Sadly I own nothing in the Harry Potter Universe. I can only claim Slinky.
Chapter 36
Of Malfoys and Dragons
January had turned into February, and the trio was focusing on the Sorcerer's Stone. Since discovering that Flamel was the maker of the stone during the Christmas holiday, they had been too busy with detention and school work to do any further research on the book. The trio had retired to the library after dinner in the Great Hall that night. They were enjoying the remarkably clean shelves and tables, while Hermione retrieved a rather large book causing Ron to groan.
Hermione sat down in front of her two companions and almost immediately turned to the correct page. "Nicholas Flamel is the only known maker of the sorcerer's stone. He is currently six hundred and sixty-five years old. The Stone is known to possess the power to turn any metal into gold and to make the drinker immortal."
"Immortal," Ron gasped.
"It means you'll never die," Hermione responded.
"I know what it means!" Ron snapped back.
Harry didn't think he would ever tire of the banter between his friends. It was oddly comforting to him.
"That's what's on the third floor. That's what Fluffy is guarding," Hermione said as a matter of fact.
Harry nodded, "I think it may have something to do with Quirrell and my scar. Every DADA class when he looks at me my scar hurts. He is the only one that does that to my scar. I'm not sure why, but I think the two are connected. It's like I said, I think it's a warning or something."
"Why would Quirrell want the stone, mate?" Ron inquired.
"Well who wouldn't? I mean I wouldn't, but think about it. With it, you could be rich and live forever," Harry replied.
"I think there is more to it than that. Dumbledore is the most powerful wizard in the wizarding world. I don't think they would place it in Hogwarts to have Dumbledore's protection if it were simply for that reason. Like you said Harry, there are many people who would seek the stone out for that reason. I think it is something more," Hermione said.
Harry nodded in agreement, "I'm not sure if I'm supposed to tell you this or not, but I think my scar is somehow connected to Tom as well."
"Who's Tom?" Hermione asked and Ron looked just as confused.
"Tom Riddle, you know the one who gave me this," Harry said pointing to his scar. "Voldy…Volda-something. I cannot remember what it is half the time. I'm not sure if Dad finds that amusing or not, but he seems relieved that I just call him Tom now instead of trying to say the name he gave himself. Stupid really."
Ron looked at Harry with a gaping mouth. In all his eleven years, he had never heard anyone refer to Voldemort in such a manner. Even his own parents referred to him as You-Know-Who. Then of course Hermione piped up, "It's Voldemort Harry. Really it's not that difficult."
Harry shrugged, "I just can't seem to remember it."
Ron finally had enough, "What do you mean you can't remember it? He was the darkest wizard of our time! And what do you mean calling him by his name Mione? No one speaks his name!"
Hermione cleared her throat and glared at Ron, "Really Ronald. Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself. You should really try calling him Voldemort. Honestly, if you can't remember that then Tom should be easy enough."
Ron wasn't sure what to say so he just kept his mouth shut, and after discussing Tom's name, the trio never made it back to the topic of Quirrell. It was then that Remus wandered over to their table.
"Hey Pup, Ron, Hermione. This is one of the last places I expected you to frequent for a while," Remus said chuckling.
"Believe me Professor," Ron began, "it was not my idea."
Harry nodded in agreement as he and Ron looked directly at Hermione.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Boys." Then in a whisper Hermione said, "Professor the potion must really be effective. The full moon was just last night, and you look very well."
Remus took a seat beside Harry ruffling his hair and smiling at the deep shade of red he had turned at Hermione's words.
"It is and I am. Hopefully one day this will be a potion that can be placed on the market for anyone who has this little problem. It truly is a miracle. This potion will add years, many years, to my once short life, and I owe it to Harry and Severus," Remus responded.
"Remus, I know this is probably not the best time, but I was wondering if I will ever be able to stay with you during the transformation, even if I am not able to become an animagus?" Harry inquired.
