A/N: My thanks to everyone who has enjoyed the story so far. I will be posting this, hopefully, at the rate of one chapter per week, as I have one day off per week until the next holiday. For those who are interested, the final Malcolm story should be ready by the time this story is finished posrting.

Chapter 2: All Things Are Relative, Part Two

Draco Malfoy walked confidently down the stairs. Dressed casually in jeans and an oversized vest, to hide his wand, he walked through the den, pausing only to see if Cheryl was awake. He walked quietly away and into the office where Janice was sitting.

"Still asleep," He told her.

"Not for long. I know her routine by heart." Janice nodded toward the garage. "The Professor's in there talking to Mick. Funny man. Don't know much about cars."

"'e knows all about cars. Ya get in 'em an' tell the driver where to take ya."

Draco stepped through the last doorway to hear Professor Black's last comment. "I did recognize him when he walked into my classroom. Even then, it took me a while to remember where I knew him from."

Black turned as Mick looked up from under the hood. "And here's the birthday boy."

Mick grinned. "Dragon, 'e's gettin' better. 'e sounded like 'e meant it that time."

Sirius Black had made sure that everyone knew Draco wasn't his favorite student. It saved him the difficulty of trying to be nice. He also let everyone know that he was there only because he had a house in the neighborhood that he stayed at during the summer holiday. At Mick's remark, even Black had to grin. Draco's friends were not surprised that someone would dislike him.

"Shall we go?" the professor asked. "It's already gone past one."

"Jus' tryin' to put it off," Draco told him.

Black held up his hand as though he was taking an oath. "I promise you, Mister Malfoy, if I can palm you off on someone else, I will."

"Thanks, Professor. You're not 'alf bad after all."

Sirius Black led the way. Draco was curious that they would be walking toward Grimmauld place. Black told him that was where they were going. He reminded Draco that he lived in the area, and the boy was going to learn, despite certain misgivings, exactly where he lived. He then asked Draco a question.

"Do you have any money with you?"

"Yeah. Some."

"Twenty Galleons? Wood told me he owed you for winning Gryffindor the House Cup."

Draco smirked. "That's right. Me best work. Better'n stealin' that stone."

Black wasn't grinning. "I want to know how you did it? I asked everyone. Including Professor Snape. He told me to tell him if I ever found out."

"Hey! I offered to give back the win. He woun't even take 'alf the bread an' 'oney. Din't mean for him to lose."

"And how did you get those house points?"

Draco's smirk became more serious. "Ain't tellin' you. 'at's a professional secret." He shrugged meaningfully. "Might 'ave to do it again, you know."

Black nodded his head as though that was the response he expected.

"Professor?"

"What?"

"That dog yours?"

Black almost missed his step. "Dog?"

"The one only I can see. Seen 'im for as long as I can remember. Justin's sister was lookin' for it when she spotted you an' the twins."

"Yes. That one's mine." He didn't pause for Draco to comment. "I told you I live in the area. You might have seen me around on occasion. I didn't have the beard then. I grew it for my position at Hogwarts."

"Looked familiar," Draco noted. "Couldn't place you, though."

Draco didn't comment on the obvious. Sirius Black had been keeping an eye on him for years. Just in case. As Draco mulled on that thought, the two walked on in silence. Neither cared to have a conversation with the other. As they turned in to Grimmauld Place, he thought of another question. "'ow'd you manage to get Fred and George to come to me birthday party? I figured their folks would never let 'em around me."

"Hermione Granger. She owled the Weasleys and told them an exaggerated version of how you stopped . . . You-Know-Who. She also suggested that, believe it or not, the Weasley twins were a good influence on you. Arthur was the one who told me about your deal with Oliver Wood. Your success, and the fact that you won't tell anyone how you did it, made him and Molly very curious about you. Any more questions?"

"Yeah. We walked past 'alf a dozen people I know, an' not one noticed us. You do that?"

"It's safer walking in this neighborhood if people don't notice you."

