Chapter Twenty-Five: Hogwarts Again

Draco let the steward take his baggage and Harry's owl, giving the man a nice tip like he always saw his father give. Students and their families swirled around him, a constant flux of noise, laughter, and a few wailing tears in the bustling crowd. There seemed to be more muggleborn than ever, Draco noted with a frown.

The predominant colors of the station were still the Gryffindor red and gold, though a good swath of Ravenclaw blues and Hufflepuff yellows swirled about. Slytherin green was almost nowhere in sight, something which made Draco's stomach clench and knot.

Where's Harry? He tapped his foot against the ground, checking the large clock that was set up high on the wall. It was almost time for the train to pull out. Draco stood by the entrance to the rear end compartment, the one Slytherin had been using for years by the upper year students. Gryffindor always got the middle cars, Ravenclaw the front and the Hufflepuff students found seats where they could.

From the swirl of the crowd came a distinct laugh. Draco twitched. Pansy and Millicent emerged from the chaos like two goddesses on a rampaging high. There was nothing to duck behind.

"Draco!" Pansy's squeal could be heard the length of the platform. He braced himself.

The young woman threw herself at him. He caught her for politeness sake only. "Pansy, what are you…"

"Oh, Draco, it's lovely to see you too!" She kissed his cheek as she pulled back. She flipped her hair over her shoulder and scanned down the platform. "Think everyone heard me?"

"I think the muggles in London could have heard you."

"Then if Harry's here, he would have heard me too, right?"

He didn't know whether to smack her or hug her. "You're tan," he said instead. Millicent ambled up next to them, her long formal robes distinct against the rush of muggle clothing behind her.

"Yes, well, Mother and Father decided that I needed to go visit cousins in Sorrento," Pansy rolled her eyes. "I told them I'd already made up my mind, but did they listen to me? Of course not…"

"Made up your mind?"

"Of course, silly."

Following Pansy's line of conversation sometimes took a map, a compass and a bottle of firewhiskey to understand. "Made up your mind for what?"

"The future!"

Draco resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. "What are we talking about?"

"She's not going to marry that Ravenclaw," Millicent chimed in. "She's decided to go to Paris after she graduates to study the fashion industry. Wizard and muggle," Millicent added with a snort.

Draco blinked. "You're lucky your parents didn't send you to the moon, Pansy."

"Oh, please," the girl in question stomped her foot. "They're such babies."

Their conversation was cut off by the sudden appearance of a host of Gryffindor students. Draco narrowed his eyes at the display of solidarity, cupping one hand around Pansy's elbow to ease her behind him, taking point of their small circle.

Dean Thomas tilted his head back as he studied Draco up and down. "Looks like purebloods don't get very big anymore," he said.

It seemed to be a day for headaches; Draco felt the muscle in his jaw begin to twitch. "What do you want, Thomas?"

"Where's your little…friend, Malfoy?"

Draco balled his hands into fists. "You –"

"Are we missing something?" From behind the Gryffindors, a new voice spoke. The small crowd parted, revealing Blaise, Neville, Sasha and Seamus standing side by side.

"Seamus!" Dean's face took on a strange smile. "Not going over to the snakes, right?"

Seamus arched an eyebrow at the boy. "I don't see any snakes here," he made a show of peering around. "According to my gran, we had a man come years ago and charm 'em right out of the Isles. Ain't that right, Sasha?"

The girl at his side glowered at the Gryffindors. "I don't know, Seamus. These look pretty poisonous to me."

"Nothin' but garden snakes, I'm sure."

"Snakes…why you – your precious Potter is a snake!" Dean growled out.

Seamus blinked back at him. "Well, since he's a Parslemouth, that might be halfway true. But he's still Harry," he added with a smile that didn't touch his eyes. "Why don't you all go on back down to the middle cars, then? We're about to leave."

The crowd of Gryffindors stirred around their new leader. Dean glowered some more, his cheeks puffing out with a bright blush, but he said nothing else as he turned on his heel and marched for the middle of the train.

