For the next few days, Aine and her friends began finding potential places for Dumbledore's Army to train. However, to no avail, just as it was difficult to shake off Umbridge's eyes around the castle. It was equally hard to not cause any suspicions about their actions. That is until Neville Longbottom found a magical door while wandering past the seventh-floor corridors one evening...
Aine watches as a metal gate appeared from the stoned wall. What seemed to be sculpted stone had faded into wrought iron, the colour of sand darkening into a black metallic frame before a door emerges. Then the materialized wooden doors swung open heavily, growling along as it reveals to them an empty massive room.
"You've done it, Neville! You found the Room of Requirement!" Hermione beams at the sight of the cold blue room, she patted Neville's back and the boy swallows nervously, proud that he has finally done something useful. He found himself gaining a tiny bit of confidence and had secretly bumped his fists happily.
All of them took a step into the room, their mouths gaping open in awe, glancing around as they marvel at it. There was a certain beauty to the empty room. It was illuminated with the colour of the evening skies and it had a slight glow with the fireplace behind. Small pockets of the light had shone down, emitting a rather ravishing and peaceful ambient.
The entrance of the room had slowly fused back itself, the strong iron gates merging until it faded into a reflective wall, mirroring the surroundings of the room. It was the perfect place to train, it was spacious and the ceiling was high enough to perform levitating spells, there were also mirrors plastered on every wall so that they could check and fix their stances when they were training. However, it wasn't something Aine had particularly liked since she had developed a slight fear of mirrors after last year. It was nonetheless pretty useful.
Marbled benches were positioned on either side of the room so that they could sit and rest during in-between training breaks and the fireplace had graced the room with not only light but also provided warmth in this cold winter. Aine could only think of how much more pretty the place was going to be during the day since there were ceiling windows which meant that there was sufficient natural light that could flow in.
Ron raised a quizzical brow and looks at Hermione, "The... What?" he asks and his older brothers snickered in the back.
"The room that Aine had suggested previously but we didn't know where it's located until... Now," Harry enlightens him and his best friend let out an 'oh', nodding along as he remembers it only then.
Hermione smiled and turns to her friends, feeling a sudden surge of excitement to finally have a place that they had. "It's also known as the Come and Go Room," she informed the rest, "The Room of Requirement only appears when a person has real need of it. And it's always equipped for the seeker's needs," she explained.
"That explains why it looks huge and seems suitable for us," Ron remarked, impressed.
Fred whistles from behind and George claps, once again surprised by their school's magic. The applause echoed throughout the room and he chuckles, shaking his head in disbelief. "Wow... This is so bloody amazing!"
"Now you tell me, Georgie," Fred chimes and Aine smirked, agreeing with them. She took the liberty to wander around, looking out of the stained glass windows to see the deepening day. Her smile never left her face, she was just so amazed and fascinated by everything in this room: the structure, the chandelier, the windows, even the fireplace looked cool, and all except the mirrors, even though they were aged nicely, Aine couldn't help but feel anxious about seeing her many reflections in the room. It reminded her of the mysterious woman in the mirror.
It reminded her of the fear that she had sealed away.
Her eyes trail to the partition in a corner, and she lets out an elated squeal, ignoring her friend's chattering in a distance. "Hey, look! There are even wizarding dummies to train with!" she tells them, rolling the towering rusty black frame as she shows off the big metal figurine that seemed to be created to mimic the look of a Death Eater. There were even wheels attached to it so it could move easily, although they screeched sharply when Aine was displaying it to her friends. She plays with the metal Death Eater's arm, making it wave at her friends and startling Ron at the same time.
"Merlin's beard," Ron cursed, shocked by the towering dummy that had eyed him down. He places a hand on his beating heart, calming it before sending a glare at Aine who giggles at his reaction. "Jeez, Aine!"
The group went along, inspecting every corner of the room. It almost looked like a regular classroom without any desks and seats and instead of the usual brown walls, it was covered in mirrors instead. "Do you think the others will like it?" Neville questions and Aine bobbed her head.
"Without a doubt," she winks. "I can't wait for them to see it!"
"This is incredible! It's like Hogwarts wants us to fight back too!" Harry exclaimed, feeling a rush of thrill. If he wasn't any more determined before about Umbridge's refusal to teach them about the necessary defensive spells, he was now. It was the first step to preparing themselves against the incoming battle. Towards an anticipated war that could break out who knows when?
Once they were done scouting the place, the group began to scatter forth from the Room of Requirement; spreading words to their friends who were in the same group about their new classroom. The only ones remaining were Harry, Ron, Hermione and Aine who decided to stay for a little longer to plan out their lessons. Aine sat behind her friends, they were all focused on pointing out several spells that they wanted to teach and learn.
Though Aine was there physically, her mind had long drifted away as she remembered the conversation that she and Draco had shared. She has yet to ask them how they feel about including the Slytherin boy and his few friends in the D.A and it wasn't an easy topic to bring up, especially since she knew how they felt towards him. Even so, she wanted to try and persuade them.
