuine panicking expression had been a nice bonus, he forgot the Chosen One’s eyesight is worse than a blind bat.

Vanishing the mess George created, Draco regarded Umbridge's disgusted expression. He cleared his throat to regain her attention. At least this way, she won’t give out detention for whatever excuse she could think of.

"You were looking for me, Professor?" Draco reminded.

"Yes, let us go to my office, young Malfoy." Umbridge blinked, as if trying to erase what's happened the last few minutes. “I mean, Mister Malfoy.”

Draco froze for a second at the term she said before slipping a perfectly fake genuine smile on his face.

“Of course, Professor.” Draco gestured for her to lead the way. "I heard what happened to your plate collection. It must be tragic."

"I wasn't there when it shattered and sadly none of the portraits know the culprit! No worries though, Mister Malfoy, I have a new Owl post delivery to expect by the end of this week. Now, come come."

Once her back was turned, he frowned at the Merlin slip.

Another Watcher, great.

And did she just say another cat plate collection?!

–

It was a peaceful free hour that Draco is taking advantage of. The professors had a meeting so the students were off wandering around Hogwarts. The meeting was probably about career path counselling and N.E.W.T.S preparation from what Blaise and Pansy saw during their after class lessons. Since Draco caught a glimpse of some forms like that during his weekly brewing session with his godfather, Draco thinks the career path counselling is unnecessary on the pureblood's part. Wasn't it an immediate "Take over the family business"?

Not wanting to waste such a good day, Draco picked the river inside the Forbidden Forest. As a potioneer intern, he's allowed clearances to parts of the Forbidden Forest! It was the perfect weather to harvest riverstones and other ingredients.

He is free.

Kinda.

The wind was soothing and the sunlight was just right. There were no clouds in the sky and the birds were making music as they flew by.

The only thing that's stopping him from being peaceful were two redheaded pranksters beside him bored out of their minds. Somehow, they managed to find him the minute he entered the forest.

It was a rare opportunity to be together since the twins have free period as well. The potion ingredients collecting was done with the three of them involved so they're now just lounging by the riverbank. Draco took out his homework after a few minutes of peace and quiet, striving to ignore the nonsense that would inevitably come out of one of the twins' mouths.

"If we were frogs…" Fred started, contemplating.

"No." Draco stated firmly, still writing. He figured that he'll draft the Charms essay they needed to pass next week and cross reference with Hermione after D.A.

"I haven't finished my question yet!" Fred protested, pouting as he got shushed.

"Fine, complete the question but my answer will still be no."

"Really?? If we were frogs, you won't be sharing your lilypad with us?"

Draco looked at the Weasley Twins and wondered why he is still enamoured with them.

Must be love, huh.

"I'm willing to share if you pay rent." 

"Do you accept hugs and kisses?" George asked.

"No."

"Capitalism!!!"

"Yes."

"No!"

"Alright then, if you were a frog, I'd set you up with Trevor."

"I think Trevor deserves a toad that he can copulate with. It's a wonder how he's living so long."

"We should find Trevor a pink toad."

"I don't think I've seen any." Draco deadpanned. "You're into animal cruelty if you're thinking of dyeing one of the toads by the Black Lake."

"Magical dyes are organic, darling."

"Which reminds me, do you think we should have a Hogwarts-wide haircolor change prank again?"

Draco scrunched up his nose, homework forgotten. "I think that dyes are hard to come by for a wide-ranged prank. Potions ought to do the work."

"We already used potions on our hair color changing candies a year ago." Fred booed. "It was hard work!!"

"And hard to mass produce!!"

"Hear hear!"

"I don't know, should we ask Moony? If it's a spell this time, it'll last longer, right?" George asked, humming in thought. "I think he said that they pranked Slytherins with it during their Hogwarts days but I can't remember if it's a spell or potion…"

"It was a spell." Draco answered, remembering how his cousin cackle and laughed until tears fell from his eyes the moment he and Moony told the story during a mirror conversation.

Honestly, Draco would've paid a lot of galleons to whoever could provide him a memory of a red haired Lucius Malfoy but he doesn't have to because his cousin is a fallen angel and will provide him with the memory as his 'Christmas gift of the many'. 

"How about we make a spell too?!"

"We can make you a spell, darling. One only the three of us knows."

That's probably one of the greatest ideas Fred and George presented him with.

"I like it." Draco nodded, smiling. "I'd look forward to that more than the haircolor change."

"Aw, darling. Your smile is so bright even when we're in the shade, I'm blinded."

"Do you hear some glass shattering? No? Oh, it was the mood."

"Noooooo, don't leave usssss!"

"Why are you allergic to pick-up lines? We can just pick you up, too!"

"Come baaaaacckkk!"

Draco fought the urge not to laugh at the ridiculous attempts to make him come back. Honestly, don't they have their next class starting in fifteen minutes? They'd be late if they don't get a headstart.

Sometimes, Draco hates that he's learning magic in a castle with rooms changing after their lessons!!

–

October 17, 1995

Draco burst into the Room of Requirement in a dramatic way. 

"Students, future patients, members of D.A." he began, interrupting Harry's lesson. "I have an announcement to make."

"Oh my God, you confessed!" Hermione yelled. Draco shot her a look. They heard something break and look at the twins innocently putting something in their pockets, 'new invention' they coughed out. Draco ignored them.

"No, Granger. I don't have any crushes or people I'm infatuated with at the moment." He waved off her mouthed apology. "What I'm going to say is that I'm running for Actor of the Year."

"There's no such thing, mate." Ron commented, wand swishing as he successfully conjured a podium for Draco. Draco tilted his head in thanks before he stepped up the podium.

"There is now." Draco said, brandishing a badge. "I, Draco Malfoy, known as ‘Healer Draco’ among you butterfingered scoundrels, was hired by Professor Umbridge as part of her Inquisitorial Squad."

There was silence before Hermione connected the dots and sputtered.

"Draco! You can't be serious."

"I'm not, Hermione. I’ll have you know that he's my cousin." Snickers went around.

"DRACO MALFOY!" she yelled, going up the podium to smack him. Draco dodged, laughing.

"Someone fill us in, we're not all the brightest witch of our age." Dean requested, Seamus nodding in agreement as they both grinned at Hermione’s flushed face.

Hermione huffed. "This Slytherin here just agreed to join something created to bust rulebreakers, which means us. He's basically a double spy!"

Draco shrugged as he went down the podium, casting diagnostic spells at Harry's hand and nodding approvingly. "It's not as if I can't say no, Hermione. She's one of the people who can contact my father and report what I've been doing."

Fred and George looked at each other and mouthed together, 'watchful eyes.'

They looked at Draco poking each word ignoring Harry's 'ow's.

Could it be that Umbridge is keen on smoking out the D.A members?

Draco healed Neville's scratched cheek. "Besides, I can redirect and fool them as well. I was hired, I'm being paid, too. We'll use the money for Hogsmeade treats or healing potions. Or balms. Who knows what will happen during her detentions.”

Hermione shook her head ready to argue but Draco caught her eye and held up a sign that meant 'later'. Draco stroked his hand through Ginny's singed locks due to duelling with Seamus earlier. He weaved a grooming charm through the hair as he stroked it.

"Back to lessons! I have a balm to make." Then he brandished his wand. "And If anyone at all received detention with a blood quill you will say so. Are we clear?!"

There was a chorus of 'Yes' and Draco smiled.

"Good."

With a wave of his wand, the room provided him the Potions lab in the corner.

"Blimey, the room listens to Draco than any of us here in this room." Ron whistled, amused.

The twins clenched their jaws. That Umbridge better not lay a finger on their Darling!!

–

Jo: Our feelings are valid.

Ker: And they will remain valid.

D: Why are you both defending yourselves, did you do something?

Ker: We can't exactly protest you being in that squad :(

Jo: and we understand how good of a position it is to protect D.A.

Ker: but we're still allowed to be worried

Jo: and fret over your well-being

Ker: we just don't like the idea of the hours taken away because of squad duties and meetings

Jo: and again, we're worried too :( we don't trust Umbridge!

Ker: if only there was some way to lighten your workload

Jo: You're already overworking and you're not even out of Hogwarts yet 

Ker: woe is us, our Darling won't have time for us (｡•́︿•̀｡)

Jo: but we're so proud of your achievement at the same time we're worried ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ

D: Calm down, nothing draining will happen. It's just extra patrol

Ker: You, Hermione and Ron are already prefects. That's enough isn't it?? 

Jo: The inquisitorial squad is just utter nonsense.

D: but it is under her control.

Jo: again, we worry (ᗒᗩᗕ)

Ker: Does Hermione know about us?

D: No, she knows I'm infatuated with someone but not their identities

Jo: Let's see how it'd take them to notice (ﾉ*0*)ﾉ

D: they're smart so we don't need to broadcast our relationship, right?

Ker: We want to protect you.

Jo: even though we want to shout to Hogwarts how much we love you, we can't. :(

Ker: and you're part of the inquisitorial squad, too so your Watchers are even more active :(

D: I'll be fine, I've got D.A, I've got both of you.

Jo: aw, darling o((*^▽^*))o

D: also, I got Peeves. Moony told me how to make a deal with him and now we're partners in crime.

Jo: (ノಠ益ಠ)ノ

Ker: Betrayal doesn't come from enemies. It comes from people you trust the most. (╥﹏╥)

Jo: Take. It. Back!!

Ker: WE, me and Jo!, Are your partners in everything!! E v e r y t h i n g!! ಥ_ಥ

D: you're seriously jealous of a poltergeist?

Jo: yes (-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩___-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩)

Ker: Darling, my heart been broke too many times <\3

D: Don't cry so much.

D: Joker is my partners for life. 

Jo: (ﾉﾟ0ﾟ)ﾉ~

Ker: (ﾉ*0*)ﾉ

D: I can hear your screaming all the way here in the library.

–

October 22, 1995

With Dolores Umbridge becoming High Inquisitor and Professor Dumbledore doing nothing about it to appease the Ministry, chaos descended on Hogwarts in the form of Educational Decrees. Within a week of her atrocious pink reign, thirty Educational Decrees were established.

The students gathered in front of the Great Hall, murmurs going around as Filch hammered yet another frame outside the dining hall. The Educational Decree Number Thirty-One.

Boys and girls are not permitted to be within 8 inches of each other.

It was a rather comical event in the eyes of Peeves who was swinging on the chandelier above the students, laughing at their miserable lives.

He could see the synchronisation as several people shoved their female friends away.

Harry The Danger Magnet, Ron the Chess Freak shoving Hermione Bookworm.

Sneaky Draco, Sneezy Blaise backing away as Pansy Dagger challenged them to try anything.

Even Crybaby Neville shoved Seer Luna and Fiery Redhead #2 away! Peeves cackled at the sight.

The poltergeist caught sight of his rivals, Fred and George shoving his otp couple Katie and Angelina away from them too!! Hilarious!!

Peeves blames the kissy kissy couples for this decree!

But won't he have fun with this as well?! Fun has no ally!! Besides, Sneaky snakey Draco is powerful right? Fufufufu, Peeves can so snitch!!

"She really did this before Hallow's Eve? How would we have fun?" A sixth year nobody asked.

"Do you want fun?" Peeves asked, appearing beside the side character's face with an enormous grin. The poltergeist snickered at the horrified scream as he cartwheeled away.

Ah but the decree is so much more advantageous to same sex couples, huh?? 

Peeves is a gossip, he knows who's smooching who!!

That's probably the nicest gesture Umbitch did.

Peeves cooed, 'ooh'-ed and 'aahh'-ed at the linked pinkies he sees as students filtered inside the Great Hall.

Ah, it would be a nice time to instigate a food fight but his deal with the House elves won't be expiring anytime soon. How sad!

Going through walls to the Professor's Lounge to announce that dinner's ready, Peeves locked on the muggle chandelier just before his pink basher's office.

Tapping the lightbulb and giggling and cackling madly, he twisted and turned the numerous bulbs, forgetting to get the Professors.

Peeves was whistling while he worked when a door nearby opened to reveal Minnie McGee, hehe Deer Jamie came up with that nickname!

"It unravels to the left." Minnie McGee informed him as she passed by.

Peeves laughed joyfully, eyes filled with stars. Truly, Minnie is such a good informant. She's his favourite!

Job considered well done, Peeves hollered through the floors and hid in the trophy room. The portraits will entertain him there! Sir Cadogan might be feeling adventurous again!

That'll be fun.

And if the chandelier just so happened to crash in front of the office when the pink menace returned from dinner, well…

Peeves is innocent until proven guilty.

–

D: I'll be busy on the 27th.

Jo: But that's our first month anniversary (｡•́︿•̀｡)

Ker: you don't love us anymore? (´;︵;`)

D: Wanna have a picnic on the 26th after curfew?

Ker: YOU STILL LOVE US!?

D: I didn't say I stopped.

Jo: You're melting my knees, darling.

D: that's a serious condition, go to the Hospital Wing.

Ker: I might need to because I feel like I'm having a heart attack right now 

D: go to the hospital wing.

Jo: nevermind that! Darling, the picnic! Are you sure?

D: Yes, do you not want to?

Jo: are you kidding? Ker is screaming out of the window right now 

Ker: YES! Y E S! OF COURSE I WANT THE PICNIC DATE. I. AM. SCREAMING. AAAAAAAAAAAA

Jo: He really is still screaming, rolling down the floor and making an absolute mess and scaring our roommate.

Ker: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Jo: Darling, please. 

D: Honey, calm down.

Ker: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH YOU CALLED ME HONEY ⁄(⁄ ⁄•⁄-⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄

Jo: I don't think you're helping right now.

D: Ker, calm down, tell me your picnic plans last time since you didn't win the bet.

Jo: Wait a moment, Darling. We're finding the scroll.

D: a scroll.

Jo: yup.

D: You have headaches whenever you finish a foot-long assignment and you manage to finish a scroll? All five-foot of it?

Jo: We never said our priorities lie in academics (･ω･)つ⊂(･ω･)

D: Unbelievable.

Ker: Again, Darling D, you deserve fine dining.

Ker: and it's a pain to rewrite our plans so I'll just write the food plan.

Jo: we'll handle the rest, darling. Don't worry, we wanted this to happen for months now!

Ker: You're making MY wish come true. I wanna cry ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ

Ker: Menu!

Per Darling's request: finger foods, sandwiches, fruits

Additional: a whole charcuterie board

Note: ask Dobby for apple pie

Jo: if you want Butterbeers, we can get you some too

D: I don't know, I want to be coherent the whole night.

Ker: I never knew you were a lightweight, darling.

Jo: after all the wine you drink, it's a wonder.

D: Pans can probably outdrink an adult by now but for me, all the wine I consume is non-alcoholic.

Jo: Never challenge them with a drinking challenge. Noted.

Ker: Look forward to our picnic, darling. (☆▽☆)

Jo: We'll sweep you off your feet. (✯ᴗ✯)

D: Remind me to take the brooms away from both of you.

Ker: we'll send you the details (＾∇＾)ﾉ♪

D: Looking forward to it :)

Jo: Send a heart if you love us!

D: .

Ker: </3

D: ♥╣[-_-]╠♥

Ker: (*＾3＾)/～♡

Jo: (｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡

–

October 26, 1995

George was excited, he dreamt of having picnics with darling for months and now it's coming true! Fred had been excited about it, too. Good things truly do come to those who wait!

Back at the burrow, they always like to do picnics in the treehouse. They also insisted on their family to have picnic getaways just by the hills when the weather is great! George is proud to say that he's an expert on picnics alongside Fred.

It was a surreal feeling, preparing for THE picnic he's been waiting for and thought he wouldn't be able to do! Picnics are kind of a bonding event for the twins and it's always special. Since it was George's wish for a picnic, they took the opportunity to grant Fred's wish for a date night in the Astronomy tower. 

Romance is not yet dead!!

So now, beaming with pride at their setup in the Astronomy tower balcony, George could say he and his brother did a job well done. The large picnic blanket was huge enough to be a carpet and filled with fleece and cotton blankets. The food was smartly placed by one side and is plated for easy picking. The spells Fred added (warming charms on the blankets and pillows, sticking charms to the picnic mat and stuff so they don't get upturned by the wind, a stasis charm on the food and such and most importantly the camouflage dome) were the finishing touches.

Since technically, they're just sneaking after curfew, they can't very well put up the muggle fairy lights (that weren't actually fairies) that Hermione and Harry smuggled inside Hogwarts (which worked with the use of bat-teries). To provide some light, Fred and George figured it's time to showcase their new invention.

Frankly, it's just a prototype and was inspired by the fireflies that appeared during the first meeting with their Darling under the apple tree. It's small enough and plenty that people would think fireflies are just congregating in the Astronomy tower (come to think of it, can they fly this high?!)

Casting a tempus and seeing the appointed time nearing, he prayed to Godric that nothing bad will happen. 

"Almost time, brother." Fred noted, seeing the tempus. He placed the apple pie Dobby made right at the center of the food section and put stasis on it. "Shall we get our darling?"

It was a giddy feeling. 

Nearly a month after they got together, it still feels like a happy dream!

The twins descended down the stairs to the hidden passage by the crystal ball portrait. They emerged to the third floor just by Gunhilde de Gorsemoor. (Pro tip: Near the secret passageways out of Hogwarts, were 2 or 3 other hidden shortcuts)

They leaned on the wall and waited. Their Darling was amazingly punctual and they were early.

"Should we do a disillusionment charm?"

"Mrs. Norris can still detect us."

"Oh yeah, Hilt still does too."

(Note for the future: Master disillusionment charm before graduation)

"Maybe add magic signature detection to your skillset." A beautiful voice sounded.

Fred and George turned their heads towards the voice and stood dumbstruck as Draco Malfoy slowly appeared from the shadows.

"Wow." The twins chorused as Draco smirked up at them.

"You're so beautiful." George blurted out.

Draco shook his head, "You're just saying that because we're having a picnic today."

Fred tapped a section on the wall as George protested. The three of them entered the hidden shortcut with Draco teasing the redhead. As the wall closed behind them, Fred was the first one to hug the blonde.

"I missed you, darling." Fred greeted, kissing Draco's forehead.

"So unfair!" George shoved his twin away and hugged Draco fiercely. "I missed you more, Darling!!"

"You're both ridiculous, we see each other every two days and everyday while in the Great Hall." Draco pointed out but still returned the hug. "Not to mention D.A."

"D.A always steals your attention! Ron and Ginny monopolise your time!"

"Hermione and Harry always have you discussing lesson plans!"

"Pansy and Blaise eggs Neville on to talk more with you!!"

"It's not my fault Pansy and Blaise pseudo-adopted Longbottom." Draco rebutted as they made their way to the Astronomy tower. "That makes me, like, an honorary godfather to him, right? And as one, I have this urge to indulge him."

Fred and George thought back to the previous weeks of Pansy and Blaise gradually moulding Neville's confidence into his 'Purebloodedness'. Draco really had been spoiling Neville, quite frankly, Neville was the safest Gryffindor in D.A. (and the whole of Hogwarts, too if the Slytherins have any say this moment forward).

"Isn't it a good thing we're kind to Neville?" George asked Fred with a mischievous smile.

"He already told me in detail all of the pranks you did to him." Draco informed them and chuckled as the twins winced.

Neville was gullible enough to fall for most of the twins' tricks.

"Well, we never did any permanent damage!"

"Hmmmm… if you say so."

"But it's a good thing that Neville's improving too. So his Gran won't give him a hard time."

Draco frowned, "I'd like to see improvement of their relationship after the hols."

"We hope so, too. We'll let you know." Ever since Harry can visit during the holidays, Neville was invited to the annual holiday party held in the Burrow after Christmas.

"Ah but let's leave your pseudo-godson's improvements for another day! We shall now focus on our improvements!"

The portrait door opened and they emerged to the stairs leading to the balcony entrance. Draco gasped as he took in the view the moment they stepped outside.

The picnic setup was illuminated by moonlight, the breeze was relaxing and the food looked delicious. The view of the Forbidden Forest just ahead of them adds up to the wonderful sight. The fireflies that flew randomly was a nice magical touch!!

"You certainly have gone all out." Draco commented, a smile on his lips he didn't know was showing. "Color me impressed!"

Fred and George high fived in celebration.

Draco immediately sat down on the picnic mat and marvelled at how comfortable it was. Eyes sparkling at the sight of familiar apple pie, he pulled the lovestruck twins to join him.

Once they're all settled, Fred erected a warming charm dome and sneakily refreshed the charms he'd casted earlier.

"There's so much food!" Draco scolded them as he accepted a plate to fill with. Scones, muffins, cookies, and fruits were eye-catching but the snack he wanted the most is…

George grinned as Draco immediately went for the apple pie. "Don't worry, anything leftover we can finish later in our dorms since our roommates like midnight snacks."

"Well then, I'll just eat till I'm full." Draco sent sanitation charms on their hands so they could handle the finger foods more refined.

"Of course!"

Fred plucked a grape out of the fruit bowl and offered it to Draco who accepted it. Draco picked out a strawberry and offered it to George and then another one to Fred.

Conversation flowed naturally as they talked about their studies and how their NEWT preparations were going. They continued hand feeding each other in between, teasing and jokes were said here and there. It was clear that they're all having fun.

"And then professor Sprout handed all of us pots with magical seeds and told us to grow a plant or flower in them."

"Lee sprouted a rafflesia, can you believe that? Professor was so happy I bet she's thinking of snatching Lee away from Professor McGonagall."

"What did yours grow into?" Draco asked, curious. Seventh years were encouraged to refine wandless casting even during Herbology, it seems.

"I grew a pine tree! I was thinking it's nearly time for them to be harvested for December so that's what grew."

"I got a Willow! Not the whomping ones. But my imagination got skewed because the ones beside me were talking about trying to grow one."

"Professor said it was a good thing he didn't imagine the whomping ones or else Greenhouse 4 will be no more."

