Still don't own the characters!

Thank you to bluesz for the review about liking the house mix up, I was worried that would put everyone off!

Now on to the first weekend of Hogwarts, mostly character development and next chapter will be them starting class and stuff.

-YDHP-

Waking up the first morning, Vlad expected to find himself back in bed at Stokely with his father complaining the sun was rising and Renfield leering over him with something disgusting. Pleasantly surprised to see a sunlit room and his four poster bed with a trunk at the end, Vlad found Phantom patting at his face and realised what woke him up.

"Hungry girl?"

Vlad thought Phantom may have nodded, so he sat up and hunted out her food in his trunk. Two bowls and a bottle of water had appeared next to his bed, and Vlad wondered how they got there. Draco was awake, and watching him with amusement in his silvery grey eyes.

"That'll be the house elves, they are good at anticipating students needs."

Rubbing at his sleepy eyes and setting up Phantom's tray in an empty corner, Vlad turned to Draco, yawning into his hand.

"What's a house elf? I'll write it in Ingrid's book."

Scrabbling for his quill and book, Draco explained.

"They are about so high, big ears and eyes and they work for wizarding families. Or in this case, the school. My father has a few house elves to work in Malfoy manor, and his own personal elf Dobby."

Vlad scribbled down the information, looking round to see his other room-mates awake and listening. Draco offered to draw one for the information, so Vlad handed over his book.

Draco's hands were delicate, his hold on the quill clearly practiced as he sketched. Taking back the book, Vlad saw a strange little creature wearing a rectangle of cloth.

"House elves don't wear clothes, it's a mark of service. If they are presented with clothes, it's a termination of employment."

Noting down the information, Vlad looked at the boy.

"Employment? Are they paid and stuff then?"

Draco shook his head.

"They like to work, their magic is easily attuned to household tasks and they are a fairly submissive race."

Not liking the sound of that but not wanting to seem ignorant, Vlad put his book away and pulled out a pair of jeans and a tshirt.

"Well, I'm off to dress for breakfast. I'll be quick so I don't hog the bathroom."

Vlad was almost certain the boys thought him odd for changing alone, but none of them said anything as he darted in to relieve himself and wash up and change. The bathroom was clearly tailored to multiple users, there were two showers, three toilets and three sinks. Deciding he'd shower later before he really became a bathroom hog, Vlad folded up his pyjamas quickly and went out to find all but Seamus dressed.

The Irish boy stumbled past him to the bathroom, returning looking a bit more alert in nothing but his boxer shorts, with his pyjamas crumpled in his hand. None of the other boys said anything about it as they took turns in the bathroom, and Vlad felt even stranger around them. Was privacy really that strange?

Phantom seemed anxious to explore, so Vlad let her out as they went downstairs but found her cowering under an armchair. A large eagle owl was perched at the window, and Draco's pale face drained completely of colour as soon as he saw it.

"That's my fathers owl, he's going to be... rather unhappy about my placement."

Harry dashed past them to let the owl in - Vlad would have but he had been warned owls didn't respond well to vampires and didn't want to get attacked or scare the bird away. Retrieving Phantom, Vlad stepped backwards in the fairly empty common room and watched as Draco shakily took the letter from the bird. Dean and Neville were looking at him strangely.

"Phantom is scared of birds, I thought I'd hold her safe while we have the visitor."

They nodded in acceptance and turned back, where Draco was still staring at the folded paper.

"Come on Draco, what's the worst that can happen?"

The boy's face clearly told Neville what he thought of as an answer, but he slowly pulled the letter open with slightly shaky hands.

"I was right, he's angry. He's coming to see me and expects an explanation later today. This may be my first and last day at Hogwarts. What am I going to do?"

Vlad considered the options. He could get Ingrid to hypnotise the parents, or even this vampire tutor but expected that was against the rules.

"I'll come with you, I need to see the headmaster about a private tutor my father demanded to ensure I don't fall behind on my family history studies."

Draco turned desperate eyes to him then, but no father could match Count Dracula - Draco didn't know his family.

"You don't know my father."

Vlad smiled in what he hoped was a reassuring way.

"I have etiquette training, and my grandmother paid for well made robes. I'll wear those and impress my old family history on him. Plus I'll take Phantom, a rare familiar that bonds to powerful people should help."

The other boys were nodding in agreement, and the large owl hooted indignantly before it flew off.

"Now, let's head down to breakfast and then we will head to the headmasters office. When we find out where it is of course."

Draco smiled weakly at him then, and Vlad handed him Phantom.

"Phantom likes you, so you're alright in my books. I'll go get our robes and we'll head down."