Her lips parted as the words struggle to come out right, she really wanted this work and hopefully, it could mend the rivalry between Harry and Draco. "Hey, guys? Um— I need to talk to you about something," she brought up when they were done and the three heads turned around to her, curiosity plastered over their wide-eyed faces.
"What is it?" Hermione asks, wondering if they had missed out on something that Aine had thought of.
The girl plays with her wand, stroking the sleek black wood, "How do you feel if Draco joins us?" she questions in a soft voice.
"WHAT?!" Ron shouted, jumping up with furrowed brows. "Did you tell him about our plan?"
Aine nodded and Harry lets out a long sigh, he combs his hair back, hiding his frustration but the girl had seen through it. "Why would you tell him that? Don't you know he's in Slytherin?"
There came a scoff and Aine rolls her eyes, "So? What has that got to with anything? What's wrong with having someone from Slytherin join us?" Though they came from different houses and had a sense of enmity, not all of them were evil. And it was beginning to tick Aine off that many had a prejudice against them. It was the same for her house, though bravery is one of the traits, there were still a handful of Gryffindors who aren't courageous but cowardly.
"Everything! Do you not know the WHOLE of Slytherin literally follows Umbridge's orders? That mad toad has that house in her grasp! Who knows when will Malfoy turn against us? What if he's playing you so that he could get to know our motives and report to Dumbrigde behind your back?" the ginger retorts, not caring about the nickname he had given his pink-obsessed professor slash High Inquisitor and Aine groans at his words.
She knew her Slytherin friend wasn't that kind of person but what Ron had said wasn't exactly incorrect at all. Nevertheless, she had trusted Draco, it was just a gut feeling that his words and actions around her were true. Aine's mouth gaped again, but she shuts it back. Not knowing how and what to say in return since it seemed that Ron was completely opposed to it. She really wanted this to work out well but it seems that things just don't go the way she planned. "He's not like that... Really..." was all that came out of her lips after a long deep thought.
"We know, Aine," Hermione said, giving her a small squeeze. "We know that he's different around you and we've seen it. Whether we like it or not—" she glanced over to the two boys and she smiles sadly. "I don't doubt the bond you two shared but... Perhaps, it wouldn't hurt to be just a little wary. You know, just in case...?" There was uncertainty in Hermione's voice that Aine had recognized and the girl didn't blame her at all. Yet, Aine couldn't hide her disappointment even after hearing the facts.
She nodded, standing up as her face grew grim, she wanted to get rid of the steam inside her that was rising so easily and dangerously. What is this rage? Her friends glanced at each other before looking at her with worried eyes. Unintentionally, just as Aine was about to say something, she accidentally overheard their internal thoughts...
'I didn't mean to sound so harsh...' Ron murmurs in his mind. He cast a dejected look to the ground.
'Were we too hard on Malfoy? His nature has definitely changed around Aine, but..' Hermione said mentally, still staring at Aine with concerned eyes.
'I don't trust Malfoy, but I trust Aine...' states Harry, playing with his shoelaces.
Aine turns away, feeling guilty now. She didn't mean to pry into their minds but hearing their monologues had her feeling both grateful and apologetic to her friends. "I'll see you guys at the common room," she mutters, ambling towards the reappearing door.
Just before she left the Room of Requirement, Harry calls out to her and she whips around. "I'm not saying they can't join the D.A... But they can't be around when we're training the rest," he remarked. "Maybe after our session? They could come when the others are gone?"
"Our other friends might be uncomfortable with them around..." Hermione added.
"But they'll still be able to join the defense class! Isn't that still great news?" Ron questions, grinning a little too widely.
The girl listens to her friends suggesting the schedules, trying to make everything work for both sides. They had respected Aine's trust in Draco even though they had their doubts. It took a long while before they had everything settled and eventually, they reached a conclusion. All that's left is to forward the message to each party to let them know about the schedules.
"Thanks, guys," Aine sheepishly said with a smile that her friends had mirrored back to her.
"Let's work hard together," Harry smirks at her, giving Aine a thumbs up before they crowd together for a group hug.
"We can do this!"
~~~
Draco wanders through the corridors, his two friends by his side as they made their way to the Astronomy Tower after receiving a small message from Aine to meet them there. It was nearly nightfall and they had to be careful to not get caught by Umbridge. Even if he did, Draco already had an excuse planned in his head, not that he knows that his professor would suspect anything since she had favoured the Slytherins. It was just in case since she didn't exactly treat Aine in the same fashion. Instead, it was quite the opposite. Umbridge had absolutely detested the Gryffindor girl, going as far as to punish her for the tiniest and stupidest flaw the woman could ever find in Aine.
His steps quickened, excited to see Aine after the letter she had sent to him. Draco had managed to endure waiting all day so that after his class ended, he could be with her and it would also be the first time he will introduce his friends to her. He sent his two friends behind him a glimpse, they were equally eager to join the group especially since they had both hated Umbridge like him. This was why when Draco told them about the plans to learn Defensive spells, they didn't spare a single moment before agreeing to join. They were both done with the useless no-magic rule in their Defense Against the Dark Arts class.