Remus thought for a moment before answering, "Pup that decision lies with your father. I know you will probably have to wait for some time to make certain that there are no long term affects of the potion, or that I don't become immune to it, but I will talk with Severus about it. Oh and something I did not tell you three the other day in the library. You are NOT to go studying to be animagi without proper supervision. There are two masters of transfiguration in this castle, Professor McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore, and should you get the inkling to study it, you are to see them. Understood?"
The three nodded, "Thanks Remus."
Remus smiled, "Now I have someone who is to be here at eight for me to review an essay, so I will leave you to each other's company and see you later."
Remus left and Harry reached into his bag and pulled out a book Introduction to Becoming an Animagus. Hermione gave a sly grin and pulled a book out of her bag Finding Your Inner Beast. Ron then reached in his own bag and retrieved Animagus Transformation Volume I.
It was Harry and Hermione's mouth which gaped open this time and they looked at Ron who said, "Why the surprise? Can't you two just accept that maybe you have rubbed off on me a bit?"
The three agreed to just study the process and not to attempt anything at present.
Malfoy, Draco Malfoy, pureblood, heir to the Malfoy Estate, son of the influential Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, the respectable first year who is currently in the top five of his year and appeared to have everything a child could want; yet he did not have the one thing he desired: Friends.
Draco had cronies, Crabbe and Goyle. They followed him everywhere and did anything he wanted them to do simply because he was a Malfoy and it would behoove them later, not because they were his friends. Draco knew his father's position in the wizarding world had to do with his social status, being a pureblood, his pureblooded beliefs, and he was a follower of the Dark Lord when he reigned. Draco wasn't stupid. He knew his father was a Death Eater, and he was fairly certain Severus Snape was too.
Draco had much respect for both men, but when it came down to it, since spending the greater part of the last six months at the school with his Head of House, there was a huge difference between Severus and his father. Severus associated with those from different houses, McGonagall, Lupin, Dumbledore of course, Pomfrey, and even Hagrid.
It appeared that Severus had friends while Lucius had allies. Then Draco had a thought. Are friends not the best sort of allies? Severus seemed to be passionate about his profession while Lucius used his prestige to gain power and use it to black mail others in his profession. Severus had told Draco that if he ever needed to speak with him about anything that he could always come to him for help. He would never turn him away. His own father had turned him away, struck him for wanting to play with a half blood child in his younger years, and had told him it was a disgrace to the Malfoy name to be associated with such.
Draco found himself looking at Ron Weasley of all people. The boy was a first year like himself. He was a pureblood like himself. His father worked at the Ministry just as his did. That was about all they had in common.
Ron had many siblings, Draco had none. Ron's family found anything muggle interesting while Draco's loathed anything of the sort. Members of Ron's family were known blood traitors, while Draco's were known Death Eaters. Ron's family had to scrape to find money just to put their children through school, and Draco's had enough to buy the wizarding world over three times. Ron's family did not have much pull with anyone in the Wizarding world that mattered, while Draco's family had enough influence they could make almost anything they wanted to happen, happen.
Draco could not for the life of him figure out why Ron appeared to be happy and he was so miserable. Ron's friends were a mudblood and Harry bloody Potter, two big disgraces to any respectable pureblood.
Draco had been watching them since he had the first talk with Severus in his office. He watched with Slytherin stealth from a distance and he tried to find the bad in the mudblood, but instead he found loyalty, intelligence, and could it be that she truly loved her friends.
He remembered back to the day when Harry had punched him in the face. The spoiled, rich, pampered prince, the Gryffindor Golden Boy, had defended his friends. Draco would never stand up for Crabbe and Goyle in that manner. He didn't really care for them all that much, and besides, he was above them just as Potter was above Granger and Weasley because of his fame. Why would Potter possess the same loyalty to a mudblood and a blood traitor as they did to him? They owed it to Potter- not the other way around. Draco would have never believed it, but he had heard it with his own ears. Harry had punched him because his friends lookedoffended. He did not even know what the words meant, and he had defended them. Crabbe and Goyle would have never done that for him.
