So a bit about the story, the first couple of years are mainly just set up so rather than devote a couple chapters to each Year the first 3 to 4 years at Hogwarts are going to be written snapshot style. We'll jump around to see important events and developments for characters but will speed somewhat through and serve as an extended prologue.
"Well done, Draco." Said Lucius, a hint of pride coloring his voice as he observed his son's handiwork. For his part, Draco was breathing heavily as the ground around him was littered with the still crackling remains of several magical golems and constructs. He let the daggers he was holding in each hand clatter to the ground. It had been tough. Attempting to take on six constructs that he couldn't hold a choke point against at his age meant he had to dig deep into his training.
"Thank you, father." Murmured Draco after catching his breath.
"You've learned everything that I can teach you, but it will be up to you to continue your training and gain experience." Said Lucius as he patted Draco on the shoulder. "You're still young so your training in Hapkido, Wing Chun, and Tai Chi will be more efficient. You lack the proper strength and mass to take on someone much larger right now. You will probably wish to mix in more Muay Thai, boxing, and jujitsu as you get older to give you more unpredictability."
"But those should still be effective for people my age or size…?" asked Draco trailing off as he turned to look up at his father.
"Yes." Started Lucius before he allowed a genuine smile to spread across his face as he knelt and brought his son into hug. "Draco, I mean it. I am very proud of you. You've mastered all of the Kyrpteia training younger than any other Krypteia in the last century."
Draco grinned into his father's shoulder as he returned the hug. The training hadn't been easy by any measure but now that he was finished, he had brought honor onto the Malfoy line. He would finally be allowed to take the Oath.
"Dad. I'm ready. I know it." Said Draco as he pulled back from the hug. Two sets of grey eyes stared at each other.
"I know you are. Remember we do this for a cause greater than ourselves." Said Lucius.
"For stability, for peace, for those who can't protect themselves, for those who would be oppressed." Intoned Draco as his father's eyes twinkled.
"Take the rest of the week off Draco. I'll have everyone here for your ceremony Friday." Said Lucius as he ruffled his son's hair.
"Are you sure Lucius. I know he's your son but he's still just 11. He's got his whole life ahead of him" said Arthur Weasley in a concerned tone. "Think about what he would be committed to. Have you two talked about this?" Continued the Weasley patriarch as he gestured towards Narcissa.
"Arthur, I appreciate your concern and I admit I am torn on it, but we have an obligation to uphold… Yes, he's my son and I would give the world for him to just grow up and be able to enjoy his life. But we all know that You‑Know‑Who is not truly gone. He will return, and I would rather Draco be prepared than not." Said Narcissa as she placed the glass of wine she was holding beside her.
"I've been completely honest with Draco. He's young but mature for his age and he understands the stakes, and the risks. I would never force him." Said Lucius firmly. "Besides I remember your Aunt taking the Oath only a couple of years older than Draco currently is."
"She was 15 Lucius. Four years is a long time to change one's mind. You know as well as I do that once Draco steps into this world, he will never be able to escape." Implored Arthur.
"Arthur, dear, you know as well as I do that we would make the same decision if Ron had been born the same. It is clearly not an easy decision for Lucius, Narcissa, or Draco but they have all decided." Said Molly Weasley as she smiled sadly at Narcissa who returned it.
"Arthur, you are like a brother to me. I know you are just trying to look out for Draco but this is bigger than all of us. If not us than who? You know the rest of the Scared Twenty‑Eight could care less about what happens to muggles and muggleborns. The Ministry practically eats out of their hands. Dumbledore is too busy overseeing Hogwarts. We are the only ones in a position to do anything. We have a responsibility to do something. Noblesse Oblige Arthur." Said Lucius in a bittersweet voice.
"We have all sacrificed. All of us. We cannot require sacrifice from others, least of all our children. However, we must also honor the wishes of others. If Draco wishes to take the Oath, we must respect that." Said Augustus Greengrass as he spoke for the first time since they had all gathered. The others in the room winced and nodded with downcast eyes. He was right, each of them had sacrificed and lost family members but Augustus was the only one who had lost his wife. Sophia Greengrass had sacrificed herself fighting Rodolphus and Bellatrix Lestrange at the end of the last war so that the rest of them could get away.