"Why do you even still have Herbology?" Draco asked, realising that it was a curious choice of electives to maintain.

"Oh! Because during our counselling, we said we'd like to be professors in either Herbology or Charms if being a ministry worker doesn't work out."

"And since Lee was also aiming for a professor position, Professor McGonagall just told us to pick electives that the three of us are willing to learn from so in the future, we'd be able to substitute each other's subjects."

"Actually, she picked them all while giving us the options unknowingly." 

"A Professor?" Draco raised a brow, "I thought you'd be making your very own jokeshop the moment you stepped out of Hogwarts."

The twins went quiet. 

An owl hooted as it passed by.

Humming, Fred laid down on the blankets and made himself comfortable. George followed soon after.

Draco blinked at the silence. "Did I say something wrong?"

Draco went willingly when two sets of hands pulled him down and let the twins rearrange their positions so they'd all settle down. Draco guesses it's time for the heart to heart talk he's been expecting the twins to do.

"We considered it, we wanted it for years." Fred started, unconsciously patting Draco's arm as he stared at the starry night.

"We wanted to establish it on Diagon Alley, then expand to Hogsmead once we've gathered enough funds."

"But there's too many risks to take for now." Fred and George said in unison.

"There are a lot of people who are against us not being ministry workers."

"A lot more people who think we're not suited for professor work."

"But you're good at Charms and Herbology." Draco pointed out.

"Yes but people see that we're always up to no good so being a professor will be hard for us!"

"Which is a bunch of hippogriff shit since Moony was up to no good and he's the best DADA professor we had!"

"You're both good at what you do." Draco huffed, holding each of the twins' hands. "I know whatever path you'll take will be thorny since a lot of people expect you to fail but for me, I believe you both will do great! In whatever! Job! Both of you will take!"

Draco was enveloped with warmth as the twins hugged him tightly. Kisses were bestowed on his cheeks, causing him to blush.

"Thank you for believing in us, our Darling Draco."

"We do have some funds for a jokeshop and we're already doing the costing and merchandise design, logo making and other miscellaneous process with Lee Jordan but it's all still plans."

"And not yet set in stone."

"Being a professor is our backup plan."

"But you're right, darling. Every path we take will be thorny."

"We'll take it easy. We promise."

Draco got up to stroke each of Fred and George's cheeks, a genuine smile on his lips.

"I'll support you in every way possible, My Jokers."

Fred and George stared at Draco, heart beating rapidly as Draco pulled away and put a hand on his chin, muttering about rent and locations, and being adorably endearing to their eyes.

Darling had always been supportive of them ever since they've corresponded. Seeing it on Draco and feeling the genuine full-on support was enough for their hearts to be full of love.

"Hey, Draco…"

"Hm?" Draco tilted his head in curiosity as Fred and George looked at him too fondly.

"Have we ever said that we love you?" Fred and George asked in unison.

"Wha-?!" Draco sputtered, a blush rising on his cheeks. "Fools! Don't say it so lightly!!"

George shook his head, pulling Draco's hand so he'd be closer to them. "We don't say it enough."

"You're a treasure in this world." Fred added as they once again cuddled closer to the blonde.

Overwhelmed with the affection the twins had for him, Draco couldn't help but take deep breaths to calm his hammering heartbeat.

"You're both going to be the death of me." Draco groaned but pulled on their jumpers so they'd be closer. Honestly, the contact makes him feel…

Safe.

Warm.

Loved.

Protected.

All the fuzzy, giddy feelings that were limited in his upbringing and emotions he'd wanted to feel for years were always present when JoKer, Fred and George, his Honey and Sweetheart, are always with him.

Ah, yes…

"My JoKer feels like home."

The moment those words left Draco's lips, tears fell from his eyes. It shocked the three of them that it was silent for a heartbeat before Fred and George rushed to wipe his tears away as Draco laughed softly and cried some more.

"Darling, you're gonna give me a heart attack! Don't cry!" Fred cooed, conjuring a handkerchief when his thumbs weren't enough to deter the tears.

"These are happy tears, I think." Draco responded as his voice broke, causing George to pull the blonde closer to stroke his back.

"Okay, if it's happy tears, we have to let it flow."

With that, the only other way Fred and George knew how to calm someone crying is cuddles. They're very good at giving cuddles, just so you know!

"Words…" Draco trailed off as he accepted the new position, cheek smushed as he lay on George's arm, with Fred's around his waist. 

It makes him feel warm, safe and free.

A reminder that right now, he's Just Draco.

He's Darling D.

And what a freeing thought that is, to not be shackled by responsibilities and dark history and familial status.

"No words are enough for you, my loves." Draco continued, "Your love for me…it's overwhelming. It's scorching. It's unfamiliar. I haven't been in love until I met both of you as JoKer. A crush is a confusing concept until I met Fred and George Weasley. This past month…" (because surely it's midnight already with how long they've been there) "I was surrounded by your love. You made me feel what love truly feels like. You're amazing, Fred. You're wonderful, George. Thank you for the love that makes me feel new beginnings. For the company that feels like it's set for a lifetime. Thank you…for being my Comforts."

Fred and George locked eyes, touched on how Draco bared his heart for them and the blatant assurance that they're not the only ones falling deeper made them fall more.

"There's just something about you that tugs our heartstrings." Fred said, kissing Draco's forehead. "Dare I say, in another life, we're soulmates."

"And there will always be something about you that makes life worth living." George added, smooching Draco's cheek as he wiped away the last of Draco's tears.

"Our Darling Draco." Fred and George chorused, leaning their foreheads towards Draco's. "Thank you for existing."

Draco bit his lip as an attempt to stop a gasp at the words Fred and George uttered.

Truly, he must've done something good in his past to be able to meet the twins in this timeline.

Smiling up towards the sky, Draco stared at the moon and stars, the witnesses of their blooming relationship.

"Hey Joker…the moon is beautiful, isn't it?"

Draco blinked as he got pecked on both cheeks.

"We love you too." was the knowing reply before Draco got smothered with cuddles.

Much later, before they packed up to head back, Fred raised his head towards the skies to smile up at the moon. It's a habit while in the Astronomy tower to observe the moon phases. Noting the Waxing Crescent Moon again, he chuckled as he realised that the moon sign for the night was Sagittarius.

He can already hear the Professor's lecture as they descend down the stairs towards the portrait.

The greatest need is to always search for something. In order to feel safe you might find that you need to have a goal, mission or philosophy that gives your life meaning.

With Moon in Sagittarius you have an optimistic approach to life and you believe that things will get better even if you get into trouble.

As they safely ventured down towards the Slytherin dorms and hugged their Darling goodnight, Fred was confident that no matter what storms may come, they'll weather through it!!

After all, Draco Malfoy is worth fighting for.

"The moon is at 18 degrees tonight." Fred commented.

"Ah, moon phase and moon signs. Hmmm," George grinned. "Well, isn't that a good omen for our relationship?"

Fred grinned back. "Thought so, too."

"No matter what happens, there will always be rainbows after downpours, ain't it?" George asked, nudging his twin.

"Of course." Fred responded confidently.

"We should have more picnics!" George said excitedly, sparkling eyes and all. Fred could only agree.

Fred and George safely made it to their dorm room, miraculously without any Professor sighting them.

Truly, a thrilling night, indeed.

–

D: Good night, JoKer.

D: I love you. 

Jo: I love you more.

Ker: I love you morest.

D: Saps.

Ker: <\3

D: Happy month anniversary

Jo: I can't believe I wasn't the first one to say it!

Ker: I can't believe Darling was the first to say it!

D: I can't believe I didn't end this relationship before it even started.

Ker: Do you want me to cry? Because I can ಥ_ಥ

Jo: We can cry a river ಥ╭╮ಥ

D: I'm just kidding. My heart is yours to break.

Jo: Our souls are yours to keep.

Ker: Our lives are yours to end.

D: That's a morbid way to say you can't live without me, how ridiculous.

Ker: but you like it.

D: I do!

Jo: And we'll never break your heart.

Ker: We'll keep it safe with our love!

D: <3

D: Dream of me

Jo: Every night!

Ker: Sweet dreams, darling!

D: See you in my dreams :)

Chapter Text

Ker: Darling, how are your patrols?

D: Surprisingly boring. It's just like regular patrols I do as a prefect.

Jo: No troublemakers?

D: Well, I haven't bumped into both of you during my patrols, haven't I?

Jo: So mean :(

Ker: but can't argue with it at all!!

Jo: We actually plan our pranks around your patrol routes and schedule, you know?

Ker: Your planner was quite a handy loot!

D: I knew you were going to steal it at some point so what you have is only a copy. So, which ones were the ones you think were true?

Jo: …wait…

Ker: So you're telling me…

Jo: we've been learning weeks of a fake Darling?!

D: You can't possibly have thought I'm actually allergic to apples right?

Ker: Well, Ronniekins has a flower allergy and he can still coexist with it, right?

Jo: And we think Dobby gives you magically filtered apples that's why your apple dishes always taste more delicious…

D: Dobby doesn't have a fruit filter in his arsenal but he does know how to take seeds off a fruit even if it isn't sliced.

Jo: So you don't wear multicoloured fuzzy socks to bed? That bit was so cute though…

Ker: and the skin care routine

Jo: the ballroom dance step shortcuts

Ker: the study routines!!!

Jo: plant maintenance

Ker: and were even the mermish hand signs right?!

D: You managed to weed out most of it already. What image have you painted me in your minds these past few years?

Jo: Like… an angel 

Ker: Like… a reincarnated Four Founder, yknow.

Jo: Yeah, since the castle loves you.

D: The reason the castle doesn't like you is because you've been pranking her for seven years.

Ker: She's like a second Professor McGonagall!! 

Jo: but even more exposed to mischief!!

D: Try to be kind to the castle, maybe it'd like you.

Ker: Yknow what… we'll do that!!!

–

In life, you truly needed to expect the unexpected.

Like a bludger is always out to give you a concussion.

Or in this case, a pair of twins appearing in the Hospital Wing.

"Dear me," Madam Pomfrey raised a brow at the sight of two gobsmacked Gryffindors. "Is there anything we can help you with?"

"We tried to be kind and it sort of led us here." George replied, crossing his arms and huffing.

"Who?" Draco asked, a twitch on his lip the only indication he was trying hard not to laugh.

"Hogwarts!! We stroked the doors and everything, cleaned floors and sang to them!!" Fred started, acting out the things they did.

"And they led us here!"

"Maybe they're running a fever." Draco commented to Madam Pomfrey who nodded and made Fred and George lay down on the vacant beds.

"You're both always running around, you're bound to be here anyway." 

"So mean."

"Does this mean we can skip classes?" Fred asked, a smile on his face as he was tucked in. George smiled as well, curious.

"It means Professor McGonagall is going to be contacted."

"Oh, what the?! Your presence alone was enough to heal me!"

"I feel better! Soooo much, I can even play Quidditch right away!"

Fred and George shot up the beds and rushed towards the door.

"Look at the time, we have to go now!"

Before Draco or Madame Pomfrey could even say anything, the door to the Hospital Wing swung open and closed.

"Well then, shall we go over the documents while we wait for tea?" Madame Pomfrey asked Draco, already used to the twins' antics.

Draco chuckled and gestured towards the office. "Lead the way."

–

Quidditch is a very welcome sport now that the Triwizard Cup ended and the pitch wasn't used to grow hedges. The energy in the pitch is always booming!

Not that they didn't play mock quidditch last year. Krum was there so obviously he'll be challenged a lot... And Harry, the Boy Who Finally Got Permission along with the Weasley siblings spent the longest time with the Bulgarian flying around Hogwarts. (There was a time they couldn't find the snitch at all because they didn't limit its range and had to ask a Professor for help)

There was even a Durmstrang vs. Hogwarts Quidditch match that ended with a tie. Viktor encouraged the Weasleys to train more, his heart eyes on Ron's talent ignored by the twins and Ginny.(okay, fine, they were just crashing on Viktor, Ron and Hermione's Quidditch dates shhh)

That led to Harry, Fred, George, Ron and Ginny playing mock Quidditch more this year now that the pitch is available again. Angelina and Katie were all amazed on how they've improved!

Ron still has flaws in being a Keeper but with Viktor and the Power of Love, he's improved a lot. Ginny joined the Quidditch team as a substitute Seeker and Chaser, so far she's the most balanced player in her year. Fred and George are Fred and George, unbeatable beaters. Harry apparently sucks at being Keeper, his beater reflexes are good but he excels well in being a Seeker. 

Now, Draco… Draco honestly doesn't enjoy Quidditch that much.

Because his teammates suck.

The only way to win is to find the snitch AND FAST. He did that with Hufflepuff (with Cedric gone, they're still a bit off-centre) and Ravenclaw (Cho Chang had been a vicious player but he pulled through).

(What's the use of weekly training if you're just flexing your muscles and not scoring, Montague?)

The Quidditch Match of Slytherin vs. Gryffindor had almost the entirety of Hogwarts in attendance. The cheers were deafening and the players were all brimming with energy.

Katie and Angelina were facing off Crabbe, who kept on sending bludgers towards them. A few minutes later, the girls could evade the bludgers easily when they were each assisted by the twins.

Above the Quidditch pitch, Seeker Draco's eyes narrowed towards the action and scoffed.

...No, he is not jealous.

Doing a quick scan on why his heart felt like it's being squeezed, it's because his stamina is almost running empty, okay?!

Gritting his teeth, Draco ignored the flirty (teasing) remarks from Announcer Lee Jordan who had been amused when he saw Draco scoff minutes earlier. The announcer had a good vantage point and clearly saw what made the blonde irritated. (Let Lee enjoy this, okay? It's been a long time coming…)

Harry looked at the scoreboard, 100 - 120, in favor of Gryffindor and tilted his head as he did calculations. If the snitch shows up now, Draco could still turn the tides. He promised Angelina to move when the score turns into 150, anyway. Glancing at the audience stands and catching Blaise's intense gaze, he looked away and hid his blush when the Slytherin Casanova just had to wink at him! That git!

Madam Hooch's whistle blew as Slytherin scored 20 points, tying with Gryffindor.

"And it's a tie, ladies and gentlemen! But the seekers are still not seeking! Even gold hunter Harry Potter had stayed above the Quidditch pitch, not moving! Slytherin fast striker Draco Malfoy stayed in his position for more than a minute! Has anyone found the snitch yet?!"

Harry and Draco glared at Lee Jordan in unison as the attention fell onto them, shouts of 'find it', 'get on with it' echoing from the hyped up crowd.

"He's enjoying this a bit too much, isn't he?" Harry commented across the field. Draco scrunched up his nose and agreed.

"We'll get back to him at D.A." both Seekers vowed as they moved, circling the Quidditch pitch.

"The Seekers are on the move!!!" Lee Jordan hollered, gaining the attention of the players briefly.

"No, Harry!" Angelina cried out. "Stick to the plan!!"

Draco heard it and smirked. That's right.

Stick to the plan, eh?

His broom led him to the Slytherin audience stands, locking eyes with the Slytherin Hogwarts Musical members and the Slytherins who participated in his plan. Like a Maestro starting the band, he swung his hand and the acapella started.

"To celebrate the debut of Ronald Weasley as Keeper." Draco bowed reverently at Ron who was a good distance away.

A high, mocking, fast paced and annoying song sounded and gained the attention of the cheering Houses. They paused for a bit to hear what the song is about until the Gryffindors were roaring for them to stop singing across the stands once the lyrics sunk in.

Weasley cannot save a thing,

He cannot block a single ring,

That's why Slytherins all sing:

Weasley is our King.

Weasley was born in a bin

He always lets the Quaffle in

Weasley will make sure we win

Weasley is our King.

Throughout the song, Ron did keep missing the Quaffle, the Slytherins who weren't singing were cheering as the score went up for their House.

"Ron, don't listen!!" George growled out, glaring at the Slytherins.

George had gripped his bat so hard, it was splintering. But he can't very well swing his bat against the audience even if it's Slytherin. The bludger he hit went hurtling down the sand with a heavy thud. It was enough to silence a few but the others who knew of the barriers sang louder.

Draco's melodious laughter rang out the pitch, amusement clear in his body language as the song came to an end.

The score was 160 - 120, in favour of Slytherin.

"Did you like my gift to your friend, Potter?" Draco drawled and Harry looked enraged, brows furrowed and nose flared in anger.

"Take that back! Don't sing the song ever again!" Harry yelled out, his voice loud enough to be heard amongst the cheers.

Gryffindors booed at the stands, Ginny screaming out that the Slytherins were basically cheating for causing distractions.

"That's enough, Harry." Katie flew up and physically dragged Harry's new Firebolt away from the Slytherin Prince. "You know we just have to score!!"

Angelina had checked up on Ron and he held a shaky thumb up. 

"I can do this!"

Hearing it from above, Draco did a few tricks and smirked, the other Slytherin players snickering.

"Let's see how long you'll last, Your Majesty."

An hour later, the song was sung a total of three times now and Harry caught the snitch. Draco was beside him but was about to hit the Quidditch rings stand so he pulled back as Harry dived into the largest ring to catch the snitch, belatedly hearing Angelina's horrified 'No!'

300 - 300

The Gryffindors and Slytherin tied.

"It's a tie! The Gryffindors and Slytherins are having a remaaatcchh!" Lee Jordan's voice sliced through the silence that enveloped the Quidditch pitch after the scoreboard released the numbers.

The crowd murmured as Ron, Harry and the Weasley Twins immediately went to the locker rooms without confronting Draco Malfoy.

"A tie?!" Montague shouted in outrage, alighting his broom and stalking up to Draco. "Bloody hell, Draco! A tie!"

Draco raised a brow at the Slytherin Quidditch Captain. "I'm the one who should be irritated, I already did enough to distract the Keeper as I said I would but your skills are obviously not up to par! Why have you been playing Quidditch for Children all this time??"

"It's your fault we're tied again!"

"Why, are you a Weasley? Did the song affect you as well?" Draco's tone was mocking as Montague flinched and stepped away. "You suck at being a Keeper, too, right? Are you sure your career choice should be in Quidditch? Your records are going to make your recruiters cry."

Montague was about to retort, his pride in tatters, when Angelina pushed him out of the way to stand directly towards Draco.

"What was that, Malfoy?? How could you be so cruel to do that song!!"

Draco looked boredly at the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain.

"Were there any rules regarding singing in the Quidditch Rulebook? It if wasn't allowed, Madame Hooch would've stopped it the moment the first notes were sung, right?"

"How could you do this to Ron?!" Katie yelled, standing beside Angelina. "Play fair, you Slytherin."

Draco put a hand on his chest, "Why are you all berating me as if it's my fault? It's not my fault Gryffindors only rely on Potter to turn the tides or even out the scores."

"Take that back!"

"That's enough." Professor McGonagall interrupted, "Go to your locker rooms, now."

And with that, they dispersed. Angelina and Katie shot Draco icy glares but it did nothing to deter the blonde's menacing smile.

Mischievous silver grey eyes eyed the scoreboard as he went inside the Slytherin locker rooms, soaking the 300 - 300 into his memory.

It was a good game.

After all, it all went according to his plan.

–

(A few weeks before the Quidditch Match)

After a successful lesson on 'Reducto' during D.A., (where they found the youngest Weasley to have affinity for explosions), Draco had proudly presented Ron a foot-long parchment paper.

"What's this? More homework?" Ron balked, accepting it. As he was unrolling it, he paused the moment Draco said:

"Pansy, Blaise and I wrote you a song."

"We're quite proud of it." Pansy smirked.

"Eh, I just added dramatic flair." Blaise commented as he directed Harry towards his best friend.

Harry and Hermione, curious beings on why Ron was the only one who got a song, sandwiched Ron in between them as Ron nervously unrolled the parchment.

Reading the lyrics, Ron groaned.

"I knew it. I knew you'd do this!!" Ron was close to whining but thought better not to, knowing the Slytherins were worse than his brothers when it comes to teasing. "And Viktor already gave me tips and tricks, just so you know!"

"It's alright," Draco said wisely. "We all have our own flaws."

Hermione groaned as her mind finally processed the lyrics. "Don't tell me you're making Slytherin sing this? You're basically bullying him!"

"Well, isn't it time for Ron to be our center of attention? Harry and I are lacking any more topics to pick from." Draco pointed out.

"Harry, say something!" Ron shook Harry by the shoulders.

Harry did a thinking pose, staring intently at the parchment paper. "I don't think that's the only trick up their sleeve."

"You're getting smarter, Harry." Pansy cooed, patting the Boy Who Did Not Get Into Ravenclaw on the head.

"Harry's right." Blaise said, brandishing a 'Weasley is Our King' badge with a broom, Quaffle and Quidditch rings logo. "We have badges, too!"

"I knew it." Harry hissed at the merchandise before hugging his best friend. "It's okay, Ron. It'll get better. They did this to me last year, too, didn't they?"

Right. The 'Potter Sucks' badges.

"And we profited so much." The Slytherins said in unison.

"Don't worry, Ron. Like Harry, you'll be well compensated. This project is like, non profit for us."

"And we'll give you the remaining galleons after we docked off the charming, transfiguration and spell work fee."

"It's a collaboration project in our Pureblood classes." Pansy elaborated, groaning at the thought of it. "Our Professors are kind of sadists when fishing out projects."

"And we'll even give you invisible earplugs when you hear it outside the Quidditch pitch." Blaise offered, smiling like a marketing manager. "We gave one last year to Harry, too. We spelled his glasses so that he won't see the badges we made for him."

"Tempting." Ron murmured, brain already in overdrive as he weighed the pros and cons.

"Viktor would be very angry with the three of you." Hermione admonished them, already knowing Ron would agree the moment she heard 'galleons'.

"Oh, don't worry about him. I'm sending him a letter." Draco said, taking a pristine white envelope out of his pocket and handing them to the Golden Trio.

