Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.
"I don't like this look," Draco grumbled as he stared at his reflection. He was now shorter and stockier with dark hair and dark eyes and a pug nose. "I look ugly and stupid."
"Well, you don't look stupid," Harry offered. He laughed as Draco glared at him. "Well, I look...completely average." he said in a satisfied voice. "No one will stop and gawk at me." No scar, just dark blonde hair and very pale blue eyes. Very average features.
Already this was an enjoyable birthday for Harry. Dobby had done a full English for breakfast and while they were eating, Snape and Draco had given him birthday presents. Snape had bought him a new book on Quidditch that was very detailed and had amazing pictures and Draco had bought him a practice snitch that was custom made with his initials on it. Dobby had even made him a gift, socks that he had apparently knit himself. They were...interesting with their mismatched colors but Harry had sincerely thanked the beaming elf. Now they were getting ready to go to Diagon Alley.
"That is the point, we do not want to stand out," Snape said. He now had light auburn hair and hazel eyes. The three of them looked to be about fourteen or fifteen. They would look like three regular teens hanging out in Diagon Alley. "Now, we have to be careful not to use our real names. Think of a name to use for the day. Nothing that resembles your real name. I will be Charles."
"Kenton," Draco decided.
"Daniel," Harry said after thinking about it.
Snape nodded and then handed Harry his wand. It would not be safe or smart for Harry not to have a means of defense, just in case. "Just for the outing," he said quietly. He still didn't trust that Harry wouldn't hurt himself. He didn't think he would but if he was wrong, Snape would never forgive himself.
Draco watched as Harry took his wand and then he looked at Snape worriedly.
"Just for the outing," Snape repeated.
"Okay," Harry said softly, understanding they were worried. He didn't mind, it was nice to have someone looking out for him. He slipped his wand into his sleeve. "Thanks."
HP
"So where to first?" Snape asked as they walked down the street in Diagon Alley. "The Apothecary? Flourish and Blotts?"
"Quidditch store!" Draco and Harry said at the same time.
Snape rolled his eyes.
"All normal teenagers like Quidditch," Draco said dryly.
"Hermio – I mean, not everyone," Harry said, wincing at his near slip.
"I said normal," Draco laughed.
"Fine. Let's go to the Quidditch store," Snape said in a bright voice. He ignored the amused expressions of their faces. He couldn't believe he was doing this, pretending to be a teenager. But for Harry...
After the Quidditch store, they went to Sugarplums and bought some sweets while Snape clearly tried to refrain from telling them not to buy so much candy. "Are you sure your father won't mind you buying so much junk food?" he asked Harry dryly.
Harry gave him a cheeky look. "Nah. My dad is pretty easy going."
Draco snorted as he filled his basket with sweets. "Yup. Your dad is just a happy-go-lucky kind of guy."
Snape resisted the urge to scowl.
After that they went to the Apothecary and Flourish and Blotts where Snape did some shopping. Then they headed to the Fred and George's joke shop.
"Are you sure you want to go here?" Draco whispered. "Daniel?"
Harry was looking at the shop.
"Daniel!"
Harry gave a start as he remembered that was his name for the day. "Uh, yeah Kenton?"
"Are you sure you want to go in here?"
"Sure," Harry gave a fake smile. "They won't know who I am, anyway."
Inside, Snape wandered around and mentally took stock of items he would ban from his classroom.
"Welcome to our shop!" Fred greeted Draco and Harry. "Can I help you find anything?"
Harry shook his head. "Just looking around. Thanks, though." He watched the twins a little wistfully. He missed them and wondered if they were angry with him too. With a sigh, he moved to the other side of the store where Snape was standing to look at the new products on the shelves.
George came up and put a bunch of their products into a box. "There. Now all we need is to get some sweets and we can send this to Harry." he said to his brother.
Draco paused, pretending to look at what was on the shelves nearby so he could listen.
"Wish we could give it to him in person," Fred frowned. "Don't know why he won't come to the Burrow."
"He's grieving Sirius," George said sadly.
"Yeah, but staying the whole summer at his relatives?" Fred asked doubtfully. "Harry doesn't like them."
George shrugged. "I don't understand it but I guess we should honor his wishes."
"We could break out Dad's flying car and -"
"If we did that, Mum would send us a howler every day for the rest of our lives," George chuckled.
