Guardians of Hogwarts Chapter Two Reactions and Preparations, a harry potter fanfic

Chapter Two

Reactions and Preparations

Mr. Vernon Dursley woke up that Saturday morning in September with the broadest grin he had had in years. Although, this could have acted as a sign of dread since he was giddy whenever Vernon Dursley was happy, especially since this morning. His mood only increased when he walked through the currently empty house. Though he did miss his Dudders, the lad was off making his parents proud at Smeltings Academy, the finest school in Britain, maybe even Europe.

However, he could excuse his prize son's absence since someone else was gone from these halls. That godless, ungrateful, unnatural, unruly, destructive, useless, dirty, and appalling freak was somehow out of the house. He was rid of his nephew, Harry Potter. Well, not completely rid of, though he and Petunia would relish these months away from him.

He had already planned the day. He had spent a good portion in front of the telly, watching re-runs of Fawlty Towers, Keeping Up With Appearances, and Top Gear. Converse with the neighbors, planting the idea that his nephew was sent off to St. Brutus' School for Incurably Criminal Boys, which he deserved. Then finally, after dinner of the finest Roast Beef, he would watch the evening news. A perfect day.

When he looked at his wife, he saw that she was in a good mood for the same reasons. She had already cleaned out any remnants of the Potter Boy, cleaned the house, and made him his favorite breakfast. All was right with the world. Vernon Dursley was so happy that he even let his imagination run wild, something he never did. He imagined the Potter Boy lost at the train station, homeless, begging…then his wonderous thoughts were interrupted by a ring at the doorbell.

"Who would be ringing at such an hour?" asked Petunia.

True, it was early. About six in the morning. "Probably the milkman. I'll handle this," said Vernon getting up.

"I'm sorry, but–" Vernon stopped dead in his tracks once he opened the door.

He had spoken too soon, and already his day was about to be ruined. In front of him, on his porch, at his house, in his neighborhood were his nephew's lot, his nephew's retched kind. He knew they were his kind, just by how they dressed. There were three of them. One was old and looked like a Gandalf impersonator with velvet purple robes, half-moon spectacles, and a long beard. The other was an old, stern-looking woman with green robes and a hat. The third looked around the same age as Vernon, with black robes, a hooked nose, and greasy hair.

Their very sight made his blood boil, and on instinct, Vernon moved to slam the door in their faces and call the authorities. However, the door seemed unable to move, like it was stuck in the frame, no doubt something they did.

"If you don't leave," commanded Vernon in a snarl.

"Let's not make a scene, Mr. Dursley, what would the neighbors think," replied the old woman slyly.

She knew she had hit the nail on the coffin. The Dursleys valued appearance over all else. The other two caught on to what she was doing and joined in.

"Oh look, the neighbors are already taking notice," pointed out the greasy one.

Furious and begrudged, Vernon moved aside to allow the three to enter his home. Once they did, whatever good vibes he felt evaporated instantly. He could feel nothing but resentment, anger, and disgust and knew that even now if the remainder of the day were promising, nothing would rid his mouth of the bad taste of Wizards and freaks in his house. He was a hardworking, law-abiding citizen. He paid taxes, so this would not happen.

Like the degenerates, the three freaks walked right into the kitchen, sending poor PEtunia into such a fright. This subsided when Vernon saw that she recognized the freaks, as her expression grew into a fury Vernon had never seen before.

"YOU!" Petunia snarled at the greasy one.

The greasy one only sighed and grunted. "Nice to see you too Petunia."

"You know her, Severus?" said the older woman surprised.

"Remember I knew her sister," replied Severus.

Petunia growled at the mention of her hated sibling. Severus only glared at her. Soon, the older man spoke up, and despite his anger, Vernon quickly realized this was a man he would find challenging to bully or command. So even he knew he should be quiet.

"Allow me to introduce ourselves. Professor Albus Dumbledore, you know, the crackpot old fool," Dumbledore said, looking right at Vernon with a knowing smile. "And these are my colleagues, Professor Minerva McGonagall and Professor Severus Snape."

"Petunia," said Vernon ignoring the rest. "Who are these…people?"

Vernon seemed to struggle with the last word, as he probably did not see any of these freaks as actual people. "They knew my sister," grunted Petunia. "They work at that school."