"I," Draco began, "would like just one year of peace and quiet from the Gryffindors. Is that too much to ask?" He directed his question to the ceiling.

"Whatcha staring at there, Draco?" Seamus clapped the Slytherin on the shoulder.

"The god of pigeons, I'm sure. Let's go, before something else happens," Draco ushered the girls inside the train. He waited until the whistle was called, but there was no sign of Harry.

"Draco?" Neville was there when he swung himself up into the train.

"Yes?"

"He's not here," Neville said as they entered their compartment. The rest of the Slytherins, and one lone Gryffindor, went silent.

"What do you mean?"

"Sirius has taken him and Ginny on ahead." Neville settled in next to Blaise. "Black said something about a meeting they had to get to with the Headmaster. Harry didn't want to go, but Sirius wouldn't take no for an answer."

Draco's nails dug into the palm of his hand hard enough to leave crescent moon indents. "Did he," was all he said. He gave an abrupt shake of the head. "Was that all?"

Neville frowned and looked away. "No, but I'd rather not start it all right now."

"Then when –,"

"How was your summer then, Millicent?" Blaise cut Draco off before he could gather his rage. The blond fell back against the seats, furious, but silent. He needed their help and throwing a tantrum was no way to get it.

"I went to Prague," she said. A nervous hand swept down the formal robes. "There's a school there I want to study at."

"Magical?"

"A center for advanced magical theory," she tucked her hair behind her ears and quirked an eyebrow at Pansy. "Unlike some, I didn't get a box full of marriage proposals."

"Hey!"

"Father likes this idea better," Millicent went on with a shrug. "Mother would have preferred me marrying. Father was pleased when no letters came."

Pansy deflated. "None at all?"

"Not one."

"But…"

"I really don't care, Pansy."

"But…"

Millicent wrinkled her nose at the girl. "It's all right, stupid."

"I'm not stupid, you're stupid!"

Millicent's smile crinkled the skin around her eyes. She turned to Blaise. "And you? I'm sure your mothers and fathers were fending off quite a load."

When Blaise began to cough and Neville turned red, Draco took notice. He straightened from his slump and peered at the two. "You didn't," he said to Blaise.

"Didn't what?" Sasha looked back and forth between them. Seamus peered over her shoulder.

Draco snapped his fingers and held out his hand to Neville. "Let's see it then."

"Draco!" Blaise scowled at him. "Don't be so –,"

"It's all right," Neville pushed back the collar of his robe display a shiny pin attached to the fabric of his shirt. They all leaned in close to peer at it. Platinum, Draco noted. Good choice, Blaise. Tiny script, and…is that protection runes? I would bet they are. What a wonderful idea, I must mention this to Harry. He blinked and sat back. I wonder if Harry would…

"That's a – it's a – but you and your family –," Pansy pointed at the pin. "You're not pregnant, are you Neville?" She peered at his face.

Neville went white while Blaise began to sputter. Millicent had to lean against the window to catch her breath. Sasha had her hand covering her mouth, but even she couldn't control her snickers.

"You pervert!" Blaise tried to go for his wand, but Neville stopped him. "You know that's impossible! Wizards can't get pregnant, even though some have tried," he made a face at the thought. "That was outlawed years ago by the Misuse of Magic Act of 1912! They had to put all the – the – the things," he shuddered, "to death because they were crazy."

Neville turned to stare at Blaise. "It was possible?"

"No," Blaise sounded scandalized.

"Then how do you know of it?"

"Because his great uncle took part in the experiment," Pansy cooed at them. "Are you planning to follow in his footsteps, Blaise? Your mothers would be so proud."

"Shut it, you wench! And no, I'm not."

"Then you'll have Neville do it? How cowardly of you."

"Neither of us are getting pregnant!" Blaise finally roared, right as their compartment door opened for the passing trolley lady and her pile of sweets.

