The Slytherin Guardian
Chapter 2 – The Boy Who Lived
Last time: "Potter, Harry!"
"Slytherin!" the hat roared
(Harry PoV)
I noticed that the Great Hall that usually cheered after a sorting was complete, exploded into an eerie silence.
"It cannot be! He is the Boy Who Lived! He was supposed to be a Gryffindor!" Harry heard from Ron Weasley. After his is small comment the houses of Gryffindor and Slytherin erupted in to heated arguments. The Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws soon took cover as the Gryffindors started to launch an assault of hexes and jinxes. I heard McGonagall draw her wand and saw red jets of light begin to fly from the tip. Meanwhile a tall lanky man with greasy long hair and a crooked nose started to do the same with Slytherins that were casting spells as well. After all the spells had stopped the lanky man gathered his students and McGonagall collected hers as well pulling them outside of the Great Hall. Soon after some time had passed. I got down from the stool and joined the rest of the Slytherin house at the table. Most of them welcomed me, a few gave me weary glares, and some just flat out ignored me. I silently waited with everyone else as Professor McGonagall and the man returned with the students returned. Soon the Sorting Ceremony was complete and all the students were eating at the food that was made. I was only able to stomach a small plate of food and a few desserts till I felt like I was going to explode.
"Not that hungry Harry?" Draco asked from my left.
"I was, but I am full now" I said as grin came to my face.
"Well you don't eat much, did the muggles who took care of you feed you properly?" Draco asked whispering so that no one could hear us.
"Not now Draco, Please…" I begged silently.
"Ok Harry, but I want to know. You seem real diligent to hide your past…" Draco muttered as he went on to eat another sweet.
Soon the feast began to dwindle down and I saw the oldest wizard stand from his spot and stand in front of the podium. He mentioned illegal items and places to go. Soon he dismissed us and I had followed the Slytherin Perfect to the entrance hole to our dorms.
"The password is Lamprophis, it changes every month, please look at the announcement board to get the password, or risk being caught out of bed because you forgot to look!" the perfect said with a gaunt like tone.
"Mr. Potter why don't you open the dorms for us!" he said pick me out.
"Ok" I said shyly, I approached the painting with a huge snake and a man with a long beard.
"Password" the portrait demanded.
"Lamprophis" I stated with confidence.
"You are correct!" the portrait boomed as it opened and all the students clamored into the Slytherin Common Room.
"This is the Slytherin Common Room. A place where you can study or have fun with your fellow Slytherins. We as that you try to keep the noise level down as most Slytherins in here tend to study. That over there is the announcement board!" he said pointing the the board with a bunch of papers attached to it.
"With that you will have your time tables given to you by Professor Snape, our head of our house at Breakfast! Be sure to be on time to all of your classes!" he said as he dismissed himself. Soon I found my way to a first year dorm that had been empty only to be followed in by Draco.
"Do you mind sharing a dorm with me?" he asked with a quizzical look.
"That is fine, I was thinking of taking a shower, do you know where they are at?" I asked.
"I think we can ask some older year people, they should know." Draco replied quickly. After talking to a couple of upper classmen they got directions to the showers. Draco and I rushed back to our dorms and grabbed our things. Once done with my shower I rushed back to the dorm and began to get dressed quickly to avoid Draco seeing his scars from his Uncle. Soon the door opened and I was only done putting on my Pajama bottoms when I heard a sharp intake of breath from Draco.
" Did these muggles do this to you?" he asked, as he approached me.
"Draco… Please do not tell. I don't want to cause any trouble on my first night. I don't want to be kicked out of Hogwarts for being a freak! Please don't tell anyone!" I begged and pleaded as tears came to my eyes. I quickly tried to swipe them away but Draco soon grabbed my arms and looked at me dead in the eyes.
"Harry, I can't unsee what I saw… I will only tell Mother and my God Father. They can be able to help if you let them" He said gently as his stormy grey eyes went from burning with rage to calm pools.
"I don't want to be a burden to anyone!" I said as the tears began to flow heavier than they were a few seconds ago.
"You won't be a burden Harry, no child deserves to be treat like this. So will you let me help you?" Draco asked with a tender stroke to my hand.
"Only if they swear they won't cause to many problems…" I sobbed gently.
"I don't think they would do it intentionally" he said as he wrapped his arms around me in a hug.
"Thank you Draco" I murmured as the tremors from crying began to fade. I manage to crawl into my bed and pass out from the emotional exhaustion.