Vlad darted upstairs, grateful to be so formally trained by his father for once. Coming down with his and Draco's robes, he pulled his on and traded Draco his robes for the familiar.

The boys headed down to the great hall, sitting together and letting Seamus and Dean animatedly debate football against quidditch. Draco barely touched his bacon and eggs, the others tucking in while Vlad enjoyed a bowl of porridge that didn't have mice in. Sipping at more pumpkin juice and nudging Draco to eat something, Vlad smiled at the other boys for their efforts in trying to cheer up the blond boy. Phantom was contently purring in Draco's lap, patting at the boys hand until Draco petted her. When it became apparent the boy wasn't going to eat anything else, Vlad tapped Percy Weasley on the shoulder and asked for directions to the headmasters office.

"In trouble already?"

Vlad smiled and shook his head.

"I need to set up lessons with my fathers private tutor, so I was told to head up there after breakfast."

Percy seemed unsure but nodded and gave Vlad instructions to head up to the third floor. Nodding pointedly at Draco to follow him, Vlad headed out to wait.

"Let's go Draco, don't worry so much."

Draco didn't look particularly appeased but followed him anyway. Vlad looked for the gargoyle Percy had mentioned, and realised he didn't know the password. They stood to wait. Draco seemed to get more nervous with each passing minute, but luckily the headmaster soon showed up.

"Hello young Gryffindors, how may I help you boys?"

Vlad smiled politely, gesturing towards his fellow student and making sure he kept his tone deferential, even.

"Draco said his father is coming to see him, and I believe I need to set up lessons with the tutor for my private studies."

The old man nodded gravely at Draco, turning and raising his wand. A silver wispy thing darted out of the end, then he turned to the gargoyle.

"Sherbet lemon!" The gargoyle started rotating, lifting up to reveal a spiral staircase. "Follow me gentlemen."

Vlad tugged at Draco's arm gently, both of them following Professor Dumbledore up the stairs. The professor directed them to two plushy armchairs, settling himself in a high backed chair behind a large desk. A bell-like note sounded nearby, and Vlad turned to see a brilliantly coloured red and gold bird-like creature.

"Ah, that is my phoenix, Fawkes."

Vlad nodded. "He's beautiful!"

Even Draco seemed taken by the bird, who trilled happily at the attention. Phantom seemed unsure but sat on Vlad's shoulder, eyeing the phoenix a little suspiciously. The grinding sound of the staircase sounded behind them, and Vlad turned in his seat to watch whoever came in.

A tall, muscular but lean built man walked through the door. His eyes were bright, his short black hair was thick and curly and power seemed to radiate from him. The bright eyes found Vlad immediately, a half smile curving the mans thin lips.

"You summoned me Professor Dumbledore?"

"Ah, yes. This is young Vladimir, he wishes to arrange your private tutoring."

The man had old fashioned clothes on, a smart military style jacket over a high waistcoat and formal trousers. He even wore old style boots, which had fallen out of fashion with most vampires in the last couple of decades.

"Yes, I have awaited the arrival of young Vladimir Dracula."

The professor lifted his wand and a sleek black metal chair appeared from thin air, which the tall man sat down facing Vlad, looking considerably at ease for what Vlad knew was a vampire awake in the day.

"I currently see your sister Ingrid every other week for two nights. I will follow the same line with you, on alternate weeks to your sister as you are studying at different levels. The sessions will be an hour at a time, at 8pm on two nights of your choosing Vladimir."

Vlad understood - it would be dark by 8pm most nights.

"My apologies, I have not introduced myself. My name is Bertrand du Fortunesa."

Vlad stood to shake the mans hand, his tan complexion making Vlad's small hand look even paler. The tingle of power was evident on the mans skin, and Vlad was surprised this vampire wasn't magical himself. Draco's etiquette kicked in then, and he stood to introduce himself to the man he didn't know was a vampire.

"I don't have my schedule yet, but I will inform Professor Dumbledore when I can choose which nights work best. And please, call me Vlad."

Bertrand du Fortunesa bowed his head, the sort of half smile still on his mouth.

"That is agreeable young Dracula."

The staircase sounded again, and this time they all turned to see Professor McGonogall leading in two aristocratic looking blonde adults. These would be Draco's parents then. Draco stood stiffly next to him, head bowed.

"Father. Mother."

Vlad wanted to ensure he made an impression, positioning his familiar to look at the two adults before he stepped forward.

"Hello, I'm Vladimir Dracula, a friend of Draco's. He speaks highly of you both."