She stared at them. They stared at her. "Candy?" She asked.

"No, thank you," Blaise whispered. The door slammed shut between them and the trolley's wheels could be heard squeaking down the hall at a quick pace.

"Oh, Merlin," Neville covered his mouth. "Gran's going to kill you, Blaise."

"Not before my mothers have a go at me first," the Slytherin hid his face in his hands. "I hate you all. Not you, Neville. Just the rest of the jackals in the room."

Their laughter echoed down the hall.

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The walk back to the Slytherin dorms was quiet. Snape kept his pace sedate, much to Harry's relief. The halls of the castle were strange without the usual bustle of hurrying feet; Harry liked it best this way, without the noise of the other students and their constant stares and whispers.

He kept an eye on the man next to him throughout their walk. He'd though at first that the Potions Master was going to speak to him on their way back to the dorms, but the man did not say a word. His hands were folded inside of his sleeves, hidden from view.

"I…" Harry broke the silence. "Thank you, sir."

"No reason to thank me, Mr. Potter."

Harry stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Could I…" He bit his lip and swallowed the rest of the question.

"Could you what?"

"Could I be Harry, just for a little while longer, please?"

Severus stopped in the middle of the hall, causing Harry to turn back and face the man. "You idiotic child," the man bowed his head, his hair hiding most of his face. He huffed out a sigh and looked up. Black eyes pinned Harry in place. "Harry," the man said with quiet deliberation.

He beamed back at the man. "Thank you, sir."

Snape pushed past him, muttering under his breath. Harry had to trot to catch up to his long gait. Their pace slowed once they were even with each other. They were silent the rest of the way back to the dorms.

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Ginny stood in the center of her room, hands empty at her sides. Her cane lay on the bed in front of her. She glanced around the room, bit her lip and hobbled over to it.

The walk down to the dorms had been full of chilly silence. Professor McGonagall didn't seem to want to talk to her at all, which was strange. Ginny inched her way onto the bed and laid one hand against the polished length of the cane.

Young witches are no good to the wizarding world if they aren't whole, the Healer's voice rang in her mind. She snatched her hand back from the cane, the warmth radiating from it feeling more like a brand. She clutched her hand to her chest and turned away from the semi-sentient tool.

Healer Fondorn said I was getting better, she rubbed at the offending joint. The dampness of the dungeons was fading, the roaring heat of her fire dispelling most of the chill. Still, it was hard to sit there and ignore the pain like Fondorn had said she should. She had to be perfect, after all, whole and healthy, if she wanted to be able to uphold the Black family name. Fondorn had said so.

She chewed on her lip as her stare went beyond the flat gray surface of her walls. Harry is up with the Headmaster now, she rubbed a bit harder at the ache in her leg. I haven't seen Snape…Professor Snape, I should call him. Sirius would be livid if I didn't keep up the manners they taught me. A smile tugged the corner of her mouth up into a wry grin. Not that Sirius has many manners himself.

She let out a sigh as her smile disappeared. Sirius had been more serious of late, not that he'd laugh at the joke anymore. Harry's…problems took up much of his time and his anger. Ginny didn't understand what was wrong with the boy. Sirius loves him! He's trying to do his best for us and Harry just doesn't…understand. A headache bloomed behind her eyes. I feel bad…I should have told Sirius about the night Harry…but Harry looked so panicked, so alone. I don't know what to do anymore.

A knock at her door startled her out of her thoughts. "Enter!"

Madam Pomfrey stepped through the door, a wide, sweet smile on her face. "Why, Ms. Black you look quite the young lady!"

Ginny jumped off the bed and tried to go give the woman a hug. Her knee went out on her the second she put weight on it.

"Oh!" She caught herself with her hands. The Head Nurse was at her side in an instant.

"Oh my," the older woman's wand flicked out and over Ginny's leg. "My, my, my."