Then there was Ron. Ron again. Ron was nothing special—sixth of seven children, wore second hand everything, mediocre at school, deplorable table manners, yet Potter saw something in him worthy of friendship. It was almost as if the two were brothers. Draco felt a pang of jealousy at the closeness of the two. He didn't have a brother, or a sister, or any cousins his age. His father was distant and only made his presence known when Draco had 'disgraced' the Malfoy name in some manner. His mother would not 'coddle' him as his father had instructed on many occasions. Draco did not even have any true friends. Like his father, he had allies.
If this is what it meant to follow in his father's footsteps, he wasn't certain if he wanted to. As much as he hated to admit it, he wanted what Potter had with Granger and Weasley. Draco knew he had been a prat, and he had been since the day he met Harry in Hogsmeade, because nobody spoke to a Malfoy that way!
Then a voice in the back of his head asked Whynot?
Draco thought for a moment then that voice sighed and carried on, Why not? Because your last name is Malfoy?You know Potter was muggle raised. He didn't know a Malfoy from a Weasley. He had an unbiased view of everyone and you in all your arrogance blew it. You acted like the Malfoy you are when you did not get your way. You are young and you have an opportunity to change the way you behave and carry yourself. You have the opportunity to make the Malfoy name shine in a new light little Snake.
Draco shook his head and said out loud, "I have got to come to my senses. That voice sounded just like Professor Snape." Draco rose from the sofa in the common room and headed to bed. Well maybe that is because you need to speak with Professor Snape youngling.
"Shut up!" Draco shouted, grabbing the sides of his head with both hands causing a few of the students to murmur about Malfoy and Black blood. He even heard someone mention Bellatrix. Grea tnow they think I'm crazy. Maybe I am especially if I have this conversation with Snape.
Harry and the others were in the common room later that week when Hedwig delivered a package to Harry. The three sat there and looked at it. Harry, Ron, and Hermione checked the package for curses, as Severus had taught them to do before opening it.
"When did we become so paranoid?" Ron asked, but it was more of a rhetorical question.
Harry and Hermione just nodded knowingly. Between Severus and Remus they checked everything with the exception of the Weasley biscuits.
Once the package was deemed safe, Harry opened it to reveal his invisibility cloak. A wide grin spread across his face.
"You got it back mate!" Ron exclaimed.
"Harry there's a note with it," Hermione pointed out.
Harry picked up the note. It was of course from Dumbledore.
Harry my Boy,
I am returning this to you with the utmost confidence that you will use it well. I believe you three have learned the difference. And yes, I am addressing all three of you in this letter for I know you are reading it as well.
Harry paused and looked up, "How does he know these things? It's maddening!"
I will not hesitate to collect this again if I find you three taking advantage of it. I am sure Ms. Granger has figured out by now that I was able to see through the cloak. How I was able to I will not reveal to you, but take that information and tuck it away. It may prove useful one day.
I will leave you with these parting words. Fizzing Whizbees, Lemon Drops, and Hinky Puffs.
Regards,
Albus
"The Headmaster is a bit barmy yeah?" Ron asked with a nervous laugh.
Harry was just smiling. He liked the old man's odd ways. It made Harry feel normal because he knew there were a few odd things about himself as well.
Harry then said, "I think he's brilliant, and barmy or not, he is my grandfather."
Hermione just smiled and Ron had picked up the cloak, glad to have it back with them.
It was now the weekened, Harry, Ron and Hermione were down in the dungeons working on an essay for History of Magic. Severus had assigned them 'detention' so they could work on it in the comfort of the potions classroom. Slinky had brought them pumpkin juice and a platter of fruits. The three were talking amiably while Severus was at his desk researching potion ingredients.