–

To my dearest, most beloved friend that I cherish with all my heart, Viktor

How is Bulgaria's weather? Wait, I do not know where you are doing your training but I hope this letter finds you well.

I'm fine, thank you. I appreciate your concern. Oh, why did I write to you? I'm just updating you on the going-ons in Hogwarts like a good friend, like I've always done.

By the way, I'm breaking Ron's spirit and love for Quidditch during our first Quidditch game this year. Thought I'd let you know. Just in case they'll write to you with shaky handwriting and tears-streaked pages filled with their woes.

Don't worry, I won't make him hate me. I'm too loveable for that.

Don't fly back to Hogwarts, okay? You still have to settle your inheritances. Maybe write Ron a very sincere, loving, vomit-inducing, cliché letter if I did break him. 

Really, Viktor. Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger?? Why pick people whose spirits I have to break via extracurricular activities and academics?? You're painting me like a villain when I'm much better than that.

Write back.

Your soulmate if you had good taste,

Draco Malfoy

–

"Do you always write your letters to Viktor this way?" Hermione asked incredulously. From what she remembered, Viktor was fond of letters he got from his Slytherin friends.

"Not always. We do write like that if he doesn't reply within five letters we send him." Pansy shook her head. "Viktor doesn't really like replying back."

Ron and Hermione looked at each other and wisely kept quiet about the three page minimum letters they got each as reply for every letter they sent to Viktor. (If they stacked all the correspondence they got, they'd have two novels already)

"How much will I get in this project?" Ron asked, frowning. "I need mental health benefits, patience benefits, and nonaggression benefits because I have to hold back Fred and George from attacking you."

"If everything goes according to plan, probably five hundred galleons."

Ron's eyes bulged at the price. "That much?!"

"Well, yeah. It's a Hogwarts-wide project." Harry nodded in agreement, that was basically the same amount they got last year. (Harry found out that the students are materialistic and is a sucker for souvenirs for their school year– muggleborns included). Half the money was given to Fred and George for prank purposes, half the money went to snacks and gifts. Good investment, Harry concluded.

"Then, if I buy the song rights and remake it into something positive, how much would it be?" Ron asked, strategizing. Hearing that, Hermione eyed the lyrics and thought of rhyming words.

"If we're tied for our first match, we'll just dock off a hundred galleons. If Slytherin wins the Quidditch Cup, you'll get full price, consider it as a donation for your good graces."

"Hm, I have to discuss this with my brothers." Ron murmured.

"You're seriously bribing your way to win?" Hermione asked, mind flashing back to the slug incident during their first year.

"No. We're just showcasing the benefits." Draco smiled angelically.

"Merlin, I think we're going to be the reason Hogwarts will be in ruins." Hermione muttered as Ron, Harry and the Slytherin trio shook hands, eyes filled with mischief.

When Ron tripped because of a sudden raised tile, Hermione thinks Hogwarts agrees.

–

(The night after the Quidditch Match)

Ker: When Darling asked us a few weeks ago if we're good singers, I thought they'd wish for a serenade.

D: There are song cupids for that.

Jo: We can carry a tune at most but what I was expecting isn't our baby brother getting a song dedicated to him.

Ker: Imagine our life partner dedicating a song to someone else first rather than us?

D: That's what you're sulking about??

Jo: If you can compose a song, why didn't we hear it first?!

Ker: Is it because we're like Julietta and Romino? From that muggle book you've all been reading?

Jo: Hidden relationships and Family enemies :( woe is us

D: I already sang for you and please don't bring those characters in here!

Jo: but we have so much in common with them!

D: Do you want us to die in vain? They took a stupid potion and thought the other was really dead so they stabbed themselves.

Ker: I mean, if it was potion, I think we'd have check it on you first.

Jo: but in time, we'll know you can brew those undetected in the bloodstream

Ker: And besides!! Pureblood Knives scares me, you have a supplier with unlimited supply.

D: Don't be ridiculous.

Jo: YOU DISTRACTED US AGAIN!

Ker: Make a song for us while we make a spell for you, darling? \(๑╹◡╹๑)ﾉ♬

D: I'll think about it.

Jo: Back to the Quidditch match, we're tied!! Just so you know, we won't lose in the next match! We're already practicing the other version of the song!

Ker: I'm still annoyed now that I know the tune but hearing the revised one makes me feel less angry. I can't believe you dedicated a project like this to our little brother ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ

Jo: but we're going to be holding back because Ron already discussed it with us. And the lyrics was accurate because Ron did get born in a bin

Ker: Old man Bin's inn a few streets away from the Three Broomsticks where mum was staying

Jo: Did Ron tell you that story?

D: It was an educated guess.

Jo: Ron did suck at being a Keeper but we all have to suck before we get better at it, anyway.

Ker: And Ginny was apparently a good actress. Since she already knew about it but I still heard her screeching.

Jo: Did you let the D.A. know it's a prank? Because Lee is about to be really angry!

Ker: Angry Lee is scary!

D: Not really. Maybe except Neville, since Pansy and Blaise would never exclude the precious child with this prank.

Ker: Nepotism!!!

D: Neville deserves the whole world.

Jo: Neville is getting a bit too spoiled, me thinks

Ker: Me thinks so, too.

D: Of course, he is. He will be a hero even if he isn't the Chosen One, just wait and see.

D: Oh, and good job earlier, beaters.

Jo: I can't believe we're an afterthought!

Ker: you did well, too. We almost had a heart attack when you're about to hit the pole.

Jo: and no, we were not speeding towards you that time no matter what Angelina will say next training.

Ker: we were going to assist Harry

D: Why are you practicing your excuses on me?

Ker: Practice makes perfect.

D: Agreed.

Ker: Can we know what's our rank in your priority list? Is it 1. Studying 2. Neville 3. Potions 4. Friends 5. Us?!

D: Close, you're actually 7th. I have a lot of duties up there.

Jo: but Neville is 2nd?!

Ker: Darling, you need to sort out your priorities!!

Jo: Like Hermione!!

D: My priorities are very organised.

Jo: No, it isn't? You love us, we should be in the top 5 priority list!

D: Well, at least you're in the top ten.

Ker: You're breaking our hearts. <\\\\3

D: Fine. I'll sort it out.

Jo: Yay (≧▽≦)

D: Next year.

Ker: Procrastinator!!!

D: Coming from you?

Ker: I hate it here ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ

–

The D.A. members were all fidgety as they entered the Room of Requirement. Only Luna, Neville and Ginny weren't really bothered.

The D.A. consisted of seventeen students in contract, a total of twenty in person.

Hannah Abbot, Susan Bones, Zacharias Smith from Hufflepuff. 

Luna Lovegood, Cho Chang, Marietta Edgecomb, Terry Boot from Ravenclaw.

Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, Ginny Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Fred Weasley, George Weasley and Lee Jordan for Gryffindor.

(And Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zabini for Slytherin). 

Half of those froze in shock as they saw Ron and Draco battling it out in Wizard chess like it's a normal Tuesday, as if the Weasley is Our King fiasco during the Quidditch Match didn't happen.

"Checkmate." Ron smirked, looking at Draco.

"You win this time." Draco conceded, sighing.

"I let you win the other times." Ron laughed, pulling Draco close and giving him a headlock.

The members watched on, maybe they're mass hallucinating.

"Aren't you supposed to be fighting?" Susan stuttered out, announcing the arrival of D.A. to the occupants of the room.

Pansy and Hermione looked up from the reference book they were reading for their homework they needed to pass two weeks later and snickered. Ron had heard the song prior to the Quidditch game and had admitted it was catchy but annoying.

Harry, who had been challenging his drawing skills, stopped scratching his masterpiece to oversee the drama. Blaise, Harry's model, slouched a bit and a lazy smirk appeared. The two of them have been having mini dates ever since September to make up for the long distance relationship during summer. Any free time is date time.

Draco grinned at the D.A. members and they all averted their gazes as they felt the evil intent.

"Ronald, were we fighting? After we've composed a song entirely inspired by you?"

Ron snorted, "You need to upgrade your mocking skills if you want to see me broken."

"Oh, thank Merlin." Dean muttered, leaning on Seamus. "I thought it was weird Ron wasn't wailing in our dorm."

"It's just a prank." Draco smiled angelically but the members wisely stepped back.

"Okay! Now that the cat's out of the bag, let's start our lessons, shall we?" Hermione clapped her hands and the Room of Requirement turned into the default training room setting.

"I already healed Ron's wounded pride." Draco said and with a wave of his wand, he had donned his healer robes. "I am his healer, after all."

"What sort of medicine did you give him, then?" Lee Jordan asked, definitely knowing what it is.

Draco handed Ron a small pouch that jingled when he shook it. "Money."

"Figures."

"Neville, dear, did you do your homework?" Pansy asked, hugging the tall Gryffindor. Neville wordlessly asked for help towards Ginny and Luna but both girls seemed fascinated with the view outside a window that suddenly appeared.

"I-I did and Gran says the family daggers aren't allowed to be in my vicinity in this lifetime."

Pansy clicked her tongue. "That woman is an enemy to the Traditional Arts. How about your personal Pureblood Knife?"

"Uh- it's in my Vault."

"Retrieve it during the hols, okay, dear?"

"O-okay."

"Then, I'll teach you the beauty of threats and sharp things."

"Sharp things like…?"

"Wits."

"Ah."

"Come here, Nev." Blaise smiled brightly. "We'll be doing wandless casting today!"

Hearing that, Seamus nudged Dean. "How come Nev can be taught something that advanced?"

Dean looked at Seamus as if he's grown another head. "You want to be adopted by Slytherins?"

Seamus paused before going towards Harry, where it's relatively safer. "Let's just pray for Nev."

"Thought so."

Fred and George came barging in half an hour later, proudly showing off their fireworks show which ended with singed hairs and soot all over the Room of Requirement.

Draco, eye twitching and wand drawn, demonstrated a perfect 'Reducto' they'd been mastering.

The twins flew off a few feet away with defeated grunts and apologies.

"Well then," Harry redirected the attention away as soon as Fred and George clung to Healer Draco. "Shall we move on to the next spell?"

–

D: It's been so peaceful lately, it's so strange 

Jo: Uh, darling? Your song prank set off the hostility between Gryffindors and Slytherins up a notch

Ker: Didn't you hear the sixth years bickering every time they changed classrooms? The first and second years were one class away from a fistfight.

D: I feel like Hogwarts is keeping me away from chaos.

Ker: Darling? You started this chaos?

D: Everything seems so right.

Jo: Are you okay?

D: No. The Hufflepuffs won't buy badges so our target goal isn't budging. These badgers are neutral so we have to think how to sell it again.

Ker: So it is about money.

D: And the Ravenclaws are too peaceful with the Houses, how strange is that?

Jo: I don't see you but I know you have your scheming face

Ker: Let us hear your train of thought!

D: We shouldn't promote house unity!!

Jo: Truly a fitting statement for the one who broke the fragile peace between Slytherin and Gryffindor! 

D: Oh please, I aspire to do the opposite of what Professor Umbridge had done!

Ker: House unity isn't really her forte…

D: What are you talking about? She united all Houses to hate her! No one had ever done this feat, not even Lockhart!

Jo: Darling's got a point!

D: Gryffindors and Slytherins are in a stalemate right after the next Quidditch match, anyway. After the Gryffindors sing the revised song.

Jo: After that, anyone taunting Ron will have a singing battle with a Gryffindor. Don't you know we have a lot of songbirds in our midst?

Ker: looking forward to it.

D: So we need Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw to fight. Come on, let's give them a spotlight. There's four Houses here, not two!

Ker: I feel like I shouldn't be encouraging this but…

Jo: What's the plan?

D: Steal the tea ceremony sets!!

Ker: and blame the Ravens!! 

D: We move out at dawn.

Jo: Noted! Preparations are ongoing!

Ker: Meet you at the pear!

D: :)

Ker: :)

Jo: :)

Chapter Text

D: What do you want for your gifts? It's nearing winter holidays…

Jo: What do you want? You basically can buy everything.

D: A unicorn

Ker: Nearly everything. Do you want us hauled to Azkaban? We can only get unicorns in illegal trades!

D: No. And unicorns don't belong in stables, anyway.

Jo: and we don't have Hagrid's luck of getting shady people to sell their creatures to him.

D: Wasn't Norberta an evil, villainous ploy to get Fluffy's weakness? Hermione told me that.

Jo: We would accept anything you give us!

D: Coal.

Ker: You've been hanging out too much with a certain Bright witch…

D: It's been said that it's something you receive if you've been naughty.

Jo: We've been nothing but angels this year.

Ker: We always do one good deed a day!!

Ker: So? What is it that you want?

D: A new journal. This one's nearing its end.

Jo:...

Ker:...

D:...?

Ker: WHO TOLD YOU THAT'S ONE OF OUR GIFTS?!

Jo: THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A SURPRISE!!

D: You both did, a school year ago.

Jo: Oh, indeed.

Ker: Flipping back a few hundred pages ago, we did…

D: Idiots.

Ker: well, YOUR idiots.

D: Yes, MY idiots.

Ker: ⁄(⁄ ⁄•⁄-⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄

Jo: ( ꈍᴗꈍ)

–

"Dobby be happy Young Master Draco looks happier nowadays." 

Draco paused from lining sliced apples on the dough in Dobby's mini kitchen. Looking at the jovial elf whisking eggs, he scoffed.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Dobby snickered. "Dobby not lying."

There was silence as Draco observed the free house elf put final touches on the apple pie they were making.

"I came here to escape from Uncle Sev's lectures not to be interrogated." Draco huffed.

"Dobby not interrogating."

Draco glanced around the room and saw a new boudoir Pansy probably gave him. Sensing a good timing to change the topic, Draco pointed at it while Dobby placed the apple pie on the oven. 

"Nevermind that. Did Pansy give you that?"

"Lady Pansy and Sir B be spoiling Dobby with gifts!" Dobby beamed, "Dobby's favorite is the cream. It makes Dobby's skin feel smooth!"

"So that's why you looked younger." Draco noted. "Maybe once Tilly sees you, she'll get heart eyes."

"Tilly be missing me?" Dobby fidgeted. "Dobby be missing Tilly, too."

Draco thought of Pansy's house elf who was so distraught when Dobby didn't come back to the Malfoy Manor.

"Shouldn't you be courting her already?"

Dobby tripped.

"Dobby h-heard nothing!" Dobby scampered towards the oven. "Oh, the apple pie is done!"

Draco snickered.

–

Ker: If we became a cockroach, will you still love us?

D: You'd be perfect ingredients for Potions.

–

"Somehow, it feels a bit peaceful lately." Pansy commented.

Fred and George looked at each other, feeling a sense of déjà vu.

"How so?" Hermione asked, glancing at the twins curiously. 

It was a rare time where they're all free and hanging out after D.A. was finished. Probably because the quizzes and projects are almost done.

"Feels like Professor Umbridge is lying low. That woman came up to half a hundred decrees and it's not even a quarter of the school year."

"Maybe because she can't find the culprit of the people who kept on destroying her cat plate collection." Blaise snickered.

"She's mourning for it?" Harry asked, skeptical.

"No, she's busy planning with the Minister how to gain even more power to overthrow Dumbledoor." Draco answered, putting down his quill and relaxing back on the cushions.

"I like that." Pansy nodded.

"That she wants more power?" Ron asked, putting away all his finished homework and opening Viktor's recent letter. (Seeing that it's five pages, he put it away as well to read with Hermione later) (Something tells Ron that Viktor hadn't replied to the Slytherins yet)

"No, overthrowing the Headmaster!" Pansy's eyes brightened. "What a great idea! We should plan one too!"

"Professor McGonagall deserves the Headmaster position at this point." Harry pointed out. "She's been doing most of his work, anyway. Have you seen her desk? It's drowning in paper."

Before anyone could comment, Dobby popped in to give out treats and drinks.

"Thank you, Dobby." They all chorused. Dobby's ear flapped in happiness.

Fred and George helped themselves with the meat pies before they noticed Dobby handing Draco a slice of apple pie.

"Dobby, don't you think Draco had enough of apple pie? He's been eating it every day." 

The twins wisely looked away as Draco threw a scathing glare on their way.

Dobby looked at the Twins Terrors as if they suddenly merged into one body.

"Young Master Draco must eat it every day!" Dobby sighed as if they've committed a heavy crime. "An apple a day keeps the plague away!"

Dobby huffed, tutted and shook his head before disapparating.

Draco laughed at the gobsmacked look Fred and George were sporting.

"Serves you right." Draco smirked, taking a bite out of the pie. "Stay away from my apple pies."

Eyes narrowing, Fred and George can't help but think apples are way up into the Top 5 priority list of Draco Malfoy.

Pansy cleared her throat, wand at ready which is as dangerous as a Pureblood Knife on her hand.

"So about the overthrowing plan…"

Someone should stop that dangerous thought, people in the room concluded.

"Let me hear it." 

The Gryffindor trio inched closer to Fred and George as Blaise and Draco grinned at the Parkinson Lady.

Fred and George wisely placed more food on the younger Gryffindors' plate. They need all the energy they can get.

After all, chaos breeds chaos.

–

Ker: I'm glad the Overthrow plan is put into hold…

D: Well, it's still not the right time to enact it. 

Jo: Speaking of, how many cat plate collection has Umbridge even ordered?

Ker: Yeah, we only destroyed one plate collection and yet somehow she's been ordering more every other week!

D: Someone's doing it constantly.

Ker: It wasn't us, we're preoccupied with our project lately.

Jo: Is it you, Darling? You seem to know something.

D: No, I've been making potions with Professor Snape all month.

D: But I do know who keeps on breaking her cat plate collection.

Jo: Who?

D: The wall. And peeves.

Ker: the what!!

D: Someone enchanted the wall to be unable to function whenever a certain weight condition is met.

Jo: Bloody brilliant!

Ker: Sneaky!!

Jo: How about the tea ceremony sets?

D: We can give it back, no need to break perfectly crafted sets.

Ker: I never would've thought the badgers cared for it so much.

Jo: their tea parties must've bored them without the fine china.

D: The ravens are frequent guests for tea parties so it's just a matter of time before the story unfolds itself. How exciting!

Ker: We've been off to a great start. Oh, and by the way, Darling…

Jo: What should we do on our month anniversary?

Ker: Monthsary

Jo: it sounds so lame…

D: Do we really need to celebrate every month?

Ker: Yes

Jo: Yes!

D: Then, what shall we do? Do you want a picnic again?

Jo: No!

Ker: Yes!

Jo: How about we have a snowball fight and the winner will plan it?

Ker: I'm all fired up!

D: What is with you two and snow storms?

Jo: The cold never bothered me anyway.

Ker: Blizzards are repelled by the castle, anyway. All the snow is gathered on the fields.

D: What are your plans exactly?

Jo: Will the house elves even agree for a cook off inside the kitchens?

Ker: Will the cats be disgruntled if we invade the Cat Rooms?

D: I don't know about the house elves but the cats will be disgruntled, do you want Hilt to hate you?

Jo: What are you talking about, we're Hilt's favorites!

Ker: Hilt doesn't even attack us anymore while the disillusionment charm is up!

D: I think it's because Hilt gave up. If I can sense you, Hilt can still sense you, you know?

Ker: I can't read suddenly, it's all ink blots…

Jo: What do you wanna do on our special day, Darling?

D: Bring chaos in the Gryffindor dorms.

Ker: Spoken like a true Slytherin.

–

Harry was excited!

The Chosen One has taken to having small dates with Blaise throughout the past months. He treasures every moment with the handsome Slytherin who is very smart, supportive and very very very flirty!!! 

There was a reason he believes that opposites do attract with how their personalities seem to clash but Blaise is so understanding and have lots of self-control!

Believe it or not, Harry was the one to initiate their first kiss! 

Harry learned from his guardians that time time with people you love can drastically change in a moment's notice so he'd been planning their dates and to-do lists the whole summer. He couldn't contact Blaise at all since the Pureblood had been off to do what Purebloods do so he spent time pining.

Now that he's back at Hogwarts, there is no time to waste!! Harry even got flustered when Blaise had showered him with affection and praise the moment he was welcomed into Blaise's warm embrace. 

It was a wonder how he'd kept his relationship with Blaise a secret, it seemed obvious to him but seeing Seamus and Dean getting shocked when they joined the D.A. had him realising they were good actors outside the Room of Requirement.

He's been to the Slytherin dorms back in second year and just last year to meet the mermaids but…this year…Blaise promised to tour him there! And that day is today!

Harry is so excited to see…

The Slytherin dorms…

Harry paused, looking at the extravagant furnishings and aesthetic, expensive looking decor the moment he went down the dorm stairs.

"I'm still in the Gryffindor Tower, right?" Harry asked Ron, who was standing beside him equally gobsmacked.

Their common room had been changed into greens and silvers. There was no speck of red and gold to be seen. The fireplace had been changed and the fire was glowing green, the couches and beanbags were changed to expensive sofas and carpets. Even the candelabras were changed!!! 

If it weren't for the panicking lions around them, you'd have thought they'd been transported in the basement where the Slytherin dorms reside.

"...yeah mate." Ron belatedly replied, eyes fixated on the window where an imitation of the Mermaid Wall began. "I think."

"So we didn't sleepwalk all the way down the Slytherin dorms…" Harry nodded, relieved.

Hermione, having woken up with all the commotion, came down all freshened up and ready for breakfast. Seeing the new interior, she smiled brightly.

"I like it." The witch commented, adjusting her school bag. She made her way out of the portrait door while humming unaware of the disbelieving looks she got from those who heard her.

"You don't suppose the Sorting Hat made a mistake when it announced her House?" Ron questioned, eyes fondly looking at the bushy haired brunette.

"I'm blaming Draco for this." Harry groaned, dragging Ron up the stairs again so they could freshen up as well.

It's way too early for this elaborate prank!!

