Disclaimer: The Harry Potter Series (1997-2007) and any characters and original locations within the books belong to JK Rowling. I own my original characters and my plot twists. I am not trying to pass any of these characters or copyrighted ideas off as my own and therefore it isn't plagiarism or copyright infringement.

Chapter Twenty – Returning to Hogwarts

Leo could tell Harry was continuously pondering what Draco could be up to during the last week of the summer holiday. Since he didn't want to tip Harry off, he spent the rest of his time at the Weasley's in the upstairs bedroom with Theo. He corresponded with Gabrielle and was excited to hear from his old friend. Mainly, he was avoiding the conversation Harry would want to have. They hadn't seemed to be listening when Theo asked about the Vanishing Cabinet and he didn't wish for them to find out. Leo knew he had much to discuss with Dumbledore upon their return to Hogwarts.

He had made the mistake of going down stairs in time to hear Harry's recent hypothesizing. "Malfoy's father's in Azkaban. Don't you think Malfoy'd like revenge?"*

Ron looked up and blinked, "Malfoy, revenge? What can he do about it?"*

"That's my point, I don't know!" He jumped up off the couch in frustration, "But he's up to something and I think we should take it seriously. His father's a Death Eater and-"* Harry broke off and stared at the window behind Hermione with his mouth agape.

Hermione snapped her finger in front of Harry's face, "Harry? What's wrong?"*

Ron gulped nervously, "You're scar's not hurting again, is it?"*

Harry continued to stare and spoke slowly, "He's a Death Eater. He's replaced his father as a Death Eater!"*

Leo stood there on the stairs in shock as he and Theo continued to watch the scene unfold and Ron erupted in laughter as if Harry was joking, "Malfoy? He's sixteen, Harry! You think You-Know-Who would let Malfoy join?"*

Hermione used her best library voice, "It seems very unlikely, Harry. What makes you think-?"*

"In Madam Malkin's. She didn't touch him, but he yelled and jerked his arm away from her when she went to roll up his sleeve. It was his left arm. He's been branded with the Dark Mark."*

Leo pulled on Theo's arm as they ran back up the stairs. Once the bedroom door was closed once more he spoke, "You don't think he's that stupid? Do you think he's actually taken the Dark Mark?"

Theo stared at him with wide gray eyes, "He did show something to Borgin that seemed to scare him." He shrugged, "It could've been his left arm branded with the mark. He did mention one of the scariest Death Eaters out there, as well. Of course he could've done that to scare the man farther as an empty threat."

Leo paced back and forth, "I'll kill him for his stupidity. There's no way in hell I'm getting that mark to take his place. Crap, I'm going to have to wait longer than I first anticipated before taking that Neanderthal's place. I can't believe he took the mark. Not all Death Eaters have the mark. Only the elite guard gets it, so why would the Dark Lord give it to him?"

"I don't know. Perhaps as part of his punishment and maybe to make sure someone else couldn't impersonate him?"

Leo looked at him, "Yeah, oh crap! You don't think that Lucius or Draco told the Dark Lord about my similar appearance, do you? I mean bloody hell, what am I going to do? I'm going to have to have the mark or they'll know I'm not Draco. I can't just transfigure something that dark. I know it's related to the protean charm, but who knows what other kinds of dark magic exist within that branding."

"Well, there's a possibility he didn't get it," Theo attempted to console him.

Leo shook his head, "No, the bleeding tosser has it! I'm seriously going to kill him."

"I'm sure I could find out for you. We'll probably be sharing a dorm room again. He tends to sleep shirtless, so it shouldn't be too hard to see if a mark is there or not."

Leo shook his head, "He's going to hide it. Watch he'll start wearing a long sleeved top to bed. He's going to keep it covered at all times. He wouldn't take the chance of a rumor getting out that he's got the mark and Dumbledore finding out."

