A Single Choice

Chapter Five- Of Magic and Mishaps

By- IceWind

A/N:

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and everything in its franchise is owned by J.K Rowling and whoever else has rights to the books. I have no claim whatsoever to the characters; the plot is entirely mine though, as is any new characters that I might introduce into the story. Rating is PG-13; though it may turn to R later.

Warnings: Probably slash in later chapters… which for those who do not know what that means, it means boy/boy, yaoi, shounen-ai, or homosexuals if you want to get technical. It's AU (alternate universe) Definitely AU; nobody could mistake it for anything else. I accept constructive criticism, and flames are fine as well just as long as you don't care if I write a reply, most probably sarcastic, unless you actually had a good reason… though that would probably go under the constructive criticism column and I wouldn't do anything but thank you. ^_^

Umm… I've been reading Aya (Ran)/Brad fics? (Weiss Kreuz, anime, damn hot guys *giggles*) Of course, it's just like me to choose such an undone pairing *starts sniffling* I'd choose Aya/Ken, but… I don't think that they'd be a good couple *gags at the thought* ^^; I have a thing for enemies being together, which is kind of obvious… Err… that's part of the reason why this is so late. *giggles* School sucks, burn it down and I'll make you a story ALL for you… (j/k, really… okay, only a bit)  And that's the rest of my excuse; I trust that I don't need to expand upon it?

The Kuro no Tenshi: *cackles* I know what your name means! *feels proud of herself* lol. Yeah, I'm obsessed with anime, can you tell? Anyway, thanks for reviewing.

Kimmy: Haha, I strive to make it cute *sweatdrops* Ron… *shudders and keels over* my hate for him is only rivaled by my hate for Ginny *devil horns appear* But I'm not saying anything about the Ron, Draco thing with Harry. *smirks* Oh yeah, I'm evil. *pricks herself on one of her horns and wails* oww!

Kiko and co: Hmm… one vote for Ravenclaw *giggles* You… umm… love me? *sweatdrop* Err…  I'm fond of you too… *snickers*

Lilyana: *blinks at you* Original pets? Ehhhh? *ponders to self* Dunno what you're talking about *squee!* but why don't you tell me? Lol

Mindel: *giggles* You're welcome, thanks for reviewing. I just never wonder if I should continue on with writing these individual notes… but I like doing it personally. Hehehe. Mmm… Lucius CAN be a bastard at times… but other times I'm fond of him. *smirks* Pups? Significance? Maybbee….

Tima: *grins* I suppose another one for Slytherin. Your fic? Why not, though next time when asking *grin slightly* I wouldn't mind an original review? *sweatdrop* Umm… you know what I mean; I kinda saw the same one on different stories. *giggles* ah well…

Watson: *smirks* Hmm… you're thinking like me! ^__^

Fanny chan: Original? Eh, personally I don't think so *looks sad* but hell, if you think so then I'm happy! *grins* Ah ahahaha… another Gryffindor vote! Yay! I got your longest review ever! *throws a party*

Fireangel: Haha… but I think Lucius is trying to break them out of the habit of sleeping with each other *pouts* Silly Lucius.

Cynic: *large sweatdrop* But ponies are too big! *twitch* Okay, so I was thinking of getting Draco a dragon before… ^^; Snape… hahaha, this is gunna be fun.

Maria: *grins* It may or may not be Harry and Draco. I'm only considering one other pairing with Harry and someone else… but I'll come to make that decision when they grow older, no hormones yet at 5 *pokes them* Lol, but it does seem to be turning into a Harry/Draco fic…*large sweatdrop* Do you know how completely close you are with your guess? Eh heh, heh, heh… ^^; And I like reviews, so keep writing if you want. ^__^

Carneol: White clothes? SQUEE! I know those people! ^__^ lol, j/k, not crazy… err not yet I think anyway. Yeah bad guys are just sexy aren't they? I like slash as well… hell, can't read a HP fic without some form of slash or no pairings at all *twitch* Soo… a vote for Slytherin? *jots it down*

Xamona: Entirely plausible huh? *smirks and proudly beams* I try to keep a degree of realism… as realistic you can get with Harry Potter and magic and stuff lol. Hahaha… I scared you? My dear girl, you do not know how scary I can be… *cackles insanely* Ok, ok *calms down* ^^; Thanks for reviewing.

Laura Holmes: *cackles* and the SECOND person to figure it out! ^__^ Shh! Don't tell anyone else!