"It's okay," Ginny shook her head, trying to tamp down the urge to cry. "It happens sometimes. Healer Fondorn said it would, but that I had to push past it. I won't get any better if I…if I baby it," she forced the last out. She tried to stand.

"None of that!" Pomfrey's sharp order startled Ginny. "You stay right there, young lady!" Ginny stayed. The Head Nurse ran her wand the length of Ginny's leg and made a few humming noises to herself. She reached Ginny's ankle and flicked her wand back into her sleeve. "I see," she said.

"See what?" Ginny blinked at the woman.

Pomfrey opened her mouth, gave Ginny a strange stare and then shut it. She shook her head and helped Ginny to her feet instead. "I received Healer Fondorn's instructions," she finally said.

"Oh…you did?" Ginny didn't know what to feel.

"Oh, yes, I did." There was another odd note to the woman's voice that Ginny didn't understand. "But we'll address those…instructions another day. Right now, I want you to sit here," she guided Ginny to a chair. "And elevate this knee. You've put too much strain on it for today. You are to keep your cane with you at all times."

"But Healer Fondorn said…"

"Hogwarts has many more staircases than the Black Manor, missy. You'll need it for all the climbing you'll have to do."

"…Yes, ma'am." Ginny tried to ignore the wave of relief that washed through her.

Pomfrey was studying her with sharp eyes when she glanced up. "You keep off of that until dinner. I'll come and get you when it's time for the feast."

"Won't the others be here by then?"

"No, no, they'll go straight to the Great Hall." Pomfrey stood, burying her hands in her apron. "Now, I have a few things to whip up in the Infirmary before then. Will you be fine here?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good." Pomfrey frowned at her, shook her head and turned to go. "Remember, stay off that knee. I'll come and get you in an hour."

"Yes, ma'am." But Ginny ended up speaking to her door as it shut behind the older woman. She blinked at it, let out a small sigh and turned to the hearth.

Within minutes she was asleep.

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Harry was surprised when the Potions Master guided him to the man's office instead of the dorms.

"Sir?" He stood in the middle of the room, a little lost.

"Ms. Black is being examined by Pomfrey. I would think you would want to give them their privacy, am I right?" Snape moved beyond him, lighting the fire with a flick of his wand.

"…Yes, sir."

"Good," Professor Snape moved over to his desk and began to flip through the loose papers piled in neat stacks all over the scarred surface.

Harry rubbed damp palms on his robes and glanced around. "…Sir?"

"Yes?" Snape didn't bother to look up.

"What…is there something I can do, to help?"

The older man's hands went still for a long moment on his papers. Then he looked up. "No, Harry. You may do as you like. The Welcoming Feast starts in little over an hour."

"All right," Harry blinked at the man. He turned to the set of stuffed sofas surrounding the hearth. He sat in one, feeling the cushions draw him in. The fire crackled in front of him, its heat filling the room. He felt his body tilt to one side, curling up against one corner of the couch. He never felt the blanket drawn over his body, or saw the man who stood in front of him for a long moment, blocking the heat of the fire.

Severus Snape settled into the chair next to him, bringing his notes to the small table near the fire. It put a cramp in his back, but he bent down to fill out the rest of his lesson plan by the light of the fire. Having Harry in the seat next to him meant nothing. He was simply chilled by the early fall.

That was all.

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The Great Hall was buzzing with noise when the Slytherins stalked through the entrance. There was a slight hush that Draco reveled in, before the noise of the students rose back up to its normal roar.

Pansy flounced on ahead of them, pointedly ignoring the Ravenclaw table. Millicent was in a conversation with Neville about the magical uses of rosemary while Blaise kept pace at Draco's side.

"I heard that there were a lot of new students this year," Blaise slid onto the bench next to him.

"Yes," Draco agreed, half-listening. He was studying the tables, trying to find Harry.

He saw the Head Nurse enter through a side door. When the conversation stilled around them, he looked up. Ginny stood there, hands on her cane and a nervous smile on her face.