Leo and Theo went through the barrier at King's Cross separately as to appear that they didn't arrive together. Theo moved to the Slytherin compartment so that he could eavesdrop on Draco for Leo. Leo stood next to Harry and Ginny after Hermione and Ron took off for the Prefect compartment. Ginny left stating that she couldn't stay with them as she needed to find Dean. Soon he and Harry bumped into Neville and Luna. He followed the three into a compartment. He stared out the window as he contemplated whether or not Draco had the Dark Mark. It was all he could think about since he'd overheard Harry, Ron, and Hermione's conversation.

Leo looked over for a moment when the compartment opened up and a haughty girl who introduced herself as Romilda Vane insulted them by telling Harry he could ditch the losers in the compartment and join her. Leo rolled his eyes and looked back out the window. Soon the compartment opened again with Ron and Hermione. He listened when he heard Draco's name mentioned. Apparently his brother was not doing is Prefect duties and just sitting in a compartment with other Slytherins. Leo hoped that Nott was one of those Slytherins. He looked back out the window when the conversations changed to something else.

His attention was averted again when a scared third year girl entered the compartment and handed Harry and Neville notes. Neville asked who Slughorn was and Harry answered that he was a new professor. The two of them got up and left the compartment. Leo turned to the remaining people and asked, "Is Professor Slughorn a returning professor?"

Hermione shrugged, "I don't know much about it. Harry didn't tell us too much, but he seems to be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

Leo didn't know if his memory was correct, but he thought that Slughorn was a potions master, but if he was coming back to teach potions, who'd take the Defense position. Who's been after that position for years? Of course, Snape finally had the position he'd been working toward for years. He smirked wondering how Harry, Ron, and Hermione would react when they found out the truth.

Leo closed his eyes for a moment and before he knew it he was asleep. He was walking down the corridor of the train heading toward the compartment he knew his brother was in. He walked through the closed door and took a seat next to Theodore. He could see Draco resting his head on Pansy's lap and she was stroking his hair as Blaise arrived back in the compartment. Leo couldn't help but wonder if he was taking comfort from Pansy as he wanted to feel some form of love after seeing the horrible act of murder committed by his aunt.

"So, Zabini what did Slughorn want?"* Draco looked over at him.

Zabini ignored Goyle and Crabbe in the room as he just stared at Draco, "Just trying to make up to well-connected people. Not that he managed to find many."*

Draco's face twisted with anger as he demanded, "Who else had he invited?"*

"McLaggen from Gryffindor-"*

Draco smirked, "Oh yeah, his uncle's big in the Ministry."*

"-someone else called Belby, from Ravenclaw-"*

"Not him, he's a prat!"* Pansy whined.

"-and Longbottom, Potter, and that Weasley girl,"* Zabini crossed his arms.

Draco bolted upright and knocked Pansy's hand away, "He invited Longbottom?"*

Zabini looked at his nails, "Well, I assume so, as Longbottom was there."

"What's Longbottom got to interest Slughorn?"*

Zabini shrugged, "I'd say nothing."

Nott looked up from his book, "Well, he's very talented with Herbology. Other than that I don't think he has much to offer. More than likely he was invited because of his parents or grandmother."

Draco glared at him, "Friends with Longbottom now?"

Nott rolled his eyes, "No, I'm just observant." He turned his eyes back to this book and ignored them.

"Potter, precious Potter, obviously he wanted a look at 'the Chosen One,'" Draco's lip curled with disgust, "but that Weasley girl! What's so special about her?"*

"A lot of boys like her," Pansy watched Draco from the corner of her eye. "Even you think she's good-looking, don't you, Blaise, and we know how hard you are to please!"*

"I wouldn't touch a filthy little blood traitor like her whatever she looked like," Zabini's eyes narrowed and his voice set Leo's teeth on edge. Pansy's face lit up like it was Christmas morning. Leo couldn't help but wonder if she secretly liked Zabini more than Draco.