Atly: Wow, long review, I love you. *sweatdrop* Okay, I'm fond of you, perhaps not 'love' ^.~ Hehehe, I plan for LOTS of angsty goodness… after a bit more fluffy chapters of course. ^^; these things have to have a logical procession you know? Can't have angst pop out of nowhere! There are more than one reason for Harry to go into one house or another, perhaps it has something to do with Lucius' plans later on? *shuts up and smiles pleasantly* Mmm… I made up my decision on when the boys are going to Hogwarts, let me say that you'll all be surprised *looks utterly smug* Another thing… you are assuming, my dear girl, that Dumbledore is going to know that Lucius is Harry's guardian *grins* perhaps, perhaps not, let's see how the dice rolls, ne? I'm not yet sure if it's going to be a Draco/Harry fic… mmm actually, I'm leaning towards there, but I can't forget about… *shuts up again*

Jalee: *blinks several times and cowers* Don't hurt the authoress! She does nothing but writes what her mind tells her to write! *looks up at you timidly* Umm… if it makes you feel better, I can make a cold Draco later on… *grins knowingly* but… ah, not saying anything more on that subject. *straightens* Goodie! Not a flame! *giggles* Yeah, I know this young age is embarrassing, but it is enquired for the plot… soooooo *grins* you are stuck with them at the age of five for a few more chapters… 1 or 2, possibly 3, before I bump them up. Mmm… I don't have the ending completely worked out yet, but I hope it's going to be a good ending *snickers* and this is gunna be one long fic *sweatdrops* at the current rate I'm going at, I'm going to be done around 40 chapters, rough estimate of course. *grins* Personality altercations? *smirks* You forget my dear friend, that they still have to grow up. ^__^ who knows what can happen to them while they are… other than me of course! *cackles*

Rainyday88/Raiyden Seth/Caelestis/Samantha/Melanie/Zipzoey/Lady Phoenix Gryffindor/npetrenko/starsong: lol, thanks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A sigh escaped Lucius' lips and he said one more time, "No, you may not. It's not seemly for a Malfoy." He was faced with twin pouts and he resisted the urge to rub his head, or bang it against a wall… or chuck the two little boys out the window. Not only would that make a mess, but Narcissa would be greatly displeased, and that was never good.

"But I'm not a Mawfoy!" Harry chirped up brightly, a bright gleam in his emerald green eyes, "So I can go in with Dwaco! He doesn't have ta' do it! 'Sides… I almost always go!" He beamed from his place at Draco's side, clinging to the other boy's sleeve as if afraid that they'll be separated. Ayrin laid by Harry's side, the black pup looking upon the proceedings with little interest.

"…" Lucius nearly rolled his eyes before restraining himself from the un-Malfoy like gesture. He couldn't seem to understand the need the two boys had for each other, it was not the norm and most definitely not behavior befitting for a Malfoy… no matter how cute the duo could be. He looked at their shining eyes and felt like a, a… bastard. Yup, that was what he felt like. Ugh, especially with what's coming up… why couldn't Narcissa do this? Finally he settled for shaking his head, face perfectly composed, "No. Now come along, I need to give Harry his birthday present and we need to get going." With that, he turned around and walked towards the study, the sound of following footsteps following him.

Draco scowled slightly at his father's back and looked towards Harry, who was walking next to him. He raised a small hand and brushed it through his hair in an irritable manner, finally sending to the boy next to him, -Not fair- His white pup ghosted along silently next to him, Tyr's pale eyes looking around idly. He too, was disappointed that he couldn't sleep with his brother anymore, but he took it in stride, they were only puppies of course and got over such surprises much faster than some may think. Besides, they could always see each other, right?

-I know… but we get to go the Diagon Alley! You told me so much 'bout it, but I've always wanted to see it myself!- Harry's mind voice chattered on excitedly in Draco's head, resolving to face the problem Lucius represented at a later date. The main reason why he was so excited was that he was never allowed to leave the manor… ever, while Draco was allowed to accompany Narcissa and Lucius on small trips, in fact, it was expected of the young heir. Always, Draco told Harry stories about the world outside the manor, but… it just wasn't the same as experiencing it all himself.

A faint smile curved on Draco's face as he reached down absentmindedly to curl his fingers in Tyr's fur as he walked. -And father said that he's going to give you a present for your birthday! But isn't that next week? Wonder what he got you…- The small boy's silver eyes fixed onto his father's back, a contemplative look rising within them before it was banished by a flash of joy over the prospect of visiting Diagon again.

Why do you not just ask the tall alpha? Ayrin's mind-voice flashed across the boys minds lazily, Tyr listening in. The ebony pup wiggled his tail and pranced in place, seemingly pleased with his sage advice that he could give his pack mates.