"True," Fred grinned.
So apparently they didn't know their parents were the ones who didn't want to see Harry, Draco mused. Interesting. He cleared his throat. "Are you talking about Harry Potter?"
Fred and George looked at him suspiciously. "Yeah. Why?"
Draco gave a smile. "Must be brilliant to be friends with a hero. He's famous." He kept his voice awed.
"He's a person," Fred snapped.
"Is he a snob?" Draco asked with widened eyes. "I've heard -"
"Don't care what you have heard," George said, looking slightly irritated.. "Harry is a regular teenager, albeit a brave one. You won't find someone with a better heart than him. And he is more than his fame," he said pointedly. He and Fred knew Harry hated his so called fame. Something they also knew Ron tended to get jealous about.
"I see," Draco said softly. Well then. Harry still had friends in the twins. That was something, at least. Perhaps Draco would write them later, tell them what their parents had done and how much it had hurt Harry. He picked up a boxing telescope. "How much is this?"
HP
"At least I was able to pay for my items," Harry said cheerfully as they left the shop.
"Oh? Do you regularly steal from them?" Draco teased.
"No." Harry rolled his eyes. "They don't charge me because I gave them the money from the tournament so they could set up their shop."
Draco and Snape stared at him. "You gave them all your winnings?" Draco asked incredulously.
Harry nodded.
"What a extraordinarily kind thing to do," Snape said finally.
Draco ran his hand over his face. "I'm going to have to teach you not to be so nice."
Harry chuckled. "I figured we needed some laughter and knew the twins would provide that. Plus I didn't feel good about keeping the money," he admitted. The tournament had been a nightmare. "I'd offered it to Cedric's family first but they didn't want it," he said sadly.
Snape stepped closer. "His death was not your fault." he said softly. "And that was an incredibly generous thing to do. I'm proud of you."
Harry's eyes brightened.
"Now, where to next?" Snape asked.
"The Leaky Cauldron?" Draco asked hopefully. "I'm hungry."
"All right. After that we should leave," Snape said as they went to the popular food establishment. Once seated, they picked up their menu's.
"Mmm, the Cornish Pasties and garden salad sounds good," Draco said as he read over the choices.
Snape closed his menu. "I believe I will have the Rotisserie Smoked Chicken Salad."
"I think I will have the steak and kidney pie," Harry said. "And butterbeer."
Once their meals and drinks were brought to their table, they eagerly dove into their food.
"This is so good, I -" Draco gave a small grunt as someone walked by his chair and accidentally knocked into him. When no apology came forth, Draco turned in his seat. "Are manners beneath you?" he asked sarcastically. He narrowed his eyes when he saw Theo Nott and Millicent Bulstrode.
"You were in my way," Theo shrugged as he and Millicent sat at the next table.
Millicent snickered and then the two ignored Draco and began talking.
"Rude," Draco muttered as he turned back to his plate. They were lucky he had to stay in disguise otherwise he would make his displeasure known.
Theo loudly complained to his waitress that his Butterbeer wasn't cold enough and he expected a free drink to make up for it.
"This drink is ice cold, sir," The waitress said. "If you really have an issue, I'll have Tom come by your table."
Theo scowled. "Never mind."
"He tries to get free drinks every time he comes here," Draco confided in Harry and Snape. "Tom stopped falling for it long ago." Tom ran the Leaky Cauldron and didn't take kindly to anyone trying to scam him.
Harry laughed and took a healthy bite of his food. Theo was still talking loud and it was impossible not to overhear him.
"Snape's essay is taking me forever," Theo complained. "You would think the old man would give us Slytherins easier assignments."
"Old man?" Snape's face darkened.
"I agree." Millicent said. "He's our head of house, he's supposed to favor us. I mean, we do our part by acting like we care about his class."
Snape gritted his teeth while Harry held back a grin.
"Right? Like it's easy not to fall asleep during his lectures," Theo said. "He just keeps talking and talking as if potions is the most important thing ever. He really needs to get a clue."
Harry choked on his drink, trying not to laugh. Oh, if they only knew who was sitting next to them.
"Oh, I have a clue," Snape murmured darkly. "Are we finished?" He left money on the table and they all stood up.
Draco purposely pushed his chair far back, knocking into Nott's table and knocking their drinks into their laps.
"Oh!" Millicent yelped.
