Harry Potter and the FOLD

And Then There Were More

It was after their first class the next morning that Dobby found Harry and told him he had a few elves for Harry to interview. Harry was nursing his head along. The nightmares were getting worse. They weren't the normal nightmares about his uncle. These were about Voldemort. They didn't last long, but the fact that he was in Slit-face's position in them was unsettling, leaving him grouchy the rest of the night, and uncooperative the next morning. The trio agreed to meet up and spend lunch doing interviews.

The interviews were odd, but smooth. Dobby had done a marvelous job to separating out a few likely candidates. With Ron and Hermione's assistance, they settled on three house elves. Harry spoke with Diction first. Hermione had supposed that the previous wizard hadn't had much of an imagination. Diction was a young hyper female who had been one of two house elves in a library before it was torched by 'bad marked wizards' just after the World Cup. She loved books and saved as many as she could during the fire. She was let go when the owner went to live with his muggle cousins.

"Diction, I would like to bind you." Dobby had explained that this was the polite way to ask an elf. Diction nearly burst into tears, nodding slightly. Harry gestured around.

"My friends and I are gathering and learning from all these books. We will need someone who knows what books are here and where they are. An elf who could organize them and keep them neat and retrieve one for us should we be somewhere else." Diction looked around.

"Harry sir wants to study?" Harry nodded, smiling to himself. What teen wanted to study? Diction looked around as Harry spoke again.

"Please wait here while I recall the other two." He called Slice. Slice was a house elf who had worked for an Auror in the last war. When the Auror was killed, he had no where to go. The rest of the possessions were left to "whoever vanquished Voldemort" or Harry, with the provision that the elves be set free. Harry was still working his way through all of those donations. Griphook had asked him to give a broad idea of what he planned to do with the properties left to him.

"Slice, I would like you to keep up to date on news about the ministry positions, who did what and who supports what. You will need to read the news, listen to the radio and explain anything important to us." Slice nodded. "Wait here a moment." Harry turned away again and called for Misty.

"Misty I am a new lord and need a personal elf." Misty had been a personal elf to a Lord up until eight monthes ago when the lord went bankrupt and lost most of his property. She bowed to him. "I will call you at a later time to more thoroughly discuss your duties." She nodded and he turned to all of them.

"I require my house elves to be well dressed and clean, always. When one of us call you, please appear discreetly, without anyone else noticing if possible. Can you do that?" They nodded happily. Harry sighed. "Also, until my home is done, you will be on your own for cooking. I'll have you live at Spinner's Circle, but you'll have to cook for yourself." They nodded again. They could cook and clean. Harry nodded.

"I require secrecy and loyalty from my house elves." Dobby had told him to use 'my house elves' as if he already had some, or had had some. It relaxed the elf. Orders, likewise, relaxed a new house elf. As they got to know each other, they would relax and the orders would become suggestions, but at the beginning, they needed the orders to feel secure. "You will not reveal anything regarding myself or anyone you meet with me without my or my friends' permission." They nodded again, still smiling brightly. Harry nodded satisfied.

"Alright, please request your papers and send them to Griphook at Gringotts. I'll call you back here in 90 minutes." They had class to get to.

000

History of Magic was as boring as ever. 90 minutes of droning that even Hermione had found something else to do while taking notes. Harry ignored the rest of the class. He was reviewing his list of inheritance. Most of the inheritance was money, 1,000 galleons here or there. He had heard from Griphook earlier that Bill had taken the assignment with great enthusiasm for 100 Galleons a building, 300 a manor. Harry knew it would take the Weasley a year or so to get through them all, but he didn't mind. He had already told Griphook which one's he wanted completed first and had taken the Evan's house off the list, letting Bill only scan and add the basics. That house, the house elves had already seen to and pronounced it safe and added standard muggle protection wards. The house was only a few blocks away from Privet Drive and Harry fully intended to spend as much time in the next two weeks as he could there before he moved into the manor. He was going to use the Potter Manor with Godric's Hallow as a second home for the moment. That left him with lots of homes and properties to look after that he didn't intend to live in.

He was putting together a list of ideas on what to do with those places now. He also was looking at his holdings. He owned shares in many businesses, including, he was surprised to see, the Daily Prophet. He wondered if he could use that somehow. Hermione had already told him he didn't have to worry about Rita Skeeter, and he hadn't seen any new articles from her. Still it might be nice to find all that out. He also needed to meet with Griphook for his inheritance. Griphook had mentioned several hours, but he didn't really want to tell anyone. The only thing he could think of was to leave as dinner completed and be back in the middle of the night, assuming Griphook didn't mind the late hours. Ron and Hermione could cover for him for the most part, but if he wasn't back before curfew and someone looked for him, it could cause trouble.

He was also trying to put together his first discussion with Misty. The young female was nice, comfortable elf. That was why he choose her. Intelligence aside, she calmed him during her interview. She acted like a stern grandmother of sorts, though still somehow differential. He hadn't figured out yet how she had pulled that off. He shook his head as Ron knocked into him. Class was over.

000

Harry sighed as he sat in the Chamber. He was excused from this class because all they were doing was the first half of the final exam, the writing portion. The practical portion of the Charms exam was done during finals week. He took a deep breath and called Misty.

She popped in a moment later. She looked around a minute before letting her gaze rest on Harry.

"Master is calling Misty, sir?" Harry nodded. Misty looked at Harry more closely. "Master Harry has eaten?" Harry gave her an odd look.

"I ate during lunch. While doing your interviews." Misty frowned slightly.

"Master says he ate, but Misty saw Master's plate. Is Master hungry now?" Harry cocked his head, regarding the little creature.

"I guess I could use a small snack." Misty smiled before popping out and back with a tray of buttered toast and jam. Harry's eyebrow rose. He hadn't really though he was that hungry. He didn't have much of an appetite these days. "Where?" Misty wrung her hands after she placed the tray on the small table.

"Misty is making friends with Dobby sir. Dobby tells Misty that if Master is hungry to come to him sir. He would help Misty sir." Harry smiled as he picked up a piece of toast and put some jam on it. More really to humor her, then to eat.

"Thank you Misty." He saw tears start, as he figured they would. "I have something to talk to you about." She nodded determinedly. "I've just received my inheritance and I'm still trying to piece together what exactly I'm supposed to do. Could you tell me about being a lord?"