A quick mental affirmative touched the pup's mind and Harry piped up cheekily, "What did you get me?" He spoke carefully, enunciating each word perfectly as he put on his most adorable face that he could. Idly he wondered why it seemed to take longer than necessary to get to the study, but he dismissed it from his mind briefly after the thought, deciding the manor was playing tricks again… silly manor. He strove to widen his eyes when Lucius turned around to look at him, and the man regarded him carefully for a moment.

 …Sometimes I think they give me these sorts of faces on purpose. Deciding that it wasn't going to work this time, Lucius graced the boy's with a faint smile, shaking his head, "You shall find out in the study," he paused and suddenly looked around, "That is, if the manor decides to let us get there in the first place." At the fringes of his awareness -knowing that the boys could feel this as well- he felt the house give something akin to a sigh (if a house could sigh) and an assent.

Suddenly they took a right turn and in front of them were the study doors, which Lucius opened, waving for the boys to follow after him. "Hurry up now." Inside, Narcissa was sitting down on an elegantly carved chair, facing a fire, her features calm and thoughtful. She was absentmindedly played with the edge of the silk chair covers, feeling the sleek material slide under her fingers as she turned around to look at her son and Harry.

A smile lit up her face, making, what may be looked at as foreboding, features soften and turn lovelier than before. She eyed the two children and the Astrali wolves, speaking lightly to them all, "Are you ready?" The boys would be traveling through the floo network… a one-sided floo network that was hidden from the ministry's prying eyes. It was ridiculously easy to do; then again, the current Malfoy's weren't the ones who set it up. That was done years ago, near the time when the floo network was first invented. They would usually use apparating… but that was a bit more complicated and the boys might panic, especially Harry.

Enthusiastic yeses greeted her, but suddenly Harry whirled around to face Lucius, his bottom lip sticking out as he spoke slowly, "I dun get a present?" He looked as forlorn as he could, huddling down in his black robes, eyes widening, his bottom lip trembling as if he was going to cry. Next to him, Draco looked on appreciatively, deciding to try to copy Harry's way the next time he wanted something…

Lucius' eyes softened slightly at the face and he sighed, shaking his head ruefully as he flicked his wand. With the right gestures and a brief word, a silver box rose and fly towards Harry, letting the little boy catch it. "Hn, happy early birthday I suppose." His gray eyes held a brief look of smugness when Harry opened the gift and brought out a silver cloak…

The shining, silvery cloth was raised, beautiful. Harry touched it tentatively with a finger, feeling the material, strange, as if water was woven into the cloth. He turned it over and over in his hands, stroking it lightly while a puzzled look spread across his face. Finally he turned towards Lucius and spoke, "Pretty!" Next to him, Draco reached out a hand to touch the cloak as well, his bright silver eyes curious.

"That's it?" Lucius asked idly, narrowing his eyes a bit. At the confused looks on the boy's faces he shook his head lightly and spoke again, "It is an invisibility cloak. Remind me to step up their training greatly, love, this is getting ridiculous." The last sentence was directed at Narcissa who nodded her head once, while looking at the children.

"Ina… Invis…" Harry stumbled over the word and finally shrugged, putting on the cloak with a great flourish. He giggled softly to himself when he was completely covered with it, twisting around to look towards Draco as he chirped out happily, "How do I look?" A smile appeared on his lips as he felt the comforting darkness as he looked towards his pale companion.

"Hawwy?" A puzzled look crept onto Draco's face, "Where are you?" Lucius just looked smug while Narcissa seemed greatly amused by the entire event. The puzzlement swiftly turned into panic and the small boy turned wildly towards his father, yelping, "Hawwy's gone! Tyr! Find him!"

Even the wolf pups looked confused as Tyr hesitantly did what Draco told him, padding around and sniffing the ground before stopping in front of the invisible boy. He gave a soft bark and wagged his tail, cocking his slender head as he asked, Why can we not see you? Next to him, Ayrin padded around and gently pulled on the edge of the cloak, exposing Harry's head and part of his right arm.

Draco took a step back; eyes wide and horrified as he saw only a head and an arm floating in the air, he gave a soft shriek and stumbled back, "Hawwy! AHH!" He flung a frantic gaze towards Lucius, eyes incomprehensible. Meanwhile, Harry was looking terribly confused and considerably frightened by Draco's yell…

A soft laugh escaped Narcissa's mouth and she walked over to Harry, gently tugging off the rest of the cloak in a flourish, revealing the boy. Immediately Draco seemed to calm down, even look slightly sheepish, and he gazed avidly towards the cloak and Harry, finally asking, "Hawwy… was there, but not… there?" He couldn't help but smile at Harry's continued puzzlement, sending to him, -You were there, but after you put on that cloak, you weren't there… That was brilliant!-

Immediately at that silent statement, Harry whirled towards Lucius with shining eyes, a wide grin set on his face as he jumped on the man and gave him a large hug before getting off and doing the same to Narcissa. He giggled within the circle of her arms and backed away, chirping out a happy, "Brilliant!" having copied Draco's word, "I wuv it!"