"Hello," she smoothed one hand down her school robes.

Something that sounded suspiciously like Harry's voice in the back of his mind reminded Draco to be pleasant to the girl, even if she was a Black. "Ginny," he said. "Hello again."

"Draco," she bobbed her head and moved to sit next to the older girls. Millicent and Pansy shared a glance, but let Ginny slide in between them. Neville had filled the rest of them in on the last legs of the train ride to Hogwarts, what he had seen and heard at the Black Manor. None were pleased with Sirius, Draco especially, but Neville's report of the things Ginny was also going through did permeate, at least a little bit.

Not that he wanted it to.

The younger girl spared a smile for her dorm mates. "How – how was everyone's summer?" Her smile grew a bit when she saw Neville. "How was the train ride? I'm sorry we missed it, but Father…" She faltered, drew in a breath and forged on. "Father had something he wanted to talk about with the Headmaster and he…well, he worries."

"I'm sure he does," Pansy patted her hand. "You'll never believe where I went this summer! Guess!" The girls drew Ginny into a chattering conversation, keeping the younger girl turning back and forth between them with an ease that sent a shiver down Draco's spine.

"Pity," Blaise murmured to him.

"What's that?"

"Those two would have made a terrifying Auror team."

Draco tried not to cough pumpkin juice up his nose.

It was almost time for the Sorting and Harry was nowhere to be seen. Draco could feel his anxiety rocket through the roof every minute he was without the other boy. He knew Harry was in the castle. The tug on his soul was strong and distinct. He could almost feel the other boy's aura in the air.

Just before the doors were to open and the new students led in, a body wormed its way between Draco and Blaise. They both turned to protest, but a mop of messy black hair stopped the words cold in Draco's throat.

"Shove over," Harry pushed at Blaise. The other boy went.

Draco's throat felt strangely tight. Harry settled in next him, perhaps closer than strictly warranted, but the blond wasn't about to complain. When Harry's hand found his under the table, the knot of…something…dissolved and he could breathe once more.

"Harry," he had to clear this throat and take a long draught of juice.

"Draco," the boy said back, giving his hand a squeeze. Harry laced their fingers together and held tight.

"Harry," Ginny's voice sounded strange. Draco frowned at her, noting her glare at Harry. "You shouldn't be sitting there."

"Only place to sit, Gin. The rest is full." Harry's hand tightened on Draco's.

"Sirius would be livid."

"Well, Sirius isn't here right now." Harry reached for a biscuit. "I'm starving," he said to the rest of the table. "How was the trip? I wished I could have come with you."

"You know we had to come early, Harry." Ginny's frown grew deeper. "Just because Sirius made us take a port key…"

"It's fine, Ginny." Draco had never heard Harry's tone be so sharp.

"I'm telling Father," Ginny told him.

"You'll tell him what, Gin? That I came late to the feast because I fell asleep and had to wiggle into the only seat available?"

"There's plenty of room a the end."

"And why would I sit there? You're here too."

"I…" The girl's face flushed a dark red. They were saved from more by the doors swinging open to allow Professor McGonagall to enter, leading the bevy of young faces in behind her.

Draco saw Professor Snape slide into his seat just as McGonagall reached the teacher's table. He nodded at the dark eyes that roamed across their table, noting how some of the tension around the man's mouth and eyes eased at the sight of Harry at Draco's side.

McGonagall's dry speech was familiar enough for Draco to tune out. He let his gaze wander the hall; Ravenclaw was particularly full, with some of their members casting glances at Slytherin table. He tried to make note of the faces. The lack of red hair at the Gryffindor table was a shock; the twins were gone, apparently not coming back to school for their final year. He would have to ask Seamus for more information later.

Names were read off and the required clapping ensued. Name after name went by, but Slytherin was not called. A host of shining, excited faces went to Gryffindor, their eyes bright and chests puffed out with pride. Draco still had no idea how that idiotic House kept its good reputation year after year. It made no sense at all.