–

Blaise was quite enjoying his fifth year. Sure, Dolores Umbridge had been raining on their school year with the intent on ruining the fun, but she's just a small, greedy ministry dog that doesn't have much authority in real life. Nonetheless, it's surely shaping up to be a peaceful year with no dark lords to invade Hogwarts and no death-magnet competitions to hold!

Blaise is quite confident his beloved Harry will come out of this year relatively unscathed. Ignoring Umbridge's attempt on scarring him (which Blaise magnificently exploded the new Cat plate collection undetected as revenge), it was thwarted with how Draco was quick to assist. Ignoring the Dark Lord gathering allies and servants during their school year since Blaise has plenty of time preparing Harry for a Death Eater invasion (adults are predictable). Ignoring the fact that the Daily Prophet was hiding the truth about the Dark Lord's reappearance by calling Harry delusional and a liar. (Hogwarts students had long since learned not to trust the Prophet ever since Sirius's trial was written like an afternote). Lastly, ignoring the fact that Harry is leading an army! (With their help, of course. Healer Draco is the reason they're all unscathed at this point)

Knowing that the future isn't that bright to begin with, Blaise treasures every moment with Harry.

To the point he agreed to tour his beloved in the Slytherin dorms. (They've exhausted all the places they can have a date)

"Is this Draco's doing?" Blaise asked the moment he arrived at the common room. No wonder the Slytherin Prince is still in bed, snoozing away.

"I think he was bored last night." Pansy commented, sipping tea while stroking Hilt's fur.

The Slytherin Casanova looked around the room filled with red and gold. His eyes hurt.

"How are you so calm?" Blaise asked as he sat down on a massive beanbag.

"I was watching the higher years fuss when they saw it and they were almost foaming at the mouth. I was too entertained to be enraged."

A plate of a scrumptious breakfast set appeared on the table. 

"Was that why we're having breakfast here?" Blaise asked, beginning to slice his eggs and bacon. He didn't flinch as Daphne Greengrass screeched the moment she came inside the common room.

"Free entertainment and a meal. Cheers." Pansy nodded, lifting her glass of pumpkin juice and clinking it with Blaise's.

"Cheers."

Blaise supposes the tour date with Harry has to be postponed to another day.

–

Ker: I've been seeing a pattern here and this realisation is keeping me up at night.

D: I thought you're night owls.

Ker: that is not my point!

Jo: Get on with it, then.

Ker: we never celebrate our month anniversaries on the exact date at all!!

Jo: Oh, you're right. 

Ker: Darling was busy on our first, we were busy on our second and yes, destroying the cat plate wall was good enough of a celebration that's not my point but now! Now, on our third we can't even be together because we'll be apart!

D: Do we really need to celebrate on the exact date? I'm just happy being with you two.

Jo: ( /^ω^)/♪♪

Ker: ♪ \(^ω^\ )

Ker: but yes! Let's aim to celebrate on our exact month anniversary date

Jo: just say Monthsary, you write so slow

D: that's another one for the new year's resolutions, i guess 

Jo: No!

Ker: Absolutely not!

D: Why?

Ker: In all our lives, all our new year resolutions were not really upheld

Jo: it's a curse

D: No, you're just not resolute enough.

Ker: Darling, by the way, I know this is not a good time to ask this question but if it's resolution you're asking, Jo and I are resolutely willing to marry you.

Jo: We're not proposing yet, by the way, we're going just informing you we are THAT resolute in our relationship!!

D: Maybe I'll accept this proposal when our hair has turned white. Then, we'll see.

Jo: We'll make it happen.

D: And of course, a ring is needed since it's tradition.

Ker: We'll make it happen.

D: and just to elaborate, this is not counted as my wish.

Ker: If you wish to wed us, we can get married right now!

D: No.

Jo: It's okay, we have plenty of time to plan for a wedding!!

–

Fred and George caused a commotion when they had a snowball fight outside the castle and came back with hair white as snow. Every offer for a snowball fight was met with a firm no or an escape run. Even Harry was dragged off by Ron!

Fred and George swaggered inside the Great Hall, firing finger wands on the Professor's table before sitting down. With the Gryffindor Table on the opposite side of Slytherins, it was difficult to gain the attention of their beloved Darling.

Scratch that, he looked this way!

Grinning and blowing frosty breaths to their bangs and fringes to accentuate their newly (temporarily) dyed hair, Fred and George struck a pose and even raked their fingers to showcase their luscious locks.

Draco stared at the sight of the Weasley Twins looking like models posing for a camera and the Gryffindors around them gawking.

He snickered.

They looked ridiculous (-ly good, like silver foxes)

He put his chin on his left hand, resting his elbow on the table and smirking at the twins. Draco fiddled with his blonde fringe and with the gentle candle glow, he knows it can look white at an angle. Surely he can accept this silent proposal but…

'No ring', he mouthed, lips quirked up in amusement.

Fred and George froze. Maybe the cold did bother them, anyway. They slumped on the table, their groans drowned out as the food appeared at the same time.

How could they forget that teeny tiny thing!?

Lee looked at the miserable twins and deemed them hopeless (romantics).

"Eat up now, food's disappearing."

"We need to make a ring."

"We need to find a dwarf that can teach us forging."

"Just buy a ring." Lee deadpanned, rolling his eyes as Fred and George looked like kicked Nifflers.

–

D: My ring finger is a size 7, just so you know.

Ker: I am eternally in awe we didn't have to result into drastic measures just to get your ring size.

Jo: and that you're interested in marrying us!!

D: You make life fun.

D: but if it gets boring, I might have to reconsider.

Ker: we'll make it so that it's hard for you to forget us even when we're apart!!

Jo: We love you, Darling!!

D: I feel it and I'm grateful for your love, my JoKer.

D: I love you too, I'll say it more until you'll get tired of it.

Jo: Never. 

Ker: We always fall more the more you say it, it's so dangerous (｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡

D: I'll catch you, I'm a good Seeker, aren't I?

Jo: ⁄(⁄ ⁄•⁄-⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄

Ker: ( ꈍᴗꈍ)

D: Oh, but we can always go to the traditional route of marriage bites. That certainly outweighs the significance of a ring, right?

Ker: My, Darling, are you proposing to us right now? o((*^▽^*))o

Jo: Because the answer will always be yes!!

D: I'm not proposing, I'm just saying it's a valid option

Jo: but can your ring finger handle both our magick?

Ker: We'll be fine because we would only have your bite. Since we're twins, our magick signature is basically the same.

D: That's simple, one on the ring finger and one on my pulse point should suffice.

Ker: We'll have to fight– discuss which part we'll bite then

D: Did I just see you write 'fight'?

Jo: It's an urgent matter. It's important!

D: but marriage is still a long ways to go

Jo: Darling, you know weddings are planned for years!!

Ker: We've already dreamt the wedding of our dreams, it could take years to be real

D: And I haven't come of age and Matched yet

Ker: I forgot. You're a Pureblood

Jo: Oh, Merlin's pants! We'll have to act out plan K!

D: Plan K?

Ker: Kidnap you and elope 

D: No one is eloping with anyone!!

Jo: We'll see

D: Uh, no, really. We wouldn't be blessed by Magick so calm yourselves.

Ker: Fine. But it is nice knowing you'd want to be wed to us!! 

D: At this moment, no, I do not.

Jo: We'll see

–

Enough is enough.

Blaise sighed heavily as the Weasley Twins declared a snowball war with the Slytherins. In front of Draco and Pansy!

With fields of snow present from the blizzard last night, Blaise concluded that with this distraction, he can have some time with Harry.

It's been a wonderful moment being with the loveable Gryffindor, everything about him changed the trajectory of his life path. Blaise is ready to do anything so that Harry can stay as happy as he could. The Slytherin Casanova always strives to make the Chosen One smile.

And with that said, time to kidnap him.

They have an overdue date.

Harry was laughing hysterically as Fred and George got pelted by continuous snowballs and yelped in shock when he was suddenly carried like a sack of potatoes.

"Blaise?!" Harry screeched incredulously.

"Hold on, Harry. I'm going to kidnap you."

"Will it still be called kidnap if I go willingly?" Harry asked back, clutching Blaise's cloak.

Blaise laughed like a madman, gaining the attention of the warring Houses.

"I've come to take your Boy Wonder!" Blaise's voice boomed followed by villainous laughter. "You lost, you lions!"

Paying no attention to the protests of the people, Blaise trudged away like a pirate holding its plunder.

Harry rolled his eyes at the dramatic flair. 

"Where are we going, B?" Harry asked once Blaise put him down. Honestly speaking, he'd rather be carried by the taller man but he needs to know where they're going first. (His hate for snow is the reason. Harry insists)

"Somewhere we could just be us." Blaise smirked, taking Harry's hands in his to pull him close and give him a chaste forehead kiss.

"Sap." Harry grumbled, lightly pushing Blaise so they'd start walking again.

They ended up in the Greenhouse Three, hidden by the new trees that the seventh years sprouted and relaxed.

Neville, at one point, found them and handed them some snacks before leaving them alone for their date. Blaise and Harry ignored the comment that they looked like an old marriage couple eloping.

"But how about it, Golden boy?" Blaise smirked, teasing Harry is his favourite pastime after all. "Elope with me?"

Harry hummed, thinking about it. "I probably will if I was still with the Dursleys…but if I elope with you right now, I don't think we can get away with Moony and Padfoot tracking us, not even a full twenty four hours later."

Blaise sighed. That much was true.

Dumbledore was a fool for trying to suppress Moony and Padfoot. Although, the old bat was smart enough to know how powerful the remaining Marauders are.

"Hey, speaking of, don't you think Professor Dumbledore has been too eerily quiet nowadays? How could he let Umbridge handle Hogwarts?"

Blaise snorted, remembering the reports he read with Pansy and Draco from their House elves and Dobby. "Word goes around he's preparing for a lot of things lately. His survival, most likely. I bet he's transporting his assets into another private account just in case something goes wrong."

Harry scrunched up his nose.

"Whatever it is, I just hope we won't get caught in it."

Blaise leaned over and gave Harry's forehead a chaste kiss.

"Don't worry, Harry. You have me. You have D.A."

Harry, blushing and flustered, dragged up some Gryffindor courage to scoot closer to Blaise and kiss his cheek.

Grinning at Blaise's shocked blinking, Harry replied.

"I like the thought of having you by my side, B."

Blaise chuckled, picking up Harry by the waist so they could hug comfortably while sitting down.

"Always." was the whispered promise that left the Slytherin's lips.

–

D: There is another blizzard tonight.

Jo: The train tracks are weather proof so I don't think our train off Hogwarts will be delayed.

Ker: The carriages are imbued with the same runes for the Great Hall as well.

D: I know all that, I'm just worried about the thestrals. Didn't Luna tell you they don't really like the cold?

Ker: but the stables are warm too

D: I just hope they won't be too fussy tomorrow. Or if they get fussy, I hope the carriage they're carrying would be both of yours

Ker: You say so mean things at times, darling

D: I just find the idea funny since it will be like a broomstick ride gone wrong, right??

Jo: I can hear your snickering all the way here, darling.

D: Ah, the scenarios just kept coming!

Ker: I wonder how your holidays will be spent

D: Balls, socializing, studying… probably escaping death

Jo: Adventurous

Ker: How enticing…

Jo: How about we stay at Hogwarts?

Ker: How about we stay at Hogwarts?

D: I have a lot of errands to do so the answer is No.

Ker: We want to spend more time with you :(

D: Then let's spend more time when we get back to Hogwarts :)

Jo: That's a promise, darling!

–

Winter in Hogwarts is really unforgivingly cold if you stay in the hallways for too long despite the century old runes. It was a blessing that the rooms are kept warm and cozy like in the Great Hall.

There was a hush that fell on Hogwarts the moment the first of the many snow fell. The mood in the Great Hall was gloomy and the candles floating on the ceiling was the only bright thing in the room. It was a day before the start of the hols and everyone who isn't at the Great Hall is packing up.

The month-long bad blood between Slytherins and Gryffindor was temporarily put under the carpet, like the Ravenclaw's and Hufflepuff's cold war. (The tea sets were all returned by the house elves after a week of finding them but the damage has been done)

Daily Prophet newspapers were shared between those who had subscribed and those who hadn't. The professors were silently eating as the hush turned to murmurs as students started to voice out their opinions, theories and worries.

Even from afar, you would be able to see the big bold letters announcing yet another spine chilling news.

MASS BREAKOUT FROM AZAKABAN: THE ESCAPE OF NOTORIOUS DEATH EATERS!!

Is Azkaban still an unbreakable prison with the recent breakout? Who did it? Is You-Know-Who back?! (By: Rita Skeeter)

At the Gryffindor table, Harry was trying hard not to show how shaky his hands were as he read the article with Ron and Hermione.

"Did they say who escaped?"

"Fenrir Greyback…"

"That's the one who bit Moony!" Harry gasped.

"Antonin Dolohov…"

"That's the one Siri captured with Dad!"

"Rodolphus Lestrange…" 

"That's the one Siri captured with Dad!"

"Barty Crouch Jr…"

"Ugh, Barty Crouch Jr…" Harry groaned together with Ron.

"There's four more but the only one that I think you'd know is Bellatrix Lestrange…"

Harry gasped.

"That's Malfoy's aunt!"

"And Siri's cousin." 

Harry groaned and buried his head in his hands.

"My holidays haven't even started yet, but it's already over!!! Goodbye, my holiday plans!!!"

Fred and George left Harry and his lamenting to Ron and Hermione. Hearing the familiar names that their parents utter in fear sometimes when nightmares visit, they can't help but feel worried for a certain Slytherin who will definitely get a visit in person from these dangerous people.

Similarly, on the Slytherin Table, Draco, Pansy and Blaise stared at the infamous names on the article.

One thing is for sure.

The chills in their spines were not from the cold.

–

Jo: Darling, we're extremely worried, shall we just stay in Hogwarts?

D: I am not allowed to stay in Hogwarts because we're holding the Christmas ball this year.

Jo: Even after what happened to the Christmas Ball of 1990?

D: Yes.

Ker: Scary.

Jo: Will you be alright?

D: Of course, I would be. Children are the bloodline's futures, are we not? I'm still going to be alive.

Ker: Won't the aurors go to your Manor, anyway?

D: Aunt Bella and the others have a lot of Manors to go through. The aurors are spread thin already.

Jo: Write to us?

D: Of course, Joker. Thank you for your concern.

Ker: I love you, Darling

D: As do I

Jo: I love you, Darling 

D: With all my heart.

D: Write to me?

Jo: Everyday!

Ker: We promise.

D: Then we'll be fine.

Chapter Text

Draco stared at the unopened letter he got the moment the Hogwarts train set off towards Platform 9¾. It wasn't even qualified as a letter, it was more of a note attached to a crow. Draco hasn't unfolded it at all because when he took a peek, he concluded he needed more courage to open it.

The moment he saw the strokes of the quill, he knew that was definitely Aunt Bella's handwriting. And two, that red fingerprint is definitely stamped using blood so the authenticity is assured.

That can't be good.

–

Jo: Something tells me that where you'll be staying is dangerous right now, darling. We're in the train but I want to go back to Hogwarts immediately 

Ker: Please always reach out to us.

D: I've never known that you are both worrywarts. I'm fine. Jo's right but they can't touch me, I still haven't gone through my magical inheritance.

Ker: We have a valid reason to worry, Darling. I just really pray to Merlin that you'll be alright until you're back in our arms.

D: Out of all the places in this world, you think I'll be the safest in both of your embraces?

Jo: The Manor is not safe, Hogwarts is not safe. Where else would you be safest than with us?

D: Probably Grimmauld Place 

Ker: You're killing our romantic lines, darling. Keep up with the mood.

D: Shouldn't you be saying that Hogwarts is the safest?

Jo: What are you talking about? It's not safe at all.

Ker: With the professors always having some sort of danger magnet, like in your first year, Professor Quirell!

Jo: and then a basilisk was apparently in the basement! 

Ker: And the runes were outdated, it got outsmarted by a (ex) convicted murderer –we can rule this one out because Padfoot's an outlier but this is in regards to Hogwarts safety measures (and Marauders minus the rat definitely outsmarted the security system, we're betting a galleon)

Jo: How is Hogwarts safe when they approved to hold a 'friendly' competition but left their Champions to their own decisions?

Ker: not to mention we have a certain power hungry pink menace on the loose now 

D: When you put it like that, we've been in an interesting castle for years now, right?

Jo: I'm blaming the sorting hat for grouping a bunch of danger magnets together. I didn't even know our bloodline carries magnets since that's a muggle thing.

Ker: Maybe Ronniekins is adopted.

Jo: I was thinking of the lines he's been influenced by Harry and Hermione but you're onto something there.

D: Ronald is definitely a Weasley. Red hair, hand-me-down robes…

Jo: Can't believe our identifying features rely on Bill's robes.

D: the freckles

Ker: You wouldn't know, maybe we spelled that on him when he was a child.

D: You're both ridiculous.

D: What will you be doing during the holidays?

Ker: depends on what happens the moment we arrive back at the Burrow.

Jo: it ranges from a massive family prank war to mundane knitting tea parties

D: Sounds chaotic

Ker: Sounds like home!

D: Take care while you're away from me and please keep your promise of no potions based experiments.

Jo: What do you take us for, darling?

D: Twin troublemakers, Twin Terrors, national disasters?

Ker: That's kind of accurate…

Jo: Nearing the platform now, darling, we have to prepare.

Ker: Talk to you later, darling! I look forward to our conversations!!

D: I might as well prepare to alight. I shall pack the journal back in the trunk.

Ker: Safe travels, darling!

Jo: Take care!

D: Both of you do take care, too!

–

Draco,

I miss you, dear nephew of mine.

We'll be training soon so prepare yourself.

Look forward to my visit!

*'Inked' fingerprint*

–

D: Have you arrived at your home, JoKer? I arrived at mine and we have visitors…

D: but I'm safe so you don't have to worry.

–

D: Jo?

D: Ker?

D: You're taking an awfully long time to reply.

D: Please write back.

–

D: JoKer

–

D: Hello?

–

D: Geo Fr

D: Jo, Ker…

D: Is everything alright?

–

D: This isn't funny.

D: if this is a prank, stop it.

–

D: JoKer?

–

D: You promised me you'd both write everyday.

–

Jo: I'm sorry, Darling.

Ker: We can't write for a while.

D: Did something happen?

Jo: …

Ker: …

Jo: Our dad was attacked

Ker: by Death Eaters.

D: Oh. 

D: I see.

–

D: Happy month anniversary.

Jo: Happy month anniversary!

Ker: Happy month anniversary~

Ker: dad is alright now, by the way!

Jo: What did you do today, darling?

–

Ker: Darling?

–

Jo: Hey, Darling!!

Ker: How are things? We're sorry we couldn't reach out to you the past week but please reply!!

–

Ker: Are you alright, darling?

–

Jo: Darling, we finished your gift! We're so excited for your reaction!

–

Ker: it's only a few days before we can go back to Hogwarts

Jo: We miss you everyday!

–

Jo: Darling, please, write to us.

Ker: We're getting kind of worried, so please, anything, just a dot is fine.

–

Ker: I love you. I miss you.

–

Jo: The moon is beautiful tonight, darling. 

–

D: I apologize for not updating you with my well-being. I'm alive.

D: Jo? Ker?

D: We need to talk.

D: After the next D.A. meeting, stay back when they all leave. Don't forget.

D: See you back in Hogwarts.

–

Jo: Good morning, darling

Ker: We're on our way to the Platform ¾

Jo: Please have breakfast!

Ker: Shall we talk on the train?

Jo: We can get Lee in a different compartment 

–

Jo: Train's departed, darling

Ker: Won't you write to us now?

–

Ker: Sorry, we fell asleep!

Jo: I don't know if I feel relieved we haven't missed any of your messages or worried because you're not writing anything back.

Ker: Did we do something wrong?

–

Ker: Nearing Hogwarts, Darling! Have you changed into your robes?

–

Jo: We're getting off the train, darling! Write back to us later after the feast?

–

Ker: Please don't ignore us.

Jo: Our hearts can't take it.

–

Jo: We saw you during the feast, darling. You haven't eaten much

Ker: Do you want us to sneak some snacks to you when you get hungry?

–

Ker: Did we do something wrong?

–

Jo: Please reply.

–

Jo: Good morning, darling! It's a relief that D.A. is meeting later! And it's just the second day back at Hogwarts!

Ker: We're awfully anxious about this talk so please reply to us!

Jo: See you later, darling!

–

It felt like everything that happened in the last quarter of last year was just a fever dream.

Fred and George stared lifelessly at the ten or so pages without Draco's handwriting in it.

They didn't know what they did for their Darling to be silent like this!

"If we're at fault, I am ready to apologize a hundred times."

"You really are my twin, because I was ready to grovel the moment I saw our Darling."

Fred and George stiffly made their way to the Room of Requirement for the D.A lesson, their hearts like stampeding centaurs. They haven't slept well ever since Draco told them they needed to talk and it's nearing a week of silence from their Darling.

'We need to talk'

That sentence felt like a curse to novels, musicals and in real life. 

Nightmares frequently visited them as their minds concocted different scenarios on what they should talk about. 

Worry gnawed in their guts, worry for Draco, worry for their relationship, worry for what's to come.

It was a good thing their Darling wrote that message the night before they have to leave for Hogwarts! Or else they'd be plagued by 'what ifs' the whole vacation!!! The thought itself was terrifying.

"Uh, George! Fred?" A voice brought them back to reality.

Wands raised and blinking to fight off the haze, the twins looked blankly at an exasperated Chosen Golden Boy Wonder.

"You both seem to be distracted so I'm taking a page off Professor McGonagall and say I don't tolerate distractions in my class." Harry imitated the stern voice. "So please go and sit by the cushion pit!"

Oh, yeah. D.A. lessons.

Harry was teaching the Patronus charm.