(Draco PoV)
Dear Mother,
I hope that you are doing well and that Father is also. I want to inform you that Harry and I both got sorted into Slytherin! I also write to you on my first night here because I have found the reason that Harry was unwilling to talk about his family. He is being abused by his muggle guardians. I saw healing bruises, welts that are still swollen, they carved the word FREAK on him, and He is nothing but skin and bones as well. Which means they were not feeding him. I know I just meant him Mother but, please implore Father to do something about this! I am afraid what might happen if he goes back to his home now. If there is anything we could do for him, please do it! He has become a good friend to me and I would rather not lose him any time soon.
Your Son,
Draco L. Malfoy
I finished writing my letter and gave it my family Falcon to Deliver.
"Take it directly to Mother, ok?" He said after giving it a few treats and petting him. I returned to the common room to sleep.
(Harry PoV)
I woke the next morning early before Draco and had taken the chance to get in the school uniform as quietly as I could. Though I made minimal noise Draco soon woke up and saw me almost prepared for the day.
"Morning Harry" he yawned.
"Morning Draco" I responded with a smile after.
"If you give me a few minutes I will be ready to go to breakfast with you. That is if you wouldn't mind me joining you for breakfast…" he said eventually tapering off.
"I would love to have you join me for breakfast!" I responded excitedly. He never had a friend that want to share a table with him before.
"Ok, give me about ten to twenty minutes before we go. Also you might want to read the first chapter in the potions book. My God Father loves to ask us questions from the first chapter.
Heeding his advice, I sat in the common room and looked over the potions book. The rest of the books for the rest of my classes and other supplies stored in my backpack.
The powdered root of asphodel added to an infusion of wormwood results in the creation of the Draught of Living Death
To find a fix for almost any poison look for Bezoar, which are found the stomach of a goat.
Monkshood and Wolfsbane are common potion ingredient. Though they are the same plant that can also be called Aconite.
Just as I began to try and read some more Draco came down prepared for the day.
"Breakfast shall we?" he asked as I had put my book away.
"Yes please!" I responded happily following Draco to the Great Hall.
After settling in and having our plates filled with food, the lanky man from last night stood before me and Draco.
"Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter, here are your timetables. Make sure to be on time to your classes alright?" he said.
"Yes Professor Snape" I responded with a small smile.
"Yes Professor Snape" Draco replied.
Monday and Wednesday –
Tansfiguration w/Gryffindor – 9:00 Am – 9:50 Am
History of Magic w/Ravenclaw – 10:00 Am – 10:50 Am
Charms w/Gryffindor – 11:00 Am – 11:50 Am
Lunch – 12:00 Pm – 1:50pm
Flying Lessons – 2:00Pm – 3:50 Pm
Tuesday and Thursday –
Potions w/Gryffindor - 9:00 Am – 10:30 Am
Defense Against the Dark Arts w/Gryffindor – 11:00 Am – 11:50 Am
Lunch – 12:00 Pm – 1:50 pm
Herbology w/Hufflepuffs – 2:00 Pm – 3:00 Pm
Thursday –
Astronomy – 8:00 Pm – 9:00 Pm
Friday –
Potions w/Gryffindor – 9:00 Am – 9:50 Am
Charms w/Gryffindor – 10:00 Am – 10:50 Am
History of Magic w/Ravenclaw – 11:00 Am – 11:50 Am
Lunch – 12:00 Pm – 1:50 Pm
Herbology w/Hufflepuff – 2:00 Pm – 2:50 Pm
Transfiguration w/Gryffindor – 3:00 Pm - 3:50 Pm
Defense Against the Dark Arts – 4:00 Pm – 4:50 Pm
"Well aren't we in for a busy year!" I muttered quietly looking at the time table.
"Yes but the long lunch period could be useful for a small break and to do some homework in between it all. I heard that they extended it due to a lot of students being late because they were working on a huge load of homework before some classes." Draco explained quietly.
"Well we have some time today to look over the Transfiguration, Charms, and History book before we go to our first class." Draco said with a smug smirk.
After finishing up breakfast Draco and I pulled out our books and began to look over at least the first chapter in each and make some notes on parchment when we were approached by a group of Slytherin First Years.
"Hey Draco" said a boy that look relatively Italian. Following suit was another boy, and a girl.
"Hello Blaise, Theo, and Pansy. This is Harry" Draco said introducing him.
"Hello!" they all said looking at me.
"Hello!" I smiled tentatively.