The male Malfoy stared at Vlad's hand for a moment, though Vlad noted the widening eyes at his surname and the flashing eyes of his familiar. Vlad noted the flashing red and green eyes, and wondered why Phantom hadn't reacted negatively to Bertrand - Bertrand was not a child vampire like himself, and Phantom had reacted to his father angrily. Shelving that thought for later, Vlad felt the male take his hand.

"Lucius Malfoy. This is my wife Narcissa Malfoy."

The woman stiffly inclined her head, and Vlad made sure to bow in her direction. Turning back to Draco, he thought Professor Dumbledore was smiling beneath his copious beard. Bertrand had stepped forward then, clearly trained to be courteous.

"I'm Bertrand du Fortunesa, Vladimirs's private tutor in his family history studies."

Mr Malfoy had took the hand quicker then, and Vlad saw his shoulders tighten at the feel of power on Bertrand's skin.

"The young man has a private tutor already? I am impressed. What are his studies?"

Bertrand bowed his head, appearing every bit polite and subservient as Vlad knew vampires generally weren't.

"The Dracula's hail from Transylvania, and Vladimir's father is keen that Vlad maintain his knowledge of their ancestors and traditions."

Mr Malfoy inclined his head at Bertrand before turning to his son. The headmaster waved his wand again, two rather elegant, dark green chairs popping into existence then.

"I believe you had something to discuss with your son Mr and Mrs Malfoy?"

Mr Malfoy seemed a little put out by the audience as he and his wife sat down. Clearly, this was a conversation the man had intended to have more privately.

"Yes, we wondered how Draco managed to break the Malfoy tradition, and be placed anywhere other than Slytherin."

"Ah, you see Mr Malfoy, we cannot predict how the sorting hat will place students. I have high hopes for all the new students, particularly our six new Gryffindors. Surely you would like your son to be surrounded by such people, our very own Harry Potter is Draco's house mate, and of course young Vladimir Dracula."

Vlad could see a muscle twitching in the pale jaw of Mr Malfoy, a tell tale sign he'd learned from his father of suppressed anger. Apparently Mr Malfoy didn't like Harry Potter. Sitting up a little straighter in his chair, Vlad stroked Phantom soothingly, as she was still staring bright green at Mr Malfoy. Professor Dumbledore seemed to have noticed this too.

"Have you heard of Bastion familiars Mr Malfoy?"

The man nodded stiffly, though Vlad was fairly sure he considered talking directly to Vlad beneath him. He reminded Vlad a little of his grandparents, all high and mighty sense of self importance, but seemingly little to back it up.

"This is my Bastion familiar, Phantom. I hadn't heard of them before I met her, but I'm informed they only bond to powerful magical people. Surely a man who recognises old money and great power like yourself should be thrilled Draco will be learning alongside people like me and Harry Potter."

The man nodded stiffly again, jaw so tight Vlad thought it would snap, and he seemed to realise he wasn't going to win this argument. Bertrand was watching the older Malfoy intently, his bright eyes almost bleeding intelligence.

"Very well, thank you for allowing us to see our son Headmaster. We shall take our leave, and we expect to see you home for Christmas Draco. Good day young Dracula, Mr du Fortunesa and Professor McGonogall."

The older Malfoy's swept out of the room then and Vlad sagged with relief. Bertrand left soon after, Vlad promising to let him know which nights they'd work together after he recieved his schedule on Monday. This left Vlad with Draco, Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonogall. Draco visibly relaxed as his parents left, but the terror in his eyes was still evident.

"That was very brave Vladimir, I am exceptionally proud of your behaviour. I believe five points to Gryffindor is in order, I can already see the hat placed you well. May I see your familiar?"

Vlad stood to hand Phantom over the desk, the cat-like creature purring on contact with the old man.

"She seems to like you sir. A lot more than she did Mr Malfoy."

Something in the Headmasters eyes told Vlad he agreed, but not to say more. Vlad nodded in understanding, smiling as Phantom patted her paws on the long silver beard.

"Very well, I expect to see you Monday after classes to arrange your private sessions, you are both free to go."

Vlad stood up, Draco following his lead.

"Are you done with Phantom, or would you like me to leave her here sir?" The headmaster smiled. "If you don't mind, I'd like to see how she interacts with my office. I can see she's unhappy about birds but I promise Fawkes won't move from his perch."

"I'll leave her with you until you're done then sir, thank you for seeing us."

Draco repeated the sentiment, and they both escaped past a smiling Professor McGonogall to the staircase.

"Thank you Vlad, I couldn't have handled that half as easily."

Vlad smiled, outwardly appearing far calmer than he felt.