Finally a Slytherin student was called. They all stood and cheered – a little out of character for them, but something had to make up for the other Houses' long moment of silence before their polite applause chimed in.

Out of the near hundred new students inducted into Hogwarts that year, they ended up with thirteen. Dumbledore's speech, he noted with some ire, included everything of forgiveness and working together, but nothing about Slytherin or how their deeds from the last year had surely saved them all.

Harry leaned into his side, dispelling an edge of his ire. "Politics, Draco," he murmured under the drone of the old man's speech. "Some things change slowly."

"I don't have to like it."

"Now who sounds like a Gryffindor?"

He squeezed the hand still laced with his. Harry's grip had not faltered the entire time. Draco knew exactly what he wanted to do if they had been alone – but there was time enough to kiss the boy breathless later. Especially when they were out of sight of Ginny.

The feast was excellent, as it was every year. It couldn't end quick enough for Draco. As a House they guided their new members down into the dungeons, their larger, stronger House members providing point and rear guard as they made their way through the halls.

"They look so small," Harry had had to let go of Draco's hand to eat, but from the way he stuck close to Draco's side, the option of taking it back seemed to preoccupy his thoughts.

It would be nice, Draco conceded, but with Ginny behind us, better not. We'll sort that out and deal with it later.

"We were all that small," he said instead, leaning in to bump shoulders with Harry. The sliver of a smile he received was understanding.

"Harry?" Ginny's voice called.

"Ginny," Pansy cut in before the girl could continue. "Weren't you listening? I simply haven't told you about all of them and it's important!" The blonde took the younger girl's arm. "After all, this is something you'll have to prepare your new father for."

That was sufficient enough to take Ginny's attention away. Pansy and Millicent guided her into the girl's dorm when they reached the Common Room, the air around them all but sparkling with gossip and images of wedding dresses. It was almost enough to send a shudder down Draco's spine.

The rest of the House guided their newest members to the center most couches near the roaring fireplace. Draco gave them all a once over, the worry in his gut intensifying.

"All right," he said, catching their attention. They were small, all of them. Ten boys and three girls, all from small, no-name pure blood houses Draco recognized from his lessons in heraldry. Most of them should have gone to Durmstrang, he realized. I wonder why they were sent here, instead?

"Welcome to Slytherin House," he touched the badge pinned to his chest. Harry gave him a brilliant smile. "I'm Draco Malfoy, head boy for the sixth years. Pansy Parkinson is the head girl for my year. You're all welcome to ask us for help at any time. The rules of this House are simple, but don't you dare break them." He met their eyes one at a time. "First, never betray your House. Second, you always protect your housemates, even if you can't stand them. Outside these walls, we're united; we show no chinks in our armor for the others to exploit." He leaned back in his seat, watching the relief and hope dawning on the young faces. His worry gained weight.

"I'm Sasha," the girl stepped forward. "We all have our roles to fill in this House. Come to me tomorrow before breakfast and I will explain your duties and schedules."

"Thank you, Sasha," the girl had taken over the post as Head Coordinator for the House without protest. It was one less thing Draco and Pansy would not have to deal with.

"As for the rest," Draco told them, "the Head of the Dorms will fill you in," he nodded to the two seventh years standing next to him. "Remember, if you have questions, do not be afraid to ask. Tutoring sessions are held throughout the week. Remember! We are Slytherins and we are proud of that fact," he smiled at them all. "And we take pride in being the best. So go on, find your rooms and settle in."

Their newest members scrambled off, much happier than they had been at the beginning of the House meeting.

Group by group, the other students moved away, some helping with the first years, others catching up with friends they hadn't seen all summer, leaving the core of the House plotters alone near the fire.

Harry had curled up nearest to the hearth, eyes half-closed, knees pulled to his chest. Draco could just see the barest hint of green peeking out from under dark lashes.

"All right," Draco turned to the others. "Let's get down to business."

End Chapter Twenty-Five