"Yes, we do and we're here to discuss certain concerns about Harry," said McGonagall sternly.

"I will not be…." Vernon's rage was eased when Dumbledore rose.

"Mr. Dursley, I suggest you sit and listen," gone was the twinkle in his eyes and the grandfatherly demeanor. At this moment, everyone knew why Albus Dumbledore was the only wizard Lord Voldemort feared.

"Now see here," Vernon almost shouted.

"I said, sit," repeated Dumbledore firmly, and in an instant, both Petunia and Vernon sat, though both were containing their rage. "Now, we can begin. Petunia, do you remember what the letter I left you with said."

"You are asking me to remember something years ago?" accused Petunia defiantly.

"If you remember it, or kept it, I would not be here today," said Dumbledore coldly. "If you had, you would have read that I would keep minimal contact if you treated him like a son."

Petunia felt unnecessary rage and unjust defiance against this man, like any action she had taken to raise Harry, no matter how cruel, was justified.

"Well where was our say in the matter, you just dropped him off at our doorstep in the middle of the night," said Petunia.

"You could have contacted the Headmaster," countered McGonagall.

"So you could suggest using your own freakiness on us. Did you ever think about us in all this mess? What we thought to have a wizard in our house. Or of Dudley, did any of you think of the safety of our own son?" demanded Petunia.

"And you think your fear justifies your actions," said Dumbledore, standing up and commanding a presence. "Do you think locking your nephew in a cupboard for ten years is justified? Do you think treating him like some servant is justified."?

Then Vernon did something wholly defiant or idiotic, or ultimately both. He stood up. "Yes, it was! Because it would stomp it out!"

"Actually, it wouldn't. Usually suppression of magical abilities would have disastrous results, often leading to the deaths of those closest, which would be your family. So, in a way, you put your family in danger," Snape said dryly.

Snape may be a bitter man, and even in the few hours he knew Harry Potter, he could not tell the difference between him and James Potter. However, he did not like abuse. It reminded him of his father, Tobias. He also did not like Petunia, mainly due to the pain she had caused Lily in her short lifetime.

Vernon and Petunia glared at Snape as he had personally insulted Dudley. For the first time in a while, when Vernon turned a new shade of puce, so did Petunia. "HOW DARE YOU!" Vernon snarled.

Then Dumbledore did something that silenced the entire room and made the two muggles realize they should be quiet. Dumbledore took out his wand. He did not aim it at them, but the sight of it warned them to be quiet.

Once the two had settled, he spoke. "Severus is right. Not only has your treatment and behavior towards Harry been appalling, but it was dangerous to even attempt to suppress his abilities. Thank god he did not become an Onscurial."

He turned to Petunia, who was slowly growing paler by the gaze of Dumbledore. "Harry is not Lily, whatever issues you held to her, would not pass to him, and what quarrels you may harbor, do not excuse the bitterness. Harry and Lily are magic, you are not."

He then turned to Vernon, who had enough smarts to know to be silent. "You, Mr. Dursley, are a small man. You have small complaints and interests that do not go beyond the narrow view of the world you created for yourself. For that, I pity both of you."

"I now see leaving Harry here was a mistake, a mistake I will be ashamed of for the remainder of my years. I would have had him return if the protection stayed, but the blood wards of your home no longer matter, and new protection has befallen Me. Potter."

Both Vernon and Petunia's expressions changed from fright to surprise. The three wizards were disgusted to see them hold back possible excitement.

"So, the boy will be leaving ?" asked Petunia.

"Yes," Dumbledore then took out a piece of parchment and, with a wave of his wand, an ink, and quill. "Sign here, and Harry will never have to set foot in here again."

"And you'll be taking him in?" asked Vernon.

"No, he will stay at Hogwarts and Minerva here will act as his magical Guardian until he becomes of age. You will still act as his legal Guardian, but you'll hand over certain rights to Minerva. Seeing is how she was right about you all along," explained Dumbledore.

Vernon, like a greedy child during dinner, grabbed the parchment and immediately signed it. However, the three wizards were surprised to see Petunia hesitated for a moment before signing her name herself. Dumbledore then stared at them gravely.

"However, I must warn you. Now that the protection is gone, your lives will be at risk," Dumbledore then drew a card from his pocket and placed it on the table. "Contact me if anything transpires."