"If it helps, I was still pretty terrified. I just know what it's like to have overexpectant parents. My father wouldn't even agree to my place here if I didn't agree to see the private tutor the school found for my sister."

Their fellow first year boys had found them in the hallway by then, Harry giving Vlad an approving smile when he saw Draco's relaxed posture.

"Vlad got us five points for Gryffindor for defending my placement to my parents!"

The other boys cheered, and Vlad felt his face flaming.

"So, where to now guys?"

As they walked along chatting, Vlad felt like he may have actually done some good, and even found some friends. He just had to hope they'd still accept him when it came to his turning sixteen. That was a good five years away yet, so Vlad resolved not to worry about it for a while and joined in the chatter.


Harry woke up the first morning expecting his aunt Petunia to be banging on his door demanding he cook breakfast. He was pleasantly surprised to find his dormitory bed, the sounds of other boys around him. Vlad was already awake, feeding his strange familiar and discussing something called "house elves" with Draco. As they dressed and headed for breakfast, they'd been held up by Draco's fathers owl. Vlad had almost immediately jumped in to help, swearing to conveniently be there when Draco's parents arrived and to try and impress them.

Vlad didn't come across as arrogant in the slightest, and Harry was almost certain he was playing on qualities about himself he wasn't comfortable with. Remembering how he had pulled on his celebrity to try and ease Draco's tension yesterday, Harry could only think it was a good thing.

They headed down to breakfast, Seamus and Dean entering into a heated debate about the pros and cons of football versus quidditch and encouraging Draco to pass opinions on quidditch. Vlad encouraged Draco to eat, Phantom climbed into Draco's lap and demanded attention out of the unresponsive boy. Harry could already see something like friendship budding between them all, completely at odds with the tension of their dormitory last night.

Harry watched Vlad question the location of the headmasters office, not mentioning Draco at all and being careful to make the boy follow him discreetly. Vlad was already being careful to protect Draco, a boy they each hardly knew. If the qualities Harry had heard about Gryffindors were true, Vlad was a perfect fit already. The boy was shy, quiet and reserved but seemed ready to jump in the line of fire if he thought they were in trouble. Harry was impressed, he couldn't help it. He and the other boys sat and finished breakfast, stashing another couple of bottles of pumpkin juice and the apples he knew Vlad liked in their pockets when the teachers weren't looking.

"Well boys, what's say we take a slow walk towards the third floor?"

They each nodded in agreement, laughing at the shifting staircases which made it take twice as long to get up there. Harry caught a flash of olive skin and dark hair, a sense of power flickering through the air. They sat down together at the end of the hallway, waiting to see a sign of the boys leaving. From the other end of the corridor, they saw Professor McGonogall leading two blonde adults to the office. They must be Draco's parents.

The professor was careful to place her body to detract attention from where the boys were sat, and he wondered what was so important about keeping them apart from the older Malfoys. Shrugging and returning to the game of "gobstones" Neville was losing to Seamus at, Harry looked up when the staircase twisted again.

The older Malfoys had reappeared, Mr Malfoy looking extremely unhappy and storming off down the other end of the hallway. The olive skin and dark hair he'd seen before appeared, the man strolling past them as though they weren't even there to reach the main staircase. The power tingled in the air as he passed, though the other boys seemed less affected and didn't look up from the game.

Soon enough, the staircase twisted again and showed Vlad and Draco, both extremely pale but their hair polar opposites in colour. Draco still looked unhappy, but Vlad looked relieved and Draco seemed to perk up a little after a moment. Nudging the other boys, they walked over to the twosome. Apparently Vlad had been very mpressive, even earning them five house points on the first day for his show of bravery. Vlad blushed brightly, the colour a red stain on his pale cheeks.

They produced their stash from breakfast, Vlad happily accepting the apple Harry offered him while Neville shakily held out one to Draco. His appetite seemed to have returned somewhat, and they shared round the bottles of pumpkin juice and headed outside while Vlad and Draco munched on their fruit. Vlad had seemed nervous, drifting in and out of the conversation and Harry wondered if Vlad had a secret or something going on in his own life.

He had seven years to find out, it could wait. Nudging at the pale boy, Vlad offered him a small smile as they headed out into the cloudy but mild courtyard. Harry just hoped these boys would accept him so easily the whole time at school.

-YDHP-

So, Vlad being a proper Gryffindor. I won't be writing him so bull-headed the rest of the time, but I love Vlad and he's a pretty brave guy when it comes to people he cares about in YD. And Draco won't always be so nervous.

Followers, favouriters and reviewers all get pumpkin juice and apples!