"Enough. It's time. I'll go get Draco." Said Lucius softly before he exited the room. He returned shortly with the younger Malfoy. Lucius, Narcissa, Augustus, Arthur, and Molly took their places around Draco standing at the five points of a pentagram.
"The squib Draco Malfoy who stands before us has completed his training and wishes to take the Oath of the Krypteia. Is this correct?" began Lucius as his eyes bore into his son's.
"It is."
"Who here can vouch for the completion of his training in Occlumency?"
"I will. Draco has proved his proficiency in Occlumency. He was able to compartmentalize and even shut out Severus Snape from repeated Legilimency attacks." Answered Augustus as he nodded at Draco with a soft smile on his face.
"Who here can vouch for the completion of his training in Muggles and blending into Muggle society?"
"I will. Draco has studied for a year in a Muggle school and has shown a deft understanding in navigating the Muggle world." Said Arthur.
"Who here can vouch for the completion of his training in the use of weaponry?"
"I will. I have trained Draco in the usage of a wide variety of non‑magical weaponry and have found his skill impressive for his age." Said Narcissa as she proudly smiled at her son.
"I can vouch for his skill in hand‑to‑hand combat. He is more than proficient, and his skill will only grow with time." Said Lucius. He continued, "Who can vouch for his willingness to do what is necessary when the time comes?"
"I will. Draco accompanied me when we discovered the whereabouts of the Death Eater Ahriman. Draco was the one that ended his life. He has demonstrated his ability and willingness to walk the line between Light and Dark." Said Molly Weasley in a serious voice.
"As the squib Draco Malfoy has completed his tasks, I will hereby begin his induction into the Krypteia Order. Draco Malfoy repeat after me: I vow to dedicate my life to the protection of muggleborn witches and wizards, magical creatures endangered by wizarding actions, and muggles."
"I vow to dedicate my life to the protection of muggleborn witches and wizards, magical creatures endangered by wizarding actions, and muggles." Repeated Draco. In that moment he was acutely aware of the thumping of his heart in his chest, almost as if each heartbeat was an Unbreakable Vow.
"I vow to walk in the shadows, to hunt the hunters, to become that which the darkness fears." Continued Lucius.
"I vow to walk in the shadows, to hunt the hunters, to become that which the darkness fears."
"I vow to walk the line between light and dark. As a Krypteia today my vigil begins." Finished Lucius.
As Draco finished the Oath, he felt a sense of finality wash over him. It was not a promise made lightly. The Oath would forever mark him as a Krypteia. One of the ancient shadow assassins of the magical world. He would spend his life in defense of muggles and the oppressed members of the Magical World. He would seek out those Dark witches and wizards whom became a threat to the safety of others and he would end them.
"Draco, we have prepared an assignment for you." Said Lucius softly as the other adults offered soft congratulations and murmurs of encouragement. Draco a up at his father.
"You will begin attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this fall. You will befriend Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived. You will protect him with your life." Said Lucius solemnly.
"I'm sure you remember that I am a squib father. How am I to produce magic?" drawled Draco with a raised eyebrow as Arthur Weasley snorted with laughter, Molly Weasley choked on wine and Augustus chuckled.
"That has been taken care of. Dumbledore has mandated you be given a modified class schedule and you won't be required to perform magic. Magical theory will be enough." Answered an exasperated Lucius. While his son was mature for his age, he had developed a very sardonic sense of humor and he enjoyed using it as often as he could.
"Very well. I will begin to pack." Said Draco as he inclined his head to the surrounding adults before excusing himself from the room.
"This way at least he'll be able to have some 'normal' teenage years." Offered Lucius lamely as Arthur, Molly, and Augustus just gaped at him while Narcissa rolled her eyes.
"Is that seat taken?" asked Draco as he slid open the compartment door on the Hogwarts Express and motioned to the empty seat besides a bushy haired girl. He glanced over at the other seats and saw, a freckled, red headed boy –
"Ron Weasley."
And The Boy Who Lived.
"Harry Potter."
"Nah mate, it's free if you want to join us." Offered Harry as he gestured towards the seat.
"Thanks. It's nice to meet you all. I'm Draco Malfoy," Said Draco as he sat down and offered his hand.
"Harry Potter." Said Harry as he shook his hand.
"Ron Weasley," said Ron as nodded towards Draco.
"And you are…?" asked Draco, trailing off, as he turned towards the girl next to him.