Draco flopped back down across Pansy's lap and allowed her to resume stroking his hair, "Well, I pity Slughorn's taste. Maybe he's going a bit senile. Shame, my father always said he was a good wizard in his day. My father used to be a bit of a favorite of his. Slughorn probably hasn't heard I'm on the train, or-"*

"I wouldn't bank on an invitation," Zabini feigned disinterest. "He asked me about Nott's father when I first arrived. They used to be old friends, apparently, but when he heard he'd been caught at the Ministry he didn't look happy, and Nott didn't get an invitation, did he?" He looked over at Nott, who showed no reaction and continued to stare at his book, before looking back and smirked, "I don't think Slughorn's interested in Death Eaters."*

Draco's face flushed red with anger but he played it off with a single mirthless laugh, "Well, who cares what he's interested in? What is he, when you come down to it? Just some stupid teacher." He yawned with faux boredom, "I mean, I might not be at Hogwarts next year, what's it matter to me if some fat old has-been likes me or not?"*

Pansy dropped her hand and demanded, "What do you mean, you might not be at Hogwarts next year?"*

Draco had a slight smirk on his face, "Well you never know. I might have – er – moved on to bigger and better things."*

Crabbe and Goyle gapped at Draco. Nott just continued to read his book uninterested in Draco's plans. Zabini allowed curiosity cross his overly prideful features. Pansy was dumbfounded and began running her fingers through his hair again, "Do you mean – Him?"*

Draco shrugged, "Mother wants me to complete my education, but personally, I don't see it as that important these days. I mean, think about it….When the Dark Lord takes over, is he going to care how many O.W.L.s or N.E.W.T.s anyone's got? Of course he isn't….It'll be all about the kind of service he received, the level of devotion he is shown."*

Leo wanted to gag at hearing his brother's arrogant words. He was playing things up to hide his true feelings, but at least he knew it wouldn't be too hard to get Draco to leave the school when he took his place.

"And you think you'll be able to do something for him?" Zabini glared, "Sixteen years old and not even fully qualified yet?"*

"I've just said, haven't I? Maybe he doesn't care if I'm qualified. Maybe the job he wants me to do isn't something that you need to be qualified for,"* Draco mumbled in a hushed tone.

Crabbe and Goyle sat there with their mouths open like the two idiots they were. Pansy gazed down at him awe-inspired. Nott didn't even look up from his book or give any reaction as if he was too preoccupied with what he was reading to care.

Draco was reveling in the reaction and the attention he was getting, "I can see Hogwarts." He pointed out the dark window, "We'd better get out robes on."*

Leo jumped awake as someone shook him. He opened his eyes to see Hermione removing her hand from his shoulder, "We're almost to Hogwarts and you still need to get dressed."

Leo changed into his robes and placed his trunk back into his shoulder bag. He walked toward the carriages and stared for a moment. He was now able to see the black skeletal winged horse like animals. He now realized why Nott had looked at them with disgust last year. He watched as everyone in the compartment with Draco got into a carriage without him. Leo looked around hoping to corner Draco by getting in the same carriage as him. Soon there was only one carriage left and Draco walked off of the train with a genuine smile on his face. Leo raised an eyebrow as he followed him to the last carriage. He sat down right next to Draco.

Draco glared at him, "What the hell do you want?"

Leo smirked and grabbed Draco's left arm, "Well, I see you've been a busy boy Draco. Pulling your left arm from Madam Malkin and rushing out of the store. Losing your mother so you could go see Borgin by yourself, and now boasting that you might be useful for the Dark Lord, now I only wonder," before Draco could react he pulled up the sleeve. Clear as day, the inside of his left forearm was marred by the snake and skull brand, "Ah, so you have taken his mark. One can only hope that you're more able than your experience with Igor."

Draco's face went white as he stuttered, "How do you know any of that?"