Misty smiled and started talking about her last owner. She talked with fondness, having grown up in that house and meeting her owner for the first time when he came of age. His bankruptcy was the result in a betrayal by a family member, whose name Misty refused to state, she was so angry. She muttered a bit about bad human cousins and bad anger, but Harry had heard Dobby do something similar about the Malfoy's and let her complain. He figured she had a right to as this person had cost her her home and family. He was now living with his niece, content.

She explained manners and general responsibilities of a lord to his lands and family members. Harry knew he wouldn't remember most of it later, but that was okay. A big part of this was getting to know Misty. The little elf was reassuring as she was obedient. She kept after him to eat and he was surprised to realize that by the time she was done he had indeed eaten several slices of toast. It wasn't sitting poorly in his stomach like most food did these days either.

"Misty is to become Master's personal elf, sir?" Harry nodded to that question. Misty shuffled a moment, Harry recognizing the cue for a request from a house elf. "Misty was wondering if Misty could follow Master today and tomorrow, sir." Harry looked at her in question. "Misty would stay invisible. Master wouldn't know Misty was there, sir. Misty knows that her duties will not start for another few weeks, but Misty wished to learn about Master, so that when Misty's duties start, Misty knows more about Master." Harry looked thoughtful a moment. He could understand her request. He looked at her.

"As long as no one knows. I don't want anyone knowing I've come into my inheritance yet." Misty nodded, smiling slightly. It wasn't the wide, ecstatic smile she had worn before, but a more natural one. Harry rather thought she was relaxing. Judging by the lack of food in front of him, so was he.

000

Harry wasn't sure what he thought about having a shadow. In the back of his mind, he felt a tingle, which Misty explained was his magic connected to hers. She said it would evolve as they got to know each other. Well, he thought that's what she said. It was said in the house elf's round about manner. Dobby had taken the elves aside on Harry's request and explained to them that Harry and his friends were uncomfortable and large displays of servitude and gratitude. Although Diction had still seemed overly emotional, Misty and Slice had both taken the advice to heart and Harry could see the effect on Misty at least.

He told Ron and Hermione about his shadow and he made sure that Misty wouldn't follow him into private areas, like his bathroom or when changing. The little elf had turned mildly red, but agreed. He had also told her that if she thought she would be discovered to pop off, though he only felt her leave once. He had heard her gasp when they went to the chamber the regular way. Apparently, the elves had apparated to him without knowing the name of where they were going, simply the location.

They were going to finish studying for fourth year tonight. After which, Harry was going to start working with Neville, and Luna. Hermione was going to work with Susan and Ron was going to set up the mirrors and the diaries. They had discovered the spell Griphook had told them about and Hermione wanted to modify it for diaries as well as mirrors. This was tricky because mirrors were unusual artifacts, but she had modified the spell to Manus Loqui. They had tried it out and it worked well. Hermione even found the spell Harry's father had used to lock the Maurader's Map. Ron was going to create the mirrors and diaries. He needed one for each Harry, Hermione, himself, Neville, Ginny, each twin (if they ever separated long enough to need two), Susan, Luna, and an additional five. They didn't know how many they were going to need, but just in case. The diaries had their own password, but Ron would give them an over-riding one. He had stated that maybe Hermione would be better suited to this, but she and Harry had pointed out that one, Ron needed the practice, but also, he was better at networking then she was.

He also added, as an after thought, a different password to the mirrors that opened for only the three of them. He knew that there were things they would want to talk about without the others over hearing them. Similarly, he created a separate password for each mirror, that, when added after the first password, would open only that mirror. Even Hermione was impressed with that bit of thinking. He didn't tell her that he found out how to do it by accident and had fiddled with it until it worked properly. They discussed the passwords for some time.

It was Misty that came up with them. The overall password was I Fight for Freedom from Fear for the mirrors and, in salute to the Mauraders, I solemnly swear I'm mischievous with flair for the diaries. For the specific mirrors, everyone gained a nickname. Harry had had many all his life and thought it was time he chose one for himself. Hermione chose Gweneviere, a reference to King Arthur and Merlin. Ron chose Knight, probably in reference to the chess piece. Harry chose Wyvern, and reference to his flying and his serpent ability. Eventually they posed this idea to the others and they chose names. Luna chose Selena, Susan chose Hope, and Neville selected Briar. They had explained the plan to these members.

At the beginning the original three were running everything. But they explained that as things took off, they would hand different parts of the group over to others. Once Susan was brought up to speed, they wanted her in charge of legal and political information. Neville was the obvious choice for Herbology. As more people joined and learned these people would be the go to people for that topic, both in learning and during school the following year.

They would help these four get started and then each of them would contact another few students and help them along. As they did this, the group would grow. Over the course of the summer they would meet up with whomever they could to practice, non-magically, and learn. Ron had already divided the rest of the people they had picked out by talent and location. They had managed to get six groups of varied people. So far the others liked the idea. Ron was going to work within his own family, bringing Ginny up to speed and cluing the twins in. The older in the group were going to help the younger and they were branching out of their year. Harry hoped that by the end of the summer the group would many of the current students willing to fight Slit-face.

000

Harry sighed as he laying his bed. It was morning and he hadn't had a nightmare the previous night. It had felt really good. Plus, they had told four more people about their study group and it had gone well. All four had loved the idea, not only for studying but to know they had someone who had their back. The diaries would record anything written in any of them. It would allow them to keep up with information any of the others found without needing to be present at the mirrors anytime someone found something. Hermione was researching a never ending diary spell just in case.

He sat up and sighed. He had better get moving with Potions first thing today. Then he was going to talk to his astronomy professor into giving him a pass for an extra hour of studying under the stars later that night. Eat an early dinner and, with Misty, go visit Griphook. Misty had appeared before him last night as he was settling into bed. She described the day, with her observations, some of which were useful, and asked a few questions. Harry answered as best he could. He felt her arrive as he ambled towards the sink. He knew she'd be near most of the day, but honestly, he was getting used to the feeling in his magic and her subtle hints. For example, she had reappeared under the table the previous evening at dinner to ask Harry if she should place a warming charm on his food. He took the hint and began eating. He actually ate more then normal and felt a bit better.

He sighed and got dressed, feeling Misty leave the room to give him his privacy. He was glad she did. He dressed in private to hide the scars on his back. They were completely healed from a year of Hogwarts. Abstractly he wondered how many he'd have in the end, since he only had another two weeks at the Dursley's. He shook his head. Now was not the time to think about it. He had potions and that wasn't a class to be distracted in. It was dangerous enough, adding Snape's disposition and his penchant for being annoyed at Harry, it was definitely one of his tougher classes.