Having been momentarily shocked by the sudden force of a hug and the just as fast the disappearance of said hug, Lucius shook his head lightly and strove to regain control of the situation, calling out imperiously, "Well, we have to go now. So hurry up and get your floo power boys… love, open the network while I get them both ready." Suddenly seeing two small arms fly out to grab their respective wolf's necks, he barked out, "Tyr and Ayrin stay at the manor!"

Not even the adorable pouts and puppy-faces the two gave him made Lucius sway in his decision, knowing very well what kind of trouble the two pups could get into with Harry and Draco commanding them. Now, if only there was a way to not have the pup's panic when they were gone… since the bond was relatively new, it was weaker than it will be and so the boy's could only hear their pups from a three-mile radius so far. That of course, would make both the animals and boys unhappy, but the boys would cope with it better than Tyr and Ayrin.

"Now," Lucius spoke in a brisk tone, his gray eyes surveying the scene, "Let us depart. Hurry up now, you can meet back with the pups when you get home." His eyes pinned onto Harry's small form, mouth twisting slightly in vague amusement. "You, of course, are going to use the cloak now, remember Harry… you are not allowed to have anyone see you or know that you are there. The only reason I'm bringing you today is to get your wand. When we get to Diagon Alley I want you to hold onto my robes… give it a tug every once in a while so I'm sure that you're there."

Suddenly his expression sobered and his pale eyes swung over to his wife, "Narcissa… I want you to begin the preparations we spoke of last night." At her angered expression he grimaced slightly before his face became stern, "I'm not changing my decision, love."

Both their eyes locked onto each other and Narcissa was the first to turn away, a brief flash of sadness passing through her eyes. Of course the boys were too caught up with their pup's laments to actually notice anything strange going on; they had their own problems as well. Finally it seemed as if they were all ready and Harry swept on his cloak, going to be the first one to get into Diagon Alley…

~

-So many people…- Harry gave a soft whimper and buried his hands deeper into Lucius' robes, emerald green eyes wide with fright under the cloak. He took some comfort in the fact that he was invisible and nobody could see him, but… still, he had never seen more than three people at one time, this was a shock to his system.

Silently Draco drifted back from his place at his father's side, walking next to Harry in hope that his presence would bring some measure of comfort to the boy. He couldn't hold out his hand, he couldn't touch Harry, in fear that someone may see it and think it was strange. Lucius kept walking up ahead, being reassured that the other boy was still there by the tug on his robes that came at a more regular pace than he had previously expected.

Harry closed his eyes for a moment and suddenly stumbled on the road, catching himself quickly and walking closer to Lucius more than ever. -Draco… are we there yet? I… don't like it here very much- Turning his head, he saw person after person walk pass him, other conversing, still more glaring covertly in the general direction of the Malfoys. Inwardly he wondered why they were looking at them with such dislike and glared back at them, comforted by the fact that he wouldn't be seen.

A faint sigh escaped the pale boy and he answered quietly, -Yes, don't worry Harry… Father won't lead us astray-

Silently Harry wondered about the change in Draco, the other boy seemed to serious, so commanding right now… He knew that he himself acted differently, but that was understandable, he was scared stiff of everything going around him right now. Suddenly his eyes darted to a nearby door, silently reading the word Ollivander's and in smaller print, Maker's of Fine Wands since 382 BC. Suddenly a thrill sped up his spine and a faint smile appeared as they entered the shop, his earlier fear being forgotten for his excitement.

A tinkling bell announced their arrival and Harry looked around with wide eyes, looking at the many wand boxes that littered the shop, piled up high one after the other. He gulped silently and wondered how they were supposed to pick and wand out of all of that.

"Good morning, Mr. Malfoy… young master Draco," a soft voice intoned and Harry and Draco nearly jumped, only Lucius seemed not surprised to see the old man standing in front of them. "Tell me; are you here to obtain the young master's wand?" Strange silvery eyes, shades paler than Draco's own, took in the young boy before suddenly sliding over to the edge of Lucius' robes, eyes suddenly piercing, as if he could see Harry through the cloak.