Both of his friends smiled at him, they simpered at the fact that Draco was being awfully different, he looked even cheerful and the hopeful grin on his face made it look like he was a completely new person. They were seeing a new side of him today and they could only wonder what and who was the reason for his positive change.
When they made it to the Astronomy Tower, Aine was already there. Her back faced them as her sleek shiny raven hair flowed along with the wind, they could hear her humming a small sweet tune. At that very moment, Draco had fallen for her again. His heart throbbed faster than he had realized and his lips fanned into a tender smile. Both of his two friends exchanged looks, mesmerized by the girl even before meeting her face. She had a different aura around her that they couldn't quite place their finger on.
Protego totalum. Muffliato...
There was a blurry cast over the area, spreading to the roof before a faint buzzing sound sizzled in their ears. Their eyes travelled around, the last gap of the shield sewing shut until the translucent curtain-like wall diffused into the environment around them. Draco's eyes widened when he realize the use of the concealment spells by Aine, yet not a single word was said but her hand had waved and raised into the air with her wand, enchanting the space with a non-verbal casting. He could hear his friends gasp in astonishment behind him as he watches Aine finally turning to them, his pupils dilating when they meet with her stunning golden eyes.
He was falling even deeper now...
"Now that we're all alone without any hindrance, shall we finally get started?" her silvery voice echoed to them. Casting a concealing charm that hides their presence along with their conversation was just a precaution, Aine didn't want anyone listening to their discussion after all. Especially Umbridge and her people.
Draco walks to her side and she gazed at him, "I was waiting for you," she tells him in a low whisper and he felt a chill down his spine. He blushed.
"I'm sorry to keep you waiting, M'lady. Classes were being delayed," he replied with a slight pout and she giggled.
Her attention diverts to his two friends who stood awkwardly rooted, not knowing whether they should have given Aine and Draco some privacy before coming up. Their eyes avoided Aine's when she looks at them, she met two familiar faces. A stiff smile cemented on their faces before Draco catches her staring at them.
"These are my friends who will be joining us," he gestured to the two boys who gave a wave and another pursing his lips, shy. Aine recognized them both as the friends who were frequently spotted by Draco's side. One of them she had even spoken to before too, though it wasn't any deep conversation, it was a neutral one.
"Hello..." Aine greeted with a polite smile and a timid wave, she cringes at her tone. Meeting people she has rarely talked to was always a challenge and it was as if she had forgotten how to speak normally.
"I know you've met Cyrus—" Draco stated as the navy-haired boy gave a nod.
"Hi," Cyrus addressed.
Draco stifled a chuckle at Cyrus's odd behaviour, he did know that they were both in the same year but it still feels weird watching him fidgeting awkwardly in front of her. When he met the boy's stare, he clears his throat and straightened himself before moving on to the next friend. "And this is Blaise. Blaise Zabini. Blaise, this is Aine. Aine Estoileon..."
"Hello, Estoileon," Blaise smirks, blinking at Aine who returned the action. He had seen her around in school before, though she was from a different house, Blaise had thought Aine had gotten rather well with his friend, all things considered. She seems nice too during the first impression he has of her and after noting her remarkable magical skills, she even seemed like a talented fine witch despite her young age. But above all, he knew that she was the primary reason his friend had changed. He noticed the smiles that Draco would have whenever he talks to them about her.
"Aine is fine," the girl replies and he raises a brow, looking at Draco. Blaise was slightly unsure if it was alright but his friend had bobbed his head, indirectly telling him it was fine before smiling proudly at her.
"Right... Aine..." murmurs Blaise awkwardly, he looks away for a brief second before turning back to her. "You can call me Blaise in return then."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Blaise," Aine replies, offering a handshake.
"The pleasure is ours," Blaise returned, shaking her hand.
Once introductions were over, Aine looks to the three boys, "So, I assume Draco has told you about the plan?" They gave each other a nod before turning to Aine with an agreeing gaze.
"Yeah."
Acknowledging the plan also meant that they were potentially breaking a couple of school rules, let alone educational decrees that could get them expelled. Knowing that they had all come from formidable families with great lineages, Aine hadn't expected them to agree to it so easily. She was even ready to be disappointed by uncertainty from them but they had all replied so valiantly and determined that she was lost for words.
"You do understand this is really dangerous and you may get expelled right?" she asks again just to make sure but Draco intertwines his hands into hers, surprising her with his boldness. He smirks at her and nods. "When isn't it not dangerous?" he shot back elatedly when he realizes that he will be fighting alongside Aine for the first time.
"I rather get expelled trying to get our school back to where it was before frog-face came than to listen another day of her yapping away," Blaise snickers and Cyrus grins.
"So... When do we start?"
─── ⋆⋅☀⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☀⋅⋆ ───