Draco smiled at the thought. It would make things easier if he could do that. Apparently, Black saw his smile and knew what he was thinking.

"I promise to make sure you never learn that little trick."

He grabbed Draco's shoulder as they walked past the home and forced the boy to make a sharp turn. Suddenly the houses seemed to move and another house was there between the home and its neighbor.

"Cor."

"Helps to keep unwanted visitors away. And no. You can't come to visit me any time you want. I have to let you in."

He opened the door and ushered Draco inside. It was a comfortable looking house, and barely clean, making it obvious that the man lived alone. Black led him into the living room and ordered him to wait. He walked up the stairs leaving Draco free to look around.

The large fireplace was the main feature on one wall, with a comfortable looking couch and chair facing it. On the mantle were pictures of the Professor's friends, some of whom Draco knew. Such as the Potters and the Longbottoms. There was also a group picture, from Black's school days by the looks of it, of him and Potter with two other boys. Next to it was a more recent picture.

Draco cast a glance into the kitchen which seemed small but functional. He started when he saw something in there staring at him. A short creature, pointed ears and nose, graying hair covering most of its body. It looked like it was wearing a dirty towel wrapped around its waist.

"Whot kind of creature are you?"

"Kreacher is Master's servant," it said with a hiss.

Draco gave it a friendly grin. "I see you don't like him, either. Can't you quit?"

"Kreacher is owned by Master." It seemed confused by Draco's attitude. "Are you friend of Master?"

"I'd be lyin' if I said yes. I'm stuck wit' 'im as me chaperone." Draco shrugged his shoulder. "So, your name's Kreacher? I'm Draco."

Kreacher hissed. "Malfoy? Malfoy is evil." Again a confused look. "But Master hates Malfoy?"

"KREACHER," Black suddenly yelled as he came down the stairs. "GET OUT OF HERE." He walked over to Draco. "And you should learn to stay put."

He pulled Draco away from the Kitchen and to the fireplace. Reaching into a small pot hanging on the side, he grabbed a handful of powder. "Now, have you ever traveled by floo before?" Draco shook his head. "I'm going to throw the floo powder into the fireplace and call out our destination. When the flames turn green, step into the fireplace." His tone became forceful. "And don't run off until I get there." He tossed some powder into the flames and called out, "The Leaky Cauldron."

Draco stepped in, keeping his hands to his side as he was told. He felt like he was dropping through a stone chute at great speed. Suddenly, he found himself tumbling out of another fireplace and sprawling on the floor. He heard the fire behind him flare up. A moment later, strong hands pulled him to his feet.

"That wasn't too bad?" Black asked.

"A bit scary. Din't know what was goin' to 'appen."

Black deliberately put his hand on the boy's shoulder as the publican looked up. "He's with me, Tom. There won't be any trouble."

Draco turned. "From me or them?"

Black mouthed the word, 'you', and with his free hand pointed in the direction to go. With the hand firmly on his shoulder, Draco walked quietly to the back door which led to Diagon Alley. A cursory glance showed most of the patrons to be more amused at him than angry. The confrontation that Draco expected once he knew where he was going became . . . nothing. They walked through the door and were shortly facing another brick wall. This wall, when tapped with a wand, would become the portal entrance to Diagon Alley.

"Why are you wit' me? Could've come by meself."

Black wasn't amused by the question. "Dumbledore asked me to watch you. You are not to be alone in any magical environment. I will be your escort unless, as I've said, I can pass you off to someone else."

"Loverly," Draco said insincerely. "Jus' 'ope 'mione's 'ere like she said she be."

"So do I." Sirius Black tapped the wall in the proper pattern and the archway opened up. "Shall we start here and work our way down? Or head directly to the bookstore in hopes that Miss Granger is there? Something we both would appreciate."

Draco didn't have to say anything. If Hermione was here, the bookstore was the obvious place to start. She planned on arriving about one. Hermione tended to be accurate.