In response to the look, Harry sidled closer to Draco, grabbing hold of the boy's arm while Draco seemed to pretend that nothing was happening. All he did was just look at Ollivander directly, before having to look away, fidgeting slightly with his own robes.

Lucius took it all in stride though, the familiar smirk rising up on his face as he spoke coolly, "Yes, and one for Mr. Potter as well." With that, he idly reached out a hand towards the area he knew Harry was supposed to be, felt the slinky cloth of the invincibility robe, and threw it off the boy, exposing him to the world. "I trust that I don't have to ask for you to keep your discretion?" He spoke that lazily, his tone belying the sharpness of his gray eyes.

He knew very well that Ollivander catered to both light and dark wizards, in fact, that was one of the things the shop prided itself upon, its complete neutrality to either side. While those on the light side may frown upon his methods, Ollivander knew that they wouldn't say anything about it, it was tradition for wand makers to be neutral in all cases, they concerned themselves with pairing up the best wands to their owners. Anything else was a technicality and not subject to be considered in the wand process selection. In fact, there was a recent outburst on how wands should have some sort of trackers placed upon it, something Ollivander stood against firmly. Lucius fondly remembered those Ministry idiots getting dressed down by a very angry wand maker, sharply cutting through any attempt they made for a defense. He just loved seeing those whelps squirm in front of the old man. Neutral… very few things in this world was neutral anymore; they either had hidden allegiances or were staunchly defending one side or another. Lucius knew it was foolish to try to say that that Malfoys were neutral, even in their stand against Voldemort they would most likely be classified on the side of Dark… but he was much closer to the neutrality point than some might believe. Besides, it amused him to see others cower before him, what would be the point of trying to say that he was 'good' -which he was clearly not- when he would miss amusing sights like Arthur Weasley growling at him yet not being able to do anything?

Harry felt exposed and he flinched slightly under Ollivander's look, not knowing why he felt so uneasy. He pressed closer to Draco's side and spoke out softly, putting on a brave front, "Hello." He enunciated the word perfectly, drawing strength from the silent boy beside him, fiery emerald eyes locking onto the other man's face.

"Of course not, Mr. Malfoy, you know the nature of the Ollivander family very well… exploited it at times," he smiled thinly at the man, but seemed to bare no sign of a grudge against him. "Then again, it is in your nature to do so, so do not question mine." Lucius just nodded once and then the old man turned towards Harry.

"Ah yes," he spoke softly, reaching out a hand to trace the scar that was on Harry's forehead, "Yes, yes. I thought I'd be seeing you soon. Harry Potter. Mister Malfoy has hinted to me about you." He smiled slightly, his eyes holding a far away look as he intoned, "You have your mother's eyes. It seems only yesterday she was in here herself, buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Nice wand for charm work. Your father, on the other hand, favored a mahogany wand. Eleven inches. Pliable. A little more power and excellent for transfiguration. Well, I say your father favored it—it's really the wand that chooses the wizard, of course."

Harry felt some stirrings of fear and he stammered out, "How do you know me?"

The old man silently traced the scar once more before his hand dropped down, eyes locking with Harry's. "I sold the wand that did it. Thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Powerful wand, very powerful. I remember every wand I ever sold, Mr. Potter. Every single wand." Suddenly he turned away and looked towards Draco, "You are unmistakably a Malfoy. You get your hair color from your father, eyes as well, though yours is a few shades paler, a most distinct silver. You get your facial features from your mother though, sharp, distinctive, high cheekbones. Thirteen inches, bendable. It was made of cherry wood, nice for arithmancy. But I digress… " Suddenly he pulled from his pocket a long tape measure with silver markings, "Young master Draco, which is your wand arm?"

Obligingly Draco held out his right arm, "My right."

Quickly Ollivander measured him, shoulder to finger, wrist to elbow, shoulder to floor, knew to armpit, and around his head. As he worked, he spoke to both Harry and Draco, "Every Ollivander wand has a core of a powerful magical substance. We use unicorn hairs, phoenix tail feathers, and the heartstrings of dragons. No two Ollivander wands are the same, just as no two unicorns, dragons, or phoenixes are quite the same. And of course, you will never get such good results with another wizard's wand." Abruptly he turned away from Draco and started rummaging through the wand boxes, letting the tape measure finish measuring itself.

"That will do," he said absentmindedly and the tape measure crumpled into a heap on the floor, "Try this one, young master. Oak and unicorn hair, ten inches, rigid. Give it a wave now." The old man took half a step back, eyes narrowed slightly in thought.

Draco hesitantly took the wand and looked at it for a bit, aware of Harry's envious eyes and Lucius' mildly curious ones. He waved it around for a bit and it was snatched out of his hands quickly by the sprightly Ollivander. "Wha?"