Lee rolled his eyes and dragged the twins to the cushion pit the Room provided. Patting the Twins Terrors' heads, he headed back to the bewildered groups of students.

"Ah, nevermind them. It's an off day." Lee Jordan shrugged and waved a dismissive hand. "They'll get back up soon enough!"

Hermione sent a barrier on the cushion pit, just in case. Fred and George were indeed eerily quiet.

"Alright, everyone! Let's go back to happy thoughts and memories!"

At the Potions corner in the room, Draco finished off listing the potions and salves at the shelves. He glanced at the twins to see them gazing up at the constellations on the ceiling the Room decorated.

Draco sighed.

They really need to talk.

–

D.A. was finished a little earlier because the Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors have homework to complete (which the Ravenclaws and Slytherins already passed a few days prior). Since the meeting was adjourned, Lee Jordan (who was one of the homework-free lions), tried valiantly to drag Fred and George out.

"Come on, you pitiful lump of coals." Lee Jordan groaned. "Do I need to use magic or are you going to move willingly?"

Fred and George just pouted at him.

"We wanna stay for a bit longer."

"Today's schedule includes a sad hour."

Lee Jordan looked at the twins as if they grew another head. There was rarely a sad hour in the schedule. He knelt down by the cushion pit and patted the downtrodden twins' heads.

"Poor babies, lemme know if I need to cheer you both up later." Lee Jordan said, already thinking what to prepare. "But a sad hour is only an hour, don't let it drag on too much or it'll get contagious. You don't want to be contagious, do you?"

"Not really."

"Tempting, but no."

"Okay, see you both later."

Lee Jordan ruffled Fred and George's hair before getting up and going out of the Room. 

((And if he happens to detect a hidden but familiar magical signature of a certain blonde Slytherin, it was just a figment of his imagination))

–

Draco disabled his disillusionment charm the moment Lee Jordan went out and the Room changed from their training room to the default hangout room.

A few steps away, Fred and George were still sulking up an anxiety storm in the cushion pit.

"Joker."

The moment the words left his lips, Draco could only blink as Fred and George bolted up and tackled him into a warm but tight hug. Draco couldn't even continue speaking as Fred and George held him and started apologising.

"I'm sorry."

"Please don't leave us."

"Tell us what we did wrong."

"We're sorry."

"George." Draco tried, leaning his head on George's shoulder to get the redhead's attention but the hug only tightened in response.

"Whatever it is, tell us. We won't get mad."

"Just please don't tell us that we're breaking up."

There was a desperate tinge mixed into the twins' voices, as if the thought leaves them distraught.

"Fred." Draco called, nudging the other redhead who shook his head before burrowing on the crook of Draco's neck. Certainly with their height differences, it would look uncomfortable but the twins had draped themselves around him worse than Devil snares.

"We're sorry."

"Whatever it is, we're sorry."

"Joker." Draco sighed, the put-upon one that always gets Fred and George's attention.

"What." Came the teary question, sniffles following after it.

They looked adorably like bullied nifflers that Draco couldn't help his amused smile from showing. Reaching out to take a hold of each other's hands, Draco hummed.

"Take a deep breath for me? Four seconds in, hold for seven and breathe out for eight seconds. Good, that's good. Do that for me again?"

Draco waited as the twins followed his breathing pattern and they loosened up the hug.

"Calmed down yet?"

It was silent for a heartbeat before one of the twins spoke.

"For some reason, this position is comfortable and I don't wanna move."

"Okay, I can just tell you." Draco considered. He prepared a whole speech about the whole silent thing but once he knew the reason for the twins' disappearance, it was understandable and didn't need to garner any ill feelings.

"First of all, I'm not mad, I know how special your father is to you so I understood why you weren't able to write to me everyday. Second, I do apologize for not elaborating any further and giving you both a hard time about me not replying. It turns out that the connection in my journal for the last pages faded out and I am not able to write to any previous pages at all so I couldn't reply to your messages. And apparently, you didn't see some of my messages explaining that either, so I concluded we have faulty pages probably because it was unused for the longest time. I can't believe that the only message sent for the past week was that we needed to talk. So no, I am not mad at both of you and there was no need to apologize at all. I'm not leaving both of you so soon due to miscommunication, don't worry."

It was silent as the twins digested the information until they both gasped in horror at the realisation.

"What…"

"That cannot be…"

"We were so worried!!"

Fred and George heaved a huge sigh of relief before squeezing the life out of their Darling D. They thought they'd almost lost him but it turns out it was just the journal pranking them. Of all things to be pranked about!!

"I know and I'm sorry. I didn't know you'd react this way." The hug tightened and it was silent again but this time, it was comfortable. Once someone started fidgeting, Draco already knew the question that is yet to be uttered. "...Do you want to read my messages?"

"Yes." came the teary reply.

"Are you crying?!" Draco asked incredulously.

"No." They were.

This is getting way out of character for them, but it was nice to see this new side of the twins. Despite the hiccup in their relationship, Draco can't help but feel appreciated and loved.

"Do you want to let go?"

"No."

"Then shall we move to the couch?"

"No."

"Then we'll just stand here?"

"No."

"Do you know some other words than 'No'?"

"Yes."

"Shall we move to the cushion pit?"

"...Okay."

–

D: I'm glad your Dad is okay now, I don't know the specifics but I heard my father say that Nagini (The Dark Lord's pet snake) was out on a stroll. Did it perhaps have anything to do with the attack? 

D: I have spent time with Nagini and know that she has no actual snake venom but since she's half a century old, her bites are vicious. You should apply an emollient around the bite. 

D: The past week has been hectic but really, I'm left alone for the most part. I've been having tea in the greenhouse where Father's visitors are not allowed. I think the Dark Lord's still in the Riddle Manor, I'm appalled at the Aurors investigating the case. How can they not be suspicious of the activity in that town?

–

D: I keep wondering why you're all asking me if I'm alright. I am, and I've finished all the holiday homework.

D: I am also finished attending all the balls. It's nice to see the social scene is still the same as ever. There was no repeat of the Christmas Ball of 1990, maybe because Greengrass was not in attendance.

–

D: You've finished my gift? How excellent. If it's another journal, I'd pay a galleon for it to be owled to me right at this moment. I think my messages aren't being read with how worried you both are.

–

D: Send a dot if you can see my messages.

–

D: Jo

–

D: Ker

–

D: Oh dear Salazar, you're going to overthink this and think I'm not replying because I'm mad at you, right?

D: Please don't.

–

D: It's only a few days until we go back to Hogwarts.

D: I miss you both everyday.

–

D: I am writing, Jo. 

D: .

–

D: I couldn't write yesterday because we were at the ports looking over shipments.

D: There was a lot to unpack in that trip, I'll tell you all about it in person because I'm not too sure my hand can handle all the writing.

((D: I apologize for not updating you with my well-being. I'm alive.

D: Jo? Ker?

D: We need to talk.

D: After the next D.A. meeting, stay back when they all leave. Don't forget.

D: See you back in Hogwarts.))

D: So you won't overthink, we need to talk about some adjustments in the journal runes, so this doesn't happen again. I cross-referenced this with Moony so I can assure you it will work. 

D: And don't be too sad, I don't know which of my messages successfully connected to the journal but once we have the new one, we'll be able to write to each other a lot.

–

D: Good morning, JoKer. 

D: We cannot meet in a separate compartment, unfortunately, because eyes are everywhere.

–

D: Train's departed, JoKer.

D: And I've been writing as much as you, you'll get to read it as soon as we meet.

–

D: I'm going up to the Room of Requirement now. 

–

D: I love you both. That, I assure you.

–

"You still love us." George cheered, peppering Draco with random kisses all over his cheek.

"Of all the messages, that's the only thing you've focused on?" Draco chuckled but accepted the kisses without flinching.

"Can I just say your assurance gets us weak in the knees?" Fred cooed, nuzzling the beautiful blonde locks until it looked like a bird's nest.

"Then I'm glad we're sitting already." Draco commented drily. Then he put his hand out, smiling expectantly. "Well? Where is my new journal?"

Fred and George reluctantly extracted themselves away from Draco's space to accio their bags. They do have a concept of personal space but being deprived of their Darling, they don't see a need for it. 

They need to recharge!

Do you know how much they treasure this moment where Draco takes down his Mask and only shows his true self to them?? How special it is to see him smile and laugh and show affection freely?? It would seem out of character for everyone who'd see but Fred and George are hopeless fools in love with Draco Malfoy.

It's such an honor. It's a privilege to be with their darling and it's a treasured moment they never would trade for anything else.

"I do have your gifts as well." Draco snickered, accio-ing his own bag.

Gifts were presented and unwrapped immediately. 

Fred and George marveled the matching braided leather bracelets with one small sapphire blue, one graphite grey beads as design. Draco indulged their request to put it on their wrists.

"The bracelet has charms and runes embedded in the leather. I chose dragon hide because it's the one most compatible in rune enchantments and the more you use it, the more it'll look beautiful."

"I'll never take it off. They can pry it off my dead body."

Draco chuckled at that, "Charlie did say that he never took off his earring that matches with Bill's because dragon materials don't deteriorate in value even when it's been exposed to water."

"It feels like the beads are not just there for design."

"You're quite right." Draco nodded, impressed at their magical sensitivity. "It's imbued with defensive magic. It's equipped with shield charms since both of you are always exploding something."

"What are these orange flecks in the leather?" 

Draco poked the orange flecks that was placed like fireworks. "Oh, that is crushed phoenix feathers shaped like the fireworks you've been working on all year. It ensures the longevity of the bracelet."

"..."

"..."

"How do you know we've been working on fireworks?"

Draco raised a brow. "Well, Pansy discovered Lee Jordan's gunpowder room. Blaise uncovered the documents and formulation. You've been basically raided by those two with you none the wiser and not to mention, you never seem to run out of one so I concluded the fireworks has something to do with your year end prank."

Fred and George exchanged horrified glances. They've been exposed! Lee was compromised?!

"And Lee had some deals with Pansy and Blaise even I don't know about so… be scared."

George gasped in terror. "Those three?! They're the most dangerous matchup."

"And I think Hermione will be joining them."

Fred looked alarmed. "Hermione?! Harry doesn't need to go after the Dark Lord at this point if those four are together!!"

Draco looked mildly concerned as Fred and George panicked at the revelation. Was Hermione and Lee Jordan that intimidating? They do seem like the Sorting Hat picked the wrong house for them.

"We're… we're doomed." Fred and George lamented, clutching their hair. "They're too powerful."

Draco laughed and shook his head. With the twins in such a state, he should wisely exclude the information that he's also in collaboration with the four students.

"Can we check if the new journal is working?" Draco smiled angelically, successfully changing the subject as Fred and George perked up.

"Oh, you'll like it, darling!" Fred and George pecked both of Draco's cheeks as they handed Draco his new journal.

It was thicker than last time but was the same size as Hermione's pocketbooks. It was a familiar black hardbound with a green hue when light hit it just right. The pages were plenty and the texture was the same as the last journal. 

"Instead of the glamour where you'll look as if you're writing on the textbook, since we know you don't do that, we spelled it to look like your Potions journal!!" Fred excitedly pointed out.

"We also made sure that the runes are all in place, undetected. We also checked the pages to see if it's all connected." George grinned. "It was a good thing we thought of that since judging from our last journal, we don't want a repeat of it. It felt like being disconnected to the world."

"Safety features are also in check. Only registered magical signatures can touch it without getting boils or getting sick. Your forgery quill is also null, you can't use it anymore! We love seeing your own handwriting, darling."

"But if you want to, we can disable that feature."

"It's fine." Draco chuckled as the twins high fived.

"Shall we try it out now?" Fred and George asked, smiling at Draco brightly.

Draco had to squint as if sunshine was in front of him.

"Sure."

"We also splurged a bit and bought you a quill, Darling!" 

"We know you like practical gifts!"

Draco fondly accepted the owl feather quill and immediately set to use it.

"Let's think of our first words in our new journal carefully."

–

Jo: Cheers to our new grand magical adventure! We love you, Darling!

Ker: It's a wonder how far we've gotten so far. Let's write till the ink available is no more. We love you, Darling!

D: It started with a letter, it continued with more letters and I will probably end with more journals that'll last me a lifetime. And that's okay, too.

–

Fred and George looked as Draco wrote on the journal, a happy smile upturning their lips as the reality that the person that made them happy is really also the person that they hold their offered hearts.

The past few days of uncertainty and loneliness slowly ebbed away as Draco finished writing, smirking at the twins.

Seeing that, the twins can't help but say "I love you."

Draco just snickered and put his chin on his palm, resting his elbow on the journal balanced on his knees.

"I don't mind hearing you say that until you tire of it." Draco acquiesced, rolling his eyes. It has been a few days and he knows that the twins needed more reassurance from the unintended silence.

Fred and George moved closer and tackled Draco into the cushion pit at the permission to drown the blonde in love.

The rest of the free time was spent with love confessions, month anniversary plans, cuddles and promises to keep until the dinner bell sounded.

After they separated, Fred and George kissed the bracelets as they disappeared into a portrait leading to the Great Hall. Draco blushed at the action before shaking his head.

As Draco went down the moving staircase, he started planning for the next month anniversary. Smirking at a portrait who freaked out immediately and ran away, his good mood had him humming all the way down towards the Great Hall. Yes, yes. Draco's looking forward to it.

The portraits murmured and cowered, the words the Malfoy Heir was humming identified by one of the bards. It was from a song the wizards sang frequently for a person they've acquired.

I put a spell on you, and now you're mine

Chapter Text

Draco can do this.

He's said to be a perfectionist. 

He's accumulated more than a staggering amount of perfect scores ever since he's started his education.

At fifteen, Draco accomplished a lot. 

He's been praised and acknowledged by a lot of distinguished people. There were only a handful of things that he cannot do compared to a cauldron of things he can do.

A picnic is something simple and not at all a grand romantic gesture no matter what Fred and George say.

BUT his opinions on picnics aside, since his most treasured people unfortunately cling to the ideals of picnic equals happiness, he's sworn to make it up to the Twin Terrors for giving them night terrors (unintentionally) the week before they returned to Hogwarts. 

A picnic.

Simple.

Nothing too grandiose.

It's just a picnic.

Really.

And somewhere deep down, Draco knows he is jinxing himself at this point…

But seriously.

Just. A. Picnic.

What could go wrong?

–

Fred and George smiled at the sight in front of them, awed and speechless. The blanket spread in front of them is a very aesthetic take on their homey picnics. There was definitely a noble ambience when Purebloods do their tea party and stuff, huh?

Draco was narrating every food prepared and spells casted as if presenting a report and he is so adorable while doing it. 

"Wow, darling. Did you recreate the Christmas Ball of 1990 for us?" Fred teased as he pulled the blonde closer to kiss him on the cheek for his efforts.

"I thought Blaise said there was fire." George chuckled as he wandered over to their direction to hug their Darling.

"Blaise and I remember the Christmas Ball of 1990 quite differently." Draco scrunched up his nose.

"Pansy said there was a sandstorm." Fred informed the Slytherin with a grunt as Draco stepped on his foot.

"Blaise and Pansy have faulty memory, I reckon." Draco tutted. "Nothing of the sort happened, truly."

"So, I'm not imagining the hurricane that disappeared towards the forbidden forest?" Fred asked, it was the one thing that made them speechless in the first place upon arriving.

"Don't be silly, Fred." Draco laughed, "It was just the wind."

"I don't think it's the wind." George commented, eyes wandering off to where the hurricane went off to.

"Stop being ridiculous, George." Draco swatted the air since said redhead dodged. "Come now, shall we have some tea?"

At the excited smiles and eager movements from the twins, Draco can already conclude their picnic date as successful.

–

It was amazing and the only thing that was actually different was the appetizers and that Draco served wine as a change of pace from the butterbeer the twins frequently supply.

"Malfoy Apothecary sells Superior Red which is wine that is matured for a thousand of years. It's a symbolic wine that's advertised as superior blood status and wealth and every Pureblood drinks it but we do sell wine like this, too."

Fred knows that a bottle of the Superior Red is around a hundred galleons per millilitre. Just a glass of that wine equates to Ginny and Ron's miscellaneous fees.

"Is this wine that's said to be Newt Scamander's favorite drink during his travels?" George asked, looking at the bottle description. His eyes widened when he saw fairy dust in the ingredients.

"Yes." Draco agreed, it was one of his favorite drinks as well.

Rechecking the wine bottle, Fred and George blinked a few times to see if they read it right.

"Wizened Grape, very fine magic wine?" 

"Yes."

"One that is said to be discontinued?"

"Yes."

"The very fine magic wine that is absolutely not yet fit for you to drink?!"

"Yes."

"Why are we drinking this?!" Fred and George exclaimed, looking at Draco in disbelief.

The night is not looking to be peaceful.

"To age like wine, we have to drink aged wine." Draco quoted, as he sipped from his glass.

"Who says that?" Fred asked, doubtful.

"Dobby."

"Uh, no. Certainly not. Don't lie to us!"

"Okay, fine. It's Milly but don't tell." Draco grumbled, putting his wine glass down as the surroundings seemed like it was moving on its own.

"Milly? The house elf?! The drunkard house elf?!" George does not have a good feeling about this.

"Hey, don't be rude. She was just undergoing hard times. But, yes. That Milly." Draco giggled and poked Fred and George's cheeks. 

"Why would she say such things…" 

"To age like fine wine." Draco said smugly, since he knew the answer.

"No more wine!" Fred and George said in unison, putting the bottle of wine in the basket and moving it out of reach from Draco. Fred also drank what was left in Draco's glass.

"It's non-alcoholic." Draco said in a matter-of-fact tone, hiccuping at the end.

George raised a brow at the flushed cheeks of the Malfoy Heir.

"Nonalcoholic alcohol doesn't make you hiccup." He said, poking at the red cheek. "And you are drunk."

"Maybe I was thirsty!" Draco defended, swatting the hand and huffing.

Let it be known that Fred and George does not know how to handle a drunk Draco.

"Alright, let's end this day. Let's get you back to your dorms." 

"Great! I'll meet you upthairs." Draco clapped his hands once and went to get up but stumbled.

"... Darling, your dorms are in the dungeons." Fred and George deadpanned.

"When a troll came in first year, the Headmaster made us go back to the dorms. But where was the troll? In the dungeons!" Draco chuckled. "I had to point that out to the prefects!! Those dunderheads. Hope they survive the Ministry."

Draco remembers those two prefects kissing up towards the Senior employees fishing for compliments and deemed them void of self preservation.

Speaking of preservation, Dobby had told him he was preserving different kinds of apples for different kinds of apple dishes. Which reminds Draco…

"I haven't eaten any apples today. What should I do? An apple a day keeps the plague away. Aunt Walburga will riot and roll in her grave and portrait if the Black blood falls victim to it again. Aunt Bella almost did but she recovered due to spite."

"Do you know Jo and Ker? JoKer?" One redhead tentatively asked. Draco should be offended because the question is far too easy to answer.

Fred took the opportunity to hand Draco some water. Draco accepted it but had to speak his opinion before deciding to drink it.

"My JoKer is one of my most important people. They don't know it. Shhhh. They're way up there! It's Malfoy Name, yknow, Pureblood stuff. Then, my friends. Let me tell you a secret, they can't live without me." Draco put a finger on his lips and did a shushing motion before continuing the tally. "My studies. No. Wait. That's part of Malfoy Name. So my JoKer, they made it to the top 3. But shhh, I'm keeping it a secret. They think they're seventh." Draco chuckled, finding it funny. "I don't know. Maybe because they're in their seventh year? That must be it."

"JoKer must've been happy if they know they're top 3." Fred bit his lip to avoid grinning. George had all but cheered happily.

"You be quiet. They don't know that yet, I told you." Draco glared at the twins. 

"I'm sorry, I'll keep it a secret."

"You better. Be thankful I feel a bit woozy that I can't cast a proper Vow." Draco tutted as he folded his blanket and unfolded it again to cast a warming charm. Then folded it again.

"Do you remember celebrating you and Joker's monthsary?"

"I hate the term monthsaries. I like monthly meetings more. Meeting but it's just me and JoKer being together. I love their company. They're everything and more. They don't know that but I do." Draco snickered, thinking about JoKer made him happy.

"Something tells me they know."

"I already… I'm their everything and more, silly. It's in their actions. The small things they do for me. I want to be more."

"You are more."

"More more." Draco insisted.

"Most."

"I like 'Most'." Draco conceded.

But wait. Where is his train of thought? That muggle contraption certainly travels fast, he's lost the topic in a different completely hypothetical station. Where was he? Ah, apples. He's always liked apples.

Draco poked the freckles prominent on another redhead's cheek. "Hey, do you like apples?"

"I like them." They both replied. How interactive! Maybe they really do like apples like how Draco likes apples.

"I like apple pie the most out of all apple dishes. Dobby makes it perfectly. Have you ever heard of Dobby? He's my favourite house elf. Been with me ever since before I was a toddler. But no one knows my second favourite dish, do you know that even Dobby doesn't know? Wanna know? It's apple pie, still. Nothing can beat it." Draco chuckled, it was so hilarious seeing the facial expressions on these two people. He can tell they're amused, too.

Draco can entertain them a bit more. Pansy and Blaise aren't back from their extra classes yet, he feels it from his magic. He has time.

"Do you know wizards lose more stuff when they shrink their things? Because they don't accompany it with a returning spell. Where's my wand? Let me teach you." Draco blinked slowly as his eyes try to search for his wand.

Fred sneakily handed George the dangerous weapon so he could hide it in the basket away from Draco's sight.

But the blonde was distracted by the offered water again and as he drank it, Draco stared at the twins. Fred and George tried not to flinch at the piercing stare.

"Do you know Fred and George Weasley? You both look just like them. Don't tell them I told you, shhh, but they're the ones who blasted Umbridge's cat plate collection the first time. I know it because I was there. I made sure all of it turned to dust and I fed it to the flames. She was so warm and cosy that night thanks to me but I do hope to never see that horrid woman again." 