As they neared Flourish and Blotts, Black again grabbed Draco's shoulder and told him, softly but firmly, to stop. There was something starting to happen outside of the bookstore.

There was a line out front but that didn't bother him. Harry Potter was standing there with his family. That did bother him. They looked like they were waiting for someone, probably the Longbottoms. But they weren't looking around. They were watching the scene further away from the entrance. Potter's father was stepping forward to intervene.

Past them were some of the Weasleys: Ron, the twins and their sister. They were talking to a pair of adults with two boys, and it didn't seem friendly. Draco recognized the two boys. Theodore Nott, a Slytherin in his year, and his older brother. He assumed the tall woman with the pale blond hair and snooty expression must be their mother. The man, by Draco's guess, was Theodore's grandfather. The woman was holding out a book or two. It was hard to tell. The Weasleys were angry.

"Wait here," Black told Draco, and walked past him toward the group.

"Not supposed to be alone for any reason," Draco snipped as he kept step with the man.

By the time they were halfway there, Draco knew what was going on, although he would be hard pressed to say why. The woman shoved the books at the youngest Weasley and made a loud angry comment about only offering to help. James Potter yelled back that they didn't want any help.

The remaining Potters began approaching the group. At the same time, the Weasley parents came hurrying out of the bookstore. Draco hurried his steps to get in on the fun.

"Would you mind telling me what you are doing, Nott?" Mister Weasley said angrily.

"Offering to help," Mister Nott said evenly, "but some people don't appreciate it."

Missus Nott snorted as Weasley became red in the face. "It won't break us to buy a few extra books. And we know what you make, Arthur. Why do you have a problem?"

"A PROBLEM? WITH YOU?" Weasley and Nott looked ready to fight each other. James Potter placed himself at Weasley's side, saying, "Calm yourself, Arthur."

Suddenly a lady's voice was heard above the noise. "It's called charity, Cissy, and some people find it offensive if they don't truly need it." A black-haired woman, with heavy lidded eyes and a hard-edged smile, came out of nowhere, or so it seemed, and walked up to Missus Nott, the woman she called Cissy. She clasped the blond woman's arm and turned to the Weasley's. "Honestly, I'm sure they meant your family no harm, Arthur. And if I know my sister, it was her idea. And you know how . . ." She started to say something else, ". . . strong willed she is once she gets an idea into her head." She added in a stage whisper, "I'm sure she doesn't even understand how she offended you. But I will explain it to her, later." She looked at her sister as she took the books from her hand. "I'll be talking to you." The woman called Cissy looked past her sister at the gathering crowd. Spying Draco, she gave him a look of pure hatred. She turned back to her sister and said something too softly to be heard. The family left with Mister Nott muttering loudly about trying to be nice.

Having sent the Nott family on their way, the dark-haired woman then turned to the Weasleys. "Please forgive them, Arthur. They mean well, but they can be crass at times and not even realize it."

Arthur Weasley's look did not change. "I think it's because we have different ideas about what it is to 'mean well', Bellatrix."

Bellatrix lowered her eyes. "I'm not one to talk, as you well know, especially you, James."

James Potter spoke, "And I, for one, don't appreciate such familiarity, Missus LaStr–"

"BLACK." Bellatrix shouted the word. Then she seemed almost ready to cry. "I haven't used that name since . . ."

Draco was surprised that it was Molly Weasley who spoke. "We all know since when." She now stood between the two men and the woman. "Bellatrix BLACK sent them packing so there wouldn't be any trouble. We should thank her for that. She isn't asking us to socialize. She's only trying to be polite." She turned around. "Thank you. We all know it could have been worse."

The black-haired woman turned to look in the direction her sister had left. "In more ways than one." She sighed as she turned her head back until she was looking directly at Draco, "She could have noticed you earlier, my darling boy."