"The same way I know that you're expected to kill someone for the Dark Lord. Remember what I could do last summer?" Leo smirked as Draco's eyes widened. "Yes, Draco I've been visiting you this summer as well. You successfully killed a cat, congratulations. Do you really want to murder a member of the Wizarding community, even if it will redeem your father?"

"You're just digging. You don't know anything," Draco attempted to reassure himself.

Leo crossed his arms, "Did you or your mother tell him about me?"

Draco shook his head and muttered, "No, he doesn't know about you, unless Bellatrix told him."

"I don't think she really noticed me," he pulled out his wand, "Obliviate. I got into this carriage with you but didn't say a word. I only glared at you whole time and I didn't see your Dark Mark."

Draco stared at Leo as if he wondered why he'd chosen to get into the carriage. As they got closer to the castle, Leo pointed at the Terrestrial pulling the carriage, "I saw Sirius die, you know? I can see them now. Can you?"

Draco looked from Leo to the Terrestrial and back at Leo, "Nope, nothing's pulling the carriage like usual."

Leo smirked, "Hey, did you hear that Igor Karkaroff was found dead over the summer? I mean I remember when he was here for the Triwizard tournament."

Draco paled, "No, I haven't been reading The Daily Profit."

Leo smiled as the carriage came to a stop, "Ah yes, you only like reading about yourself in the paper when it's positive. You don't want to read about the Malfoy fall from grace with your father in Azkaban."

Draco jumped off the carriage and walked away without a response. They both had to submit to being searched by a secrecy sensor for dark items. Leo submitted to the search and nothing was found. He was soon in the Great Hall sitting at the Gryffindor table. He looked around and noticed that Harry was missing, "Hey, Neville do you know where Harry is?"

Neville shook his head, "No, the last time I saw him, he was leaving Slughorn's compartment and said something about Zabini before walking away."

Leo's eyes widened, "Draco was the last one off of the train. You don't think he did something to Harry, do you? I mean he tried to jump him after his father was caught. He really does seem to blame Harry. If he caught him eavesdropping, he might've pulled something."

Hermione looked over at him, "He's been obsessed with Draco. I wouldn't put it past him. He could've snuck into the compartment with his invisibility cloak."

Leo looked to see that sorting was about to begin, when he saw a wolf like Patronus gate toward the Professor's table. Snape seemed to listen to what it said, got up, and walked out of the great hall with his robes billowing behind him. Leo tried to figure out who could've sent Snape a message. Maybe it was one of the Aurors, but it was a wolf. He didn't know anyone with that Patronus. His cousin Dora's Patronus was a Badger. He smiled as he remembered when he first saw her perform the charm. He was awe-struck by the beauty of the light and that it took a shape. He wanted at that moment to learn how to do it. It was the reason why he'd begged Lupin to teach it to him. He paused, Lupin was a werewolf. Was it possible that his Patronus was a wolf?

When Harry made it into the great hall covered in blood and still in his muggle attire, Leo raised an eyebrow and looked over at the Slytherin table. He found Draco telling a story and miming something to do with a nose. He sighed as he realized his previous assumption must've been correct. Draco had caught Harry and probably immobilized him, stomped on his face, and covered him back up with his invisibility cloak. Draco probably hoped no one would find him until he had reached London. Then who must've found him. He looked up at him, "Harry, who found you? I think I've figured out that you were in that Slytherin compartment and overheard the same conversation I did. When you didn't show up right away, I figured it was the reason why Draco was so late getting off the train. I assume after he broke your nose, he covered you back up with your cloak. I saw the Patronus, so I know it was likely an Auror that found you, but who?"

Harry's eyes widened, "Ron's right, you're scary when you do that, Leo. Uh…well to answer your question Tonks found me. She's the one who sent the Patronus and Snape said that her new Patronus looked weak. I didn't even know that a person's Patronus could change."

Hermione gave the book answer, "A person's Patronus can change when they've experience a major change in their life."

