A/N: Sorry for not updating sooner, I have been extremely busy with work and the holidays. I appreciate all of my reviewers and followers. I may not always respond directly to your reviews, but I do read every one of them. I have set up a Facebook page exclusively for my fan fiction updates which can be found under the username LunasaCailinMactire. Please friend me to get current updates on my stories and ask me any questions. This chapter is very short, but I wanted to get another update out due to the time since my last one. I am currently working on the next chapter which will pick up where this on leaves off. I plan to explain how the mpreg is possible and provide a flashback of Harry's shopping trip. Just to clarify – Harry is still wearing his old clothes at this point, and his new wardrobe will not be revealed until after he is resorted.

Chapter 4: Time to Face the Strange

Harry awoke from his nap still cuddled on Draco's lap. Draco didn't seem to have a problem with it so Harry decided he was much too comfortable at the moment to worry about moving. He twisted himself around until he was sitting upright in Draco's lap with his head resting on Draco's shoulder and his tail curled tightly around himself. He snuggled himself in tightly and barely restrained the purr that seemed to be second nature around the other boy.

"Should I be worried? Is this some sort of 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' type thing?"

"Wha'?"

"Are you certain you're really Draco Malfoy? You aren't his good twin? The Draco Malfoy I know would sooner torture me than embrace me. Not that I'm averse to the change – obviously."

"I'm the same Draco Malfoy you've known for six years. Without the Dark Lord looming over me I'm finally able to act like myself, but that is a conversation best reserved for another time. Personally, I am curious as to why you're hiding in here with me instead of basking in your glory with your two Gryffindor Lackeys."

"That too is a tale better suited to when we have more time. In the meantime – truce?" Harry asked, extending his hand in a manner reminiscent of the incident at the beginning at their first year. Draco grasped it quickly to prevent Harry from reconsidering the offer.

"Truce for now, but in time – hopefully more." Draco said sincerely. A light blush covered Harry's cheeks as he nodded his head in acknowledgment.

When they arrived at the castle both boys reluctantly parted to join their respective houses and watch the sorting of the first years. Harry kept his head down and waited silently for the sorting to finish so that he could make his move.

"Zach Zachariah Zachmann." McGonagall called out the name of the last boy to be sorted and Harry took that as his cue. As soon as the new Ravenclaw hopped off the stool Harry stood and made his way up the center aisle of the great hall and came to a stop in front of his current head of house.

"What is the meaning of this, Mr. Potter?"

"I need to correct a mistake that was made on my very first day in this school."

"What mistake are you talking about Mr. Potter?"

"Hmmm, it makes sense that you are uncertain when you take into consideration the sheer number of mistakes that I have endured during my tenure. However, I am currently referring to the fact that I was coerced into following a path that I was not meant to." Harry raised his voice slightly so that he could ensure everyone in the room could hear him clearly. Although he didn't care what people thought of him, he still didn't want rumors of events to escalate to the point where the Daily Prophet would publish a story about him mud-wrestling purple heffalumps and woozles in the middle of the great hall.

"Before I was placed under the sorting hat in my first year I was told that I needed to do everything I could to secure myself a place in Gryffindor or I would very likely not live to see the end of year feast."

"That's outrageous! Who told you an absurd tale like that?"

"Our much esteemed headmaster – Albus Dumbledore." The entire hall broke into furious whispers. Bumblebore stood up and clapped his hands together once in a call for silence.

"Is this true Albus?" McGonagall asked in horror. She gained points with Harry for not automatically dismissing his story. The years had obviously taught her that, despite how far-fetched it might seem, Harry did not lie about matters as serious as this one.

The silence of the hall after McGonagall's outburst was almost deafening in its contrast to the loud whispers that filled the hall just moments before.

"Mr. Potter is correct Minerva."

"Why Albus?"

"It is of little importance. The boy was always destined to be in Gryffindor house."

"That's where you're wrong - I was destined for something far greater than that. There was a house within which I would have truly excelled."

"I don't know who has been filling your head with these lies, but you would have died if not for the loyal support of your fellow lions."

"That's bullshit!"

"Language, Mr. Potter."

"I apologize Professor McGonagall – for my language and the information I am about to unveil." Harry took a deep breath and steeled himself for the hurt that would accompany his next revelation.

"Go on then Mr. Potter, you are keeping us from our dinner and it is not appreciated."

"Be quiet, old man. You can survive missing a meal – actually it would probably be best if you did. Unless you're hoping to surpass Santa's bowl full of jelly that is."

"You will show me the respect I deserve or you will face the consequences."

"I am showing you the respect you deserve. You have done nothing but use and manipulate me since the day my parents were murdered."

Dumbledore's face betrayed his surprise. "Now Harry..."

"Did you think that I wouldn't figure it out? You took me from my destroyed home and placed me with a family that you knew would mistreat me. You placed a person loyal to you in a nearby home and sat back to watch the story unfold. The plan was for me to be so starved for affection by my relatives that I would be easier to control, and I will admit that it worked for a few years." Harry paced a bit before walking straight up to Dumbledore

"I'm done. I want you to back off and let me live my life the way I always should have been able to. You will not interfere in any way, and you will not talk to me unless it is for educational purposes. Do I make myself clear?"

Dumbledore nodded his head in stunned agreement. Harry turned away from him and walked backed over to McGonagall.

"I wish to be resorted into my proper house."

"Mr. Potter there is no guarantee that the hat will agree to resort you."

"All I ask for, Professor, is the opportunity. I realize that I am no longer the same person that I was when I was eleven, but I also need you to realize that I am not the person that you have tried to mold me into being."

"What of your friends? Do you not wish to remain with them for your final year?"

"It is true that I have some friends within Gryffindor house; although, not those that you would expect." Harry turned towards Gryffindor table and raked a scathing look over Hermione and the Weasleys before nodding in acknowledgement at Neville, Dean, and Seamus. "I have been made aware of the fact that there are those within the loyal house of Gryffindor who have manipulated their way into positions of trust with me for the sole purpose of being the recipients of my substantial estate when I inevitably perish in battle. As that is no longer an option I daresay that their friendship shall soon fade. In addition, they are so narrow of mind that I know they will never be able to accept me and my new inheritance." Hermione, Ron, and Ginny turned a deep red and bent their heads together to start whispering to each other, occasionally lifting their heads to glare at Harry.

"I am sorry to hear that, Mr. Potter. It appears as though you have taken everything into consideration, so I shall grant you your chance. I hope it turns out the way you wish it to." She turned and gestured with her hand for Harry to sit on the sorting stool and don the hat.

AN: I have set up a Facebook page exclusively for my fan fiction updates which can be found under the username LunasaCailinMactire. The continuation of this chapter will hopefully be posted soon if everything settles down like it's supposed to.