"Hermione Granger," said Hermione as she took his hand and offered him a small smile.
"Trickster god eh? I guess I'll have to make sure I don't give you any reason to hex me." Said Draco as he grinned at Hermione. Her eyes lit up as he recognized her namesake, few her age did.
"You recognized! I'm surprised, not many do." Said Hermione excitedly at first but then trailed off shyly as she realized what she had done, a slight blush on her face.
"Hold on… Did you say Draco Malfoy," asked Ron as he suddenly seemed to realize who he was talking to.
"Yes…?" asked Draco with a raised eyebrow.
"Your family's bloody loaded! Why are you sitting here with us?" asked Ron incredulously. He ignored the scowl Hermione threw at him and the snort that came from Harry as he rolled his eyes.
"I don't judge people based on their wealth Weasley, my parents raised me better than that." Answered Draco coolly although the twinkle in his eyes betrayed his intentions. Harry and Hermione both still seemed confused so Draco sighed and continued. "Right, Harry, Hermione. You two are muggleborn?" asked Draco even though he already knew the answer. Hermione nodded tentatively.
"Err… Hagrid said something about me being Half-blood?" said Harry in an unsure tone.
"Okay. Well the magical world can be quite prejudiced so it's best if I tell you two now. Weasley and I are what we call 'Pure-blood'. It means neither of our parents was a muggle or muggleborn witch or wizard. Harry if you are a 'Half-blood' that means one of your parents was a muggle or a muggleborn. If you are 'muggleborn' that means both of your parents are muggles." Explained Draco to Harry and Hermione.
"I'll warn you that there's going to be a bunch of pretentious pricks at school. Lots of people buy into 'blood purity' and that sort of crap. They'll judge you based on who your parents are rather than who you are." Muttered Draco darkly as he finished his explanation. Both Harry and Hermione seemed to deflate a bit when they learned that the magical world wasn't nearly as perfect as they hoped.
"That's dumb. So, if you are Ron are Pure-blood shouldn't you guys dislike us?" asked Harry.
"Far as I know the Weasley's are good people." Said Draco as he lazily inclined his head towards Ron who grinned back.
"Mum and Dad made sure to raise me right. I don't really give a rats ass about blood." Said Ron.
"There are a couple other Pureblood families that don't really seem to care as well. Greengrass, Longbottom, and of course…" finished Malfoy as he pointed at himself.
"Good to know. Thanks Draco. You seem alright." Said Harry with a smile that Draco returned.
"Now Hermione, is that the Charms textbook you're holding?" said Draco as he turned toward her. He smiled as he saw her face light up and she excitedly began to discuss different aspects of the basic theories she found interesting.
Draco frowned as the Sorting Hat started sorting the first years. They were going in alphabetical order by last name which was going to prove to be an issue. His job was to befriend and protect Harry Potter, something that would be made immensely easier if managed to get sorted into the same house as him but with his last name being before Potter's it came down to a shot in the dark. Another worry was that the Sorting Hat would know that he was a Squib. That would definitely put a wrench in their plans. While his father had reassured him that it would be a non-issue, this was the Sorting Hat that they were talking about… Still he wished he had gotten a better read on Potter on the ride into Hogwarts, the only house he was fairly sure he could eliminate was Slytherin, Potter was lot of things but he doubted that raw ambition was one of them.
"Malfoy, Draco." Came McGonagall's sharp tone as Draco gulped and slowly made his way over towards the Sorting Hat.
"Hmm… A Malfoy. I haven't sorted one of you in a while." Said the Hat into his mind. "Almost all of your family have been Slytherin…" The Hat stopped as it felt Draco tense up and grit his teeth.
"Not Slytherin." Thought Malfoy coldly.
"I am surprised. Your father always possessed a much more… flexible world view."
"I love my father, but he and I differ quite a bit on this. I can be cunning, and I do make sure to weigh all the options but that comes with the job." Responded Draco dryly.
"So I see Krypteia Draco." Said the Hat in a sly tone that made Draco tense up again. "Not to worry. I won't tell your little secret. Let's see then… Rational, logical, extremely intelligent you would do well in Ravenclaw Mr. Malfoy. A willingness to look past the outside and judge people based upon who they are, an admirable Hufflepuff trait. You are an interesting and difficult one to sort Mr. Malfoy."