Without another word, mainly because none of the magical wished to be in the presence of these two anymore, they had departed. As Snape filled out, he could hear giddy cheers from the two muggles. Deciding to have a bit of fun in Lily's honor, Snape cast a silent charm on the two adult Dursleys, caught by his two colleagues.

"What charm did you just use on them?" asked McGonagall.

"Constipation Charm. For the next few days or weeks, they will be in the bathroom once every hour," said Snape with the hints of a smile.

"That seems uncouth," replied Dumbledore.

"Why don't you counter the charm then?" asked Snape.

"I said it was uncouth, not unearned," the old headmaster replied with a grin. "Now, here. Take my hand."

Within little more than a second, they were gone and transported across the country to Hogsmeade Village, just inside the Hog's Head Inn, before it opened in an hour. The three had apperated countless times before and reacted efficiently, not breaking their stance as they found themselves in the bar.

"Well,, that went as well as to be expected," said Dumbledore.

"Do you think they'll keep in contact?" asked Snape.

"Unfortunately doubtful," replied Dumbledore.

"I'm surprised you allowed Harry Potter to leave. After all, you insisted all these years he was safest there," inquired McGonagall.

"A last, even if young Mr. Potter had not been mistreated, the wards would have begun to fail. The Blood Wards would have stayed intact until Mr. Potter came of age or as long as he called Privet Drive home. However, with his new position as one of the Guardians, he will call Hogwarts his home, and when the time comes to form a coven, he'll be seen as an adult in the Wizarding World, though not without a guardian. Which is why I thought of you, though it is complicated," explained Dumbledore.

"Complicated how?" asked Snape.

Professor McGonagall looked unease. "I am not his true magical guardian, as Harry already has a godfather."

Snape's eyes widened. "Black," he said.

"Precisely. Moreover, even though Black is locked away, the will made by James and Lily was binding, so Minerva can only act as a temporary magical guardian. Though, if we are not careful, someone might try something," said Dumbledore.

"No doubt Lucius. He would love to get his hands on another guardian," explained Snape.

"Quite right, so for now, let us keep this matter between ourselves. Now, back to the castle. We have a rather busy day ahead of us," said Dumbledore.

Snape glared at no one in particular. Already he was loathing the day ahead of him—a day of dinners, parties, and the sort of nonsense he hated.

Harry had never slept like this before. Granted, it was due to never knowing comfort like this before. He was currently sleeping in what had to be the comfiest bed in the entire school, with a room, not a suite, all to himself. So when a small creature woke him up, he was a little groggy.

"Wake, young guardian, wake," the creature insisted.

Slowly one eye began to open, and when Harry saw what awoke him, he got right up. Standing by his bedside was a small creature with large tennis ball-sized eyes, big eyes, and leathery skin. The creature also appeared older, with a long gray beard and glasses. If Harry had known or seen a house elf before, he would know this was an unusual house elf. He wore small bright red robes, his beard seemed well groomed, and he had glasses.

"Gordy just came to wake the young guardian," Gordy said to Harry in an oddly prominent voice.

"Uhm, excuse me but, who and what are you?" asked Harry.

"Silly Gordy. I am Gordy the Head House Elf at Hogwarts. Headmaster Dumbledore sent me to fetch your breakfast after you get ready," replied Gordy.

"Okay, so should I meet anyone in the Great Hall?" asked Harry.

"Actually, you have the option to eat either in the Great Hall or in the suites dining room," offered Gordy.

"Dining Room!"

"Yes, this tower, like many places at Hogwarts, is enchanted. The Dining Room is on the bottom floor, next to Guardian Malfoy's suite," answered Gordy. "Though, Headmaster Dumbledore has advised Gordy to have Guardian Potter eat with the other three guardians for this morning, to better know them."

Harry nodded, meaning yes, and with a smile, the elf disappeared. As Harry got ready, he found calmness in his preparation. No mad rush to get up before anyone, not Dursleys to shove him out. No, he was going to take his time. When Harry was ready, he could not help but be proud of this room.

When he arrived in the Dining Room, Ron, Neville, and Draco were already there and seemed to be waiting for him.

"Where you been, mate?" asked Ron, clearly hungry.

"Sorry, I've never slept in a place this good," replied Harry.

"I know, Fred and George will be begging to let them stay here," said Ron.