It was then that Draco Malfoy entered into his classroom unannounced. Harry, Ron, and Hermione all looked up from the table and their mouths dropped open. Severus had not locked the door because he was expecting Lupin in a few moments, and Malfoy's mouth also gaped at the trio sitting at the table with pumpkin juice and a platter of fruit. He knew they were in detention. He was there when Severus had assigned it!
Severus never lost his composure, "Mr. Malfoy approach please."
Malfoy walked past the trio and glared at them. This was his head of house. He had never had such treatment in a detention. How dare he provide anything special for them, Gryffindors, that he did not even do for his own house!
Draco was standing in front of the desk looking at the Potion's Master.
"I assume there is a reason for your presence as you have entered into my classroom, knowing detention was being held today, without the respect of knocking first," Severus said silkily.
Draco nodded in the affirmative.
"I require a verbal answer Mr. Malfoy. You should know this by now. What is it that you need?" Severus asked. He was genuinely curious as to why his little snake was here. Since talking to Dumbledore at Christmas time he had wondered if Draco could be redeemed of not. He had only hoped Draco had remembered his words.
Draco standing up straightened up and looked at the professor in the eyes and said, "I apologize sir for my atrocious behavior. It was very disrespectful for me to enter your classroom without knocking, and for this I beg your forgiveness. I was hoping to have a moment of your time in private sir."
Severus smirked. Lucius had done well with the whole pureblood upbringing. Although, the formality of that statement being spoken by an eleven year old was quite disturbing.
"As you wish, Mr. Malfoy. We shall retire to my study," Severus said.
"You three are not to leave until I return. Is. That. Understood?" Severus barked out.
Harry and Ron mock glared at Severus to keep up appearances, and Hermione answered, "Perfectly sir."
Once inside Severus' study, Draco lost his formal exterior and impertinence filled the air. "What the bloody hell was that? Bloody Gryffindors are treated like they own the place as it is and you, Head of Slytherin, treat them the same. Severus if my father…" Draco did not get a chance to finish that statement.
Without thinking, much to his surprise and Draco's too, Severus had spun Draco around and swatted his rear end firmly.
It did exactly what Severus wanted it to do. Draco stopped in mid rant, mouth gaping, and stared up at Severus. Severus still towering over Draco said, "Mr. Malfoy I have told you on more than one occasion that at this school when speaking about school matters you are to address me as Professor Snape not Severus. I will also not have you questioning the manner in which I handle my detentions. I am the professor and you are the student. That is not up for discussion. Your behavior is deplorable, you have no respect, and if you wish to tell your father you will have to owl him before I do because I have had it with your abominable behavior, and I myself will tell him I swatted your impertinent behind!"
Draco paled. There was the threat of his father again, "Please Severus….Professor Snape. Don't owl father. I'm sorry that's actually what I came to talk to you about. I'm sorry sir. It's just I became so angry when I saw the Gryffindor Trio getting special treatment."
Severus had to correct that misconception at once. He still had a role to play. "Not that I owe you any explanation Mr. Malfoy, but the three of them have been in detention for the past three hours, and still have at least two more to go. It is school policy to allow a snack to be served when a detention lasts three hours or longer, but if you envy five hour detentions with the dour Potion's Master and your Head of House then I will be glad acquiesce this request and you may begin after our discussion."
Draco shook his head in the negative now feeling bad for his outburst which clearly had no merit, and he certainly did not want a five hour detention! "No sir. I again apologize for my behavior."
Severus nodded curtly and took a seat behind his desk and gestured for Draco to sit before him on the other side.
Draco sat and suddenly he had found the hands in his lap very interesting. Severus sighed Whyisitthatchildrenlookintheirlapswhenwediscussthings?Itisinfuriating!
"Mr. Malfoy," Severus began.
"Draco," Draco interrupted.
"Excuse me?" Severus replied.
"Draco, sir. Can you call me Draco when we are in private like when we are at your manor? This is not school related. Well not entirely…" Draco trailed off.