Potter could be heard groaning as he noticed Draco for the first time. His father muttered something about bad blood all around. He gave a polite nod to Sirius Black then ushered his family away, to the bookshop entrance. One of the brood, a boy Draco guessed to be ten, gave Draco a curious look, biting on his lower lip as he did so. The Weasleys excused themselves and began to usher their children away as well with the comment, "Ginny still needs a wand." She gave Draco a friendly smile when she looked at him. Fred paused long enough to tell Draco that Hermione was inside. That left Draco with Sirius Black and the woman. Bellatrix Black looked as though she were laughing at Draco.

"You ain't 'is sister?" Draco asked.

"Cousin," Bellatrix answered, smiling. "And you are the very image of your father, Draco, although you do have your mother's eyes."

"Bella," Sirius said sternly.

The woman turned to her cousin with a stern look as well. "The Minister has lifted his decree about keeping Draco innocent," she smiled snidely, "not that the term ever applied from what I've heard. I'm going to tell him. Right now. And you won't stop me."

A shout of "Mummy" and everyone turned toward the bookstore entrance, where the line was slowly moving forward. A lanky young boy was running toward them. "Mummy, they have it." He gave a quick nod, and said with strained politeness, "hello, Cousin Sirius." He turned. "Hello." He turned back to his mother.

Bellatrix Black beamed at the boy. "Casper, this is Draco Malfoy. I've told you about him."

Casper's face filled with delight. "Are you really? We have something in common. We share the same birthday. I'm two years your junior, I know, but . . . I was proud when Mummy told me how we were related."

Draco stared at the expectant smile. With an effort, he mumbled the word, "Related?" He looked with a sense of fear at Sirius. "I'm related to you?"

Bellatrix laughed in delight as Sirius frowned. "Distantly, dearest. Not anything to worry about." Laughter and frown deepened as Draco gave an exaggerated sigh. "Only to me and, thus, indirectly to my son."

Casper looked surprised. "Mummy? He doesn't know?"

Bellatrix playfully put her hand over her son's mouth. "He will if you would give me a chance." She smiled at Draco. "I have the honour of being your Godmother."

Draco gasped. He remembered learning that Sirius Black was Harry Potter's godfather. He remembered asking Professor Snape, or should he say Uncle Severus, about being his godfather. And he remembered the answer. This was something he had not even thought about. And he was delighted. He faced Sirius Black.

"I'm wit' someone, now. Ya got lager an' lime for your mates."

"Malfoy." Sirius Black was about to give him a warning.

"Yeah. Must be Mickey Rooney to want to be wit' an ol' pal o' me 'rents. Ain't that right?"

"Yes." With a growl, Sirius walked over to where the Potters were waiting. They all turned to walk into the bookstore. The ten-year-old looked back again and Draco shrugged his shoulders and gave him a wry smile. The boy looked shocked, then gave Draco a grin of his own before following his family.

Casper spoke. "What did you say? Who is Mickey Rooney?"

Draco stared. He smiled and cleared his throat. Then he did his fancy voice. "My apologies, Casper. I was merely telling your Cousin that he was late for his appointment, and I agreed with him that I must be insane to want to spend time with someone that my parents liked." He cast a glance and an expectant smile at Bellatrix Black.

"Then you were talking that gibberish as a lark?" Casper asked, in a rude tone.

Draco looked coldly at Casper. "I talk THIS way for amusement. I talk that 'gibberish' so that my friends will understand me. And only an overindulged prat would still refer to his mother as 'MUMMY' once he was old enough to wipe his own arse."

"STOP," Bellatrix Black said sternly. "Draco, you are old enough to know that Casper said what he did out of ignorance. And Casper, YOU are old enough to know that just because you don't understand something doesn't mean it's wrong or improper."

"Yes, Mummy," Casper said, then blushed furiously. "Yes, Mother."

"Draco?"

"Yeah, fine. Let's jus' start over." Draco held out his hand and gave his best fake smile. "Wotcha, Casper. I'm your honorary cousin, Draco."

Draco's grin was infectious. Casper returned the grin, cast a quick glance at his mother, then took Draco's hand. "Um, Wotcha, cousin."