Once Harry was seated, food magically appeared in front of them. Harry had never seen an assortment like this, with each dish putting anything Aunt Petunia or he had cooked to shame. He cooked waffles, pancakes, sausages, eggs, and bacon galore. Without a second thought, Harry filled up his plate.

Harry enjoyed himself without Aunt Petunia to give him scraps or Dudley there to steal his meal. He enjoyed the stacks of eggs, sausages, and bacon and relished that this was a more refined meal than anything the Dursleys had eaten.

However, as Harry settled in, he noticed that none of the other boys were talking with one another. Ron was stuffing her mouth with as much food as he could, while Draco kept his eyes to himself and ate like he was at some fancy restaurant, overly proper. Neville just kept to himself.

"How was your all of your nights? Did you sleep alright?" asked Harry to the room at large.

Draco stared at him like he had committed some tremendous faux pas. Despite how annoying and stuck-up he saw the Malfoy boy, he knew he would likely be spending much time with him, as well as Ron and Neville. He might as well get used to them.

Neville looked surprised, but Ron looked happy to answer. "As I said, better than fine. I feel like a king," he replied.

"Well considering how poor your family is, anyplace would make you feel like a king," said Malfoy.

Ron's ears turned red as he grew angry. Thankfully, Harry replied. "You know, Malfoy, we're going to be spending much more time together, so you might as well start acting nice," said Harry.

"I am a Malfoy and a Guardian, why should I waste niceties on anyone lower than me," replied Draco triumphantly.

However, Ron, gaining some courage, decided to retort. "You know, Harry is the Boy Who Lived and a Guardian, so that means he's actually of a higher standard than you," Ron said.

Draco quickly turned embarrassed as his pale cheeks turned crimson. Just then, Neville decided to speak.

"Maybe Harry's right. We're all gonna be spending a lot more time together, so we might as well at the very least try to get along," argued Neville.

"Thank you, Neville," said Harry.

The Longbottom boy beamed at the praise from his fellow Guardian, which caused Harry to smile. Draco only seemed annoyed by this, as he muttered to himself as he ate. Ron took this as amusing and began to converse with Harry and Neville. They talked about life before Hogwarts, family, Quidditch (a game Harry was eager to play), and finally, what to expect from these coming dinners and meetings. Draco would occasionally look to them throughout these conversations or even join in to describe his life and Quidditch skills, though it seemed more like boasting than anything.

When they were done, Gordy once again reappeared in front of them. "Young guardians are requested at the Headmaster's Office, for a very busy day approaches," the elf said.

When Harry went to grab his plate, he saw it was gone. The other three did not seem surprised by this disappearance and got up. Harry made a mental note to himself to remember that if anything unexpected does happen, it is undoubtedly magic.

The fires in Professor Dumbledore's fireplace turned green as he and the other teachers in his Office knew the parents had arrived. Unfortunately, that meant the Malfoys had arrived. Out of all the parents and caretakers for the Hogwarts Guardians, even the temperamental Molly Weasley, and Augusta Longbottom, the Senior Malfoy was the one meeting none of them were looking forward to.

Even the potions master, Severus Snape, was dreading this. However, Snape was already in a bad mood on the way back to the castle from Hogsmeade. After they visited Privet Drive, the three teachers had to use Aberforth's Floo to return to the school. A small army of reporters had stationed themselves outside the gates of Hogwarts, hoping to receive news on the Guardians. The morning Daily Prophet had nothing but news on the Guardians, with interviews with Cornelius Fudge, Lucius Malfoy, and Gilderoy Lockhart for some odd reason.

"If the Guardians require any guidance, I would be sure to offer it at a moment's notice," Gilderoy boasted, causing Snape to cringe even at the thought.

Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy entered through the fireplace. The teachers of Hogwarts were already taken back by the smug and triumphant look on Lucius' face like he had won some grand prize. Like Draco had won a spelling bee, Narcissa also looked happy but in a motherly prideful way.

"Ah, Lucius and Narcissa, pleased to see you," welcomed Dumbledore. "Have a seat."

The two sat instantly in front of the Headmaster, Lucius eyeing the place. Despite his pride, he still could not bring himself to care for the aged headmaster or show faint glimmers of a false respect for the man. Narcissa, on the other hand, looked overjoyed.