Draco spat out some water as if he tasted something vile at the mention of Umbridge.

"Did you drink any of the wine? Did you read the label?"

Draco giggled. Fred and George just silently nodded, twin telepathy on the works as they swore to never make Draco drink again.

"Newt Scamander buys his Wizened Grape at the Blind Pig. Malfoy Apothecary sells Wizened Grape designed and manufactured for Purebloods. If a Pureblood drinks it, the alcohol content is not 17%, it's 70%. Best. Wine. Ever." Draco looked for the bottle but sighed as it was not in sight. It always disappears, somehow.

"Alright, let's go." Fred and George announced. Draco had been cleaning up the place one by one wandlessly as he spilled secrets and tea. It was an amazing sight to see and hopefully, Draco is not sighted by professor Snape. Who knows what information he'll get??

Draco staggered up to his feet, the picnic materials encircling him before obediently going back to its places. Fred plucked Draco's wand out of the basket before Draco could see it.

"Picnics suck." Draco muttered as he pocketed the picnic basket. Then smiled at the twins. "But you're both good company when we have a picnic. I like it solely because of that."

"It's a pleasure to spend it with you too." George grinned as he assisted Draco before the blonde trips on an uprooted tree.

"Darling, do you know the password to the Slytherin dorms?" Fred asked, wandlessly clearing the way and putting up a silence dome. George was smart enough to cast the camouflage spell and disillusionment charm.

"Don't call me darling, only Joker called me that." Draco sneered. "You don't know the password? Oh, of course. Why would you know? It's in mermish."

The moment they reached the Hogwarts entrance, Draco pushed them away and suddenly straightened up as if he hadn't been stumbling without the twins' help. The blonde miraculously could walk in a straight line and Fred and George would've thought they were being pranked not until Draco looked at their way, judging them head to toe and nodding approvingly.

"You're not going to tuck me in or kiss me goodnight? What gentlemen. I'll tell JoKer about the two of you. You're both my type. Great listeners. Let me do what I want. Seems to love me at first sight. I'm not that easy to date and I have high standards but we can start with a letter. I know an ongoing love story that started with a letter and I love it. Write to me, okay? We can be friends, atleast. I have JoKer already."

Draco waved goodbye so casually, holding up his own as he walked towards the Slytherin dorms.

Fred and George followed at a distance and heaved a sigh of relief at the sight of Pansy and Blaise exiting out of the portrait. (It was a portrait this time, not a wall).

"Draco! We were about to look for you!" Pansy said, swatting the blonde's arm.

"Green apples and tea." Draco saluted.

Blaise furrowed his brows before stating. "You're drunk and you're going to bed."

"Scones and choux cream." Draco smirked.

"Yes, we will wake you up in time for breakfast."

Pansy began to drag Draco inside. Fred and George's relieved smile dropped the second Pansy and Blaise looked at their way before the portrait closed.

They're doomed.

–

Jo: Darling, write to us when you awaken.

Ker: This is serious.

Jo: You are a horrible drunk.

Ker: Promise to never drink Wizened Grape again.

Jo: or at least have one of us (both, preferably) nearby when you consume anything alcoholic

Ker: I can't believe it took you just a bottle... Wait, scratch that, it was three glasses and it's not even full--to spill the tea

Jo: and the secrets

Ker: and the stories

Jo: please tell us you remember something because we want to know

Ker: We can tell it to you word for word. We memorized it by heart.

Jo: Maybe we should play a game so you'd remember.

Ker: Never Have I Ever confessed to my crimes against Dolores Umbridge.

Jo: Never Have I Ever confessed to reading love stories and loving it. Even ongoing ones.

Ker: Never Have I Ever like apple pie so much even when drunk, I say it.

Jo: Never Have I Ever spoke in code with my best friends while drunk and they understood it.

Ker: Never Have I Ever kept my real priorities a secret to tease my loved ones.

D: Okay, I get it. Stop the madness!!

D: I remember everything.

D: Can we meet up today? I need to freshen up my memory charms…

Ker: It was amusing and eye-opening, darling.

Jo: It just showed us we needed to be with you at parties. Are you like this every Ball?!

D: Certainly not. There was a reason I can walk straight when we reached the Hogwarts entrance! I sober up in bright places. And I only ever drank wine with people I'm comfortable with.

Jo: Your guardian angel and demon deserve a snack box.

Ker: Green apples and tea. (Salute)

D: The code doesn't work like that.

Ker: Let us in with the codes (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*.✧

D: No!

Jo: Next picnic, we're banning wine and butterbeer.

D: Okay.

D: I'll steal Uncle Sev's Superior Red. Father gave him some as a gift.

Jo: No!

Ker: No!

Chapter Text

Polyamorous relationships are welcomed and are normal in the wizarding world.

You can be Matched to three people and no one would bat an eye.

The Four Founders of Hogwarts were in a relationship, too! It was heavily implied in Hogwarts: A History, especially the informal section where the Four Founders described one another. No one can put up a whole novel-worthy entries if they weren't simping for each other.

So really…

"Well, I think that Professor Snape should end up with Moony and Padfoot!" Draco said vehemently.

"No! Maybe your parents need to divorce so Professor Snape could marry your mom because, if you hadn't heard him speak about Mrs. Malfoy, I'd hate to break it to you but I think he fancies her!" Harry said, hair flailing in all directions as he shook his head.

…this conversation shouldn't really come to life.

"How about just let adults be adults and let them be?" Blaise asked from behind an active barrier because five minutes ago, there were spells bouncing off the walls.

"Don't you simply love an enemies to lovers trope?" Pansy commented as she sipped the last of her tea, ducking slightly to avoid a pillow that erupted upon impact on the wall right next to her head.

"Why are we discussing Professor's Snape's love life right now?!" Neville asked miserably from beside Pansy, stroking Hilt's fur who had an active barrier like Blaise.

An hour ago, they had all gathered to get the latest assignments finished. It had taken no less than twenty minutes before the Slytherins shifted their attention to Neville.

They'd been talking and reminiscing about nothing and everything until Blaise suddenly remembered how Moony made Neville's boggart into Snape dressed in his grandmother's clothes.

And like teenagees they were, it spiralled into the Potion Master's love life (or the lack of it).

"What, don't tell me Professor is still in love with his first love?" Harry asked incredulously.

"After all this time?" Draco shrugged, "Always."

Harry paused and reconsidered. "Professor has always been the type to be kind of loyal to only a select few. So maybe he is."

"We should set him up on a date so he could move on from the past and look forward to the future."

"Maybe he'll smile more that way." Luna added, suddenly showing up from out of nowhere.

There was something that's always going on with Luna, they just take it all in stride.

"I think," Luna smiled serenely at Harry and Draco, "that Moony, Padfoot and Draco's mother can perfectly shower Professor some well-deserved love."

Harry and Ron chuckled at the idea but their chuckles turned to shocked gasps as the Slytherins grew quiet and considered the idea.

"I think," Pansy, Blaise and Draco said in unison and it was terrifying to see them grin menacingly at Luna, eyes calculating and obviously scheming. "That's a great idea!"

Dear Four Founders, help them…

–

D: What do you think of lacing Professor's tea with a love potion?

Ker: Do you think it'll work?

D: How about a potent one?

Jo: What are the chances to put those four together in a room, alone?

D: I think the Dark Lord hugging me has higher chances of happening.

Ker: Do you think your mother fancies Professor?

D: Well… Why else would she willingly be trying every tea leaves Professor buys her then ignore the expensive tea in the manor?

Jo: Valid.

Ker: But will Padfoot even see Professor Snape in a romantic light?

D: Please. All that tension between them can be transfigured into something else! We just need Moony and chocolate.

Jo: Moony is amazing, he'll know what to do.

D: Yes, but first, my parents need their marriage to be dissolved.

Jo: Darling, have you realised you've been onboard on having a broken family?

D: Oh, Jo sweetheart, my family's been broken the moment my Father allied himself to the Dark Lord. My godfather deserves the love I know my Mother can give!

Ker: Point taken.

D: We're putting the love potion on that list in case Mother needs a push. Or Cousin Siri. 

D: Definitely Cousin Siri.

–

The Gryffindors were successful in shelving the matchmaking plan simply because they needed to get Lucius Malfoy out of the picture. The plan sat innocently next to the 'Overthrow Dumbledore' plan (which was put on hold because 'Get rid of Pink Menace' takes precedence).

Draco was with Luna by the Forbidden forest clearing, feeding the Thestrals apples from the apple tree a few hundred metres away. They were staring serenely as the invisible (not to them) horses ate even the core.

"Don't you think it's quite peculiar that magicfolk ridicule those who can See?" Draco suddenly asked, knowing fourth years and younger years ridicule Luna's quirkiness. 

"It is understandable, there were crooks and witch-hunts." Luna reminded him. It never bothered her, (but it bothers Ginny and that fiery girl makes sure she's safe).

"I find it intriguing." Luna hummed as she hopped, skipped, jumped and did a zigzag walk to reach a baby Thestral and offer treats. "There is so much in this world that people are missing out. Tragic but fascinating."

"Luna, you say that because you can see." Draco deadpanned.

"And it's alright. Draco, I always told you you're loved by Magick. I can always find you." Luna snickered, glancing at the blonde Slytherin with eyes glinting in a 'I know something you don't' way.

"You always say that but don't tell me why and how." Draco huffed as he started scratching the back of a Thestral who approached him.

"You're always surrounded by magical creatures, even those you can't see." Luna said, gesturing at him up and down.

"You're making me conscious."

"They don't respect personal space but the majority of them are friendly so it's okay." Luna nodded in approval. She's always surrounded by her magical friends, too.

"So you're saying there's unkind mixed into the congregation."

"There's always two sides of the same galleon." Luna quoted, shrugging before changing the subject as the last apple was gobbled up. "I empathise with the Thestrals. They can only be seen when certain requirements are met."

"Can I be a seer too?" Draco asked, curiously. He wanted to see what Luna always sees!

"You have potential to be who you want to be, Draco. You just need to tap into it." Luna said knowingly, her voice floaty as well. She began humming a song. "The Forest is listening, let's go."

Draco followed her immediately. If the Forest is listening, creatures follow soon after.

–

D: So, you know about how Luna can See stuff, right

Ker: Yes, we've established fifty pages ago that she's awesome.

D: She says I also have potential. 

Jo: …darling? Who are you and what have you done to our darling??

Ker: You hate Divination!

D: No, I hate Trelawney's heresy not Divination itself.

Ker: Makes sense

D: Her real prophecies make her voice have sound effects like some background noise but everyone's saying the same thing.

Jo: You've heard Trelawney's real prophecies?!

D: No, i know someone who does.

Ker: I think I know that someone.

D: If you think you know, you know, then.

Ker: I do?

D: Back to my potential.

Jo: Okay, tell us. We're listening.

D: So, I tried different things and I won't elaborate much because of Healer intern confidentiality clause, but I saw the D.A members' futures.

Ker: Darling, you can't be a prophet.

D: This isn't a prophecy, I just saw the future. It was mind blowing!

Jo: Where are you? We'll come get you!

D: I need to write this down before I forget.

D: Fred and George have a business with Lee Jordan, Smith has a girlfriend! Boot was in an Amazon, Chang has fangs (probably a Halloween party), Luna is in a Quidditch game, Weaslette is playing a Quidditch game! Neville is an herbology professor! HERMIONE GRANGER IS A MINISTRY WORKER

D: That's it. I forgot the rest.

Jo: What about Ron?

D: The memory faded away.

Ker: Will Harry be alive?

D: Maybe that's why the memory faded away.

Jo: The future is not yet set in stone so…

Ker: Even still, it's ominous.

D: Can we focus on Hermione Granger as a ministry worker?

D: And she was so against it during class.

–

Fred and George learned to stay away from flowers when they were taught pollen travels and sticks to their clothing. With magical flowers, you'll never know if its pollen is already in your clothing. That's why the Weasley clan were very good at cleaning charms. That is also why they don't really know flower arrangements.

Staring at the arrangement of flowers they've picked to give to their Darling later, Fred and George frown at their collection. It was a monstrosity of mismatched colours. Not to mention they don't know if there's weed flowers mixed in. And what the bouquet means in flower language because that's a thing, right?

"I don't know, maybe it's not enough?" Fred said out loud, tilting the bouquet here and there.

George shrugged. "Maybe Professor Sprout won't notice if we steal some flowers in Greenhouse 2."

"She'll definitely notice." A voice deadpanned.

Fred and George looked at the disgruntled couple lounging up a tree. They blinked innocently.

"Why do you think so?" Fred asked.

"Neville helps her count the flower pots every week." Blaise answered. "Now, can you please leave us in peace?"

"It's not our fault you both show up where we pick flowers!" George defended.

Harry threw some nuts at the twins. "You're the ones who followed us whenever we relocated! You're ruining our date time!"

Fred and George looked incredulously at the younger ones. 

"You've been seeing each other everyday." Fred and George deadpanned.

"I know right, I can't believe no one else noticed." Blaise snickered, stroking Harry's hair before messing it up.

Seeing the sad excuse of a bouquet the twins gathered in their arms, Blaise cackled and pointed.

"That looks atrocious. I bet if Draco sees that he will say: 'Oh, Fred! George! This looked absolutely ridiculous! I love it' and then demand you to give it to him."

Fred and George perked up. "Really?"

"Yeah. He says the language of flowers are ridiculous and flowers are better suited for Potions ingredients."

The twins accepted that. With a shrug, they waved the couple good-bye and walked away. It'll be nearly time to meet up with their darling anyway.

Harry rested his chin on Blaise's shoulder as they watched the twins walk back to Hogwarts. 

"Do they really think they're keeping their relationship with Draco a secret?" Harry asked. "With how their eyes light up at the mention of Draco, even I caught on and they say I'm dense."

Blaise chuckled, bestowing a chaste kiss and Harry's forehead. "Let them think they're good at hiding secrets."

–

D: JoKer, the bouquet absolutely looked ridiculous. But I love it! Thank you!

Ker: B knew you'd say that!

Jo: You're welcome!

D: You also picked a lot of budding moonflowers and I needed that for my potion.

D: Good job!

Ker: So you really don't care about the language of flowers?

D: Majority of the flowers in Hogwarts are absolutely not romantic enough to form a bouquet.

D: There's a reason why Hagrid didn't plant any more rose bushes because students often steal the roses. That's the only universal flower for confessing the majority of the students know.

Ker: If you can have a flower, what would you want to accept?

D: I already did. From both of you!

D: Moonflowers are the most practical flower to give someone, bloomed or not.

D: Good job!

–

Draco Malfoy, upon seeing the future using means that cannot be mentioned due to confidentiality clauses, had developed a new habit.

Fred and George can do nothing to stop their darling as the D.A Healer stares at Hermione smugly.

"It's been days, Draco." Hermione groaned. "Is there something you want to say?"

Draco tapped his wand as he fixed Ginny's singed hair before moving on to Neville's limp.

"I don't know Hermione, I think you already know what I know."

"I don't, just spill it before I go crazy."

Draco hummed and ignored her in favor of healing Terry Boot's bruises. Hannah and Zacharias looked positively curious as Draco snickered while attending them.

"It's okay, Hermione. You just need to admit it to the class." Draco patted Hermione's shoulder as her eyes narrowed.

"Don't make me punch you again."

"You slapped me, not punched me."

"We're remembering different scenes."

"Maybe you've seen what you muggle call a mo-vee where you punched me." Draco shrugged. 

"Just spill it, Draco."

Fred and George passed around treats as the drama escalated.

"I know, Hermione." Draco said in a grave, sombre tone. "Luna helped me See. And there's no need to hide you wanted to be a ministry worker."

"A what?!" Hermione asked, incredulously.

"I even think you've been hired already. Where else would you get a time turner in third year?"

"We haven't even had our consultation! Careers Advice is next week!" Hermione exclaimed, hands out to strangle the Slytherin.

Ron caught her hands just in time.

"And if I'm ever a ministry worker, I'll be weeding out the corrupt people!" Hermione declares as she's dragged away by Harry.

"If she does that, there would be no more Order of Merlin." Pansy snickered before sipping her tea.

Draco patted Terry Boot's shoulder. "I really never thought you'd be a forest person, Boot. But I saw what I saw and it suits you."

"Uh, healer Draco, just how valid is this future?" Terry asked with uncertainty because he doesn't ever really want to step foot into an Amazon forest.

"Very valid." Draco nodded. "Even Luna agreed."

Luna was between Neville and Ginny, quietly eating Draco's apple pie. She raised her fork in acknowledgement. She never really agreed but would the nargles tell on her? No.

"And me?" Zacharias looked excited. "What does my girlfriend look like?"

"You're asking Draco to describe a person?" Ron asked the Hufflepuff, gesturing at the Slytherin and to the Weasleys at present.

"On second thought, thank you for sharing your vision, Healer Draco." Zacharias bowed reverently before exiting the room. "See you next session!"

"It's a pity I forgot about your futures." Draco held Hannah and Susan's hands before sending an apologetic glance at Marietta. "I think you three would still do well in life. I didn't see Harry's as well but do we even know if he can survive that long?"

"Hey!" Harry protested as he handed Hermione a book about Ministry Laws.

Lee Jordan glanced at the twins who had been too amused at what's happening to even cause mayhem. 

"Well, atleast we can plan our business." Lee Jordan grinned as Fred and George were all sparkles at the idea.

"I thought we'd be drowning in paperwork because we'd be professors, Lee." George sniffed, wiping away an imaginary tear.

"Imagine that future though, we'd have created a new forest from our herbology classes." Fred said, looking far away as if reminiscing about something that hadn't happened at all.

Neville looked concerned once he heard that. A man-made forest by the twins! What a scary thought.

"But why do I have fangs?" Cho's voice cut in. "I never really attended Halloween parties so that's unlikely."

Draco looked over at her location, having settled across the twins on the snack table. 

"Then… Chang…to change your future…" Draco looked at Pansy and Blaise before they looked back at the Ravenclaw. "Never go to Transylvania."

The sentence was said altogether as the three Slytherins raised their teacups and drank their tea in unison.

Cho leaned on Marietta at the implication that she'll be turned into a Vampire. "I have a headache."

"Must be the low blood pressure." Marietta guessed as she chuckled, dodging Cho's shove. "Let's go get some Bloody pops in you."

As other students left, Draco turned to Hermione who was engrossed in reading the laws.

"I know it doesn't state that minors cannot be hired unless they've reached their magical maturity or legal age, Hermione. It's on page 927."

Hermione looked unamused as she flipped through the pages and saw the said Magical Act.

"Professor McGonagall will hear about this!"

–

Jo: Your Careers Advice will be commencing this week, right?

D: Yes, all fifth years are required to attend a short meeting with their Head of House for future careers.

D: Do I even need this? When I'm supposed to manage the Malfoy business.

Ker: Yes, darling. It's a formality.

D: I bet a galleon the Pink Menace will cough her way in the consultation one way or another.

Ker: We're not betting!

Jo: We all know she will!!

D: Then I bet a galleon the Slytherins will finish in less than an hour.

Ker: With almost all the Heirs in the Slytherins, I think that's about the right amount of time.

Jo: And Professor Snape always likes concise answers.

–

After hearing about Harry's disastrous Careers Advice meeting, Draco definitely dreaded his own meeting. Not enough to be late, though.

Knocking, Draco waited patiently to be let in before bowing in greeting. Sure enough, his Uncle Sev looked positively disgruntled at the sight of the pink menace at the corner of the room.

"Greetings, Professors." Draco greeted.

"Upon hearing that it is your turn for your Careers Advice, Dolores suddenly had enough free time to observe your meeting." Professor Snape informed him and gestured from Draco to sit down.

"Don't mind me dearie, think of me as a portrait in a corner." Umbridge smiled crookedly, her obnoxious peacock feather quill ready to scratch away on her parchment.

"Well, Mister Malfoy, this meeting is to talk over any career ideas you might have, and to help you decide which subjects you should continue into the sixth and seventh years. Have you had any thoughts about what you would like to do after you leave Hogwarts?"

Draco smiled elegantly at his Head of House, "I would like to pursue the subjects that would make me a great Heir. As the Malfoy Heir, I need to be in top condition at subjects relating towards the Malfoy business."

"The Malfoy business is very broad and competitive. Your electives might be waived in favor for more subjects to be learned from."

"I'm prepared to take the challenge."

"Very well. You may leave."

"Hem hem." A scratchy voice interrupted.

"Is there something you needed, Dolores?" Professor Snape asked with a put-upon sigh.

"Shouldn't Mister Malfoy be dropping a few subjects to ensure greater knowledge?" Umbridge countered. 

"Draco's electives are Astronomy and Arithmancy." Draco nodded. "The only thing he is required to drop is Astronomy and Divination since all the subjects are required."

"Why not drop Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions?" 

Draco tried hard not to look at the Head inquisitor as if she was missing quite a few brain cells.

"Defense Against the Dark Arts is essential for the Malfoy Trade because he'll need to quality check each product before it is shipped and Potions is needed for the Malfoy Apothecary in case you don't know it exists. The Malfoy family is involved in a lot of business, it comes quite a shock you don't seem to be informed about it." Professor Snape replied, voice patient and definitely the tone used for mocking students (or Gryffindors). "If that's all, you both can go. Please send Miss Parkinson in."

Draco had to bite his lip to stop smiling as Umbridge obviously felt humiliated with the way she stomped out of the door.

Once she's out, his Uncle Sev patted his hand as he handed him a slip of parchment filled with subjects he needed to take for his sixth and seventh years.

"As the Malfoy Heir or a Potions Master or a Healer, Dragon, you will need to take the subjects I've given you." 

Draco's grin was blinding as his unasked question was answered.

"I shall keep that in mind."