000

Neville sat down with a sigh. Breakfast was always an interesting time in Gryffindor. Ron ate too much, Hermione was usually juggling books, Ginny was usually laughing or frowning at Ron, depending, the twins were usually planning something, Seamus and Dean were usually trying something new with the food, all in all it was interesting, and that was a boring day. He felt pride that Harry had asked him to join the group. He hoped they came up with a name soon, calling it 'the Group' was going to get old. He smiled as he propped up his potions book. He really didn't know why Snape scared the shit out of him, but he did. Hermione had spent last night trying to understand why his potions went all weird on him. She confirmed that he knew the material. She was going to partner with him this time to double check and try and figure it out.

He looked over at Susan. She had surprised him. She didn't stand out much in class, but she really did know her stuff. He waved at her and Luna. Now there was a sweet person. Neville doubted she had a malicious bone in her body most of the time. But she was brilliant. They had studied together in the past and he knew she was good. In many ways they were as close as he was to Harry, Ron and Hermione. He hoped that this new idea of the trio's would bridge the interhouse gap that had formed. They had talked about approaching a Slytherin named Terry Higgs on the sly. Neville wished them luck. He knew that Susan was going to be the contact for him and he couldn't think of a better person in their group to bridge that gap. They needed to in order to win this war.

He shook his head wondering how he was going to come out of this new war sane.

000

Harry had finished setting up his ingredients when Snape stalked into the dungeons. He angrily waved the instructions on the board, barked something about this being a fourth their exam grade and told them to get to work. Harry had been left on his own at a desk, Hermione paired with Neville and Ron with Dean as Seamus was in the infirmary with Dragon pox and thus excused from all classes today. Harry had practically shoved Ron in that direction since Dean didn't need Snape's irritation with Harry to dampen his grade. Harry had just finished putting out his ingredients when Malfoy entered. Snape frowned at the boy as he was handed a note.

"Potter, it looked like you're Malfoy's partner today. No mischief!" He snarled at Harry, though he thought he saw the Potion Master's eyes glance at the blonde as well. Harry didn't respond, he was too busy controlling his reaction to Misty's reaction. He knew she was following him, but he forgot that other people may not take kindly to what he put up with on a daily basis. He already knew of her irritation over the way people gossiped where he could hear, and about the weirdest things about him. He had completely forgot to warn her, or himself, of her reaction to the prickly potions professor.

Malfoy likewise got out his ingredients. Harry cast a muffliato charm around the area. This potion was sensitive to random noise and as such, each cauldron was surrounded by a muffliato spell. They didn't use a silencio because Professor Snape wanted to be able to hear what was happening, and there less chance for mischief.

Harry and Draco let out a breath when their teacher finally turned away from them, heading over to Ron and Dean. Harry hoped Misty stayed hidden. He slowly added his next ingredient as Draco stirred. They hadn't actually spoken yet, even though the sound sensitive portion had yet to start. Harry grimaced as he struggled to effectively slice the frog's stomachs. How on earth do you slice a gooey, non-solid organ? He finally got it, waiting for Draco to indicate the timing to pour it in between the stirs.

"I suppose you and your little friends are planning to do something about Him over the summer?" Harry glanced at Draco as the boy spoke out of the corner of his mouth. He looked over to see Snape looking elsewhere and nodded once. He scanned the Slytherins in the room, knowing the Gryffindors wouldn't be reading lips, it wasn't quite their style. Noting all of the class very into their work he bent slightly to shield his lips anyway and decided to have this conversation with the pureblood.

"Nothing drastic, just prep. Just in case." Draco nodded as he switched directions on his stirring and let Harry add the iguana tongues, one at a time btween every third stir.

"Wish I could do that. Just in case." It was still said with a sneer, but Harry heard the request.

"Would you? Would you fight Him?" He glanced at his partner to gauge his reaction. Draco set down his stir rod and picked up the rose leaves. Once those entered they wouldn't be able to talk for about ten minutes. He looked at Harry, completely serious.

"Yes."

000

Bill apparated outside the first manor on his list. Griphook had explained that the owner had privacy issues and would simply provide Bill with a portkey. For 100 Galleons a house, 300 a manor, Bill happily took the job. Even if he did have to swear an oath of silence until told otherwise by the owner himself. He didn't recognize the first muggle home, that he had completed that day. It was in Surrey.

The second place was this manor. He had apparated there yesterday briefly to get a feel for the place, allowing him to gauge how long he was going to have to work. He had known this one could take well into the evening. It was an old Manor, probably one of the original purebloods that stayed true to form. The ground were extensive, bordering another manor that was unplottable at least, Bill noticed with a grin. He felt the wards present feel him over, but the portkey contained their master's signature so they let him through. He could practically feel them grumbling at that. They were old wards, probably added by the family members every generation. He would leave them there. He knew that family protected its own better then anything a stranger could pull off. He did notice some places that he should shore them up a bit though.

There were several buildings. The manor itself was rather large, even for a pureblood original. He had noted four floo connections, all inactive, within the structure upon his arrival. He couldn't do much until those were activated. Four stories in each of the two wings and three storied in the center made the building into a giant, stretched H. He could feel that the fire protection and structural protection wards were vanishing, though the child wards were still fairly present. Who ever had been here last had been at least expecting a child, if not had one. He would have to rebuild most of the basic wards and add many of the newer wards. The ones still functioning looked at least two decades out of date.

Off to one side there was a double greenhouse. The first part was made of magically treated glass and the second was of stone. Obsidian if Bill had any guess. Powerful stuff, a dream come true to any potions or herbology master. The wards on those were strong, but well out of date. The stables off to one side were in disuse, probably had been for decades, Bill would simply replace the basics until they were to be used again, fire, lightening, ice protection, maybe pest control. Off and down the lane was a small cottage. When Bill sent his magic that way, he felt strong, current wards and an active floo. Maybe that was where the current owner was staying. No, Griphook said the current owner wasn't going to take up residence until he finished and couldn't for another three weeks regardless. He felt the walled gardens in the back and the few open gardens. They had similar wards to the greenhouse. He felt two more small cottages, one attached to the rear of the manor and one off behind the place. He felt a treehouse there as well, so probably a summer place for the children of the family, back when the entire family had lived together. Actually it would a perfect place for the Weasley clan, given their propensity for large families. Bill smiled at that thought and began dismantling the old building wards to redo them. Structural wards always came first, in case the other wards were too powerful for the building.

He stopped when he saw a woman coming towards him.