A sudden flash of a lightning bolt shaped scar, Ron Weasley grinning at him, wide brown eyes glittering with happiness –
"I see. You're here for Harry Potter. You would die to protect him wouldn't you?"
"And Weasley, and Hermione." Answered Draco without hesitation. It was his job to make sure Harry came to no harm, and his oath would ensure he would do the same for Hermione as well.
"Well that makes it simple. You are a complicated child Draco. I look forward to seeing what you do…"
"Gryffindor!" Shouted the Sorting Hat to the hall as it hushed whispers spread like wildfire. No Malfoy in two centuries had been a Gryffindor. He could feel hundreds of eyes fall upon him as he slowly made his way over towards the Gryffindor table. He glanced up and could have sworn that Dumbledore gave him the faintest of smiles and slightest of nods.
"Draco! I'm glad we're going to be in the same house." Said Hermione happily as he sat down next to her. He returned her smile with one of his own as he agreed.
"God fucking damnit Potter. Why do you make it so hard to keep you safe?" Thought Draco darkly as he saw Harry and Ron burst into the bathroom from around the troll. He had followed Hermione after the warning about the troll but he had hoped, in vain, that Ron and Harry would not. He quickly returned his attention to the troll in front of him. He deftly dodged a blow from its club even as he pushed Hermione away. This wasn't good. He had not training in troll physiology, and he didn't currently have many of his weapons on him. He cursed himself for getting complacent.
"Harry, Ron stay back!" shouted Draco as he ran towards the troll.
"What are you doing?" yelled Hermione as she looked at the scene in horror. The troll swung down with its club right as Draco slid between the troll's legs and started climbing its back.
"One of you levitate its club!" shouted Draco as he wrapped his legs around the Troll's neck and started applying a chokehold. Unfortunately, before anyone else could act, the troll managed to grab Draco by one of legs and threw him into the mirrors above the bathroom sinks. He fell lifelessly to the floor as hundreds of glass shards rained down all around him.
"NO!" roared Harry as ran towards Draco as Ron raised his wand and pointed it towards the troll.
"Hermione, what's the spell?" shouted Ron with a panicked look on his face.
"Wingardium Leviosa! Swish and flick!" replied Hermione in an equally panicked look as she knelt next to Draco.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" said Ron as he pointed towards the troll's club. Unfortunately, he missed. Fortunately, he levitated the troll instead. The strain of holding the troll's weight caused the end of Ron's wand to spark and within several seconds the spell fizzled out entirely. With a loud thud the troll crashed into the ground.
Ron started moving towards Harry, Hermione, and Draco but made it all of two steps before the troll swatted him into the wall. With a nasty crack, he slid down towards the floor a bloody trail streak behind where his head had connected. The troll staggered to its feet, shaking its head as it did so.
"Locomotor Mortis!" said Hermione as he stood up and pointed her wand at the troll. Its legs snapped together as it fell forwards at the feet of Hermione.
"Get up."
A scream.
Shouts of fear.
Blood.
Coppery tang.
Pain.
Alive.
Draco woke with a start as he saw the troll grab Hermione with one of its hands. Saw as Harry attempted to stop it. Saw as Harry was swatted down. Saw as the troll raised its free hand, face contorted with rage.
Draco Malfoy saw red.
Hermione closed her eyes as she saw the troll raise its free hand. This was not how she thought she would die. She had been so happy when she got her Hogwarts letter, so pleased to meet Draco on the train, so excited to start classes. She heard an animalistic roar from behind. She opened her eyes just in time to see Draco spin in an elegant arc around the trolls outstretched hand and whirled into a back-hand strike, plunging a dagger into the base of the troll's skull. As he ripped it out a spurt of blood erupted from the wound and the troll's head fell limply on the ground, eyes rolled back.
"H – Hermione… Are… Are you… alright…" gasped Draco as he turned around to look at her. He grunted in pain as Hermione threw her arms around him.
"Hermione, I'm pretty sure that a couple of my ribs are broken." Winced Draco as she quickly pulled back. "S'okay… w – we need to get a teacher." As soon as he said this McGonagall, Snape, and Quirrell burst into the bathroom. McGonagall gasped as she saw the devastation. Draco sighed as he saw the teachers. Ron, Hermione, and Harry would be safe. That was enough, and he let the darkness at the edge of his vision swirl over.