"Well we all have eaten and are getting ready to go to Transfiguration, are you guys ready to go?" Blaise asked.
"Yes, let Harry and I put our stuff away and we can all walk together." Draco replied with ease.
After making quick work of putting the items away neatly, I walked with the Slytherin first years to our first class. Transfiguration. However, once 9 o'clock rolled around the Professor was not there, only a cat who sat on her desk looking at the class. Ten minutes later Ron Weasley, and another boy walked in to class.
"Well at least Professor McGonagall isn't here yet." Ron said to the other boy.
No sooner did he say that did the cat jump off the table and in midair transformed into the standing figure of Professor McGonagall.
"Bloody Brilliant!" Ron exclaimed.
"Fair assessment Mr. Weasley, now do I need to transfigure you or Mr. Finnigan into a pocket watch so that you may be on time?" she sighed warily
"No ma'am we just got lost…" Ron explained with his eyes on the ground.
"Then would a map help, hmm? I trust you don't need one to find your seats!" she said quickly.
Once they both settled in the seats that were available Professor McGonagall went on to explain what transfiguration was as a subject and showed the class a few of the things we would be doing this year. The rest of the class flew by and soon it was time to go to History of Magic. Once there I could not handle Professor Binns's drone like voice and was awoken by Draco at the end of class. Charms went relatively well and then I had lunch with all the Slytherin first years discussing which class might be the hardest deal with on Monday's. All of answered with History of Magic. During Lunch Draco received a letter from home. However his family Falcon did not leave there was another letter attached to his leg.
"Draco, I think you forgot a letter…" I muttered to him.
"Nope. The Falcon is look at you Harry that means it is for you." Draco said chuckling as I got the note off.
"Thank you!" I said to the bird and began to pet him. The bird cooed softly at my touch
"Well he likes you that is a shock" Draco said with a small tinge of hurt in his voice.
"Well it happens, I will read my letter later." I said putting it in my bag.
Soon I moved with group again to put our things in our dorms and began to make our way out to the area for us to take our flying lessons class.
"Alright class, today we are going to learn how to Command our broom to our hands, mount our brooms, and to kick off. So let us begin with commanding our brooms to our hands. All you need to do is say the word up as a command!" she said excitedly.
"Up!" I commanded and not even a small fraction of a second later the broom responded and was in my hand.
"Excellent work Mr. Potter. Five points to Slytherin!" Madam Hooch commented.
Soon everyone had the brooms in their hands. Some had a bloody nose, others had some angry red marks from the brooms.
"Now to mount your broom simply toss a leg over and sit down." She instructed
Soon Gryffindor was off in the air spiraling out of control. Madam Hooch after trying to instruct the boy had to take him to the hospital wing due a broken arm.
"If anyone of you is in the air when I get back you will be expelled before you can say Quidditch!" she exclaimed.
Soon a glass ball was found on the ground by Ron and Seamus. The boys began to toss it around.
"That is not yours. It is Neville's Remembrall." Hermione scolded the two of the boys.
"So what, it isn't like we are going to break it." Ron said tossing it to Finnigan.
"Just leave it alone Ron!" I pipped in.
"And why should I listen to a sneaky snake like you!" he bellowed as his face turned as red as his hair.
"Because it the item isn't yours, you think that the house comradery would at least protect one of your own" I growled intensely.
Ron took the Remembrall and kicked off his broom.
Seeing him kick off sent my instincts into over drive and I too mounted my broom, and proceeded to kick off.
"Harry don't he is not worth it!" Draco roared after I had rushed off.
"If you want it so bad go fetch it you stupid snake!" Ron bellowed as he threw the Remembrall.
Flying as fast as I could I managed to feel the air bend around me as I put my hand out to get the Remembrall, after catching it I immediately pulled up to avoid a collision into the tower in front of me. After I landed Professor McGonagall came rushing with Professor Snape in tow.
"Mr. Potter!" both Professor Snape and McGonagall snapped.
" I am sorry Professors but Ron had an item that belong to the other student and began tossing it around" Hermione said cutting in right quick before Draco to added to his defense.
"After the Weasel over there was told to leave it alone by Harry, he mounted his broom, took off, and threw it for Harry to get!" Draco added rather quickly
"Is this true Mr. Weasley?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"No…" he said, but by the look on his face he was trying to think of a lie to tell but ran out of time as Professor Snape interjected.
"Minerva if the students can attest to that I believe that Mr. Weasley indeed in fact do this. Ten points from Slytherin for not following instructions!" he snapped softly.
