A/N: Hi! Welcome to a new chapter of Shades of Grey: A New Side! I've had several people ask me when my next chapter was coming, and that makes me so happy that I have readers that eager to read my writing. Thank you to all of you who reviewed! The fact that you took the time to do so lets me know that this story is worth continuing. Thank you to Renae Shnucumbs and Byvenic for becoming my betas. Three heads are better than one!

Disclaimer: I in no way shape or form own Harry Potter or any of his friends (or enemies for that matter). I make no money in the process of writing or uploading this story. Don't sue me.

Monday, July 30 1996

Black Cape Island

Off the Coast of New Zealand

Draco Malfoy was curious. He had come into his inheritance in June, and when that had happened he had felt the buzz of a dormant mating connection. By this he knew that his mate had yet to turn sixteen or come into his or her own inheritance if that was the case. However, when he had gone to the will reading he had felt the pull of his mate. He honestly wasn't interested in being mated with Granger, Longbottom, or any of the Weasels. He, at this point, had resigned himself to the fact that it was one of the above and hoped that it wouldn't turn out so bad in the end. Even Potter, he thought, would have been better than the others. He at least had extremely strong magic and was relatively good looking.

He had told his mother that he was positive his mate was not a constituent of the Dark Lord. Therefore there was no possibility of getting him to join the maniac. His mother was expecting this, but his father was furious. Lucius had given them till the beginning of July to move out and that's what they had done. Lucius knew that this had been a possibility, but did not like it. However, without his wife to produce another heir, Draco would remain the sole recipient of the Malfoy fortune upon his death. Although the man was firmly entrenched in the Dark camp, he loved his son, and was grateful that he had another place to go.

Tuesday, July 31 1996

Black Cape Island

Off the Coast of New Zealand

11:00 am

Draco Malfoy woke suddenly, his mate had turned 16, and it seemed as though he had also gained an inheritance. Yes, Draco Malfoy was now aware that his mate was male. In fact, the young man was actually rather relieved. He had hoped there was a reason that he had no attraction whatsoever to Pansy Parkinson. Well, he thought, now I can act on my lack of attraction to her without issue. I have a mate.

Tuesday, July 31 1996

Potter Hall

Scotland

Remus Lupin, by permission of Harry, had been staying in Potter Hall for about a week. He had ingratiated himself with the house elves and they all loved him. Remus had been practically living in the Potter Hall library, particularly the charms and magical creature sections. The lycanthrope was currently engrossed in an interesting book on charms theory when he heard a thump from the reception room which was right next to the library. He set down his book on the table next to him, careful not to injure the book's delicate binding and walked quickly toward the reception room.

The werewolf had found Harry sprawled in an undignified manner on the floor just in time to hear Harry shout, "I hate these fucking portkeys! May the bloody things be damned in the depths of Helheim, and may Lady Hel eat them in the most vicious manner possible!"

At this Remus burst into raucous laughter. As his snickers died down he turned to Harry's sullen figure and asked, "Harry, when did you develop an interest in Norse Mythology? I don't think Hel will be interested in eating magical transportation items. They'd probably give her indigestion."

"Well, maybe," Harry spoke as he lifted himself off the floor with Remus' helping hand, "maybe we can portkey all the Corpse Munchers there? Hel needs a good meal of evil people every now and then. Maybe then she'll be more inclined to eat my magical transportation devices." They snickered together at the idea. "Anyway Remus, don't you think it's about time to start sending letters to potential allies? I'd like to start with Professor Snape, but I have a few reservations. Are you interested in helping me compose a letter?"

"Sure, cub. Let me put away the book I was reading when you landed so colorfully, and I'll join you in the study."

Friday, July 20 1996

The Burrow

Ottery St. Catchpole

The Burrow shook with a loud BANG; the Twins were at it again. Molly Weasley sat in her antique rocking chair orchestrating her knitting needles with her wand as she listened to Celestina Warbeck on the British Wizarding Wireless. It had been a little more than a month since Sirius' will reading, and although she was disappointed that Ginny and Harry wouldn't get together, she took it in stride.

The thing she was stuck in contemplating now, however, was Dumbledore's reaction to the will reading. The Weasley's had always been Dumbledore supporters to the hilt, but after this…Well, people change. She had heard from her sons what had happened at the meeting after the will reading, and was a little skeptical, but interested in the proceedings. She had given her oath that none of what she had heard would go back to Dumbledore, but after what she heard from her sons and daughter, she was beginning to wonder if the old man wasn't getting senile.

Wednesday, July 18 1996

Spinner's End

Cokeworth

Severus Snape, the ever vigilant spy was both annoyed and stunned. He had received a letter from Gringotts detailing what he had received from the wills of James and Lilly Potter. He had not expected to be the recipient of anything, let alone their son's care. He was annoyed that the Potter boy was going to be his ward, had the wolf not taken up the mantle. And he was stunned, even after their tentative truce, that James trusted him enough that he would put his son in the care of the "Greasy-Dungeon-Bat."

Severus Snape was also becoming increasingly wary of the headmaster. The man had been puttering around the castle muttering to himself about the Black vaults and bribes, the Potions Master couldn't help but wonder what was going on in the old man's head. Despite himself he worried about whether the Potter brat had any idea of the headmaster's machinations.

Snape was well aware that Dumbledore wasn't as squeaky clean as he portrayed himself, however it was better to stick with the headmaster than to be at the mercy of the Dark Lord, even if the headmaster was completely barmy. The Potions Master hoped that the Potter brat had at least enough self preservation to take the Headmaster's advice with a grain of salt.

Breaking out of his reverie Snape set down the letter and removed to his potions lab. I might as well get a start on the potions for the infirmary. The idiotic dunderheads go through them almost faster than I can brew them, the man thought scathingly.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Reviews let me know that this story is worth continuing!