–

D: Maybe I just want to be a rock for my sixth and seventh years.

Ker: What did you get, darling?

D: Everything except Astronomy, Muggle Studies and Divination.

Jo: Rest in Peace.

Ker: Raise your wands for our Darling. /*

Jo: /*

D: /*

D: Prank the Hufflepuffs with me?

Ker: Let's prank Ravenclaw, too!

Jo: Might as well. See you on the One-eyed witch!

Chapter Text

It is February already and things in Hogwarts are picking up. When they say things are picking up, it was chocolate season all over again. Hogwarts Owls come and go every morning carrying boxes and boxes of chocolate ingredients and quite honestly, the students are at an all-time chocolate high. It was the first time Draco ever saw Nip five times a day. What a busy H.owl he is!

The house elves had barricaded the kitchens, barring anyone from entry (except Harry Potter, they all love Harry Potter). Professor McGonagall had to reopen the cooking classrooms due all the requests of students that are confident in their cooking skills. Hermione was going crazy knowing there was a cooking classroom but it wasn't in Hogwarts: A history or in the current curriculum.

Fudge balls, chocolate fudge, chocolate frogs, chocolate chips, everything else chocolate was everywhere. Fred and George are thriving at the chocolate variants of their prank. It took a ridiculous amount of planning (since November) but now it's come to fruition and there were several students coming and going to the Hospital Wing.

"You complain we have limited time to meet and yet you both were half the reason the Hospital Wing is in full capacity today." Draco rolled his eyes at Fred and George's puppy dog eyes.

"We didn't actually know that the lower years are desperate to have chocolate."

Someone had the bright idea to mix in a few of the Snack pranks Fred and George made in a "Free!" box left outside of the Great Hall. By the time the Professors caught wind of the box, it was already empty and a lot of students were already suffering.

What a brilliant stroke of genius that everybody's been calling it 'Umbridgitis'.

It was funny as hell! The look on the pink menace's face when she heard of it was ugly and contorted and Colin Creevey blessedly was in the vicinity with his muggle camera at ready. Fred and George took the liberty to print out her reaction and spread it at the end of the day.

(Colin suffered no detentions after he confessed it was all the Weasley Twins' doing)

"I'm part of the Inquisitorial Squad." Draco reminded the twins. "And you're both on the Wanted List."

"We've always wanted to be wanted."

"But not like this!"

"We wanted you to want us!!"

"But not like this!!"

Draco raised a hand to stop the dramatics because George looked like he's going to kneel.

"I already want you, don't cry me the river or the sea."

Fred and George gasped and put their hands on their chest before doing a giddy dance.

"Stahp it, darling!"

"You're making us blush!!"

Draco had to chuckle at their antics, seeing the red bloom in both Gryffindors' cheeks.

Fred and George looked around before addressing the blonde with the most obvious question. Their location wasn't really something they meet up frequently.

"Why are we in the Shrieking Shack, anyway?"

"We…" Draco gestured at the old, rickety and dusty room. "Are going to renovate this room."

Fred and George stared at the Slytherin Prince and wondered how he thought of it.

"With the way Harry and Blaise kept snagging the Room of Requirement to hide their relationship, it's hard for us to meet, right?"

It was true. The forbidden forest was okay but a lot of Professors do enter and not to mention the chatty creatures! (It was how Luna learned they were dating. She was the first to know. The nargles told her.)

"So I thought of a few places where we can meet and out of all the secret passageways, no one would be able to go here without us knowing it. Right?"

The Whomping Willow does signal if the knot near it was pulled and activated so it would buy them time to hide if someone actually does use the passageway. And no one ever comes to the Shrieking Shack, anyway.

"Okay…" Fred and George nodded, looking around the the spacious room.

They're not in the Room of Requirement so manifesting a room to have dates with was a no-no.

"Well then, I believe we need a fireplace there."

"A velvet carpet there."

"A snake and a lion sculpture here."

"Gold and silver decorations!"

"I'd like a marble tiling."

"And a huge comfy couch by the fireplace!"

"Oohh! We could recreate the cushion pit!"

"We should certainly keep it simple."

"Simple AND elegant. With class! With aesthetics!"

Draco stared at the aspiring interior designers spouting what they wanted here and there and wondered why he even suggested it.

All for love, Draco. All for love. 

Draco chanted the reminder in his mind before sighing and signaling the twins to stop.

"It needs to be as dreadful as this place and not to look too lived-in incase someone comes here."

Fred and George looked aghast.

"My wonderful room!" Fred wailed, looking out the broken window in sorrow. "Ah, it was shattered like the mirror in the corner."

"My grandiose dreams!" George followed, going on all fours on a wandlessly cleaned section of the floor for show.

Draco looked at the two dramatic fools and laughed.

Fred and George listened as the laughter echoed faintly, smiling fondly at probably one of their favourite sounds in the world.

"You're both ridiculous." Draco managed to say, wiping away a joyful tear out the corner of his right eye. "Well then, let's get to planning!!"

Fred and George fiddled with the chocolate box in their pockets, it was meant to be a surprise for their darling but figured it could wait until later.

Spelling the floor clean and encasing them with a clean dome, Fred and George joined Draco with planning. They'll make the room brighter and cleaner.

Then, when it's sanitary and fully furnished, this room is where their safe space could be.

Didn't the twins promise to make Draco feel safe?

This is a step in the right direction.

–

"I have a situation. Code red." Draco said seriously as he dragged Pansy and Blaise towards the fifth years' empty bedroom.

Nott was at Pureblood lessons, Goyle was wooing Millicent and Crabbe was at a study session in the library with the prefects. It was the perfect time to discuss this.

"Certainly, this situation does not at all call for that color." Pansy said, doubtful.

Code Red is equivalent to getting stuck in a Parkinson escape room or a Zabini Dark Arts collection room or getting lost in the Malfoy Manor for nearly twenty four hours alone. (Something like a close brush to death's arms, if you will.)

"But it is as serious as that." Draco insisted.

Blaise, seeing the telltale signs of a Black Dramatic Flair, just let himself be dragged and thrown on his own bed.

A minute later, Blaise was unphased as he was pinned and straddled by Draco Malfoy with Pansy just comfortably rolled up in his duvets.

"You should work on your seduction skills, Dray." Blaise commented, smirking up at the blonde and reaching up to loosen his tie.

"Your good looking and charming face only works on Harry." Draco deadpanned.

"Why am I even dragged up here? To help relieve some tension? Because there is none." Pansy cut in, perfectly polished nails trailing along the spines of Blaise's book collection inside the open trunk.

"You're certainly going to feel left out when we start snogging here." Blaise rolled his eyes, wandlessly recommending a book to give Pansy and shutting off his trunk. Pansy judged the book by its cover and shrugged, opening it to skim its contents.

"We are not snogging." Draco groaned as he messed up Blaise's silky, smooth hair just because he could.

"With the way you're not getting off me, I bet a galleon you're going to suggest practice kissing." Blaise noted, pinching Draco's cheek.

Pansy and Blaise looked at the pouting blonde before locking eyes after a heartbeat. How adorable.

"Surely you weren't planning on suggesting it, Dray? Not when your first kiss should be with your beloved."

Draco's continued silence and pouting said a lot.

"You can hear a lot in this silence." Pansy continued, lifting the book to hide an amused grin.

"It's just….what if I'm a bad kisser?" Draco frowned, brows furrowed. "I never tried kissing someone before."

Blaise chuckled, pulling the Slytherin prince down and embracing him before turning them towards Pansy. 

"Well, don't you both look cosy?" Pansy raised a brow at the cuddle pile. "And if you're a bad kisser, Dray, it's fine. Kissing is something we learn to do by doing it with people you're entangled with. Entangled as in, in a relationship."

Oh.

Draco had to pause for a bit, realising that his relationship with Fred and George was still a secret.

"Did you and Harry already kiss?" Draco asked Blaise, tapping the arm around his waist. 

"I don't kiss anyone on a first date."

"What are you talking about? At this point, you've already been on a hundred dates."

Blaise hummed, as if counting the days he and Harry went on dates. "Nah, we haven't. I kissed him all over the face though, but he says he's not ready for a kiss on the lips. Something about forehead kisses are the best and that a kiss on the lips is saved for a romantic time. Probably Muggle view of romance."

"You've drowned Harry with your love, we're nauseated. That still isn't a romantic time?"

"Didn't you already do the candlelit dinner with the roses? That was a classic in the novels Hermione lent us." Pansy pointed out.

Blaise nodded, "and the hand holding by the lake (with a camouflage spell), the surprise picnics (by the forbidden forest), the drink and cuddle by the fireplace (in the Room of Requirement) and such."

Draco nudged Blaise to keep the dopey smile out of his face. Whipped bastard.

"I never knew Harry doesn't like kisses."

"He does, but I think he wants his first kiss to be something special. So in that regard, I'm waiting for him to do it."

Draco considers this and burrows even further on Blaise's personal space as thoughts run rampant in his mind.

Fred and George had already taken the initiative to kiss his cheeks, forehead, eyes, all over his face but not his lips, too.

So, they were waiting for him to make the move.

But wait.

Who will he give his first kiss to? He doesn't really want to pick. Was there a way to kiss them at the same time? 

But a three-way peck is something that Blaise and Pansy already did with him when they were kids. (They were just really bumping noses, mostly.)

Hold on a minute.

"My first kiss is Blaise." Draco stated, eyes widening at the memory of five year old Blaise and Draco imitating the Wizarding Musical ending.

"Mine, too." Pansy reminded him, she was with them at the Musical.

"Mine, too." Blaise echoed, nodding at the memory of kissing his reflection. He cackled as Pansy whacked his thigh with the book at the same time Draco elbowed him on his sternum. "Well excluding my reflection, I think mine was Pansy?"

"Why are we dragging up past memories tonight?" Pansy lamented, sighing.

"But romantic kisses are different, I think." Draco said, thoughtful. Perhaps he should ask JoKer about this.

"Of course, dear."

"Whatever you say."

–

D: The winzengamot has generously opened the floor in this hearing.

D: As the one with the proposal, I shall speak as if I'm doused in Veritaserum and swear on Merlin that only the truth comes out of my inked statements.

D: So, in the spirit of this blooming relationship, I'm opening a serious discussion and I'd like my beloved JoKer to be present as the participating party.

Ker: Present

Jo: Present

D: Your honor, It has come to my attention that first kisses are important.

Jo: Tis but the truth.

Ker: Tis but the truth.

D: I would like to ask the participating party if they've ever had their First Kiss.

Jo: Your honor, in my defense, I did not know I would be subjected to a committed relationship and had regretfully given up my First Kiss to a Dare. A Dare to prove I'm not a coward, may I add.

Ker: YOUR HONOR, I REGRETFULLY INFORM YOU MY FIRST KISS WAS STOLEN WITHOUT MY CONSENT.

D: You kissed each other, didn't you

Ker: THE DRAGON TAMER DARED HIM TO DO IT. MY LAWYER WILL HEAR ABOUT THIS

Jo: It was an unpleasant experience, if I do say so myself.

Ker: I'd rather much snog Darling, your honor.

D: My First Kiss was my Guardian Angel. If you still remember who.

Ker: Damn. Lucky bastard.

Jo: My lawyer would hear about this.

D: Order in the court.

Ker: There is order. There will be.

Jo: We shall open another hearing after the Guardian Angel is nothing but a fallen angel.

D: Do you think you can come back to the Chosen One's goodwill after the deed to their beloved is done?

Ker: Damn. Lucky Bastard.

Jo: He may be untouchable now…but a day will come.

Ker: A day will come.

D: Which comes to my attention that this question with the utmost importance must be asked with the participating party

Ker: The participating party is curious and is ready to answer, your honor

D: Who will I be kissing first? Jo or Ker?

Jo: …

Ker: …

Ker: The participating party is in shock and is unable to answer immediately, your honor.

D: …

Jo: I–

Ker: I–

….

D: Are you dead?

….

D: Oh, Salazar. They've been compromised, your honor.

….

Jo: The participating party requests a reschedule of this hearing to a later date.

Ker: The participating party shall duel to keep this fair and simple.

Jo: To avoid bloodshed and death.

D: It's just a kiss.

Ker: IT'S NOT JUST A KISS, YOUR HONOR.

Jo: IT'S THE KISS, YOUR HONOR.

Ker: We've waited years for this to happen.

Jo: Dear Merlin, it's going to happen. I shall do my best for this precious prize be bestowed upon my lips.

Ker: I shall unearth my hidden strengths and talents to be able to be the one to experience this wondrous event.

D: Your honor, I would like to request a dissolution of this relationship.

Ker: YOUR HONOR, KINDLY REFUSE AND REJECT AND ABHOR THE AFOREMENTIONED REQUEST

Jo: I second the motion!

D: The Winzengamot has approved the rescheduled hearing. It shall be discussed pronto.

Ker: It shall be discussed after the fair and simple duel.

Jo: Fear not, our Darling D, no bloodshed and death will come upon the fair and simple duel.

D: I feel like they're both malfunctioning, your honor.

…

…

…

…

D: I just have two ridiculous, injured Gryffindors arriving at the Hospital for treatment, your honor.

D: Meeting is adjourned.

–

"I thought it was supposed to be a fair and simple duel?" Draco asked, bandages flying all over the twins. "So, who won?"

They both looked like they were in the center of an explosion but it was all just surface wounds and nothing too serious. There really was no bloodshed and death, for one. It was a good thing Madam Pomfrey wasn't the one who encountered the twins or else they'd be staying in the Hospital Wing overnight.

Fred looked at Draco and grinned widely, it was a wonder his face could accommodate it. Draco had to squint his eyes witn how bright the smile was.

"I did, darling. I'm looking forward to it." Fred winked and focused hard so his fast heartbeat could not be detected.

Draco smirked, seeing the elevated status after finishing his scans. "Noted on that."

Draco noticed George's sulking behaviour and patted his hand comfortingly. "It's okay, Ker. You'll get my first wish."

George significantly brightened up and Draco had to squint his eyes again as the sun shined on the Hospital Wing. Is it still night time?

"Well, I'll be looking forward to that!!"

"But I wanted to grant your wish first!" Fred protested.

"You can't have everything, Jo." Draco shook his head as George tackled his twin to the ground. "Please leave the Hospital Wing before Madam Pomfrey sees you."

Fred and George stopped their bickering, getting up and dusting their clothes before cupping Draco's face and kissing his forehead.

"Good night, Darling. I love you." George whispered, nuzzling his hair before dashing out the room.

"Sweet dreams, Darling. I love you." Fred whispered, sneaking another kiss on the cheek before ruffling his hair and sprinting out in case Draco ran after him.

The door to the Hospital Wing slammed shut and all that occupied the room was one flustered Draco Malfoy.

–

Ker: What would be your first wish, darling? I'm so curious. But not enough to call on a hearing.

D: I haven't thought of one yet, but I'd let you know as soon as possible.

Jo: Trials are not our forte. We're lacking terminologies.

D: it's fine, I kinda know the law.

Ker: Great. Because our grades in Ethics and Ministry Laws are T.

Jo: And we still wonder why Professor Binns teaches Ministry Laws when it's been updated since his time.

D: isn't it because the Minister of Magic didn't want Hogwarts students up-to-date so that the senior ministry personnel have to make fun of and ridicule them?

Jo: Oh, I did hear about that.

Ker: But Ministry Laws are part of the pre-employment tests. What a pain.

D: I'm really looking forward to the year Hermione makes it as Minister of Magic.

Ker: She's not an employee

Jo: Yet.

D: Shhh, don't let her fool you.

–

"What do you think about golden curtains? I think we can steal the ones in the Great Hall."

"No, it's too bright in here, it'll attract attention."

"We're putting up black curtains?! You never told me we're recreating a room from Grimmauld Place!"

–

The thing about Chocolate Day is that there were no Cupids singing.

But apparently, there were still hardcore Lockhart fans and upheld its tradition via a dedication booth.

Surprisingly enough, Professor Umbridge didn't take down the activity so the students ran towards the anonymous section and it was like a Quidditch game halftime show where Lee Jordan reads out messages from the crowd.

There were notes all over the dedication booth to rival all the rules framed outside the Great Hall. For just a knut, it'll stay there for a week. For a sickle, it'll be also be read out loud during dinner.

Who were the hardcore Lockhart fans?

Well, of course it would be Fred and George! Their mum knows all about Lockhart! So they know all about Lockhart!

Did you know all the hair care products he uses for his hair? Fred and George sure do!

What do you mean Gilderoy Lockhart's a wicked bastard who tried to harm Ronniekins? You must be daydreaming.

What do you mean he's gone missing and his memory is not as good? He's adventuring!! As an adventurer, there are dangers you encounter!

Surely even Professor Umbridge knows that, she approved of this joyful occasion.

–

D: How did you get Professor Umbridge's permission for the dedication booth? Again, You're both in the Wanted list.

Jo: Bribery

Ker: and blackmail

D: What could possibly be considered as blackmail?

Ker: Her Cat Plate collection supplier

D: What?

–

The dedication booth was a success!!

Even Harry Potter availed their services~~

Anonymity went out the window with how bright and shiny the sign that says "THIS NOTE IS FROM HARRY POTTER" tacked beside the little square paper where Harry's chicken scrawl is written. 

Draco had already made fun of it saying there was no need for a sign to know Harry's written it with how terrible and distinct his handwriting is.

Before the week ended, Blaise had already slipped the twins 10 galleons to acquire that note. That's for him, okay? So it's valid to treasure it and protect it. Probably frame it and hide it in his personal vault!

Harry had said it to Blaise before but seeing it in writing had the Slytherin Casanova falling for the Chosen One again.

I choose you.

((Hermione had bursted out laughing and kept pointing at Blaise saying random attack words. There was probably a muggle joke mixed in.))

But it was simple and sweet because only Harry and Blaise knew the full story.

Underneath the stars and the shadows of the trees in the Forbidden Forest, Harry hugged him tightly and said:

"People kept referring to me as the Chosen One because once war starts, they expect a lot of things from me. Padfoot says I was called that because people chose to put me on a burdensome pedestal but he and Moony told me I can be the only one that can choose my path. My path is towards you. It's thorny, rocky, and it will surely be painful…we're still young and our blood status isn't the same, our sides in the war may not be as well but I don't care about that. Blaise, I choose you."

Blaise had cupped Harry's cheeks and kissed him on the forehead. He pulled Harry closer and whispered in his ear.

"I swear fealty to you."

And Blaise meant it.

Let the world burn in Fiendfyre, he won't care. So long as Harry is his, and he is Harry's.

No one can come in between.

He'll make sure of it.

–

Jo: Is the Guardian Angel rich?

D: His monthly allowance is seven hundred galleons.

Ker: So if we make Harry do a calligraphy of 'I choose you' with his sign, do you think we can profit from him again?

D: You can certainly try.

Jo: I think we should sell more Slytherin goods.

Ker: Write that down!

–

"I hate it when the floorboards creak, it's so creepy."

"We're in a supposedly haunted shack. It's supposed to be like that."

"So the fluffiest velvet carpet goes where?"

"Back to the castle."

"Are we even renovating?!"

–

"Hermione, can you keep us updated on the rumors in the ministry?" Draco asked out of blue after fixing Harry's broken glasses. "We might be able to dig up something about Professor Umbridge."

They were practising a spell Moony told them in the recent mirror meeting and it backfired. Harry's prone to wrong wand movement, anyway. He's in a rebellious phase.

("Why does Blaise do every spell wandless?" -Harry Potter, 1995)

Hermione snorted and threw Draco a pillow.

"I don't work in the ministry!"

"But who else will be the Minister of Magic in ten years' time?!"

"Why can't Pansy do it?" Ron asked innocently.

"How dare you try to make me the head of corruption." Pansy threw him a look of disgust, "Keep me out of this, Ronald. My daggers are looking for a target."

Neville, holding said daggers because she's making him practise throwing it, held the dangerous weapons out of her reach.

"Where are the twins? They're normally exploding by now." Luna asked, as she twirled her wand, practicing the Expecto Patronum.

The D.A has been practicing for that particular spell for weeks now. It's apparently hard to think of happy memories constantly.

"Lee Jordan always makes them explode!" Hannah giggled.

"I think they're doing a group project." Ginny answered, smoothing out singed locks of hair as her wand released sparks.

Casting a tempus, Draco sighed.

"It's time for my patrol." A swish of his wand and his belongings floated to him immediately. He glared at the people in the room. "Make sure no one gets hurt while I'm gone."

"Yes, Healer Draco."

"Alright, let's try one more round of duels and we're done for today."

Draco swiftly went out the room and straight to a nearby classroom. He pulled out his journal and wrote.

–

D: Ready to meet after patrol?

Ker: Ready!

Jo: We'll see you later, darling!

Ker: I can't wait~~

D: I'll see you later, then. I love you.

Ker: (ﾉ≧∇≦)ﾉ ﾐ ┻━┻

Jo: (ﾉ≧∇≦)ﾉ ﾐ ┻━┻

Jo: I LOVE YOU MORE!

Ker: I LOVE YOU MORE!

–

No one in Hogwarts really knows how Lee Jordan, Pansy Parkinson and Blaise Zabini became close. It's been going on since the start of the school year.

All they knew is that all of a sudden, they could be seen walking along the Hogwarts halls and passing something (a gift, a book, a note, etc). There must've been something fishy going on so when they have a chance to eavesdrop, they do.

"Here's the aloe vera freshly harvested from the greenhouses, Lee Jordan." Pansy said, passing him a box. "My idiot worked on it last night when your idiots mentioned your hair maintenance in passing."

"How kind of them." Lee Jordan grinned at the package, before looking down at the two Slytherins. "What would it take for you to call me Lee or Jordan?"

"Lee Jordan sounds cooler." Blaise replied.

Times like these were times that the student body are reminded that The Jordan Family are Purebloods. It's just that Lee Jordan was so approachable and down-to-earth that it doesn't seem like he's one. 