000

After ten mintues of silence and many irritated looks and gestures from the two and their teacher, Harry felt it safe to speak again. At least until the potion turned dark blue. Since it was still bright yellow, it might be a while. He and Draco both got to work on their respective ingredients while they had time.

"Your parents would not be pleased?" Harry's question was spoken undertone. Draco glanced at the potion to check the color as he responded.

"Father will be most irritated if I decided to not accompany him to-" Draco stopped abruptly. Harry glanced around the room curiously, looking first at Ron and Hermione to give the appearance of a casual act. Snape was coming over. He could see the color of their potion so he knew that talking within their muffliato spell was fine.

"I"m glad you're doing so well, Mr. Malfoy, considering who your partner is. Five points to Slytherin for over coming adversity." Harry's eyebrow raised at that. That had two meanings, depending on how much Snape knew about their discussion. Harry was fairly positive Snape was on their side, but unless he missed something, Draco only knew Snape as a Death Eater. The boy was a bit pale, but smirked at his teacher in thanks. Harry meantime, re-composed his glare and aimed it at his professor. Snape looked at him expectantly a moment, but Harry didn't rise to the bait. He just wasn't in the mood for a squabble. He had too much on his mind. Apparently Snape, unfortunately, was interested in a squabble.

"I hope you are keeping up with Mr Malfoy, Mr. Potter." Harry gritted his teeth before answering.

"I believe so, sir." Snape's eyes narrowed at him.

"Whether you believe or not is not the question. Are you or aren't you is. Is't it?" Snape leaned over Harry, scowling. He was getting within Harry's space enough to start to trigger Harry's unconscious reactions. He stopped himself from taking a step back and, after a panicky glance at the man's relaxed hands on his desk, forced himself to focus on Snape's eyes. Those eyes were nothing like Vernon's. He rarely had this response at school since the only professor who treated him this way was Snape and for one reason or another the snarky professor was always avoiding him at the end of the year, when he was thinking most about his relatives. If he could keep his focus, he would stay in the present. Draco didn't miss the fright in Harry and felt an insane need to intervene.

"Potter, the roots!" He hissed at his partner. Harry needed to finish them before the potions finished changing color. He had stopped slicing when Snape had leaned closer. Harry forced himself to look at the roots and take the knife in his hand to them. The knife shook slightly until it came into contact with the table. Once it was there he was in familiar territory. Even at the Dursleys' he could cook.

Severus hadn't missed the fear either. That had been part of the point. He wanted to see the difference between the usual Harry Potter and the scared one. He had been looking for Harry's limits. Apparently proximity was one. Now that Severus thought about it as he straightened and stalked off to prevent Weasley from splattering half his dungeons with bright pink bubbles, Harry rarely touched anyone. Even his friends, he hugged or patted rarely, and it was at times of great emotion. One good thing about keeping the brat safe all these years, is Severus had a plethera of information about the boy while he was at school. Part of which was that he never went home unless he had to.

Harry took a calming breath as the big bat went off. He murmured a thanks to his partner as he finished the roots and started on the lily pad leaves. Draco looked at him.

"Can you find your way to the top of the astronomy tower tonight, say 2 am?" Harry looked at him in plain, blank confusion. Draco snarled at him to pay attention. The potion was ready for the roots and the leaves were still not done. "We can talk alone there. Professor Snape goes to bed at 1 when not on rounds and Filch's cat is usually at the kitchens eating breakfast." Harry smiled as Draco rattled off the location of most of the staff at the appointed time. 2 am was perfect. He would simply have to bring his cloak and map with him to the bank. He looked at Draco. Draco stood up to the scrutiny well. Harry was debating on his trustworthiness, since he wanted a meeting alone.

"Unless you have a better way to get there, call for a house elf named Slice at 1:50 and wait." Harry stopped talking just as the potion turned blue and they started stirring again. By the time they were done, most of the muffliato spells were gone and they were turning the potion in. Draco nodded to Harry discreetly and hurried after Pansy and Terry. Crabbe and Goyle hadn't finished their potion yet and would catch up to him in the Great Hall.

Harry hung back to wait with Hermione, and Neville for Ron as Hermione reviewed what they had done. She seemed excited and was muttering to herself, so Harry left her alone.

"Thought of a name?" Harry looked at Neville. The boy was a completely different person around the dungeons, but one step out and his friend returned to normal. He never had understood it. He had been toying with several names in his mind. He needed a verb and noun, something they could say aloud that wouldn't mean anything to anyone else.

"I was thinking of FOLD. It would stand for Friends Organized for Life-long Defense. Or something like that." Neville thought about it a moment.

"I can see that. To meet all we would really have to say is Fold, or Let's fold. Both are perfectly normal sentences, sort of. To introduce people we can simply say, he's part of the fold, or welcome to the fold. It wouldn't attract a lot of attention, but it would be distinct in itself, as opposed to 'Him'." He put extra emphasis on the word him to illustrate how some of the people in their group referred to Slit-face. Harry's nickname had stuck pretty well though. Harry had explained that Voldemort's face was two slits for eyes, two slits for a nose and a slit for a mouth with a forked tongue. He thought that Slit face made sense.

"Neville? What is the first ingredient in Boils potion?" Neville turned to her and answered the question as Ron came over. Neither saw Snape come up behind them. Well no one except Harry. Hermione nodded.

"The next?" Neville answered. This was a basic potion, even Ron new this one.

"And next?" Harry wondered where Hermione was going with this. The potion only had eight ingredients. Probably why it was taught first year. Hermione grabbed Neville's arm and tugged a bit. Neville obligingly came a few steps her way. Harry could see his breathing quickened a bit.

"And next?" Neville stuttered his way a bit through that ingredient. Hermione pushed him back a few steps.

"And next?" Neville answered clearly. Hermione pulled Neville again and requested the last ones. Neville shakily answered, though the last one was hard to make out. Harry cocked his head in curiosity until he realized that Hermione had been pulling and pushing him in and out of the dungeons. He glanced at Snape, who no one had noticed yet. The professor was eyeing Neville as he would a potion's experiment. Plainly curious as Hermione asked Neville to describe his feelings as he stepped one step and then another into the dungeon. He got progressively worse as he walked, though he did calm himself after a short time.

"I think this is a spell, Neville. You shouldn't be reacting like this."

"I agree with Miss Granger." All three of them jumped as the Professor finally stepped out of the shadows. Harry smirked at his style. Snape looked at Neville.