"Now," Bellatrix said, leading the boys away from the bookstore and toward Florescue's Ice Cream Parlor, "Casper, why don't you control yourself for a while. After all, Draco must have a hundred questions of his own to ask."

Draco did. How long did she know his mother? She met her through his father. Why didn't anyone say anything? The Minister didn't approve. Where do they live? Outside London, and he could visit anytime. They would set him up on the floo network. Draco mentioned that he traveled that way today for the first time. They sat down at a table, gave their orders, and Bellatrix Black found herself explaining about how Wizards traveled. Casper Black, when given a chance, asked why Draco didn't know anything about this. He frowned when Draco said he was raised as a muggle.

Draco frowned when he asked about Cissy. The woman was Aunt Bella's sister, Narcissa. The elderly man was her husband. Narcissa always resented the fact that Lucius Malfoy cancelled their engagement. Aunt Bella noted that it was to be an arranged marriage, to keep the bloodlines pure. Her looked saddened as she added softly, "as my own marriage was."

"He dropped 'er for me mum?"

Bellatrix paused. Even Casper was waiting for the answer. Her answer came in an amused whisper. "He dropped her because he knew her too well to want to spend the rest of his life with her." A sad note in her voice. "It cost him his inheritance, you should know. That had nothing to do with your mother either."

"I heard me family was rich," Draco noted with indifference. "You went to school wit' me dad, then?"

"Cissy did. I was a few years ahead of him. I was already out of Hogwarts, and married, before your mother came to the school. But I think we should talk of other things. For instance, that girl is staring at us."

Draco set the spoon down by his nearly empty Sundae (vanilla ice cream with pineapple and nuts) and turned to see a fuming girl with bushy hair and large front teeth. She was hugging a set of books in front of her. Two adults, her parents, were standing behind her with amused looks on their faces. "Am I late, 'mione?"

"Dreadful," Missus Granger was saying to Bellatrix Black as they set around the table. "You couldn't even tell him you were related."

"Wouldn't have mattered," Hermione muttered. "He hadn't learned English yet."

"Yeah," Draco said with a touch of anger. "If your long lost godmother suddenly showed up, you would still have kept an appointment to meet me."

"I think that is unfair," Bellatrix Black said diplomatically.

"It's true though. She'd look you in the eye a' say, 'You'll need to make a reservation. I'm free in the morning on Thursday next'."

"I would not," Hermione said testily.

Missus Granger noted, "Hermione always goes to the library on Thursdays."

Draco left the Grangers and his Godmother and went with Hermione to get his books for the upcoming year. Casper, curious to ask more questions, asked to tag along. Draco not sure how to say no, let him.

"Whot was that crowd for earlier?" Draco asked, ignoring the human puppy that was following.

"Gilderoy Lockhart. He's a famous talk show host on the Wizarding Wireless. He came out with a new book, a biography. And he was autographing copies."

Draco glanced in the window at copies of a book called 'Marvelous Me'. On the cover was a strutting peacock of a man surrounded by all sorts of questionable people. "An' 'e's popular?"

"He even has a scandalous past. He spent three months in Azkaban. That's the wizarding prison. It seems he tried to claim credit for killing a troll by making the man who did it forget all about it. Luckily for that man, someone came by at the right time. Lockhart made a big scene of how he always wanted to be a hero but destiny seemed to pass him by at every turn. He ended up writing a book about that man, very exaggerated mind you, but housewives loved it. Now he spends his time interviewing these heroes and other crackpots and building them up to be bigger than life."

Casper interrupted. "Mummy, um, Mother calls him a charlatan, a mountebank, a fraud, a . . ."

"He is," Hermione admitted. "But many witches like him . . . and he is cute. He autographed my copy . . ."

Draco stared at his friend. "You bought 'is book?" They stepped into Flourish and Blotts and Draco's surprise turned to disgust. "I don't believe they're still 'ere."