"Draco?" asked Hermione softly as she sat down next to his bed in the hospital wing.
"Hermione how are you?" replied Draco with a tired smile. The battle with the troll had left him bed‑ridden for at least a week. According to Madam Pomfrey he had a severe concussion, 3 broken ribs, severe internal bleeding among other injuries. Ron, Hermione, and Harry had escaped with relatively tame injuries on the other hand. He had been naïve and that was a lesson he would take to heart. He wouldn't let himself be caught off‑guard again.
Hermione hesitated before pulling out the dagger that Draco had used the night he had saved all of them from the troll. Draco's heart skipped a beat as he saw what Hermione was holding. His eyes widened as Hermione bit her lip before making eye contact.
"Draco, I know I don't have a right to ask you, especially since you saved me but… but I did some research into the symbol on the dagger… If you don't want to say anything, I won't force you but I hope you know you can trust me." Said Hermione softly as she pressed the dagger into one of Draco's hands.
Draco's eyes widened as Hermione bent over and softly kissed him on the cheek before she turned to leave. "Thank you, Draco. I'll see you when you're out." As she reached the door, she turned and gave him a genuine simile. Draco just sat there his mouth slightly open as he reached up and touched his cheek where Hermione had kissed him.
"What did you want to tell us mate?" asked Ron as he sat on top of a desk popping chocoballs into his mouth. Harry simply stole one as Ron glowered at him. Hermione was sitting at a desk and flashed him a smile as he walked in. He had asked them to meet him in one of the 2nd floor classrooms that would unused after dinner.
"Hermione could you cast Muffliato?" asked Draco. She nodded with a small smile.
"Why not do it yourself?" asked Harry as Draco winced. This wasn't going to be easy.
"Look we – we're all friends, right? Trust me?" asked Draco softly as he refused to meet the eyes of anyone in the room.
"Draco what's wrong?" asked Harry seriously. While he had been closer with Ron than Draco or Hermione, that had all changed after the troll incident. Since then the four of them had been inseparable. Draco was usually relaxed and confident, the Draco in front of him was neither of those things.
"Draco. Whatever you have to tell us, we are your friends, and we trust you." Said Hermione kindly as Ron added his agreement. He gave all of them a grateful smile and took a deep breath.
"Hermione what do you know?" asked Draco as Ron and Harry gave her confused glances.
"The dagger you had that night… It has the symbol of the Krypteia didn't it?" asked Hermione softly as Ron's eyes widened. Draco nodded.
"Hang on, Draco you're a bloody Krypteia?" asked Ron in a breathy voice.
"Would someone please tell me what a Krypta-whatsit is?" asked Harry in an annoyed voice.
"Krypteia Harry. I'm a Krypteia. Long story short, we're an order of squib assassins." Said Draco emotionlessly.
"Hang on…" started Harry as he stared at Draco with wide eyes. "You're a squib?" Draco winced at the word.
"All of the magical blood I could want, zero magical talent." Said Draco with a pained laugh.
"What do you mean by 'assassin' Draco?" asked Hermione in a soft and worried tone.
"The Krypteia were started by several pure-blood families around the 1400's." Answered Ron. Looking at Harry and Hermione's surprised faces he continued, "The Weasley's, Greengrass', and Malfoy's were the original creators of the Krypteia Order."
"It was after the Dark Witch Synthera nearly toppled magical Britain. So many witches, wizards, muggles, and magical creatures had died that we had to make up the Black Death just to make the death count believable for the muggles." Explained Draco as Harry and Hermione's eyes widened. "It was decided that those of us with power in the wizarding world had a responsibility to use that power to ensure the safety of everyone who wished to live in peace. Every squib from one of our families underwent training from the moment they turned six. Once we finished our training, we were dispatched all over the magical world. Our job was to root out dark magic and stamp it out. Our job is to stick to the shadows and to end any dark witches or wizards we found and to protect any muggles, and muggleborns from oppression."
"So why are you at Hogwarts then?" asked Harry.
"It's because of you Harry. I've been assigned to protect you, make sure you don't come to any harm." Said Draco with a smirk as Ron, Hermione, and Harry's mouths dropped open.