"Hey!" Theo shouted, grabbing some napkins.
Draco gave him a smile. "You were in my way." He sauntered off after Harry and Snape.
HP
That evening, Fred and George received an anonymous note telling them that their parents had refused to have anything to do with Harry and wouldn't even see him for his birthday. Not able to believe it was true, they quickly apparated to the Burrow.
"Mum, Dad. How could you?" Fred demanded when they found their parents in the kitchen.
Mrs. Weasley looked confused. "How could we what?"
"Turn Harry away," George huffed. "On his birthday! What happened at the ministry wasn't his fault, he was tricked!"
"And he's grieving, he needs family more than ever," Fred added.
Mrs. Weasley exchanged a look with her husband. "We didn't turn Harry away." she protested. "He wrote to us saying he didn't want to come to the Burrow this summer." she said sadly. "That he wanted to be left alone."
"Not possible, he wouldn't want to be left alone with his relatives," George argued. "We received an anonymous note informing us that you sent Harry a letter saying you were mad at him and didn't want to see him."
Mrs. Weasley gasped and Mr. Weasley looked troubled. "We never sent him a note saying that!"
"Something is going on," Fred frowned. Who had sent them the note? And who had forged a note by their parents?
"I'll contact Dumbledore," Mr. Weasley said, looking worried. "Make sure Harry is okay and find out about these letters."
HP
The next morning, Snape received a letter and sought Harry out. "I head from Dumbledore," Snape said when he found him in the sitting room, looking through his new Quidditch book. "Molly and Arthur were asking about you. They seemed to think they received a letter from you saying you don't want to see them this summer."
Harry's mouth dropped open. "I never even wrote to them!"
"I know," Snape said calmly. "But someone did. They've been assured that you are fine and have no knowledge of these letters. But someone does."
"Death eaters?" Harry whispered.
"Maybe," Snape frowned in thought. "I can't see why, though."
"Why would -" Harry suddenly gasped as his scar burned, bright and angry. "Ow, ow," he muttered.
"Harry?" Draco entered the room and hurried over to him and then saw Snape grab his left arm. "He's calling?" He asked.
"Yes. I have to go." Snape said as he summoned a pain reliever for Harry. "Here, take this." He handed the vial to Harry.
"No! You said you weren't going to spy anymore!" Harry protested.
"Once news of the adoption becomes known, I will cease spying," Snape said calmly. He looked at Draco. "Keep an eye on him."
"I will."
"I'm not a bloody toddler!" Harry snapped.
"You are doing a fair imitation of one!" Snape snapped back. "This will be my last time going. Trust me, Harry. I will return."
Harry nodded reluctantly.
"Take the pain reliever," Snape instructed before flooing to his old childhood home where his death eater robe and mask was. He would apparate from there.
HP
At the Parkinson manor, Severus bowed before Voldemort.
"Severus, any word on our dear Harry Potter?" Voldemort asked from where he was sitting. Nagini slithered around his chair.
"The boy was devastated after his failure at the ministry," Snape said smoothly, occluding his thoughts. "He was so distraught, he threw a fit in the Headmaster's office." he smirked.
"He must be grieving terribly for his godfather," Voldemort said gleefully.
"Oh, yes. He blames the Headmaster for his loss. And me, as well." Snape said.
Voldemort smirked. "Of course. Ah, a broken Potter. It does make me happy."
Bellatrix cackled with delight. "Shall I send him a condolence card?"
Voldemort gave a laugh before focusing back on Snape. "What are Potter's plans for the summer? He is still at his relatives, isn't he?"
"Yes. Dumbledore sent him home, against the brat's wishes. He wants him to stay there for the summer, for his protection," Snape answered. "He has not said if he will allow him to visit the Burrow, as he usually does in the summer."
"Find out!" Voldemort snapped. "I am sick of that boy humiliating me. If only Lucius could have retrieved the prophecy..." he face darkened. "I am working on getting him out of Azkaban. Of course, he will be punished once he is. So will his son. Do you know where Draco is, Severus?"
"No, my lord. I have not heard from him or Narcissa yet this summer," Snape lied easily.
"If you do, let me know," Voldemort stood up and paced. "Narcissa apparently has taken him and is in hiding. Draco should be here, getting ready to take the mark and make up for his father's failures."
"Narcissa is a weak fool," Bellatrix sneered. "Draco must be removed from her influence."