"Mr Longbottom, what are the ingredients of Boil potion, if you please." Neville gulped a bit, but recited them, shaky, but surely, now that he was out of the dungeons. Snape frowned.

"Please attend to the infirmary following your class this afternoon. We shall get to the bottom of this. Ten points to Gryffindor, Miss Granger." Hermione practically glowed as the other boys stared at their professor. He had never given Gryffindor points, ever! "I believe you had better get to lunch, should you want any food before dinner." That snark was more familiar. They hurried to do so, gazing at each other in amazement. Harry stopped them before they entered the great hall.

"Don't say anything." They looked at him in confusion, before nodding, accepting his request, knowing that he would explain when he was able. Harry smiled as they sat down, letting Misty convince him to put some broccoli on his plate.

000

She had been sitting down for some tea with Mags when Fern popped in to tell her they had a visitor. She listened as the house elf explained that the person had come by portkey and had started fiddling with the manor wards. Eileen followed the elf as he explained, letting him apparate her to the person. She walked towards the young man, younger then her son by several years. He stopped waving his wand around as she approached, with Fern and Spear. The two elves were there for protection, not that she thought she needed it, or rather she hoped not.

"May I help you?" The young redhead cocked his head and looked at her.

"I'm here to fix the wards." His gaze was curious, but he hadn't asked her a question. She frowned slightly.

"Who sent you?" The boy frowned at that question. He retrieved a piece of paper and handed it over. It was a work order for the manor, the parchment itself acting as a portkey. She could feel Potter magic on it as well as Gringotts. It had been years, but she still remembered. She looked at the boy again.

"This doesn't have your name." She let the question hang as he smiled sheepishly.

"Bill. Bill Weasley. Gringotts Wards and Protection. I usually break the wards, but I was asked for personally." She raised an eyebrow in a manner Bill swore was familiar.

"Asked for by whom, if you please." Bill set himself back, debating. She clearly lived here. She also clearly did not know he was coming. This posed a few interesting questions that he couldn't ask without violating his oath.

"Ask for Griphook at Gringotts, Ma'am." Eileen's eyes narrowed. She saw his stance turn defensive as he figured out that she wasn't whoever he had spoken with or had orders from. The parchment was authentic though. She nodded to him.

"I'll do that. Please leave the cottage spells for last so that I may be present when you fiddle with the wards on my house. I'll return shortly. Perhaps then we could have some tea?" Bill nodded amiable. He could do that.

Eileen relaxed slightly at his name. Weasley was safe enough. She vaguely remembered the redheads. She returned to her cottage and for the first time in a decade, she flooed to Gringotts.

000

Harry had no problem obtaining his pass from Astronomy. His teacher was sympathetic to his boredom and need to get out of the study-filled common room for an evening. He ate dinner quickly as his mirror with Griphook caught his attention. It sort of pulled at his magic. Harry grumbled about rushed goblins and mumbled a good evening to his friends, extracting a promise to bring him up to speed after Neville's visit and to tell them about Malfoy. He called Slice and Misty once he was back in his room. He hoped he could find some food later. Dinner at four in the afternoon would probably see him hungry again by bed time, especially if bedtime was going to be after 2 am, as it appeared to be this night...er..morning.

"Slice, shortly before 2 I need you to let Draco Malfoy call you. Stay with him and I'll call you to the astronomy tower at 2. Can you stay nearby. I don't know how much I trust him. Try to imply you work in Hogwarts without actually coming out and saying it, please." Slice grinned. He liked this type of assignment. He also liked the intelligence of his new Master. He bowed to his Master and popped off to take a nap. He wanted to be at his best for his new Master. He wouldn't let anything happen to this master.

Harry sighed. He wasn't used to house elves yet. He wasn't good at giving orders either. He looked at Misty.

"We will head to Gringotts. I want to introduce you properly to Griphook. I also want you to know what all I'm up to with my properties." He had spent quite some time last evening talking with the elf and had found his initial feeling about her intensified. He trusted her as he would Neville right now. Especially when he tried to talk her out of turning Snape's cloak pink to get back at him for humiliating Harry in class. She was rather exasperated. She also had hinted that her Master had better not stop eating this summer for two weeks. Harry rather thought she had picked up on a few things about his homelife he hadn't wanted to speak about yet.

He found himself, and his bag that Misty had packed with his cloak, map and notes, in Gringotts lobby off to one corner. The apparition point was set up for wizards who didn't want to appear outside, especially in bad weather. Harry nearly had a heart attack when he realized he hadn't put on a glamour, but it was for naught as Misty had thought of it. His hair was a shade darker, his skin a shade lighter, his glasses gone and the scar hidden. His robes plain, all reference to Hogwarts hidden and his features aged two years. He looked like his first year out of school and ordinary, which was the point. Harry wondered if he had found two Slytherin House elves as he followed Misty a moment before they switched places, Harry leading to the right, where he had seen Griphook beckon.

He nodded to Misty to drop the glamour as soon as they were in the office. Griphook looked at Harry.

"I see you've acquired some help. Only three elves?" Harry nodded.

"This is Misty. She's going to be my personal house elf." Griphook nodded. Harry sat down. "Is there anything we need to talk about before we get to the inheritance." Griphook grunted as he sat himself down as well.

"Yes Mr. Potter. Bill Weasley started on your manor today and found a tenant." Harry raised his eyebrow.

"A tenant?" Griphook nodded.

"The woman came to me and asked to speak with the owner in the hopes of keeping her residency. I said I would pass along the message. She would not tell me her name, unless I told her yours, so I cannot tell you." Harry frowned and look down at Misty. Misty looked up at Harry and seemed to understand what he was thinking.

"If Master is inheriting the Manor then all house elves in the Manor must not harm Master." Griphook nodded.

"Yes, even though the emancipation is not yet complete, you have fulfilled the requirements of the heir for this particular property and as such the elves will be loyal to you first and foremost, since the previous owners are dead." Harry looked at Griphook.

"There are house elves there?" Griphook nodded.

"Most manors have house elves. It is only a matter of how many. Yes the Potter Manor has several house elves, including a few younglings if I'm not mistaken." He had looked it up earlier. Ten originally, but some of the younglins might have grown. "I would suggest going an introducing yourself, at least to the house elves." Harry nodded. He looked at Griphook.

"I'll be back in an hour."

000

Eileen was fiddling again. She rarely fiddled, but when she was nervous, she fiddled. She didn't know who the Potters had left the Manor to, though she had figured it had been Harry Potter. But he was fourteen, not old enough to take his lordship yet, so she was at a loss. She stood and was about to find something more productive with her time, like a potion or two when Mags popped into her sitting room.

