Author's Note: Pre-slash if you squint. Enjoy!

Harry strode onto Platform Nine and Three Quarters with his held high, a Grim-like dog padding along beside him. He retrieved his shrunken trunk from his pocket and resized it, smiling warmly as Fred and George appeared at his side, helping him to lift it onto the train. "Thanks," he spoke warmly.

"It's our last year to continue the tradition," they replied with grins.

"Last year to be on the team together too," he added. They nodded solemnly. "Going to make the most of it?" he asked with a Marauder grin.

"Absolutely little brother," they replied, each slinging an arm around his shoulders.

"Go on, go round up some business," he urged with an indulgent smile. They each grinned at him before disappearing up the train, eyes alight with mischief. He made his way to the compartment Hermione would have secured them – after all, she was always the first to arrive. He settled beside her and opposite Ron. "Good summer?" he asked.

"Not so bad," he replied.

"Where were you?" she asked curiously.

"Here and there," he replied, smiling when Padfoot leant against his knee.

"Seriously mate?" Ron asked.

"Who's going to know?" he replied with a grin.

"But Harry-" Hermione protested.

"The only ones that know aren't going to turn him in, so what's the danger?" he asked pointedly. "Any news on who our DADA Professor's going to be?"

"Suddenly interested in your studies Potty?" Draco drawled snidely from the doorway.

Harry held up a hand when Ron opened his mouth to retort. "I'll admit, I don't score as high as you in some subjects," he conceded, "though having a godfather who is a Potions Master does give you an advantage over the rest of us." He gave the blonde a pointed look. "However, even you have to admit that I have always scored higher than you in Defence Against the Dark Arts," he continued, aware of the tinge of pink of the blonde's cheeks, "so why wouldn't I be interested in this instance?"

The blonde scowled and stalked from the doorway. "Well done Harry," Hermione complimented.

He smiled at her before turning his attention to Ron. "It might not be as gratifying as insulting him, but beating him at his own game will piss him off more."

"I can see that," he murmured as he grinned. "So, do you know who we're having for DADA?"

CCCCCCC

Harry sat on the grass around the lake, Padfoot sprawled at his feet. "Yes Draco?" he murmured without looking at the blonde.

"How did you know?" he demanded as he stepped into the brunet's sightline.

"Do you think I don't know your magical signature?" he retorted. The blonde huffed out a breath. "Join me for a few minutes, there are some things we need to talk about." The blonde blinked. "Transfigure a blanket if you feel the need."

The blonde did so and settled facing him. "What happened to you this summer?" he murmured voice curious.

"I ran away and joined the circus," he replied, expression bland.

Draco startled and Harry smiled. "Fine," he huffed. "What was it you wanted to discuss?"

"Before you truly commit yourself to your current path, there are some things you need to know," Harry stated, and proceeded to share with the blonde all of Tom Riddle's secrets.

"You're certain?" Draco breathed. Harry nodded. "Why share this with me?" he asked curiously.

"I don't care if you hate me, you don't deserve to waste your life following that hypocrite."

Draco's lips curved. "Well, it might not have quite effect you intended, however, I am grateful." He regarded the brunet for a moment. "And I don't hate you," he stated. Harry startled. "Ah, there you are," he murmured.

"Miss me?" he asked with a cheeky grin.

"It was…odd," he admitted. "I'm used to you being a total lion and you were acting like-"

"A snake," Harry finished for him. The blonde nodded, his eyes narrowed. Harry smiled enigmatically before grinning. "Since you've been so honest with me," he murmured. "I really did run away and join the circus," he stated.

"What?" he breathed. "How-" he cut himself off.

"Well, I found a snake, and carried him home. Turned out it belonged to the snake charmer in the circus," he stated, lifting a shoulder.

"But-"

"Okay, it was slightly more complicated than that, in terms of being allowed to stay, but that was what started it." The blonde stared. "Nothing sordid," he reassured.

"What did you do?" he demanded.

"One of the trapeze artists was practising without a net…"

"Don't tell me you used magic to save her?"

"No!" he replied immediately. "I launched myself onto the nearest swing and caught hold of her hands as I got close."

"You say that as if it were nothing," the blonde murmured.

"It's less than some of the tricks I've done on a broom," he retorted.

"The difference is, that a broom is magically enchanted, whereas that feat was done with only your own physical skill." He blew out a breath. "I heard a rumour over the summer that you were being searched for," he remarked. "However, was unable to get any details. How long were you with them?"

His head tilted as he considered. "A few weeks." The blonde's eyebrows rose. "Days tend to blur over the summer," he stated. "I joined them in early July, and remained until after my birthday. I don't actually know why I wasn't found before that point. I mean, we moved around – naturally – but we stayed in each location over a week, so it's not as if-" he cut himself off.

"How were you found in the end?" he asked curiously.

"There was a fire," he stated, and shrugged.

"You didn't," he breathed.

"None of them were in there with me, they don't know how I did it, so what does it matter?"

Draco shook his head at Harry's sheer audacity, before blowing out a breath. "All right, you have sated my curiosity, and done me a good turn by providing me with information, what can I do to repay you?"

"Do you need to?" he asked curiously.

"Honour demands that I do," he stated. Harry hummed expression pensive. "Surely something comes to mind?"

"Most things I can either buy for myself, or aren't a big deal to go without," he answered honestly. Padfoot barked. "Although…"

"Yes?"

"Do you swear not to reveal what I'm about to tell you unless it's absolutely necessary?"

"You have my word."

"At the end of third year…" he began and described the events that unfolded after Ron was pulled under the Whomping Willow.

"You want me to clear your godfather's name," the blonde stated.

"Can you?"

"I can't guarantee a timeframe," he answered slowly, "but I can do it."

"Thank you."

Draco's lips curved. "You are most welcome."