"Voldemort is not the only dangerous dark wizard or witch out there. He might be gone, might not be. Regardless there are plenty of aspiring dark lords that would love to target you as a reputation booster Harry." Said Draco matter-of-factly.
"Draco if you're supposed to be an assassin. Have you – Have you…" inquired Hermione as she trailed off. Draco sighed and looked down before meeting her eyes.
"Yes. The Death Eater Ahriman." Said Draco. "I'm not going to lie to you guys. You're my first friends, but you have to understand that being a Krypteia means walking the line between Light and Dark. I don't walk exclusively in either. A Krypteia must be willing to do whatever it takes to protect their charges and eliminate their targets."
"But that's murder!" said Hermione in a torn voice.
"Hermione. The people we kill aren't good people. We know the value of a life. We try to save as many lives as we can. We just aren't above taking a life to ensure that countless others won't be snuffed out. My trainer and I cornered Ahriman as he was preparing to set off several magical bombs in a muggle university, hundreds of people could have died if I didn't kill him."
"Draco. No offense, this is kind of out there, how do you – " started Harry before Draco interrupted him by holding up a hand. He moved to the board at the other end of the room and drew a bullseye. Walking back to where he was originally, Draco placed each hand up the other arm's sleeve and pulled out 10 throwing knives as his friend's eyes widened. Without speak he threw them in rapid-fire succession at the board at the opposite end of the room hitting 10 bullseyes in quick succession.
"I might be a squib. But I know many, many ways to hurt, stun, and kill people. Comes with the training." Said Draco.
"This is mental." Said Harry as he ran a hand through his messy hair trying to digest everything his friend had just told them.
"I – I understand if you can't trust me. I'll stop hanging around all of you." Said Draco quietly "Just say the word and you'll never notice me." Hermione raised an eyebrow at his word choice. Ron was the first one cross the room and clasp Draco on the back.
"Draco. Squib or not, you saved our asses with that troll. I don't give a damn. You're my friend. That's that." Said Ron firmly.
"Ron's right. I'm a little uncomfortable with the whole 'watch over Harry Potter and protect him' bit but that doesn't matter. When we first met, you gave me and Hermione advice when you had no reason to do so." Said Harry as smiled at Draco.
"Draco. You aren't getting rid of us that easily." said Hermione with a bright smile as she moved over and gave him hug. Draco gave a choked sob.
"Thank you. All of you."
Draco cursed. He hated trolls. After Ron had sacrificed himself so that they could win the oversized chess match their luck had to get even worse with the troll waking up again.
"Stay back!" shouted Draco as he held out an arm motion for Hermione and Harry to stay as far back as possible. While he knew they would probably want to help him, he really didn't want to have to try and dodge spells as well as the troll, friendly fire would be a very real danger.
"Father what are these?" asked Draco as he picked up a small metal ball that was on the table. Lucius smiled as he walked over to his son.
"These are something we invented rather recently. Mr. Weasley came up with the idea when he saw some muggle smoke bombs. Rather ingenious of them, we took the concept and applied some magical touches to them." Explained Lucius.
"What do they do?"
"Would you like me to show you?" Draco nodded.
Lucius took one of the metal balls and threw it one the ground 10 yards away. It exploded and covered the area in a heavy, wet smoke.
"The smoke is charmed to significantly slow spells going through it. It is also highly resistant to being dispelled. It is an excellent tool to distract a foe or just to make a quick escape if you are in over your head."
"Thanks dad." Thought Draco as he reached back and chucked one of the metal balls. It hit the troll on the head and promptly exploded covering the area around the troll in smoke. He quickly took the opportunity to circle the troll slashing deeply at where its Achilles tendons should be. With a pained roar the troll fell forward onto its knees. Moving quickly while it was still in shock. Draco dispatched it in quick succession. Solar plexus, kidney, lung, heart, jugular were all quickly punctured and slashed as Draco grimly wielded his daggers with finesse of a surgeon. By the time he stopped for a breath the smoke had dissipated to reveal a wide-eyed and stunned Harry and Hermione looking at him.
"Remind me to never piss you off mate," said Harry still trying to comprehend how Malfoy managed to dispatch this troll in under a minute when the last one had given him so much trouble.
Noticing the hint of fear in Hermione's eyes, Draco made his way over to her and pulled her into a hug. "I'm sorry if I frightened you Hermione." She relaxed into the hug before mumbling. "It's okay Draco, it's just going to take a bit of time for me to really get used to it." He just nodded silently, thankful that one of his best friends was willing to accept everything about him.