"Miss Eileen, Pisces sends that Master is here." She nodded to the female and with a deep breath took her hand to transport them to the main entrance. A young boy and a new elf stood there, looking around. She went over to Pisces and approached the boy with the head house elf.

Harry watched at the two approached him. The elf bowed himself low.

"Welcome to Potter Manor, Master. I am Pisces, head house elf from Master Harold Potter, sir. If you please, I will call the other house elves to introduce you, Master." Harry nodded, but glanced at the woman. Pisces got the message and called the elves off to one corner, letting them talk a moment.

"I am Eileen, M'Lord. James Potter allowed me to stay in the little cottage off the way." She was well-spoken, though differential. Harry was sure that eventually someone would teach him how to master that. He bowed his head slightly.

"If you would, I would speak with you after I have settled the elves." He could tell that he had surprised her, but she nodded her acquiescence. He turned back to Pisces.

"Master, here is Magpie, head of the kitchen." Harry smiled at the elder female. She looked like a tough cookie, but she eyed him like Misty did sometimes, assessing his health and weight. She curtsied.

"Master, Mags runs the kitchens, if yous lets Mags." She relaxed some as Harry smiled and nodded, noting that her name was shortened to Mags.

"This is Plum, she helps in the kitchen." Harry nodded as the young elf bowed shyly, nearly hiding behind Mags, "This is Fern and Aqua." Harry turned to the pair.

"Wes take care of the gardens when Master is not, sir." The female squeaked at him as the male nodded happily. Harry's smile didn't change as he nodded to them.

"This is Forrest, head of grounds." Harry nodded to the solid elf. "This is Spear head of the manor's defenses and his companions Raven and Sugar." Harry halted in the middle of nodding and looked at the last elfling. A young male.

"How did you acquire the name Sugar?" His question was innocently curious, but he sensed a sore topic when the elf's face darkened. Mags spoke for him.

"Master James was thirteen when Sugar's name was choosen and Master Harold believed Sugar would be in the kitchens like Mags, sos told Master James to name Mags son after food, sir." Harry caught the mother son relationship and smiled slightly at the poor red elf.

"Do you have a nickname?" Sugar shook his head. Eileen spoke up at this point.

"Nicknames, such as Mag's, can only be given by the Master of the Manor. By the time Sugar was old enough to begin work, Harold was dead and James was in hiding." Harry looked at her as she spoke quietly. He looked back at the elf.

"Would you like a nickname?" The elf looked at him in hope before looking down, probably remembering some house elf thing that eluded Harry at the moment. "We'll call you Shu, kay." Sugar, Shu nodded with badly concealed glee. He piped down when Pisces glared at him.

"This is Star and Moon. They are responsible for the cleaning and upkeep of the manor." Harry nodded to the two females as they curtsied. "And this is Stella, head of younglins and children at the Potter Manor." Pisces was very proud as he introduced this last elf. Harry raised an eyebrow in Pieces' direction before looking at the female elf.

"If Master would like to return earlier in the day, Stella could introduce Master to the elflings. Unless Master wishes Stella to wake the elflings now." Harry shook his head.

"No, let the elflings sleep. Thank you. Master wil- I will meet them some other time." Pisces nodded and they all waited. Harry sighed. He wasn't used to this yet.

"I am now master of this Manor. This is my personal House Elf, Misty. I will take up my mantle as Lord in three weeks. As such I require my house elves to be well dressed and clean, always. When called, please appear discreetly, without anyone else noticing if possible. I require secrecy and loyalty from my house elves. You will not reveal anything regarding myself or anyone you meet with me without my or my friends' permission. You are forbidden to punish yourselves or each other without my express approval. If I am irritated I shall let you know and give the appropriate punishment. Will you follow these rules?" He glanced at them, hiding his unease about giving orders of any kind. Pisces and the others nodded. Except Mags.

"Mags? Do you have a question?" She looked at him in confusion and nodded.

"Yes Master, Mags has a question." Harry sighed. He hated being called Master. He hadn't the chance to talk with Misty about it. He couldn't talk to Dobby. But they had to find some alternative. The Death Eaters called Slit Face Master and hearing that name in relation to him made him mildly sick to his stomach.

"Please ask." Mags bit her lip.

"Does Master intend to give house elves clothes then?" Harry frowned a bit.

"If you wish to be free, yes I shall give you clothes. But the money I hand you for clothes while you work is maintenance." Harry had though about this for quite some time before coming up with a definition. "Just like I would make my foyer look good with a rug, I want you to look good, which means that you will wear clean, well-fitted garments. You will treat yourselves with the respect you treat the rest of my property." Harry hoped that would be the end of it. He was struggling with the slavery/property aspect.

Luckily Mags bowed, smiling slightly. Harry dismissed them, telling Pisces that he would be leaving within the hour, but to expect him back within a few days to discuss some things. He turned to Eileen.

"Shall you adjurn to the study, M'Lord?" Harry nodded. They sat in very comfortable chairs as Eileen took a deep breath.

"Before I begin, Please M'Lord, on whose side of the war do you fall?" Harry frowned. She looked nervous.

"Not the side of Voldemort." His firm answer brought the anticipated gasp from her at the sound of that name. She nodded, relaxing more.

"My full name is Eileen Prince. The Prince Line and the Potter Line had always been close. Not quite friends as much as rivals. We competed in education, sports, money, power, everything. Despite this rivalry, whenever one line needed help the other was always there. Many years ago my husband was targeted by Death Eaters. James and Lily rescued me from my home and brought me here. James offered me a home here until it was safe to leave if I wished. I was unable to return to my parents' home. I was dismissed from the family upon my marriage." Harry assumed that was a polite way to say disowned. "Even though the Prince Manor has fallen to my son, and we are on good terms, the wards will not let me enter, not even to visit." Harry frowned at that. He wasn't finding much positive things about purebreds these days.

"I know I don't really belong here, but this is my home. I would gladly pay you back somehow. I am a very capable Potions Mistress and I tend the gardens with Fern." Harry held up a hand before she could start an emotional list. He had heard enough.

"If my father offered you a home here, I will not dispute it." Eileen froze, looking at Harry.

"Harry?" He barely heard the word she breathed in his direction. He glanced from the fireplace, Pisces had lit the fire before leaving them, to her face. She looked frozen. He nodded. She leaned forward.