"And Twenty-five points from Gryffindor for not following instructions and possible destruction of student property! Also three nights of detentions for you Mr. Weasley!" Minerva snapped.
"However, Twenty points to Slytherin for trying to the right thing and protect a students item!" Professor McGonagall said smiling at Harry.
"Now Professor Snape and I would like a moment of your time Mr. Potter" Professor McGonagall.
"Seeing your impressive display out there, I was wondering if maybe you would want to try out for the Slytherin Quidditch Team, if Professor Snape permits" Professor McGonagall mentioned after finding an empty classroom.
"I would permit it, it would be up to the Slytherin Team Captian." Professor Snape curtly replied.
"I am sorry but I am going to decline the offer. I have just got introduced to the magical world and to be honest, I do not have a right clue to what Quidditch is…" I replied with a soft voice.
"It is okay Harry, you are dismissed" Professor McGonagall murmured. With that I went to go complete the rest of the flying lesson
(Severus Snape PoV)
After Harry had left, he turned to McGonagall and a righteous fury came with it.
"What did he mean when he said he had just been introduced to the world of Magic, Minerva?" I bellowed.
"He was sent to live with his Muggle Relatives due to the Blood Wards that Albus thinks will keep him safe from the Dark Side!" She responded with a huff.
"You sent the boy to live with his Magic hating Aunt and if I remember correctly his equally savage yet overblown whale of an Uncle! What in the Bloody Ninth Level of Hell were the two of you thinking?" I roared.
"Albus was the one who demanded it, I simply was told not to interfere!" She replied as tears came to her eyes.
"I swear if that boy dies, I am hold you and Albus accountable for it!" I snapped as I walked out of the room.
As soon as I returned to my classroom the Sixth year students cleared out after turning in the potion they were working on. After returning to my office did I find a letter from Narcissa Malfoy,
Dear Severus,
It has come to my attention through my Son that Harry Potter has indeed been living with his Muggle relatives whom have been abusing the boy. Welts that have not fully healed, the word FREAK carved into him, he is skin and bone. I know Draco might try and talk to you about it as soon as he can. But I figures that I would inform you so that you could help him sooner. I know he might remind you of James Potter but he has the love and compassion that Lily held so dear. Please on my Son and my behalf please help him in anyway you can Severus!
Respectably Yours,
Narcissa Malfoy
P.S. I need you to arrange a meeting with Harry for me please!
After reading the note, it only made my blood boil further. Harry, Lily Potter nee Evans's son was being abuse.
"I swear Harry on everything that stands I will save you!"
(Draco PoV)
After finishing the flying lessons I accompanied Harry back to the Dorm room to read our letters from Mother.
Dear Dragon,
It troubles me to hear about Harry's current predicament. I have sent an owl to Severus who should be able to help Harry gain weight and try to reverse some of the damage that was set in by the muggles. I will be visiting the School with in the next week to see Harry myself and see if he could talk to me about it. If he allows you could be there with me. I promise to help him in any possible way I can Draco. I have sent your father to put an inquiry on Harry. If anything we could become his magical guardian and have him live with us. But your father will take time to come around to this. I love you my Dragon. Be Safe
Your Mother,
Narcissa Malfoy
I smiled gently as I finished my letter and looked to Harry who was reading his.
(Harry PoV)
Dear Harry,
I know this might be a bit weird receiving mail from someone who barely knows you. Draco penned me a letter about what he had seen. I have asked Lucius to put in an inquiry about your home life. I know you do not want to be a burden Harry. But no child should ever not be loved, they should not be treated as they are dirt. So I have also made an arrangement to have a personal meeting to talk about everything that your relatives did to you. Please do not be mad at Draco, he is trying to make sure that you are well taken care of as you deserve to be Harry. I know I am not your mother, but if you would allow me to help fill that small void, I would be honored. I will be there next week to see you. If you ever wish to pen me a letter you are more than welcome to Harry.
Yours Truly,
Narcissa Malfoy
I felt the tears began to fall from my eyes. Draco soon wrapped his arms around me as I began to sob so softly.
"Thank you, Draco…" I hiccupped as my body began to shake as the sobbing became heavier and the tears came faster.
"It will be okay Harry" He murmured.
As emotional exhaustion mixed with the exhaustion from today's activities I fell into the darkness of unconsciousness while being comforted by Draco.
The next morning came relatively quick. I woke to Draco gently shaking me.
"Hey sleepy head, I brought you food here. I know you might still be alittle tired but I figured we could take a moment to eat in here and then go to potions, is that ok?" he asked gently.
"Thank you for everything Draco. It is more than I deserve." I said looking at my food.
"You deserve to be Happy, not miserable Harry." He responded.
We ate breakfast in silence and I then proceeded to get dressed. Draco soon caught a glimpse of my wardrobe that was composed of clothes that were hand me downs from Dudley's.
"I am guessing those were not originally your close were they?" he asked gently.
"Your assumption is correct" I said after finishing my attire.
"Well let us go to Potions eh?" he asked me.
"Yes Please" I said hugging him.
"What is this for?" he asked as he returned my hug.
"Because you are my first true friend, and one that has helped me so much. It is my way of saying Thank You." I replied as I let go.
Draco smiled gently as we walked out to go to Potions.
Once everyone was in the room the door closed with Professor Snape in tow.
"There will be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class. I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion making! However for those select few who possess the predispositions, I can teach you how to bewitch the mind, and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death. Then again, some of you come to Hogwarts with abilities so formidable that you feel confident enough to not pay attention!" Snape snapped.
"Mr. Weasley, tell me what will I get if I add Powdered Root of Asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" He asked quickly
Ron shrugged not knowing the answer.
"Where would you look if I tell you to find me Bezoar?" Professor Snape asked.
"In the potion supply room?" Ron replied.
"Ten points from Gryffindor for that cheeky response!" Snape snapped.
"Let us see if you can redeem yourself Mr. Weasley, What is the difference between Monkshood and Wolfsbane?"
"I do not know Professor!" he snapped getting red in the face again.
"Ten Points from Gryffindor for the tone you replied in!" Snape snapped
"Mr. Potter, how about you can you answer those questions? Let us say for 50 points?" Snape asked.
"Well the answer to your first question, it is the Draught of Living Death" I responded.
"The answer to my Second Question?" He asked looking at the boy.
"The place to find Bezoar is in the stomach of a Goat" I replied.
"And now for my third question Mr. Potter?" Snape asked with a small smile on his face.
"The answer is, it is the same thing, if I also remember correctly it is called Acronite." I responded.
"Fifty Points to Slytherin for the correct answers and another 10 for the extra information! Well done Mr. Potter." He said looking around the classroom.
"Well why aren't you dunderheads writing this down!" Professor Snape snapped.
"Mr. Potter I would like you to stay after class." He murmured as he passed by me. I nodded in acknowledgement.
Soon the rest of the class flew by. I waited for the rest of the class to clear out.
"In my office Harry" He responded, "Draco, you can accompany him."
With Draco by my side I entered Professor Snape's office.
"Harry, I was sent a letter by a dear friend. Draco's mother. Next Wednesday you and Draco will be excused from your flying lessons. Lady Malfoy wished to have an audience with you." He explained.
"I was made aware of this from her letter last night." Harry responded gently.
"Also, would you please remove your shirt and allow me to see the injuries you have sustained?" Snape asked ever so gently.
"Yes Professor Snape." I responded and I shrugged off my robe and slipped my tie off to unbutton my shirt. After removing the clothing the Professors face showed nothing but pure terror.
"I promise you Harry that you will be away from that retched home! I have some salves for your skin to help heal everything. If you need more, please do not feel hesitant to ask in a private setting such as this. I will also be giving you nutrition potions to help with your malnourishment." He said as he scrounged around in his shelves. He gave Harry a medicine bag with a month supply of nutrition potions and two jars of healing ointment for his scars and damaged body.
"Thank you Professor Snape." Harry said getting misty eyed.
"You are welcome Harry, my door will always be open to you, if you ever need it!" Snape said giving me a hug. I returned in kind.
"Here is a note for your excuses for being tardy. Take one vial with you and drop the rest off in your room. One with each meal, ok?" he said handing the boys the excuses.
After dropping the vials off in the dorm Draco and I proceeded to Defense Against the Dark Arts. Professor Quirrell had quite an annoying stutter and my head started to ache quite frequently in his class. The specific spot was in my scar, which Draco caught on almost immediately after I rubbed it three or four times in a row. The rest of the day went off without a hitch as Harry and Draco began working on Homework that was due for the next two days.
A/N: And that is Chapter 2! This shows a lot kinder side to Draco that I believe exists, along with a warmer motherly vibe from Narcissa. For those who should know by now I own NOTHING, this is all JK's stuff and her world. Please review and follow at your discretion!
