A Change in Millions
Chapter 1
He inhaled deeply and passed through the wall between platforms 9 and 10 at King's Cross Station, for the sixth time in his life.
Emerging from the other side on to Platform 9 and 3/4, Theodore Perseus Adonis Malfoy spotted the Hogwarts Express standing on the tracks, and he didn't even have to glance at the clock that hung high over his head to know that it was almost 11 am, time for the train to leave for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The teenager distractedly swept a slender hand through his blonde hair, which was, as expected, the same shade as all Malfoys'- Platinum. He tried not to squint his eyes as he scanned the already jam-packed area as students rushed on to the train and their parents prepared to say their last good byes.
Theo was eternally glad that his family wasn't the type to see children off, despite the fact that they truly cared for one another. He had said goodbye to them at the Malfoy Manor, and then traveled to the train station via Floo powder. His grandmother, Narcissa, had given him a jar of sugar cookies, which was his favorite flavor of confectionery, and a kiss for the long journey, one which he had returned willingly. The 16-year-old had then given his younger brother, Scorpius, a swift yet affectionate hug, along with a promise that he would write weekly and update the eight year old on his ever dramatic and entertaining life as a 6th Year student. The latter's mother, whom the former informally called Astoria, had embraced him warmly and given bright wishes for the school year, adding the fact that she expected him to ace every assessment taken, a vow that he dutifully promised of keeping.
Astoria was the closest thing Theo had to a mother, and it was safe to say that he loved her very much. His own mother had passed away not long after his birth; any other details about his biological parent were kept from him, and for whatever reason, he had never pressed upon the issue. Ever since he had been a child, people had treated him differently from others his age, even his own brother. At times it was with pity, other times disgust. And so, whilst growing up, the blonde hadn't bothered asking about his real mum, for he felt that there was something disturbing about the story of his conception, one that he had heard many variations of and rumors during his first year at Hogwarts. Instead of seeming confused and disoriented, he had learned how to school his emotions into a passive state that eventually led to the rest of the students at Hogwarts to leave him alone.
But just because he had been persecuted by more than half of the population of Hogwarts didn't mean that he was completely alone.
"Hey, Theo!" The Malfoy's head whipped towards the source of the dialogue, and a wide, rare smile graced his features as he recognized the voice of his best friend.
"Teddy!" He cried out in response, making his way through the crowd towards the other teen, careful not to push any one on the way.
Upon reaching his best friend, they exchanged a unique handshake they made up during their first year, but one that they hadn't had the stomach of abandoning. "Where were you?" The boy with the mess of turquoise hair inquired, slapping his friend on the back. "The train's about to leave!"
Choosing to ignore the trivial question mostly because his companion needed no answer from him, Theo merely rolled his then-silver gray eyes and was unloading his cart on to the train when a small force collided into him and let out a triumphant shriek. "Theo, Theo, I finded you!"
Instantly recognizing his assaulter, the blonde let out a low chuckle as he scooped the little girl into his arms and fought the urge to spin her around. "Guess you did, didn't you?" he replied with a light smile, placing a quick kiss on her fiery red head and smoothing the strands from her small, heart-shaped face.
Lily Luna Potter let out an endearing giggle and threw her arms around his neck. "I missed you, Theo." She pouted. "Teddy told me you were gone for the summer- you left without saying goodbye?"
Theo hung his head in apparent shame and he murmured, "I forgot, sweetheart, I'm sorry." He then lifted his head with a smile and winked. "But the fact that I got you a gift from Romania makes everything better, yeah?"
Lily's big blue eyes brightened and she forgot all about being angry at him. "Really? You got me something? What is it? Show me, show me show me!"
Theo put her down and Teddy grabbed her hand as the former rummaged through one of his bags and pulled out a long and thin package and presented it to the littlest Potter. "I want you to open it at home." he dropped on to one knee in front of Lily and whispered so that no one else could hear. "But to save you the suspense, it's a broom, one of the best ones available in Romania in your size."
Both he and Teddy covered their ears instinctively when Lily started to cheer; however, the 6-year-old's tirade of happiness was cut short by the interruption of a naturally sharp voice as a third party joined their midst. "Lily Potter- what is the meaning of this? A good girl does not leave her elder's hand in such a crowded area, let alone rush into it head first!"
"I'm sorry, Aunt Andie." mumbled the young child, shuffling her feet as she realized the mistake she had committed. "It's just that, I saw that Teddy finded Theo and I wanted to say hi."
Andromeda gave a light smile as she patted her current charge's downcast head in affection. "It's fine, just try not to do so again." A moment's pause followed, and then she added, "And 'finded' is not a word. It is 'found'."
Lily perked up and thrust the package into the older woman's arms. "Look Aunt Andie!" she cried, clapping her hands together and effectively forgetting that she had been scolded mere seconds ago by the same lady, "Theo got me a gift! Isn't he the nicest?"
Andromeda's eyes left the girl and settled on the boys for the first time since she had arrived; she shook her head and exclaimed, "My, my, I must be getting old! I'm sorry Theo dear, how are you?"
Theo politely answered, "I've never been better, Mrs. Tonks."
Andromeda tsk tsked and waggled an finger in his direction before playfully scolding, "Theodore Malfoy, how many times have I told you to call me Aunt Andie! You are as much a grandson to me as is Teddy!"
Deftly ignoring Teddy, who was hiding a smile, Theo replied, "I'm sorry, Aunt Andie, I forgot."
Andromeda rolled her eyes at his over-used excuse and proceeded to inquire after his family, particularly her younger sister Narcissa and her husband, the infamous Lucius Malfoy, all of which Theo answered with a casual air, knowing better than to complain about his grandfather's still-icy behavior.
During the elders and their discussion, they had forgotten the young Potter in their midst until she exclaimed loudly that she was present as well. As a result, she was the center of attention until the whistle signaling the train's departure sounded shrilly, after which both teens had to hastily pile in their luggage and jump in, calling out goodbyes to the old woman standing on the platform with the young red-haired child in her arms; promises of studying and writing leaving the train and echoing in it's wake, reminding all who had come to see the children off that it was time to go back home.