"Exciting isn't it," said Narcissa.

"Yes, indeed. Never in my wildest would I think I'd live to see such a day," said Dumbledore.

"Yes, and my son no less. Now, I have taken the liberty of compiling a list of suitable teachers and instructors for my son," said Lucius in a commanding tone, handing Dumbledore the list.

Dumbledore pretended to study the list, but it consisted solely of either possible dark witches and wizards or associates of Lucius. "Thank you, Lucius, however, I have already chosen the teachers for your son and other Guardians," replied Dumbledore.

Lucius' lips pursed. "Doesn't it seem inappropriate to choose instructors so early?"

"Classes begin Monday, and so will the training of our Guardians. Luckily, I did not decide this on a whim, as each of the teachers for each Guardian was chosen very carefully. In fact, Severus over here is one teacher, as is your old Potions Master, Horace Slughorn," explained Dumbledore.

"Is this true, Severus?" asked Lucius.

"Yes," Snape answered quickly.

This seemed to satisfy Lucius, though his expression again soured when the next topic entered his mind. "Are the Guardians separate?"

There it was, there was the Lucius Dumbledore knew. "No, to be fair it is crucial the Guardians familiarize themselves with each other, as if they are to defend this castle, certainly they will have to work together."

"Could it be possible that Draco is the Guardian of Slytherin and its values," said Lucius.

"Mr. Malfoy-" began McGonagall.

"Sir," corrected Lucius, causing his wife to roll her eyes.

"Sir," replied McGonagall bitterly. "Draco is not just a representative of his house, but of the school as a whole as well. Therefore, he will have to mingle with not only the other Guardians, but the rest of the school as well. Surely you can understand the importance of this unity?"

"I have to agree with the staff here, Lucius. If Draco is to take his role as a Guardian seriously, he will have to converse with the others, even Potter and Weasley," said Narcissa firmly.

Lucius looked like he was about to retort or argue, but Dumbledore and Narcissa saw something. They saw the wheels in his head turning, a plan forming, and a new angel to approach with this. Lucius grinned at his cleverness.

"Fine," he said casually.

Dumbledore would need to confront this later on.

"There is also the question of the coven," said a nervous Narcissa.

"Yes, I thought that would come up. All the covens have already been registered with the Ministry, though I can tell you have your own concern," said Dumbledore gently.

"Me and Lucius were hoping to talk with Draco on our own. You must forgive us, we understand the coven is necessary, given the possible magical overload from the school's own magic, but still, a coven while so young, it's a bit of a shock," explained Narcissa.

"We can understand," said Flitwick patiently. "Thankfully, we all have taken precautions to ensure the Guardians understand what being in a coven means. However, we were hoping their parents and guardians would talk with them."

"I have asked all four of the Guardians, including your son, to come outside my Office so you could talk with them," said Dumbledore.

This pleased both Malfoy's parents, though both for entirely different reasons. Narcissa was more concerned that her son would be taken advantage of by some witch, while Lucius was sure he could influence Draco's choice. The rest of the meeting was more officious than anything. By the end of the meeting, Lucius and Narcissa were eager to see their son. Dumbledore said they were outside. As they left, Lucius gave a slightly agitated look.

"You alright?" asked Narcissa.

"Yes, just a cramp," lied Lucius as he itched his arm, which felt pained.

He had not felt that Mark caused any feeling in the past years, and Lucius wrote the slight pain off as old wounds out of paranoia. He should have been suspicious, for he did not see Professor Quirrell staring at him.

Harry now realized that he had to get used to the stares, whispers, and random people approaching him, though it seemed the other three were also starting to realize this. As they walked to the Headmaster's Office, voices seemed to follow them.

"Did you see the scar?"

"So the Malfoy Heir is a Guardian?"

"You think he will be like his brothers?"

"I wonder if he'll be like his parents?"

"They seem a little short for Guardians of Hogwarts?"

Not only that, but a portion of the female population would say hi whenever they passed by. At one point, Draco was met by Pansy Parkinson, Daphne Greengrass, and Millicent Bulstrode.

"Hello, Draco," said Pansy warmly.

They exchanged a short conversation, and while none of the three girls was a hostel or meant to Harry, Ron, and Neville, Millicent even said hello to them. They seemed entirely focused on Draco, though Daphne did give the three other boys a wave. Though, it was not just them.