Near the back of the bookstore stood Harry Potter. His mother was talking to the peacock. The peacock was smiling widely, gesturing wildly and acting humble all at the same time that he was carrying on the conversation.

Hermione tugged Draco's shoulder. "We can go this way." They turned right.

"Aunt Cissy says," Casper told them, "that the Potters are worse than Weasleys when it comes to honour."

"To 'onour whot?" Draco asked.

"The blood, of course," Casper answered with surprise. "Mu . . . Mother . . . says not to call them mudblood lovers but Auntie says it describes them perfectly."

Hermione stopped in her tracks. Her voice was emotionless as she turned her eyes on Casper. "Mudblood? As opposed to Pureblood?"

"Obviously." Casper did not catch Hermione's mood. "Draco's always the exception, of course. He is a Malfoy, and the Boy-Who-Lived. But those other types aren't worth associating with. Don't you agree?" He smiled. Then he understood Hermione's mood. His voice became weak and low. "At least that's what Auntie says."

"Better Mudblood than Pureblood," a boy's voice said from behind a pile of books. A black-haired head popped up. The Potter boy. "Mum says inbreeding always shows."

Casper looked at Hermione and Draco for support, then blushed with embarrassment when he understood they agreed with the other boy.

"He's Harry's brother," Hermione said.

"Seems like a decent sort," Draco noted. "Must be adopted."

Casper smirked at the Potter boy as he thought of a comeback. "Hope so. His family IS pureblood, Cousin."

"You're related," the Potter boy asked, then quickly looked around to make sure no one was watching.

"Honorary cousin. My mother is Draco's godmother."

"Then you're . . ." The Potter boy became nervous.

"Then He's What, William?" Hermione asked.

A sound of fear was in William Potter's voice. "Casper LeStrange." The boy looked as though he wanted to run off.

Odd sort, Draco noted. Definitely a Potter. "So, who's LeStrange?"

Hermione was looking at Casper in shock. "You know the Longbottoms?"

Draco snorted. "Never 'eard of 'em."

"This is serious, Draco. Shortly after your parents died, supporters of Voldemort attacked Neville's parents. Apparently they thought the Longbottoms would know what happened to their master. But there was a spy who revealed their plans. They walked right into a trap. Despite disguises, two were recognized and soon captured. They were the brothers LeStrange. Two others escaped and were never found. They suspected the wife of one of the brothers . . ."

"His mother," William interjected.

Hermione nodded. "Someone claimed they recognized her but she had an airtight alibi. She was with two members of the ministry, one of whom was the Minister's own son, telling them that she suspected her husband was up to something."

"I was told about father," Casper said with a sad tone. "It all happened before I was born." He gave a sharp look at Potter. "And for the record, my last name is Black."

"WILLIAM."

The Potter boy turned to the sound of the shout and went running. Draco guessed he was in trouble for talking to the enemy.

"Did I win?" Casper asked. "The argument. Did I get the better of him?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. Draco shook his head. "Ya din't win nothin'. Ya just made a couple'a smart remarks."

"M-Mother says that I need to learn how to argue effectively. Have you ever been in many arguments?"

"A few," Draco admitted.

"How do you know if you've won?"

"Easy. I'm the one still standin'."

Hermione let out a huff. "Boys." She shook her head. "Shall we get your books?"

Casper followed carefully. This was not the Draco Malfoy he had dreamed about. This Draco Malfoy was coarser, rougher and definitely much more interesting.

Hermione led the way and Draco quickly picked up each book he would need. As luck would have it, the Potters were leaving as Draco stepped up to the counter to pay. Father and Son, James and Harry, gave him a snarl as they walked by. Draco decided to pay them back in his own style. He stuck out his hand and grabbed the arm of the next Potter to walk by.

"So, Billy Boy, ya comin' to 'ogwarts this year?" Draco's voice and smile said they were old friends.

"Uh, next year," the boy said hesitantly, not sure of what to do.