Severus genuinely intrigued at this point conceded, "Alright, Draco what is it you wish to discuss."
"Well sir, I've been doing quite a bit of thinking since the first time we spoke in your office. You told me that if I ever had any trouble on making a decision I could come to you, but this is rather difficult because I think that you and my father are the same in some ways, which is what I want to discuss…and I don't know if I can…Damn! This is not making any sense to me so I know it's not to you." Draco said exasperatedly.
Severus could see that Draco was having a moment of confusion. This could very well be a turning point in the young man's life so Severus knew he had to tread carefully.
"Draco, look at me." Draco lifted his head, "Good boy. Now tell me how it is that you think your father and I are alike."
Draco muttered something inaudible, "Speak up Draco. I could not quite understand."
With a heavy sigh and almost bracing himself for the blow to come, "You and Father serve the Dark Lord and are Death Eaters aren't you?"
Severus stiffened but his expression remained neutral. "What makes you think that?" Severus inquired.
"Well I have seen the mask. I have seen his mark. I know how he feels about blood status. I know father is a Death Eater, and he trusts you with me so it would only make sense if you were one too," Draco stated.
Smart little snake. "While I will not answer that question, I will say that your father does trust me. Whatever I am or am not outside these castle walls is irrelevant. Here, I am your Head of House and that is my first responsibility to you. Now tell me Draco what it is weighing on that mind of yours."
Without thinking Draco put it all out there, "Severus, I have seen the way my father is. He does not have friends only allies who will help him become more powerful. It's almost as if he thinks his blood status and money are all that matters. That's all he works for and all he cares about. He doesn't care about me or mother at all. She can't even care for me because I must not be coddled."
Draco looked up at Severus, "I don't have friends. Since I have no siblings I did not realize how lonely I was until school began. Crabbe and Goyle follow me without question because I am a Malfoy. Not because I'm Draco and they enjoy my company. It's because of what they believe it will bring them in the future, and honestly I'm not sure if the two can truly think for themselves."
Severus had to suppress a snort at the last statement because he felt the same way about the senior Crabbe and Goyle as well as their sons.
Draco continued. "What made me so angry when I came in your class today is when I saw Potter, Granger, and Weasley. The three are always together. They come from such different backgrounds but share the same loyalty to one another and have a real friendship. Father always says that we purebloods are superior, and according to his beliefs anyone lesser is a drain on our society and we should not get along with them. We should seek to eliminate such abominality from the wizarding world to make it good, whole, and pure."
Draco looked up at Severus meeting his gaze, "But despite all of what my father has instilled in me sir, I feel different. I want what those three have regardless of blood status, money, or power. Sir, a Malfoy has the money to buy anything, anything at all, but one thing: Friends—true, loyal friends. The one thing I want I can't have because money and power can't influence it. I sound like a blithering Hufflepuff…"
Severus was many things at the same time. Shocked and pleased were at the top of the list, but he had to find out if this was a ploy or genuine. Every instinct he possessed said it was genuine. "Draco, you do know the implications of that statement do you not? If you openly choose to believe and follow a different way than your father, to befriend muggle born wizards, associate with blood traitors, or befriend the Boy-Who-Lived there is a possibility you will likely be renounced from the family. You would no longer be the Malfoy heir; you would lose any inheritance that would one day be bestowed upon you. You would have less money than the Weasleys who you have ridiculed for their financial status. Do you realize this?"
Draco nodded sadly, "I do. That's why I'm confused. Severus, is it better to be rich with power and no real family, or is it better to have a family like the Weasleys? Potter has no family and he seems happy. The Weasleys have no money, but they appear to be happy. I can remember being happy when it was just Mother and me at the house. When Father was gone, she would read to me, she would even bake biscuits with me, and hold me until I fell asleep. I was happy then, and I liked it. But when Father returned home, Mother had to act different. I liked it when Father wasn't there. I liked it when I would get to stay with you in the summers," Draco finished in a quiet voice.
Severus felt his chest tighten. How the bloody hell am I to give him the guidance he is seeking without compromising my position. Damn the Dark Lord and Damn Lucius Malfoy!
"Do you remember when I told you that you may do things that set you apart from the rest of the Malfoys, that even though the Malfoy name may have a blemish Draco Malfoy does not have to wear the same one?" Severus asked.
"Yes sir."
"Well think of it like this. If you feel that the mark your father wears is a blemish, then you Draco do not have to wear it. You do not have to follow in his footsteps. You are a Malfoy, but you are your own person, and it is our choices that define us. I believe I told you that last time, and as I said then it applies to life. Despite everything your father has taught you, you feel that it is wrong to hate someone for something they have no control over. A person cannot help who their parents are; therefore they have no control over their blood status. That is a perfectly fine rationalization on your part; at least I believe that was your rationalization in commenting about the different backgrounds amongst Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger, and Mr. Weasley."
Draco nodded in agreement and Severus continued.
"Listen my Little Snake, blood status does not define us it is simply a part of who we are. If you believe it is wrong, then you should follow your heart. Power comes in so many other forms than money, social standing, and prestige. You are a smart boy Draco, I have full confidence that you will make a fine young man one day if you listen to your heart," Severus finished.
Draco looked up at Severus, "And what of father? What will he say? You know he will not accept me Severus if I tell him my thoughts."
Severus knew this to be true. "How about we take this one day at a time? It is only February, you have until June before you return home for the summer holiday. Spend that time finding what is important to you, being true to yourself, finding who Draco Malfoy is and is not, then perhaps this summer you should speak with your mother and see what advice she can give you. Owl me if necessary, have your mother owl me if needed. Draco, you will not be alone in this if this is your decision."
Draco nodded. He liked the sound of that. Draco was not strong enough to do this without help, but he did realize something. "You are not like Father. You said your duty as my Head of House came first, Father says duty to the Dark Lord and honor to blood is first."
Severus looked straight into Draco's eyes, "My duty to the students will always come first. The same wise man who told me that it is our choices that define us also told me this. Help will always be available to those at Hogwarts who ask for it. Again, what you believe I am or am not outside of this castle is irrelevant. I am your Head of House first."
Draco nodded then said, "You don't hate Potter do you?"
Severus replied, "There is only one I hate, and Mr. Potter does not hold that… honor."
That was all Draco needed to know.
As Severus and Draco left his study he was grateful Draco was a Slytherin. As much as he was glad Ron Weasley was Harry's friend, he would have never been able to read between the lines. One had to be quite frank with that child. Severus was certain he would see a change in the young Slytherin, and he would have to keep an eye on him because the older Slytherins may not like it.
Severus escorted Draco out of the classroom and turned to the trio.
"What was that all about Dad?" Harry asked.
Severus walked over to the table where the three were sitting and took a seat with them. Severus picked up a slice of an apple deep in thought.
"Normally I do not speak with anyone regarding another student, and I will not disclose the content of the discussion I had with Mr. Malfoy I will ask this of you three. If Mr. Malfoy approaches you in a nonthreatening, non-provocative manner, I ask you to return the favor. I ask you give him a chance, a chance I know you three believe he does not deserve," Severus said.
Ron looked confused, "A chance at what sir."
See that's what I was thinking. Gryffindor…Spell it out. Slytherin…Read between the lines. So help me and thank Merlin that I am Head of Slytherin and not Gryffindor!
"A chance at friendship Mr. Weasley," Severus said calmly.
Well that's all it took for the Weasley temper to take flight. Ron stood from his chair and began pacing, "You have got to be bloody joking! He is always talking about my family being poor and blood traitors and Hermione being a muggle born and calling her that horrible name, and you want us to befriend the git! That is insane! The slimy snake doesn't deserve to have friends. Give him a chance? Ha! Not likely," Ron finished.
Severus had pinched the bridge of his nose when Ron began his tirade. At the slimy snake comment Severus had risen from his seat though he did not say anything, and once Ron had finished venting he said, "That is quite enough Mr. Weasley. Now Take. Your. Seat."
Ron sat back down, but Severus remained standing and in a calm voice spoke, "I ask this of you because I believe that Mr. Malfoy has had a change of heart in certain beliefs; however, if he is rejected by Gryffindors, you three in particular, after trying to be cordial, he may resort back to his prior beliefs. Things are not always what they seem, and I have found myself saying this a lot lately, but I will say it again. It is our choices that define us."
Hermione was the first to speak, "We will try Professor. Honestly, but if he calls me a mudblood I cannot promise to continue to give him the benefit of the doubt."
Severus winced when Hermione said mudblood and nodded, "Thank you that is all I ask Ms. Granger."
Harry looked at Severus, "Ummm Dad?"
"Such eloquence Harry, but do continue," Severus retorted.
"I know I didn't tell you this because I knew I would be in trouble, and since it happened so long ago I don't think I'll get in trouble now, but…"
Severus cut him off, "I know about you defending the honor of your friends Harry. I know that you struck Mr. Malfoy after preventing Ronald from doing so."
Severus raised an eyebrow at trio's dumbstruck expression, "Yes, Harry it will serve you well to remember I know what goes on in this school, and you never know what I know and what I do not. I was wondering if you would ever tell me about that incident. While I am proud that you defended your friends, you handled that situation wrong. I know you know it was wrong which is why you did not come to me with it, but I expect you to handle things much different in the future. Am. I. Clear?"
Harry nodded, "Yes sir. What I was getting at is I'm not sure that Malfoy would want anything to do with me since that happened. But I will try if he will. I will not go looking to befriend him, but if he approaches me I will not turn him away unless he is a git."
Severus nodded curtly, "Mr. Weasley?"
"I don't see that I have much choice in the matter. If Harry and Mione are willing, I guess I will, but I can't promise I'll be as good at it as they are. I won't even promise I will be nice all the time. I do not like Malfoy, and I will not pretend I do. But I can try to be silent around him," Ron said.
"Thank you for your honesty Mr. Weasley. Sometimes silence takes the greatest effort of all," Severus replied.
"Dad why is this so important to you?" Harry asked.
Severus smiled a wistful half smile, "Son, the people a person surrounds themselves with can determine the path one takes. I can think of no better people for Mr. Malfoy to surround himself with if he wants to be a better person."
Harry knew the implications of that statement. He remembered it was his Dad's friends who ultimately convinced him to be a Death Eater. Harry would never betray his Dad and tell Ron and Hermione about it, but he would double his effort to be friendly to Draco.
"I understand," was all Harry responded.
"I know you do, Harry. I know you do," Severus said and he returned to his desk to continue on his potions research.
Later in the week Harry, Ron, and Hermione all went down to Hagrid's. It was late but they had not seen their friend in quite some time and missed his company. When they arrived, Hagrid told them he was busy, but Harry insisted they come in and Hagrid allowed them shelter in his hut from the rainy weather outside.
Hagrid looked a bit more goofy than usual. He was wearing an over sized apron, that Harry imagined Mrs. Weasley would have worn, and oven mits.
The three of them heard something similar to a knocking noise and Hagrid walked over to the fire place and removed an egg and placed it on the table.
"What is that Hagrid?" Hermione asked.
"I know what that is," Ron said scrunching up his face. "Those are really rare. Where did you get it?"
"I won it from some guy at a pub, fair and square I did," Hagrid said.
Hermione asked again, "But what is it?"
Ron answered, "It's a dragon egg."
About that time the egg cracked and a tiny dragon appeared from within, and Ron exclaimed, "That's a Norwegian Ridgeback!"