-I dunno if I like this guy, Draco. He's scary!- Harry's eyes alternated between watching Ollivander and watching Draco, a pensive expression on his small face as he looked up towards the completely calm Lucius. The sight of Lucius' tranquil face reassured him and he leaned back slightly and patiently waited his turn.

Draco waved a few more wands, each one being snatched away quickly, as he replied, -Father doesn't seem to mind… But I don't like him much either, Harry. I wish Tyr and Ayrin were here- He felt Harry's assent before suddenly Ollivander's voice pulled him back to the present.

"Ten and a half inches, yew, dragon heartstring, pliable."

Silently Draco took the wand and felt warmth sparking through his body, a faint smile appeared on his face and he swished the wand lazily in the air, feeling and seeing the delicate silverish -a blend of dark silvers and light ones- streams swirl through the air, elegant and beautiful. Automatically he said, "Mine," just as Ollivander began to speak once again.

"Excellent! Very good, young master, very good. Powerful as well, very powerful, it seems like a good match to me." As Draco beamed, Ollivander turned to look towards Harry, and inclined his head slightly, "Mister Potter, I believe that it is your turn. Which is your wand arm?"

Eagerness lit up Harry's face when he heard all of the mental things Draco began to say about his wand. He reached out with his right arm and piped up, "My right!" Young excitement replaced his fear temporarily and he grinned brightly as Ollivander began to measure him, just as he did Draco.

"Right then, Mr. Potter. Try this one. Beechwood and dragon heartstring. Nine inches. Nice and flexible. Just take it and give it a wave." His curious eyes pinned onto Harry's small form, though his stance was relaxed.

Harry took the wand and felt slightly foolish as he waved it around, but wand shop owner grabbed it out of his hand almost at once.

"No, no, that won't do—here, ebony and unicorn hair, eight and a half inches, springy. Go on, go on, try it out."

Harry tried, and tried. He wished that he could have been as fast as Draco had been -though at the time he thought it had taken an extraordinary amount of time, twenty minutes actually- and the pile of tried wands was mounting higher and higher, until it surpassed the amount that Draco had tried and kept on going. It was strange though, the more wands Ollivander pulled from the shelves, the happier he seemed to become.

"Tricky customer, eh? Not to worry, we'll find a perfect match here somewhere – I wonder, now – yes, why not – unusual combination – holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple."

The slightly distressed boy took the wand and immediately felt warmth spread across hid fingers. He raised the wand above his head, brought it swishing down through the dusty air and a stream of gold sparks shot from the end like a firework, throwing dancing spots of light on to the walls. Draco laughed and clapped and Ollivander spoke out cheerfully, "Oh, bravo! Yes, indeed, oh, very good. Well, well, well… how curious… how very curious…" He reached out and took Harry's wand and wrapped it in brown paper, taking Draco's and doing the same, still muttering, "Curious… curious…"

"What is curious?" For the first time in the long time they had been in the shop, Lucius spoke up, gray eyes looking at Ollivander sharply. Next to him, Harry piped up with the same question, mimicking his guardian.

The old man fixed on Harry his pale stare, almost ignoring Lucius in favor of the small boy. "I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter, do you recall me saying that?" At Harry's nod, he went on briskly, "It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand, gave another feather – just one other. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother – why, its brother gave you that scar."

Harry squeaked softly and abruptly reached up to finger his scar, eyes large and wondering with faint fear mingling with the wonder. How did Ollivander know how he got his scar… was it because of Lucius? Draco pressed his hand into Harry's and took it, glaring at Ollivander slightly for making his friend feel uncomfortable.

"Yes, thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Curious indeed how these things happen. The wand chooses the wizard, remember… I think we must expect great things from you, Mr. Potter… and young master Malfoy. After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things – terrible, yes, but great."

Suddenly Harry's eyes blazed with anger, knowing that Draco was bristling as well, his glare towards Ollivander vicious. "I am not like Voldemort!" He hissed out to the surprised man. It was curious how he didn't slur or mispronounce the Dark Lord's name, "I am gunna huwt him! I—"

He was abruptly cut off by Lucius' voice, "We must take our leave. How much, Ollivander?" He brought out his money book, pretending that Harry didn't have a short outburst, wasn't still glaring. It was expected of course, he reflected idly to himself, of all of the things we have taught the boys so far, Voldemort was the one taught the most. How much the Malfoy family has suffered under him, pride been hurt… That half-muggle will pay, and pay dearly indeed. He nearly sneered at the thought of Voldemort being a half-muggle Tom Riddle. It had taken many years just to obtain that bit of information, and he wondered how he'll use it to his advantage.