"Ron! Harry! Neville!" said Hermione Granger, chasing after them with a book.

She stopped behind her were two other girls, whom Harry recognized as her fellow Ravenclaws, Padma Patil and Sue Li. Ron remembered the three girls talking during last night's dinner, assuming they must be friends. Both Padma and Sue were cute, though the Padma seemed to carry herself more neatly, while Sue had short hair with a blue bow.

"Hey, Hermione?" Ron said, a little out of breath, remembering all the questions she kept asking him last night.

"We were hoping to find you," said Sue.

"We found something about covens," said the Padma excitedly.

"Oh yes," said Hermione even more enthusiastically. "Professor Flitwick gave us a list of books to look at, even one from his own library. We found some information on covens you might need."

"Sorry, but we have to go meet with Dumbledore, see you," said Ron hastily.

"But, you can walk with us and talk if you wish," added Harry.

Both Ron and Draco gave Harry looks of annoyance, Ron because he found Hermione to be a know-it-all, and Draco because of her lineage. Harry just thought they might as well want to learn more about covens.

All three girls beamed at being able to share this news. "Okay, here is what we learned," said the Padma as the three walked with the Guardians.

"So, there's a reason people in covens fall in love, it's because they share magic. In a coven, you share magic, because you share something so deeply connected to your own being, people in covens tend to fall in love," explained Hermione.

"Really," blushed Neville.

While Ron and Draco seemed to ignore the girls, Harry could not help but listen. He was surprised by this, the fact that he would have to find other women and, within the coven, would most likely fall in love with them.

"But no one has formed a coven in over years, so it's not an entirely proven fact," added Sue.

"We may be running on assumptions, though Flitwick says so are the staff," said Padma

This relieved Harry, maybe he would not be forced to take six women in, and if he did, he might not be forced to marry them. In no time at all, they reached Dumbledore's Office. The three girls who followed them said their goodbyes.

"Good luck," said Hermione.

"Um, Hermione, could I borrow that book?" asked Harry. "I promise I'll return it."

Hermione was surprised but then complimented. "Of course, I only took it out to help you, Ron, and Neville."

"Thanks," said Harry.

"Yeah thanks," added Neville.

Harry then elbowed Ron. "Yeah, thanks," said Ron.

The three girls smiled and waved as they walked away. Once out of earshot and out of view, they began to converse with each other.

"Which one do you think is cuter?" asked Sue.

"Neville is a little cubby, and Harry and Ron are skinny but so nice," giggled Padma.

"Not this again, why are you two obsessed with their looks," said Hermione exhausted.

"Hey, it's not just us. Most of the first years are into those three," said Sue.

"Yes, my sister, Parvati and her new friend Lavender wouldn't stop talking about Harry," said Padma. "Isn't that why you gave them the book?"

"No," said Hermione scandalized. "I helped Neville out on the train, and where I met Harry and Ron. I was just trying to be friendly."

Outside the Headmaster's Office, the four Guardians were met by two adults, one who looked like an older Draco and the other a beautiful and elegant female, who Neville, Harry, and Ron, despite never having met these two, knew in an instant these were Draco's parents.

"Draco," said the woman warmly. "And you three must be Harry, Ron, and Neville."

While all four boys were perplexed by Narcissa's kindness, Lucius eyed the other three boys like they were something rotten. "Come, Draco. There is much we need to discuss, in private," he said, ushering his wife and son away.

Neville and Harry looked confused while Ron glared. He promised to explain to them later before the door to the Office opened, and out popped Professor McGonagall. "You boys can come in," she said.

Meanwhile, Lucius had taken his family to a secluded corridor in the castle, away from students or portraits, something surprising in an active school like this. Draco's mother at once hugged the lad, telling him how proud she was. When Draco turned to his father, he expected some form of pride, some gratification from his father. However, when Draco looked at the face of his father, he saw the usually severe and stoic face he always saw his father.

"Now, Draco," yes, he recognized that tone anywhere, "you have entered a glorious opportunity for our family. To have two members in influential roles at the school, could keep Dumbledore in check, as well as keep tabs on certain individuals."

Lucius did not need to be specific. Draco knew he was talking about Potter and the two other blood traitor Guardians. Draco did well in masking his disappointment, and he had been masking it his entire life.