"Ittn 'e beautiful." The little dragon walked towards Hagrid on the table, "And look 'e knows 'is Mummy doncha Norbert," Hagrid cooed over the small dragon.
"Norbert?" Harry asked.
"Well 'e's gotta 'ave a name now don 'e?" Hagrid said defensively.
The trio had to agree that they all liked the little dragon, but Ron knowing more about dragons than either Harry or Hermione spoke again, "Hagrid where will you keep him? He will be as big as the inside of your house in two weeks, and it's made of wood."
"Well I 'aven't really give it much thought yet, but you three won't say nothin' right?" Hagrid said.
They all exchanged worried glances, but agreed not to say anything.
Harry then saw a face in the window of the hut. "Malfoy!"
"Oh no," Hermione said.
"Slimy git!" Ron replied.
They all three ran out of the hut leaving a bewildered Hagrid behind. Hagrid was too engrossed in his new pet to realize what would happen if Malfoy announced his new pet to the school.
Harry was not only fast on a broom but on his feet as well. Harry hunting indeed had made him fast. He sprinted and as Malfoy was becoming winded going up the hill Harry caught up, and the blond wizard froze.
"Bloody hell Potter, I didn't know you could run like that!" Malfoy said breathing heavily.
Out of breath Harry responded, "I've had a lot of practice. Where were you going and why were you following us?"
"I am going to tell my Head of House what I just saw, and why I was following you is none of your concern," Malfoy said haughtily.
"I believe it is a concern. One maybe I should address with Professor Snape. It is after all past curfew and we should all be inside. So why don't we visit Professor Snape?" Harry was bluffing, he knew he would be in trouble with his Dad for being out past curfew but he needed to keep Hagrid out of trouble.
"You have Slytherin blood in you. You are bluffing Potter, but I don't want to be in trouble for being out past curfew either, but that dragon cannot stay on the grounds. They are dangerous," Draco replied.
Ron and Hermione finally caught up. Harry seeing the seething look in Ron's eyes spoke immediately, "Malfoy said he was not going to tell Professor Snape, but we have to get the dragon off the school grounds."
"I actually agree with Malfoy. It needs to be removed from the grounds. Do you have a time frame Malfoy?" Hermione inquired knowing a Slytherin always had terms.
"Two weeks and I get to help?" Malfoy said.
"Why should we trust you?" Ron sneered.
"I hold all the cards in my hand. That oaf means nothing to me. If he is sacked so be it. If you don't allow me to assist you then I'll report it to Professor Snape immediately and we will all face the consequences, but if you allow me to help we will work together over the next two weeks to get the dragon out of here," Draco smugly said.
"How do we know you won't go to him anyway?" Ron asked clearly not remotely trusting Malfoy.
"You don't. You will have to trust me," Draco said.
Ron not liking this in the slightest but was clearly having an internal struggle bent down and whispered to Harry, "Is breaking curfew considered putting yourself in danger Harry?"
Harry nodded in the affirmative.
Ron sighed and reluctantly agreed, "But if we go down, we are taking you with us. Got it Malfoy?"
Draco smirked, "How Slytherin of you Weasley."
With that tentative agreement the four proceeded back to their towers.
"Do you think he'll squeal on us?" Ron asked
"I don't know, but I guess we will find out," Harry said.
"This is a chance to prove if he has changed or not. It is not the ideal situation, I wanted to tell Professor Snape about it tomorrow so we could omit the part about being out past curfew, but that is obviously no longer an option," Hermione added.
Ron, Hermione, and Harry all wondered what they had done when they agreed to work with Malfoy. Well if this was not giving him a chance like Severus had asked, they had no idea what was.
Well here's another chapter! I know I told a few of you that it would be up over the weekend but sooner is better yeah?
Will Malfoy turn on them or will he see this through?
I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I appreciate the suggestions for Hermione's guardians.
Thanks to everyone for reading and reviewing.