Swiftly Ollivander recovered and a faint smile stretched on his lips, "No, you are indeed not like him. Do not worry, Mr. Potter, you will fair well in the coming years." He turned towards Lucius, "Fourteen Galleons, seven for each wand." As Lucius paid, Harry got under the invisibility cloak once again, though Ollivander imagined that he could see those luminous green eyes staring at him. As the family left, he bowed, expression serious and contemplative.

~

As they went outside, Lucius said lightly to Draco and Harry, knowing it would only seem like he was speaking to his son, "I think it's time for you to get an owl." He smirked at the eager expression that appeared in Draco's eyes, knowing very well that Harry had the same one mirrored on his face. "I think that Eeylops Owl Emporium would be the best place. Come along now."

Harry smiled brightly, his encounter with Ollivander sliding from his mind as he gripped Lucius' robes and held on, tugging every once in a while and bouncing along merrily, deciding to ignore all of the people around him and focus on Draco and Lucius. Suddenly they came in front of a large shop, and as he peered through the windows, he saw large glittering eyes stare back from a dark environment. Harry suppressed a shudder and bravely went in with Draco and Lucius to obtain their owls.

"Mister Malfoy! Young Master Malfoy! It's a pleasure to see you both again!" A thin man with an earnest face appeared, his eyes darting towards them with slight fear. He seemed much different from Ollivander and Harry and Draco were silently relieved over this fact, though Harry wondered why Draco and Lucius seemed so scary to the man.

"Hn, as I am sure it is for you, Eeylop." Lucius smirked towards the man, looking around at the caged owls with a thinly veiled annoyed expression. "I have decided to get two different ones today, one of them for my son. Where are your eagle-owls?" He inclined his head towards Draco, who seemed to draw himself up straighter, the small boy's face eerily placid and calm. He was definitely well trained to perform in outside settings.  

Eeylop nervously rubbed his hands together, darting a glace towards a back section in his shop as he started to walk forward, asking absently, "Why two then? I would think you would only need…one…" He trailed off at the glare Lucius sent him and shook his head, stammering out quickly, "Never mind, Mister Malfoy. Just musing out loud you know."

Satisfied for the moment, Lucius ignored the man, looking down at his son as he watched Draco start forward with an eager expression, running his eyes over the owls with a faint smile on his lips. The light blond haired boy pursed his lips slightly and ran his eyes across each owl, while Harry silently detached himself from Lucius' robes to go around wandering the shop by himself.

Bright emerald eyes looked at each owl with curiosity, moving from owl to owl, screech, eagle, barn… many different types he passed. They hooted softly in the darkness, feeling his presence though not seeing him. Suddenly he stood still and smiled widely, looking at a gorgeous young snowy owl. Silently he moved closer to the cage and whispered, "Hi."

The owl looked at him with large amber eyes; she hooted softly and flitted closer to him, eyes peering and inquisitive. She flared her wings out slightly and Harry chuckled quietly, clapping his hands in delight as he sent to Draco, -I found one! She's pretty… Get Lucius, please!-

-Where are you, Harry?- Draco had finally picked out a young male eagle owl, the austere owl looking at him with vague affection as his beak nibbled on the cage bars. Finally getting Harry's position, Draco tugged on Lucius' robes, his voice cheerful as he spoke, "Father, this way!" Silently he turned away and padded towards Harry, a curious Eeylop and Lucius trailing behind him. The young boy's silver eyes took in the snowy owl and he sent absentmindedly, -This one? Kind of… scrawny, don't you think?-

He could just imagine the glare that Harry must be sending him, and giggled softly, pointing up towards the snowy owl. "Father, get that one as well, please." He sent his most charming look towards Lucius, eyes growing slightly wide, ready to pout if Lucius even looked to be saying a 'no'. A faintly pleased look appeared as Lucius nodded curtly towards Eeylop.

"That one as well then," Lucius spoke briskly, taking out his money book again and raising and inquiring brow towards the surprised Eeylop, knowing he was surprised because for the first time Lucius bought an owl other than an eagle owl. He suppressed a smirk and asked archly, "How much for the owls and the cages?"

 The man seemed to start and smiled nervously, "For you Mister Malfoy, only a mere thirty Galleons and twelve sickles." As he took the money, he handed the cages with the owls, to Draco. The small boy struggled silently with the cages as Harry wished he could help his companion, knowing very well that he couldn't.