Away from the eavesdropping students, Lee Jordan sighed heavily.

"Let me guess, they're totally helpless right now." Lee Jordan said, shaking his head.

"If cuddling is what you call helpless then, yes." Pansy smirked. "Relax, they don't need their babysitters right now."

"I still can't believe it took them so long to get together." 

"You and us both, we were subjected to the Twins' longing looks and Draco's confused ones, really."

"At least you didn't spend several hundred hours of your life hearing how amazing your idiot is."

"He is amazing," Pansy agreed. "And don't get me started on how gone my idiot is to your idiots. We'll be here until sundown."

They stood outside the Hogwarts entranceway, guarding. The courtyard was empty and Hagrid was in his hut. You couldn't really see what's beyond the Forbidden Forest at this location but they don't need to know.

It's Draco, Fred and George's weekday date so they're off frolicking inside the Forbidden Forest. Why they didn't do it in the Room of Requirement is –oh wait, D.A just finished so it's just a Harry and Blaise date place.

"How long do you think those three idiots will realize we know their little secret?" Lee Jordan asked, waving his wand to cast privacy spells along the Forbidden Forest. Blaise followed the seventh year's initiative.

"My idiot really should've known by now." Pansy lamented. "He's just blinded by love at the moment."

Blaise and Lee snorted.

"My idiots should've known by now, too." Lee said, snickering. "They're just stupid. I already know D's identity, of course I'd know their next step."

Privacy spells intact and in place, they went back inside.

"I think they'll realize it a month later, don't you think so too?" Blaise asked after calculating the days. "We've never been subtle at all."

"Approximately, yes." Lee Jordan agreed. "Hopefully."

"Gee, we know our idiots so well by now." Pansy remarked, chuckling.

"Unfortunately." Blaise and Lee said in unison.

They parted with a salute, their interactions certainly increasing since they're both in the D.A.

A month later, Draco, Pansy and Blaise were studying in the courtyard when Lee Jordan sat beside Pansy, the twins following him in confusion.

"Uh, hello?" Draco greeted, glancing at the twins who were also in the dark. "Shouldn't you be skipping stones by the lake and being troublesome elsewhere?"

"Hiya, just wanted to drop by and give some things and we'll be out of your beautiful golden hair." Lee Jordan greeted opening his bag and passing Blaise an autographed book and Pansy a glass vial of something Draco can't recognise.

"Oh, yes. I was wondering when you'll give it back." Blaise accepted the book and passed another one from his bag. "This one is all about Quidditch so it's a fast read for you."

"Thank you for this, I'll try it later." Pansy hummed, pleased as she placed the vial in her pocket. 

Draco, Fred and George stared at the smooth transaction going on in front of them. They knew their friends were getting along back in D.A. but this is strange…

"Since when did the three of you get so close?!" Draco, Fred and George asked in unison, looking at their best friends in disbelief.

"Ha! I told you, a month." Blaise bragged, chuckling. "I should've wagered a galleon."

"We've been cleaning up your tracks the past few months now. Glad you noticed already." Pansy said, picking up Lee's offered snack and biting onto it.

"Yeah, can't believe it took you so long." Lee Jordan said while nibbling on a licorice. "And the three of you were supposed to be smart."

Draco, Fred and George looked at each before looking away, a red hue on their cheeks.

"Wow, unbelievable. They're getting shy." 

"I thought that word wasn't in their vocabulary, ever."

"Shhh, they'll get defensive and pouty."

"Shut up!" The three idiots yelled, huffing and crossing their arms.

"Wow, not even a year of being together and they can

say something in unison."

"And even do the same actions."

"Not long now before they finish each other's sentences."

"Ah, young love." Pansy, Blaise and Lee Jordan smirked.

No one in Hogwarts really knows how Lee Jordan, Pansy Parkinson and Blaise Zabini became close.

But really, they're just looking out for three idiots.

"Someone, anyone, get a time turner! They're too powerful when together!!!" The twins hollered as Draco laughed, shaking his head.

That's four down, and a lot more to go.

Oh well, at least they didn't need to hide that much anymore.

–

Ker: So, about the marble tiles

Jo: No

D: No

Ker: (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻

Chapter Text

D: I miss Twig. My baby must miss me too.

Jo: I don't think Harry was successful in ripping Twig away from the vault they gave him…

Ker: I didn't even know Twig is protective of his treasure.

D: Was the vault that big that he needed months to sort it all out

Jo: Darling…

Ker: For Twig, yes.

D: What if he got buried under the piles of coins? I should write to Gringotts…

Ker: Are you sure that's okay, darling?

D: Why?

Jo: Gringotts goblins don't really allow information about other people's dragons…

Ker: Bill said so.

D: but they all keep me updated about the dragons' well-being every few months or so?

Jo: I figured out how to infiltrate Gringotts. We just need you, darling.

Ker: They're so biased but we are confident that you're a Goblin favorite, darling. They'll give you every information they always withhold from us lesser beings.

D: Don't be ridiculous. 

Ker: If you say so.

Jo: If anyone finds out you're a Goblin favorite, they'll faint.

–

"I miss Quartz." Harry grumbled, looking out the classroom window forlornly.

"You look like a pining maiden." Draco sneered, passing by to go to his seat.

"Sod off, Malfoy. I'm missing my baby." Harry grimaced before sighing heavily. "He'll be stacking up his hoard daily without fail."

Draco rolled his eyes as Harry started talking about Twig to Neville who was patiently listening attentively. Poor Neville.

"I, for one, do not miss Firecracker." Ron commented a few tables away. "The little spitfire likes to singe my clothes!"

"Well, I miss Firecracker." Hermione frowned, "Viktor says the little one is also in one of his Vaults and refused to go out."

"I guess miniature dragons are just like that." Harry nodded solemnly, thinking about his Quartz.

It's a study hall in History, meaning no one is doing any work. Except Hermione, but she's probably doing ministry reports. Best leave her be.

"Maybe the little dragon knows more about fashion than you." Draco snickered.

Ron glared at the Slytherin, "We're not talking to you, Malfoy. Leave us alone."

"Well your inside voices was too loud, I couldn't help but comment." Draco yawned. "Must be nice to have custody with a Miniature dragon, huh?"

Harry and Ron rolled their eyes at the question, ignoring the prick as they huffed and grumbled.

"Boys, ignore him." Hermione snorted, remembering Draco's similar comments of missing Twig Quartz. "Maybe he's just pining."

"My father will hear about this." Draco hissed before crossing his arms and settling back on his chair.

"Yeah yeah, your father hears everything." Hermione snarked back.

And because Draco is feeling petty, a wandless spell was directed at Hermione, slamming the heavy book she was reading with a resounding bang.

It caught the attention of the Professor just as he phased back to the classroom.

"My, my. Students, let's not reenact the Goblin wars in my classroom. Keep order, shall we?"

Draco smirked and ignored Hermione's scathing glare. She's ten years early to try imitating the Snape glare™.

–

D: I have a wish for Ker.

Ker: FINALLY! Your wish is my command!

D: It's simple, really.

D: I just wish for something to keep me warm, it's getting quite chilly even though spring is coming.

Ker: Oh! We've just got the thing!! Let me tweak it for finishings and I'll be ready to grant your wish, Darling.

D: Is that so? I'm glad, then.

–

March is proving to be an uneventful month.

(Nevermind the Harry vs. Umbridge every DADA lesson)

With all the routine-like days, it was easy enough to sneak in a few things out of the safety of Hogwarts into the Shrieking shack.

Fred and George are so thankful that the Whomping Willow is still warding out daredevils and keeping the students away!! The twins already mastered wandlessly activating the knot by the tree. Draco had the brilliant idea to set traps around the entrance and along the passageway that they could disarm with a unique spell. It was a safety measure and something to alert them if they failed to notice the Whomping Willow alert.

The said alert was a bit too vague. When the knot is pulled, the Whomping Willow creaks in a certain way before it calms (unless provoked again). It's an eerie sound that can be heard all the way to their chosen room.

There is no guarantee they'd be on their guards at all times so having a set of simple traps that can detect others and spook them is a great backup plan.

It took them a month but finally the renovated room was finished after all the compromises they made.

It was fully cleaned with no dust in sight. Fred wrote the self-restoring runes and George added the insulation runes they conveniently found on a book. Draco put in privacy wards akin to the ones in the Malfoy Manor.

A security illusion charm was conveniently placed at the doorknob. If it wasn't Draco, Fred or George who opened the door, the place would look as trashed and filthy as it was the first time they were in the room. If they touched anything during that time, they'd have rashes and welts appearing on their skin.

The room was well put together. Personally, Draco's favorite is the dragon shelf Fred and George built that the twins claimed as a mini DIY project because they were procrastinating. It was filled with trinkets, random Potions ingredients and books and a box filled with blankets. There's also a small collection of shiny, smooth pebbles that the twins think Draco will like. (He does)

Fred's favorite was their replication of the cushion pit, the mountain of pillows and blankets with the trusty waterproof-dustproof runes interwoven in the materials they chose was hard work and paid off. It's the most aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic thing in the whole room. There was no need to fluff it all because of the runes, too!

George's favorite was the DIY fireplace. The room didn't have windows or a chimney per se so maintaining ventilation was all done by magic. Since he was the one who did the insulation, he also was the one who made the fireplace. It's just a visual fire with brick lining and powered by warming charms or a small campfire with the smoke automatically vanished with a spell. It depends on what kind of fire they wanted it to be if they ever use it! 

All in all, it was their small safe haven.

It's comfortable, cosy, warm and homey.

Proven and tested by Draco when he conked out in just a few minutes during cuddle time.

–

Jo: Darling, do you think some Slytherins would marry a muggle or are you all just waiting to be paired off in the Pureblood circle?

Ker: and we're Purebloods, by the way. Just letting you know you can be paired with us.

D: Not all Slytherins are Purebloods. Some half-blood probably would marry a muggle or a fellow half-blood. 

Jo: What are the odds that Hogwarts students marry famous muggles?

Ker: Wasn't that what happened to mum's generation, someone married a rich muggle

D: If they ever marry a muggle, clearly they don't have an ounce of self-preservation left in them.

Ker: What if the Slytherin you pushed married an actress?

D: I've pushed a lot of people. I reckon I'm an unforgettable memory.

Jo: That makes sense. 

Ker: You're our unforgettable memory.

D: Saps.

–

Hermione was possessed by something. A vengeful ghost, a desperate demon, one of the forbidden forest creatures, they don't know. 

Fred wasn't safe, he was the first victim.

Naturally, George was next.

Then, Lee Jordan got caught.

And Harry fought hard but he was quick to back down.

Ron screamed Viktor's name for help but it was all in vain.

They don't know how she got Blaise, Pansy and Draco too…but she got them as well.

Horrified, Neville followed with no complaints.

The rest of the D.A's resolve crumbled like a bunch of dominoes falling one by one.

"You are seventh years! You should be studying! N.E.W.T.S are just around the corner and you don't even think of studying for it!"

"It's in May, Hermione. It's still early."

"And don't get me started on O.W.L.S! That's one of the main reasons why we established D.A!"

"It was?"

"Of course it is." Hermione hissed. "I think it's feasible to get a grade of O for DADA with how much we've been working on the practical spells!"

"I think we're safe." Ginny whispered to Luna who shook her head and went back to reading the latest edition of the Quibbler hidden by the huge tome in front of her. "You do know it's obvious you're not reading that book, right?"

"Shhh, she'll notice."

"You need to calm down, Hermione. We're all going to pass here." Draco interrupted Hermione's speech of expulsions and grades with a placating smile. "O.W.L.S are just something like an intelligence test."

"Because it is!!"

"And we're all intelligent here." Draco concluded. It was true, Harry and Ron had come a long, long way to be able to keep up with their practice tests.

"Besides, we do have study sessions every other week. It's unhealthy to cram."

Those who tend to cram wisely remained silent.

"And you're already hired by the ministry so shouldn't you slip us some Ministry mandated questions?"

Everyone heard something snap but couldn't identify what it was. It was probably someone's patience.

"I AM NOT A MINISTRY EMPLOYEE!"

Harry and Ron raised their hands in surrender as an empty glass shattered in front of them.

"I am so glad that this room does not have floor to wall windows." Harry mumbled.

"We badly need those questions." Lee Jordan commented towards the twins. N.E.W.T.S is basically just a review for everything they've done the past seven years so practical exams were easy.

If it's written though, that's a whole bag of Greenhouse three fertilizer they never want to acknowledge.

Fred and George groaned, waving a blank piece of parchment paper as a white flag on their table.

–

Ker: N.E.W.T.S suck!

D: It hasn't happened yet.

Jo: I hate paper examinations.

Ker: I hate exams in general.

D: Please don't plan a coup d'état

Jo:...

Ker: …

Jo: Is that a wish?

Ker: if it is, it's the hardest thing to grant…

D: It's not a wish

Jo: Thank Merlin.

…

D:... you're not planning it, right?

Ker: So what are we doing for our month anniversary? :D

Jo: I was thinking duels

D: JoKer

Ker: Duels! I certainly can't wait to duel with darling. We don't duel much in D.A

Jo: I love duelling with Darling!

D: Are you being serious right now?

Ker: We can dedicate it to the Marauders. 

Jo: Legendary.

D: No!

–

One of the greatest ideas they had during the renovation was a mini kitchen. Of course, again, there was no proper ventilation BUT a kitchen! Fred and George wanted to brag about their cooking skills!!

(Their nonexistent cooking skills, that is!)

Seeing the twins so excited about it, Draco had no qualms in adding a small kitchen in their room. He was so glad to be good at runes so the smoke and smells would be Vanished before it leaves the range. People would surely come if the Shrieking shack smells like someone's been cooking in there.

Honestly, Draco is curious about their cooking too. Harry had told him Ron is the assistant cook in the Burrow but he's never tasted the twins' cooking yet.

What was it that Hermione said? Curiosity killed the cat.

"Why is this salty?" Draco asked as he swallowed the small bite of apple pie. The taste was… interesting.

"Salty?!" Fred and George screamed, horrified.

Draco shook his head as the twins also took a bite and wailed. 

"I FORGOT WE SWITCHED THE SUGAR FOR SALT!" 

Maybe they'll leave the apple pies to Dobby.

"THAT MEANS OUR TOMATO SOUP IS SWEETER THAN DESSERT!"

Leave every food they eat to Dobby.

The twins will have to be banned in the kitchen until the unforeseeable future.

–

D: If I can create a bracelet or an accessory that blocks out diseases and viruses, do you think it'll work?

Ker: I think you'll be rich.

Jo: Until your grandson's grandson had a son

D: but it needs to be effective

Jo: Do you think we can make something as amazing as that, darling?

D: You'll always do well in life.

Ker: Then, you'll always do well in life, too.

Jo: because you're with us.

D: and you are with me.

Jo: Sap.

D: You like it!

Ker: We do!

–

"You've improved so much, Neville." Pansy's voice resonated in the room, as the Parkinson Lady tucked away her daggers. 

Neville, holding a sword and still alert in case a dagger comes at him again, grinned. "I have a very good teacher."

"You do." Blaise confirmed smugly, just because he's one of them.

"The little lion cub has grown." Draco patted Neville's head. "Literally. He's already taller than me."

Three months ago, Neville came up to Draco's cheekbone. Now, he's taller than ever. Like a beanstalk. Puberty is hitting him like a Knight Bus!

"Slow down on growing, Nev." Harry complained. "Maybe you've been hogging the growth pixies in our dorms!"

Growth pixies are bedtime story creatures that are said to visit when one sleeps with good dreams. 

"Uh, Harry, you just don't sleep on time." Ron commented. It's true, it's rare for Harry to be asleep before any of them.

"Dean and Seamus have visits, too." Ginny added, pointing at the duelling duo. 

"Do you think the growth pixies hate me?" Harry asked Blaise, frowning.

Blaise patted Harry's head comfortingly, "Don't worry, it hates Draco too."

Blaise dodged a hex that was shot his way without even looking.

"Do growth pixies visit you?" Luna asked Lee Jordan, who was her sparring partner.

"I think the twins hogged all the visits." Lee Jordan answered, dodging a jinx.

"Okay, that's enough duels!" Harry called out, releasing a spark from his wand to gain the attention of the room. "We're not meeting up for the following month to prepare for our O.W.L.S and N.E.W.TS. according to Hermione."

"We've done all we could to pass this subject, we're not stopping at all but resting and focusing on other subjects." Hermione added, "There are more subjects to prepare for and with Professor Umbridge being abysmal in teaching, we would meet up again soon."

"Just be alert when the galleon shows the next date of our meeting." Ron reminded them, flipping the said galleon.

"I'll miss D.A." Seamus said, "It's a bummer to not watch the behind the scenes of Harry and Draco's drama."

"It's the highlight of my year." Dean commented before sighing dramatically. "Where ever would we see such state of the art acting?"

"Alright, knock it off. Don't tease them or they'll stumble on their words outside." Macmillan laughed. Harry had done that once and they all had a laugh imitating the stammering.

"Maybe I should target other D.A. members outside." Draco said sarcastically, "I feel like they could handle my words and not burst out crying."

"We're sorry, healer Draco." other members chorused before snickering.

"Well, maybe they needed more lessons." Pansy remarked, a dagger on hand as she shifted to a thinking pose.

"And that's our cue to leave."

Within a minute, the D.A was adjourned. The Room of Requirement was empty except for the Golden trio and the Slytherins.

"Where were the twins today, I don't think I've seen them." Pansy asked, going to the cushion pit as the room transitioned from training room to default hangout room.

"In detention." Draco answered, shaking his head. "They got caught fighting with Peeves and creating a mess in the trophy room."

Dobby popped up and snacks appeared on the table. Since it was nearing dinner, the house elf just accepted hugs and thanks before popping away.

Ron immediately reached for the scones before handing Hermione a plate of her favourite snacks.

Harry fished out his mirror fragment, it was nearing the time to talk with his guardians and the Slytherins said they would like to speak with the couple as well.

"Hiya Moony, Hiya Padfoot!"

"Hello little troublemakers, why have you all gathered like you're in a book club?"

"We are a book club." Draco answered, "We're practicing practical spells from a book."

"What do the Slytherins want from us, cub?" Sirius asked Harry, eyeing the mischievous glints in the eyes of those wearing green and silver. "They don't look welcoming."

"So, about that… can you confirm if Hermione is a ministry employee or not?"

"DRACO MALFOY, I SWEAR TO MERLIN, YOU'RE DEAD!"

"HERMIONE, NO!"

"HERMIONE, YES!"

"STOP IT!"

"RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!"

The mirror was tossed before Remus or Sirius could reply and all they could hear was the commotion between the two groups.

"I think it's highly unlikely." Remus still answered even if it went unheard.

"But you know what? It makes sense."

Remus groaned. "Padfoot, no!"

–

Jo: I feel like everything's strange lately

D: Maybe it's just your imagination

Ker: No, no, I feel it too

D: Maybe it's a twin imagination

Ker: Like, Lee's been acting strange

Jo: and Ron and Ginny, especially Harry

Ker: Basically the whole D.A

Ker: but that's just because we've not been meeting, right? Is it just us?

Jo: I don't know. But it feels weird. Something stuck in my throat weird.

Ker: yeah, like the Practice Potions we sabotage turning out right kinda weird.

D: Didn't I tell you not to mess with Potions?

Ker: Darling, you'll be seeing Professor Snape in the Hospital Wing often if we do a potion perfectly

Jo: he'll have to stay overnight because there's a chance he'll hallucinate about it. I think Professor has a fragile heart, he needs to think about his health more

Ker: that's right

D: You being concerned about professor Snape is what's going to make Madam Pomfrey admit you overnight if she hears it.

Ker: shhhh, she's dangerous. She's like Professor Sprout dangerous

Jo: and they're best friends. Danger danger. And you know they're other other best friend? Professor McGonagall. Triple danger!

D: Nonsense, they are all amazing women.

Jo: You see them like that because you've never seen greenhouse four.

D: We only have three greenhouses.

Ker: exactly.

D: are you both being paranoid or just plainly scared of the Professors?

Jo: Professor Snape can never be scary, if you think about it very very hard. However, the female Professors are always the ones who know everything. Hogwarts loves them! Exception to the rule is a pink menace.

Ker: Oh, to be loved by Hogwarts…

D: didn't Hogwarts help you prank everyone by assisting you in moving all the furniture five centimetres from the original location? 

Jo: That was so funny, I think a lot of hips got bruised from bumping into everything. Stubbed toes and all.

Ker: I almost fell for it a few times too, good times. Not to mention Umbridge's face when she fell off trying to sit on her chair!!! Did you see her? The Great Hall had a try not to laugh challenge!

Jo: Hogwarts got brighter after that. It was hilarious!!

–

"You all should act more naturally, the twins are suspecting something."

"Hey, it's not our fault that they have good intuition!!"

"So do we do confetti or not?"

"Yes, of course. They'll sulk without it."

"Where should we hide the explosives?"

"Don't phrase the question like that, you're making it seem like we're a bunch of terrorists."

"But we ARE going to spread terror."

"We won't be if you drop those ahead of time."

–

D: Maybe we should befriend Moaning Myrtle.

Jo: Ginny visits her with Luna everyday.

Ker: Harry and Ron says hi to her whenever they pass by

Jo: Hermione even goes there alone!! Girls always go there in pairs but she's the only one going in there by herself!

Ker: Even Pansy drags Blaise inside.

D: That's because the last time she went alone, Myrtle annoyed her so much that all the weapons Pansy had were used against Myrtle. And Myrtle is afraid of Blaise…for reasons.

Jo: Did the weapons work?

D: No but Moaning Myrtle cried for weeks.

Ker: I would too if I get stabbed…

Jo: Why the sudden urge to befriend a ghost, darling?

Ker: Peeves already listens to you. And poltergeists are much more helpful than ghosts!