Harry used a hushed tone, "She's been so depressed this summer. You don't think her Patronus reflects her grief for Sirius, do you?"

Leo didn't answer but just put the pieces together. Lupin was a werewolf; Dora's new Patronus was a wolf. She's been depressed since Sirius' death because she blames herself. That didn't fit though, she's depressed because she's fallen in love with Lupin, but he thinks it's too dangerous for them to have a relationship and he's too old for her. How would his aunt react if she married a werewolf? He missed the rest of their conversation as he considered the issue while he ate.

He looked up when Dumbledore took the podium. He announced that Slughorn would be teaching potions like Leo had thought and Snape had taken the post as Defense Against the Dark Arts. He then mentioned the return of Voldemort and went over the strengthened security at the school. He also touched on the importance of following the new requirements and ended his speech with a note that everyone should head to bed. Leo got up and looked back over at Draco. He wondered what dreams he'd have that night or if Draco would wait one night before working on his project. Leo desperately wanted to talk to Dumbledore and headed toward him as the other's left the hall.

Dumbledore's blue eyes focused on him as he whispered, "I really need to talk to you about a personal issue that's arisen."

Dumbledore looked around, "Ah yes, how about you accompany me to my office and Snape will join us shortly."

Once Snape was in the office with the two of them, Leo explained everything he and Nott had found out. He started by telling them about Bellatrix training him, how he'd learned the Unforgivable Curses, and performed them successfully on a cat. He went into Igor Karkaroff's death, Draco's trip to Borgin and Burkes, and Montague's story about the vanishing cabinet. He explained how the other one being kept at Borgin and Burkes, and that he confirmed that Draco has the Dark Mark. He also added what he'd overheard Draco telling his friends on the train. He grimaced, "I think he said that to get attention. We know how much he loves basking in the spotlight. He likes feeling important and the weight of the mission hasn't hit him, yet."

Dumbledore looked at both Leo and Snape, "I think you will be a valuable asset. So you think his plan includes fixing the vanishing cabinet here thus creating a passage way from the store?"

Leo nodded his head, "He was unable to kill Igor when he was ordered to by Bellatrix. I think he wants backup so that he'll succeed in killing you, but please tell me you have a plan to stop him from tearing his soul a part. I guess, rather you have a plan to stop me from tearing my soul. Look as soon as I figure out how to have all of the properties of the dark mark on my left arm without being branded I'm sending him away and taking his place. So, I'll be the one attempting to kill you."

Dumbledore stared at him intently, "It's great that you have that much courage. We do have a plan but I think its better that you don't know it. I will be in an out of the castle over the next year. I'd prefer you share any future information you acquire to Snape directly. He's the one responsible for keeping an eye on our young Slytherin friend."

Leo looked over at Snape, "So, if you're Draco's godfather does that make you mine, as well?"

Snape drawled, "You don't exist to the Malfoys."

Leo smiled, "Well then, I look forward to seeing you in the future. Did you wish me to send a Patronus or appear in my Animagus form? I'm not registering with the Ministry until after the Dark Lord is dealt with. I only ask that you don't turn me in."

"How about I just give you detention for being an arrogant prat and you can serve it in my office," Snape suggested.

"Ah, well that beats remedial potions any day I guess. I shall be heading to bed now. Do you care to give me a note incase I'm stopped on my way back to the tower?" Leo smiled. He knew he was going to enjoy bugging Snape, as the man underestimated him.

A/N: I know I'm making Leo a bit arrogant like Draco, however he must practice if everyone is to believe he's Draco. I think he doesn't like the way Snape abuses his power as a professor to enact his revenge on James by mistreating Harry. If you seen the last movie or read the last book you know the reasons why Snape acts the way he does.

* All dialog was taken from chapter seven of The Half-Blood Prince (2005) and thus belong to JK Rowling. Pages 130 - 153 of my paperback copy respectively.