"But, you're fourteen. Why?" Harry winced. He knew his age.

"I'm emancipating early." Eileen eyed him a moment. He could practically hear the piece of the puzzle fall into place in her mind.

"Where do you live now?" He looked at her a moment.

"Hogwarts." She looked like she wanted to roll her eyes. She settled for an amused look.

"I meant during the summers." Harry looked away.

"Petunia Dursley." His mumbled the answer. He must admit he had never actually told anyone that. His friends had accepted "his aunt's" or "his uncle's", but not really their names. Eileen looked like she had swallowed a lemon.

"Who placed you with Petunia?" Her question wasn't emotional, yet it was more then curious. Almost as if she was swallowing her initial response. Harry shrugged.

"Professor Dumbledore I guess." Eileen clenched her hands. She rose a moment and walk over to the bookcase, taking a deep breath.

"When do you fully emancipate?"

"Three weeks" Eileen seemed to do the same calculations in her head Harry had done a million times.

"Two weeks at their house." She sent him a worried look. "Will it be okay?" Harry raised an eyebrow.

"I need to return to Gringotts. I request the same of you with regards to secrecy that I did with the elves. If you need anything, until I'm emancipated please refer to Griphook." Harry rose to leave. Eileen came forward quickly.

"M'Lord-" Harry cut her off.

"Harry, please. When I find a way to accomplish it, I'll get the elves to stop calling me Master as well. Eileen stopped in amazement.

"Why?" Harry looked at her.

"That's my name." Eileen shook her head.

"Why do you not want them calling you Master." Harry shivered.

"I have bad memories about that name. I do not wish to be like another who forces others to call him that." He looked at her as she placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Harry, how much would you give to have someone to call 'Father' or 'Dad'?" Harry stared at her, incredulously. He swallowed. "That is what it means to these elves to call you Master. Especially when you prove yourself a good one. Then they can say with pride that you are not just any master, but their master. It is a family position that they have been without for a long time and most of them would give almost anything to have someone again. Whatever definition you have of the term, it doesn't pertain to these elves. They currently call you Master because they hope you will be one. One day, they will call you Master because they love that you are their master." Harry just stared at her as he felt the passion she had for this topic. He felt, stronger then ever, missing his parents. He had never had anyone in that position, but he knew that even if they weren't the perfect parent, he would give anything to have someone's permission to use that title. He nodded to her. She smiled and squeezed his shoulder.

"I"ll see you soon, Harry." He felt a glow start in his chest at that sound. An adult that called him Harry. Even if it was only because he requested it. He bowed his head to her and placed his hand on Misty's shoulder, missing her grateful look to the woman.

000

Griphook sighed as Harry returned. He had started to worry. Not that the wizard was late, but he had sent him into an unknown situation. He was surprised to find that it was an uncomfortable position. He nodded to Misty and sat down with Harry.

"Did you get everything sorted?" Harry nodded.

"Her name is Eileen. If you could, she has complete access to Potter Manor and its running. Also, could you find out anything about the Prince Line?" Griphook nodded and made a note.

"I'll do my best outside of my oath as a Gringotts Goblin." Harry nodded. "Also, Bill wishes to speak with you as soon as possible. Here are a list of Wards he could add to the Manor and other manors. He has done a preliminary survey. He also needs you present to unlock the Floo so that he can work on that." Harry sighed and wracked his brain.

"If he's available, I could meet up with him on Sunday morning." Girphook nodded.

"I'll arrange it and let you know." Griphook set that aside. "Now I need to know what you want to do with some of these properties."

They talked for several hours as Harry had Griphook re-organize, and start an audit of his vaults, hopefully consolidating them into less then five outside the blood line vaults. He also consolidated his Potter money vaults and set up to go through the inheritance for each required on Saturday. They discussed possible uses for the properties and Harry discovered that he actually had quite a few more house elves. He also inherited a large portion of Hogwarts and Griphook gave him a book on the governing body of the school to read. He needed to know what his rights were. He grumbled about more homework. Bill was going to work on the smaller houses until they met up, because he needed Harry to make some decisions about the Manors and to unlock any and all floos. He also needed to know that Harry was his employer. They hadn't told him yet.

Needless to say that by 1:30 Harry was exhausted. Misty had appeared with a meal at around 10 and they had continued working. Harry excused himself at 1:45 and asked Misty to take him back to Hogwarts Astronomy Tower. He waved to Griphook as he went under the cloak and then was whisked away.

000

Draco glanced warily at the boys in his room. It was 1:52. Crabbe and Goyle had been asleep for over an hour. Zabini was the one he was worried about. He had only been asleep twenty minutes or so, studying something until all hours. He quietly rose and tread down the stairs to the corner of the common room. There were a few people about, studying. Terry nodded to him, ever watchful. Terry Higgs was a true Slytherin, insightful, aware, cunning, precise, everything Draco cared about as a Slytherin. He also was a year older and Draco couldn't tell just yet how he stood in life.

He showed Terry a diary and ducked into the bathroom and went over to the showers. He knew there wouldn't be anyone here at this time of night. People grumbling if anyone took a shower at this time of night, but he wouldn't be the first to use it as a good place to write in one's diary. He stood and called softly.

"Slice." The elf appeared without a sound. Draco jumped anyway. He looked at the little thing. Now what? The elf put a hand on Draco's leg and a few minutes later Draco found himself on the astronomy tower.

He saw Harry off to one side, placing a piece of parchment in his bag. He glanced at the elf as he faded into the wall and was gone.

"Malfoy?" He looked at the other boy with a mild sneer as he too sat on the cushions out there. "You called this meeting." Draco knew that. At the time it had seemed like a good idea. Now he wasn't so sure. He looked at Harry as he folded his arms and regarded Draco.

"I wanted to talk." Harry nodded. He had been able to figure that out, thank you very much. "You asked about my parents. I'll make you a deal. I answer a question, you answer a question." Harry thought about it a moment.

"On the condition that the question doesn't betray another's confidence." Draco considered Harry a moment before nodding.

"In answer to your earlier question; My father would be most displeased I did not join him at the Dark Lord's side, whether I remain neutral or not. My mother, I think, would be pleased. It would be her safety after that to worry about." Draco was gazing at the stars as he answered. Harry considered what he knew of the blonde's family and put together some pieces.

"So your father is a true follower of Slit-face and your mother is more neutral as you are?" Draco had choked on Harry's nickname for the bastard. Harry briefly explained how he came up with that name. Draco just stared at him a moment before shaking his head.