"Hey, same wit' Cas. Can't wait to see ya there." Draco let go of his arm and patted the younger boy's shoulder in a casual manner. Then he turned back to the counter to make his purchase. He looked over his shoulder toward the door, waving when one of the Potter's looked back, ignoring Hermione's request that he simply stop it. Then Casper was pulling on his sleeve. Draco looked over at the frightened boy, and up at Sirius Black. "Professor? Your mate's left."

"Really? And, Malfoy, did your godmother put you up to this?"

"Naw, Potter did," Draco said flippantly. "Jus' wanted a bit o' fun at 'is expense. Does 'Aunt Bella' 'ate the Potters, too?"

"You scheming runt," Black said angrily as he reached for Draco. Casper, who was standing between them, screamed and ducked behind Draco.

Everyone froze. Sirius Black was eyeing Casper with sadness. He dropped his hand to his side. "I was a fool for letting you provoke me, Malfoy."

Draco put his arm protectively around Casper's shoulder, but he was glaring at Sirius. "Yer fine wit' me, kid. Ya should know. I got me an uncle jus' like 'im."

He deftly grabbed his books from the counter and led the younger boy out of the shop. He didn't even think about what happened to Hermione. Because he was watching Casper, he didn't notice the lady until he bumped into her.

"Sorry."

"Polite? To a Potter?" It was the mother.

"Din't know who it was."

"You're forgiven then. But don't let it happen again."

Draco had to return her grin. He promised, and continued on his way. A glance back showed that she had been waiting for Sirius Black. They started talking at once and went to join the rest of the family. Draco returned to Florescue's when his Godmother was waiting with the Grangers.

"What happened?" Bellatrix asked when Casper rushed to her and hugged her.

"Cousin Sirius," Draco answered. "He don't get along wit' family. 'at's me own guess." He added with a smirk, "An' I get 'im for Defense again."

"No you don't," Hermione said from behind him. She gave him a smirk of her own. "I dared to comment on his behavior, and yours, and told him I regret that I have to deal with both of you this year. And he told me that I had nothing to regret as far as he was concerned."

"Naw. 'e was just tossin' you off."

"He also apologized for his behavior."

"Not surprised." There was a touch of anger in Draco's voice. "Always apologizes to everyone but me."

"Not only you," Bellatrix Black noted. "Sirius Black is not one to let go of a grudge if he can still throttle it, although he will smile if he thinks he has something to gain." She smiled. "He has a good heart, but I can't say the same about his head." She looked down at Casper. "Ready, Darling? I think it's time we were going."

"The book?" he asked, his fear and Sirius Black both gone.

"Ah, I suppose we have time for that." She paused to reach under her robes. "Draco, the books I took from my sister. Are you interested?"

Draco took the two used books and looked at them. "Introductory Spells? Still 'ave mine from last year."

"Still hasn't read it," Hermione quipped

"Tried to," Draco noted. "She kept reading it to me. Din't 'ave to read a single book last year." He had a thought. "Casper, 'ere ya go. Get a leg up on next year."

Casper smiled, then glanced at his mother. When she nodded, he turned back and took the book. He opened it and began to read before he finished saying thank you.

Draco looked at the second book. "Tom Riddle?" He flipped through the pages. "Ain't nothin' in this book. Who'd get a personal diary an' never use it?"

"Tom Riddle, apparently," Bellatrix pointed out. "You're welcome to it, if you think you'll use it."

"Already got one, thanks." Hermione and Bellatrix both looked amused. Draco became defensive. "Me frien' Janice gave it to me. I mostly write about things like . . . Hermione makin' the Quidditch team. Things like that."

Bellatrix nodded in understanding. "Keep it anyway. I'll only throw it away. Maybe you can find a use for it . . . or maybe a friend at school will want it."

Draco nodded and added it to his pile. He said his goodbyes and picked up his books. As he and Hermione went to make the rest of their purchases, Hermione leaned in and whispered her congratulations into his ear. Draco Malfoy had found a new relative.