Chapter 10: November 1991.

I freely admit that I didn't, and couldn't, write "Harry Potter and the Philosophers' Stone", "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets", "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban", "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire", "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix", "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince", "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", "Quidditch through the Ages", "Magical Creatures and where to find them", nor even "The Tales of Beadle the Bard". However, I have read them many, many times, and enjoyed them so much that when the supply ran out I had to fill the gap by reading Harry Potter fan fiction.

Thanks again to Cassandra30 for reviewing Chapter 9.

When I ran out of steam in Chapter 9, Professor Flitwick was training Harry and Draco to pool their magical resources to produce wandless shields of the greatest possible strength. A time came when they could repel Filius' strongest spells and hexes, so he called in Severus, who at first was able to pierce their shields; but after several sessions they could keep out his best. The last test was against Dumbledore.

Although Albus did not use his maximum strength, he realised that they could defend themselves and each other against mad Bella. "So much for the dangers of Malfoy Manor," he remarked, "but in Privet Drive it is muggle strength you need to defend yourselves from."

"I don't think so," replied Harry. I have always heard Draco's father called Mr Malfoy, but you referred to him as Lord Malfoy. Draco explained that a certain self-made 'Lord' does not like anyone else to use this title, so his father has made it known that he is now to be called Mr Malfoy. But among the muggles of Surrey, if I bring 'Lord Draco Malfoy' for a visit, they will bow and scrape like elves. I'm sure there won't be any trouble there."

"In that case, you may both make the appropriate preparations for your holidays. Don't forget to keep practising your shields. They are the only way you will be able to protect yourselves from Bellatrix."

Lucius and Narcissa met them at King's Cross station, then side-along apparated them to Malfoy Manor. Dobby was delighted to show Harry to his room and promised to protect him as long as he stayed. "He's usually the surliest of our elves, and has to be punished all the time," said Draco. "That's the first time I've ever seen him smile."

While Draco's parents were punctiliously polite to their guest, it was quite evident that they did not feel at ease with the half-blood defeater of their Dark Lord. They were relieved when Draco offered to show him around the grounds on brooms. This proved enjoyable to both boys, although nothing dramatic happened during their tour. Harry was amazed at the size of the grounds. There were more greenhouses than there were at Hogwarts, a full sized Quidditch pitch, a large lake, and even a small forest. "What? No railway station?" quipped Harry. "Nobody can get in here unless the wards are specifically lifted for them," answered Draco solemnly; "you heard Dumbledore admit he would not be able to help us when Aunt Bella attacks." Just then a snowstorm started to build up, so they quickly went back to the Manor.

A/N: Although it's early Springtime here in the land of Oz, I've been laid low by a latecomer Winter bug. Sleepless nights followed by drowsy days necessitates at least a temporary cessation of 'intellectual' activities. Don't hold your breath waiting for more.