With a last nod towards Eeylop, Lucius casually leaned down and picked up the snowy owl's cage, ignoring her hoots and they walked out. As he walked out, he muttered softly to Draco and Harry, "I'm going to have to get a few things before we return to the manor. Hurry up now."

~

Harry was lost. He looked around with tremulous eyes and whimpered softly to himself, darting into a nearby shop to avoid being trampled by some unaware person. He lamented to himself, once again trying to reach Draco with his mind, eyes closing briefly as he did so. It didn't work… he was too far out of range without his wolf with him, he couldn't reach Draco.

How did he get lost? Well, it was a funny story really… if you looked at it that way. He had so busy staring at his owl, while trying to come up with a name for her, that he didn't watch where he was going and tripped over a curb. The small boy had fallen down and had momentarily gotten tangled in the invisibility cloak -it was a rather large cloak- causing him to slip very far behind. When he had finally gotten untangled, he saw -or rather he thought he saw- both Draco and Lucius at the end of the road. So he had bolted forward towards them, only to find out that it wasn't them. He hadn't thought to call out to Draco, rather determined that he would find the errant boy and man himself.

Which had gotten him into this predicament. By the time he had actually thought of calling to Draco with his mind, he found that they were already too far apart for him to do so. With his wolf beside him, it would have been easier and most probably he would have reached the other boy, but without Ayrin… well it was a whole other story.

Even with the cloak he felt exposed and he huddled down further, trying to scoot to a nearby corner of the shop, silently wiping his eyes with the corner of his robe, not noticing that it came away damp. Where are they? He moaned piteously in his mind, Where is Draco? Draco!! Harry wrinkled his nose when the smell of the shop finally hit him through his depressed thoughts, it smelled like bad eggs and rotten cabbage mixed together.

Finally he looked up and gaped slightly, eyeing the different things that littered the shop. Barrels of slimy stuff stood on the floor; jars of herbs, dried roots, and bright powered lined the walls; bundles of feathers, strings of fangs, and snarled claws hung from the ceiling. Idly Harry examined some silver unicorn horns with before he scooted back quickly towards the rear of the shop when some people suddenly appeared.

"Oof!"

In his haste to escape the other people, it turned out that he had crashed into someone else; causing that someone else to drop the books he was carrying. Harry squeaked softly and huddled down further in his cloak, wishing desperately that the man just thought that this was an accident. He looked up frightened, and his eyes widened slightly.

There stood a young man about the age of twenty-five, tall, with slightly greasy looking, long hair that was tied back into a ponytail. He had a pale complexion, his nose slightly hooked, eyes a cold ebony color, disclosing nothing. He wore jet black robes and was currently looking straight at the spot Harry was, his eyes narrowed in contemplation before he snarled out, "If that is your idea of a joke—" His voice trailed off because he had yanked off the invisibility cloak, showing the young Harry.

"What the…?"

It seems that Harry has met Severus Snape, youngest potion master in more then two centuries, Potions professor in Hogwarts, and spy for Dumbledore.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*cackles* Sev! ^___^ If you guys haven't figured it out that I happened to like the potions master, well then, I suppose it's understandable. *looks thoughtful* but you should have guessed since I happened to like Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy… not to mention Draco. XD Anyway, he hasn't let himself go yet in my fic :P Hell, he's only 25 or so. Okay, I'm probably screwing up his age, but I don't really know how old he is and can't be bothered trying to calculate it all.

Have you noticed that this chapter is much longer than the last ones? *squeals* It's my apology for taking so long lol. Forgive me yet? I promise that the next chapter will be out sooner… *sweatdrop* Okay, so I can't promise that, but I'll sure as hell try okay? Mmm… another thing, I don't know if Ollivander is going to become important later in the fic, though it seems that Lucius trusts him somewhat. *grins evilly* I'm not saying a word because I don't really know myself, and I'm the author! How sad is that? Have you guys noticed all of the lines I took from the book (the first one) for this chapter? ^^; Sure I expanded on some parts, switched some things around, but you can tell right? Hehehe…

Anyway, please review, who knows? Perhaps the more reviews there are I may update faster *winks* Now if that isn't incentive… dunno what else I could do, hehe.

Important: Final Fantasy 7 or Final Fantasy 8? No it doesn't pertain to this story, but… it's for something else. *snickers* Oh and for you who don't know what the hell that is, they are both video games, EXCELLENT video games I may add. ^^; (I guess I'm going to do one of these poll things every time I post… hehe)

~

My e-mail address is flyby311@hotmail.com and put Single Choice or fanfic or Harry Potter or something similar to that, so I know what the e-mail is about. Anything you want to add/criticize/comment/whatever you guys just review it… please?