"Yes, father," answered Draco robotically.

"Yes, now, while you are still young and have the next of seven years to accumulate a coven, I have taken the liberty of compiling a list of suitable candidates," said Lucius, handing his son a list.

Narcissa was horrified. She was hoping to talk with her son about this and discuss what a coven is and what it will mean to be in one, but here, Lucius just handed him a list and treated this like a business deal. Draco, for his part, merely took the list and acted like a good son, taking the list proudly.

"I'll be sure to examine it later," said Draco.

After other matters were settled, Lucius signaled for Narcissa to leave. "Come, dear, Severus allowed us to use the Floo in his office," Lucius said matter of factly.

"You go ahead of me, I just want to catch up with our son," she said.

Lucius eyed her suspiciously, but she insisted. Rather than argue or make some scene, he gave her a puzzled look and left. Once he was out of sight, Narcissa adopted her motherly side. She stared at Draco, concern in her eyes.

"Draco, how are you feeling about all of this. Do you feel overwhelmed at all?" she asked.

"Why would I be, I am a Malfoy after all," he replied proudly.

Lucius is ruining this child, she thought quite bitterly. He was eleven years old, had just had this tremendous responsibility burdened on his shoulders, and failed to see the consequences of being a Guardian of Hogwarts. Despite the limited abilities of Weasley, Longbottom, and Potter, Narcissa suspected Dumbledore and their caregivers would at least impart some of the importance of what lay ahead. Narcissa sighed as she approached her son.

"Draco, I hope you understand the grave importance at hand. I want you to take this seriously," said Narcissa sternly.

"Of course, I do," insisted Draco.

"I mean it. Listen to your teachers, all of them. I met and worked with a lot of them, in fact one of your teachers was mine when I was your age. Even listen to Dumbledore and McGonagall," said Narcissa.

"But father said Dumbledore was the worst thing to happen to this school," replied Draco, scandalized.

Narcissa decided on an alternate approach. "Draco, a Slytherin, should be cunning. Being cunning means placing yourself in the presence of those who are influential, even if you don't like them. Do as your father does and put up with Dumbledore."

This seemed to break through to her son as he nodded approvingly.

"Good," she said. Hopefully, the Guardian business can knock some sense into him, she thought proudly.

Harry, Ron, and Neville walked into the Headmaster's Office, expecting more of the same from the previous day. However, Harry and Neville were surprised when Ron was immediately engulfed in a pair of arms once he entered the Office. Harry at once recognized the appearance of Ron's mother, the same woman who helped him onto Platform Nine and Three Quarters. Harry was glad to see she was proud of her son, as at that moment, she was practically strangling him in a bone-crushing hug, and while Ron did appear slightly embarrassed, there were her finds of pride in his expression.

Then, a somewhat intimidating woman in a hat with a stuffed vulture on top approach Neville and look at him with a proud smile. She placed a hand on his shoulder, which must have been a grand gesture of approval since Neville looked surprised by this.

As Harry observed the scene, the diminutive form of a girl with red hair and bright brown eyes walked up to him.

"You must be Ron's sister, the one who wished me luck," said Harry. "Ginny, right?"

"Yes," she answered meekly. "Nice to meet you."

So, there is Chapter Two. The dinner and maybe even the training will be in the next chapter. I wrote long and felt this was a nice place to end it. A lot of the next chapter was supposed to be in this chapter, but I overwrote it.

Can surprised harry leave the Dursleys forever? There are reasons behind this, well, two main reasons. As I mentioned before, I would not say I like bashing, and I felt this was an excellent way to show Dumbledore is supportive. Second, I wanted Harry to spend his holidays with the other Guardians to build a relationship with them, which meant getting rid of the Dursleys. They will appear again, in another way.

I hope you enjoyed the school's reaction to them. Some build-ups, especially with Hermione. I made her in Ravenclaw since Harry and Ron will spend less time with the school's population. Build up with Hermione, Ginny, and Pansy.

Draco is capable of redemption and growth, but he had too much of his father's influence on him and not enough of his mother's. On a side note, each will grow more and more and come out differently. Ron, Neville, Harry, Draco, Hermione, and Ginny's development would be different here.

If you have any suggestions or ideas, please feel free to comment. I strongly encourage that till next time.