"You do live dangerously." Harry mumbled something about having no choice and a simple nickname wasn't going to change that. "My mother is neutral in the war. She is against His methods and doesn't want me involved. My father wasn't pleased to hear that." Harry considered him.

"If she had someplace to go, would she leave him?" Draco stared at Harry.

"Only an old Line manor would have the protection and legal clout to do that. For either of us." Harry nodded, not revealing that in three weeks he would have full and free access to one.

"When did your family start?" He waved at Harry's body. Harry shifted.

"When I was old enough to do chores I guess, maybe two or three?" Harry shift uncomfortable. "It didn't get really bad though until I started doing freaky things." Draco stared at Harry in utter confusion, but Harry didn't give him a chance to ask.

"Why are you against Him?" Draco snorted.

"Because He and my father make Mother miserable. My father shows his displeasure for my mother the same way he does with me and He encourages it. I may spout the pureblood nonsense around Crabbe and Goyle, but I don't believe it. Not for a second. But Crabbe and Goyle are loyal to my father, not me." Harry looked at Draco in sympathy at that. Draco looked down as he spoke in a soft voice. "That was why I wanted you to take my hand that first day. I could've used my friendship with you as an excuse to get away from them. My father would have been fine with it as he would see it a social climbing and networking on my part." Harry stared across the plains.

"I had nothing against you then." Draco gave him a flat look. Harry chuckled. "Okay so you did remind me a bit too much of my cousin, but really I wasn't turning you down as much as standing up for Ron. Honestly most of the time I think you're fairly clever, even if you are an obnoxious prat. I just couldn't go along with that attitude." Draco nodded, having figured this out some time ago and found no way to repair the damage until now.

"What freaky things did you do to warrant your uncle's anger?" Harry had known that was coming. He had never told anyone about home. He wasn't allowed. The one time someone found out, he had had three days of bliss and then a week of horror.

"Swear, no one will hear about this from you." Draco looked at Harry.

"As long as you swear the same about my history." He knew Draco was referring to his own abuse. They both nodded.

"The first one I remember clearly was shattering a teacup when my aunt refused to given me anything to eat or drink. She used a frying pan for the first time that day, I think. The one I got in big trouble for was appearing on the roof when Dudley and his gorillas were chasing me. I don't actually remember how that one happened. I turned my teacher's hair multicolored. At least I think it was me. I don't know of any other wizarding child in my area. My uncle sure thought it was me. Then of course there was every haircut." He stopped at Draco's snigger.

"You've had a hair cut?" He frowned at the boy. His hair style wasn't really something he had any control over whatsoever.

"Whenever it was cut the next morning it would be back to this length again. Aunt Petunia finally gave up. She did take kitchen scissors to it once. It looked like an insane knife had attacked it. It still grew back the next day." He shrugged as Draco chortled in restrained laughter. He smiled. It really was pretty funny. Draco took a deep breath.

"You do know that those are normal growing pains for a magical child right?" Harry gave him an odd look. Draco sighed, exasperated. It reminded Harry of Hermione for a moment. "Magical children, particular when under duress, manifest their magic like that. I believe I set my father's hair on fire once. He was so pleased that I showed magic, that he forgot he was angry with me. Mother still enjoys that tale." He grinned at Harry as the brunnette shook his head. Draco sobered up.

"How did your aunt and uncle react?" Harry sobered at that too. He remembered all right. He tensed up. He couldn't say it. But he did want someone to know. He turned away and lifted his shirt. In the dim light Draco could see the scars as he did that first day. Most were the crisscrosses made from beating instruments, but in a clear list on one side was several words. Harry pointed to the first one.

"They reminded me of what a freak I am." It went unanswered as Draco stared at the top, deepest word on Harry's back. FREAK. They carved the word freak into his back. Every time he used magic to protect himself. Draco could see that Harry believed it, deep down. Even the way he said it. freak I am. Spoke of Harry's belief in it. He looked down.

"You're not, you know." Harry pulled down his shirt as he looked at Draco. "For doing that, you're not a freak." Harry raised an eyebrow in question. "If you are then what is everyone else at this school?" Harry started. Hermione had told him that her first magic had been to switch two of her teachers in their desks and then to set the school bell on fire. Ron had told all sorts of horror stories about his siblings first magic. Percy, even, had cause a very disgusting roast of their aunts to grow daisies out of its center. Draco was looking at him. "Are all of us freaks?" Harry shook his head.

"No!" No, his friends weren't freaks. He would fight anyone who said otherwise. He looked at Draco. He may not completely believe he wasn't a freak, but at least now he knew he wasn't.

"Thanks." Draco sat back on the cushion.

"Don't mention it." Harry looked at Draco.

"Could you get along with Hermione and Ron?" Draco snorted.

"I have no problem whatsoever with Granger. Weasely gets on my nerves as much as I seem to get on his. I think we simply dislike each other." Harry nodded. That made sense. Not everyone could like everyone else. Ron was definitely capable for pulling someone's last nerve. "I would be glad to stop pretending though. Granger punches hard." Harry snorted, remembering last year.

"Let me tell them." Draco looked at him in angry panic, Harry waved his hands in placation. "Not about your father and his definition of punishment, but about your loyalties. We might be able to help." Draco snorted.

"At school I am watched not only by my bunk mates, but by my head of house, who also happens to be my father best friend." Harry regarded him in curiosity. A few pieces suddenly fell into place. He also knew that if Lucius Malfoy was the dark wizard Draco said he was, Snape was not his best friend. He couldn't tell Draco that. He knew better then to put Snape in that type of danger. It was Snape's position, thus his choice who knew. Harry looked at him.

"If you really want to, we can find a way. If you are prepared to try, meet us next to the girl's lavatory on the third floor tomorrow after dinner. Alone." Draco looked at Harry. He wasn't sure if he hoped this could work, but the idea of spending an evening with someone not spying on him sounded to good to pass up.

"Why there?" Harry shook his head.

"You'll see when you get there, assuming you can give your oath that it isn't told to anyone." Draco snorted.

"Who, precisely would I tell?" Harry shrugged and rose. He was exhausted and it was nearly 3 am. Draco shook his head.

"Draco." He looked at Harry. The boy was holding out his hand. "Try again?" Draco considered the hand and the person it belonged to. Someone who, to his knowledge, had never given his word on something and not delivered. Someone who had never pretended to be something he wasn't, even when the world seemed intent on doing so. He looked at Harry's hand.

And he shook it.