Snape nodded approvingly. "I agree."
"Find out what you can about Dumbledore's plans for Potter," Voldemort instructed. "And I still want to know about the prophecy. Get Dumbledore to tell you the whole of it."
"He keeps that to himself, my lord," Snape said.
"I don't care!" Voldemort hissed. "Find a way! Or find a way for me to get my hands on that seer!"
"I will, of course, do everything I can to get that information for you," Snape said.
"You may go," Voldemort said dismissively. "Oh, and Severus?"
Snape paused and braced himself. It was a rare thing for the dark lord to let one of his followers leave without some sort of punishment. "Yes, my lord?"
"Crucio!" Voldemort cackled as Snape writhed in pain on the floor. He lifted the spell. "Get me more information. Now go!"
"Yes, master. Thank you, master," Snape panted as he quickly exited the room.
HP
"Maybe we should -"
"No."
"But we could try to find -"
"No."
"Maybe if we ask -"
"No!" Draco glared at Harry. "Severus will return. We can't go find him, that would be insane. We don't even know where he is. And Severus is more than capable of handling the dark lord, he's been doing it for years."
Harry slumped in his chair. "Yeah, all right." he said dejectedly.
"I'm worried too," Draco said sympathetically. "But we can help by staying here and staying safe."
Harry drummed his fingers on the table, eyes on the floo.
"A watched floo never flares," Draco remarked.
Harry looked at him. "Huh?"
Draco shrugged. "Something my mother says. How's your Transfiguration essay going?"
"I'm pants at this subject," Harry sighed, looking down at his half done essay. It was the last of their summer homework.
"Let me see," Draco held out his and Harry handed over his homework. "Hmm," he summoned a red quill and began marking it.
"Hey, you're ruining it!" Harry protested.
Draco snorted and continued to mark the paper. "Your ideas are good, but they go nowhere. You need to expand on them. Do that and then write a strong conclusion and you have yourself a good essay."
"Thanks," Harry took his essay back, frowning slightly at all the red marks. "Perhaps you should be a professor someday," he suggested.
Draco grimaced. "Teach dunderheads? I don't know... I mean, if they were all of superior intellect like myself, then maybe..."
"You're such an arrogant prat," Harry laughed.
Draco grinned smugly, pleased to have distracted Harry from his worrying.
The boys settled back into their homework and were almost finished when the floo suddenly flared and Severus stumbled out.
"Severus!" Draco jumped up.
Harry got to him first, helping him to the sofa. "Sir? Are you okay?" He asked anxiously.
Snape nodded, his body in spasms. "Accio Anti - Cruciatus potion," he said hoarsely, holding out his hand. A moment later a vial flew into it and he quickly downed it, visibly relaxing.
"Are you all right now? Do you need any other potions?" Draco asked.
"No, I'm fine now," Snape assured both boys. "I was only hit with the Cruciatus once. The potion has taken care of the effects of the curse."
"Voldemort cursed you? Why? Does he suspect you or -" Harry began babbling.
"No, child. Calm down." Snape said quietly. "He rarely lets any of his followers leave without cursing them. To remind us of our place." he said somewhat bitterly. "He does not suspect me." he assured Harry. "He wants me to find out your plans for the summer."
"So did you say, hey Voldie, I've adopted Potter -" Harry began cheekily. He yelped when both Snape and Draco cuffed him gently on the back of head. "Just a joke," he grinned.
"Funny," Snape rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Anyway, he will find out soon enough."
"Will he come after you?"
"I'll certainly be on his naughty list," Snape said snidely.
Draco chuckled.
"I meant through your mark," Harry amended.
"I know of a potion to help prevent that," Snape assured him. He glanced at Draco. "He also wants you and your mother found."
"I bet," Draco muttered. That monster wouldn't be in their lives if his father had been stronger. If he had just chosen his wife and son over that creature. And now he was expected to follow his father's bad choices? No way.
"You are safe here and your mother has made sure to take precautions," Snape assured him.
"I know, she's safe," Draco said. "I just can't wait until that monster is gone."
Harry froze, remembering the prophecy. It was his responsibility to get rid of Voldemort and he had no idea how to do that.
Snape saw the look in his eyes. "You will not fight him alone, Harry." he said.
"Of course not, we're all in this together," Draco said.
Harry smiled.
TBC: