A far better story than my first, if I do say so myself. Of course, I'm also older and hopefully wiser, so this is a good thing.

Please remember that I do not own anyone in this except the stranger, and make no $$$ out of this :( - JK Rowling owns the characters and half my initial plot...

[A teenage boy with a pale, pointed face and white-blond hair appeared from behind the rack wearing a handsome set of dark green robes that glittered with pins around the hem and the edges of the sleeves. He strode to the mirror and examined himself; it was a few moments before he noticed Harry, Ron and Hermione reflected over his shoulder. His light grey eyes narrowed.

"If you're wondering what the smell is, Mother, a Mudblood just walked in," said Draco Malfoy.] p110, HP and the Half-Blood Prince.

"Honestly, Draco – at least pretend to have manners." A man appeared in the mirror, depicted in reverse behind Ron, and managing to be clearly seen despite the red-head's extreme height. His eyes were a piercing ice-blue; the rest of him seemed to be entirely black and white, from his pale visage to his patent leather shoes. Malfoy shifted uncomfortably, and his expression turned completely from arrogant smirk to half-terrified and apologetic so quickly that Harry felt he should really turn around and face the stranger in case of attack.

Ron and Hermione had already turned as Harry forced his eyes to meet those of the stranger. Standing so close, it was necessary for him to tilt his head far enough that it was uncomfortable, and Harry found himself wishing the man would back away so that he wouldn't feel like a child looking up at an adult. Surprisingly, the closer scrutiny did have one advantage – the man was a lot younger than he looked. Taking away his severe black robes and cold expression it was evident that he could not be more than two yearas older than they were; therefore, it was likely he was only just out of school himself. Yet Malfoy had seemed scared of him. Malfoy was hardly the type to be worried about the actions of his peers, so obviously, this was something important.

"Um, I'm sorry, but I don't think we've met. I'm Hermione Granger, and these are my friends – Ron Weasley and Harry Potter." Surprisingly, the man made no motion of acknowledgment at Harry's name. If anything, he looked bored. He made no move to answer her in kind – it was as though he hadn't heard her.

"Draco? Do they fit?" Narcissa Malfoy rounded the rack and took in the scene before her with a sneer: but Harry couldn't help but notice that it faltered slightly when she took in the imposing stranger. She turned to her son, and they began an entirely mundane discussion of how well the robes fit in comparison to their worth. The stranger suddenly ignored them. He spun round abruptly, striding out of Madam Malkin's so quickly it was as though he had received a letter telling him he was late for something. Harry, Ron and Hermione could only stare after him in bewilderment.

"Actually, I don't think I want these."

"Well yes, after seeing the filth that shop here..." Malfoy hauled the robes over his head, flinging them to the ground and storming out with his mother close behind, making sure to [bang as hard as he could into Ron on the way out.

"Well really!" said Madam Malkin, snatching up the fallen robes and moving the tip of her wand over them like a vacuum cleaner, so that it removed the dust.

She was distracted all through the fitting of Ron and Harry's new robes, tried to sell Hermione wizard's dress robes instead of witch's, and when she finally bowed them out of the shop it was with the air of being glad to see the back of them.

"Got ev'rything?" asked Hagrid brightly when they reappeared at his side.] p112

"Just about," said Harry. "But did you see that man leaving the shop? I've never seen him before, but he looked like he knew the Malfoy's."

"Nah, bu' he's no' the firs' new character t' be seen wanderin' Diagon Alley Harry." Despite Hagrid's continued assurances that it was nothing to worry about, Harry had thoughts of the mysterious man in his head all day, even when confronted with Fred and George's new shop.

[Draco Malfoy was hurrying up the street alone...] p118 A snatched out and grabbed his arm, a second hand clamping over his mouth before he could cry out. He found himself in an alcove, facing the man from Madam Malkin's. The hand removed itself from his mouth.

"Look, I'm sorry I tried to ditch you, but Mother's already worried and I-" firm lips descended on his, cutting off the excuses. Draco melted, and the man pulled back.

"I know what you're trying to do. I won't try to stop you – I'll help. But don't you ever lie to me again." Draco Malfoy could only nod helplessly as he was redirected towards Knockturn Alley, an invisible companion (or two...) haunting his steps. And although the stranger could see Harry, Ron, and Hermione, they had no idea he was there.

Thanks for reading! Please review - I doubt I'll write more than a few chapters without them, as reviews are the food of writers! So, you know... please feed me?