"Damn." Muttered Draco. When they had tried to walk through the door to the next challenge for the Philosopher's Stone, it had allowed Harry and Hermione through but stopped him. He looked up and recognized the faint runes carved into the archway of the path. Runes of warding. Runes meant to ward against squibs.
"Dumbledore. Of fucking course. Have me sent to protect and guard Harry Potter then make it impossible for me to do so. Makes perfect sense." Thought Draco grimly. He would simply have to wait. Wait and hope that Harry and Hermione would make it through safely.
"Come back to me both of you."
He smiled as he watched Hermione and Harry roll around laughing at a joke Ron had just told. His eyes wandered over the easy confidence evident in Harry's body language, after all it was not everyone that could say they had fought and overcome the Dark Lord at age 11, the pure relief that Ron exuded, his friends alive and safe, and the burning fire in Hermione's eyes twinkling with a gentle kindness.
"Earth to Draco. You've been staring off into space. What's going on?" asked Harry as he tapped him on the forehead. Draco blinked as Hermione giggled and Ron laughed. Draco looked embarrassed for all of a second before joining in on the easy ribbing.
"Sorry Harry. Just thinking how glad I am that all of you are here." Admitted Draco sheepishly.
"Mate, we might not all be scary assassins, but we aren't totally incompetent." Intoned Ron with smirk.
"You're right. Hermione, it is so good to be friends with someone who isn't an incompetent dunderhead," drawled Draco as he winked at Hermione while Harry and Ron both scowled at him. Hermione snorted and rolled her eyes, but he could tell she appreciated the sentiment.
"How'd you do on all your exams Draco? I know you studied quite hard for Charms," said Hermione appreciatively. While he wasn't quite as bookish as she was, she did appreciate one of her friends being of a more scholarly bent.
"How did you even take the exams mate? Doesn't it require y'know… magic?" asked Ron. Harry and Hermione winced. While he was a loyal friend, he could be a bit dense at times. Draco sighed as he noticed Harry and Hermione's reactions, while he was happy they cared about his feelings he did wish that they would stop treading on thin ice around this topic. It wasn't like he hadn't had five or six years to come to terms with the fact that he would be a part of the magical world but never actually be able to perform magic.
"Dumbledore knows. He's good friends with my dad so I'm sure he'll have been told. All my homework and exams have been purely theoretical. I read quite a bit so its not too hard." Said Draco as he rubbed the back of his head haphazardly. "Speaking of which, Hermione did you ever figure out the reasoning behind why currency is one of the five exceptions to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration? I mean Food being an exception make sense if we apply Plato's Theory of the Forms and extrapolate that…"
Harry smiled languidly as he tuned out the conversation that Draco and Hermione had suddenly become deeply interested in. While Hermione was like a sister to him he understood that he simply didn't have the raw, voracious hunger for knowledge that Draco and Hermione so clearly possessed. This was theirs and he didn't want to intrude too deeply.
Time passed slowly as the group laughed at the events of their first year. None of them were really expecting it all to happen, although Draco privately thought that the next six years with Harry were probably not going to go quietly. He was a Gryffindor through and through, and he'd make Draco's task as difficult for him as possible. Not that Draco minded. He was glad that Potter was a good person, it made everything easier.
As the Hogwarts Express stopped at Platform 9 ¾ the foursome offered each other smiles and promises of writing over the summer. While they would have to part they knew that the bond they shared was not one that could easily be broken. Draco noticed the way that Harry's smile fell whenever he thought that Ron, Hermione and he weren't watching. Frowning himself Draco made a note to talk to his father about it. Bidding his friends goodbye, he turned and saw his parents excitedly waving him over. As soon as he was close enough Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy embraced him in a bonecrushing hug.
"How was your first year at Hogwarts?" asked Lucius as he smiled kindly. Draco thought about meeting Harry, Ron, and Hermione, almost dying to troll, finally telling someone about his secrets, being accepted by them, doing his best to protect Harry. He smiled.
"It was good. Hogwarts is magical." Said Draco honestly as his grey eyes blazed with life. Lucius and Narcissa shared a grateful look before pulling him back into a hug.
End of Year 1