Summary: We all know what happened in the 5th book: Sirius is related to Narcissa Malfoy. So what happens to Draco when his parents are murdered? And why is Dumbledore telling lies? Slight HP/DM.

Disclaimer: Not owned by me, I have manipulated the characters to suit my own means, no money, please don't sue.

Chapter 2: Old Friends, New Revelations

Remus Lupin apparated first, followed closely by Sirius Black. And so they trickled in: Arabella Figg, Mundungus Fletcher, Arthur and Molly Weasley, Sylvia Sprout, and last but not least, Hagrid. Percy Weasley was also present, to 'represent the Ministry' by Fudge's request.

"You all know why you are here," McGonagall stated crisply in a voice that commanded no nonsense. "This way, everyone. Please do not wander." She said this last part with her eye on Sirius Black. He surrendered to a small grin and tried to look innocent. Shaking her head, she started down the hall, leaving them to follow. And follow they did in a solemn manner, and although some of them were not truly sorry to see Lucius go (Sirius…cough! cough!), all were respectfully silent, and nothing resembling a smile could be seen.

McGonagall led them to a room somewhere near the center of Malfoy Manor, which could have been considered an extremely large study or a remarkably small library. Large, welcoming chairs awaited them on the opposite side of the room, not at all resembling the cold theme in which the rest of the manor was decorated. Twelve chairs were arranged in a semi-circle surrounding a very large oak desk that looked older than any of them, which, ironically, was probably true. Already occupying a chair was Madam Pomfrey, who had shown up a half hour earlier to tend to Draco and give him a Peaceful Sleep potion. "Everyone have a seat and make yourselves comfortable. Albus, accompanied by Severus and myself, will be here shortly." Turning on her heel, she marched purposefully away.

*~*

Several minutes later, the study door clicked open, and in stepped Dumbledore, flanked by McGonagall and Snape. Everyone settled into their cozy seats, looking expectantly at Dumbledore, who, in the ensuing silence, began briefing them on the facts. "My friends, we gather here today to discuss an important issue. You may know why you're here, but I'll explain anyway. This morning, around quarter to nine, Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Malfoy were discovered dead in their bedroom by their son Draco, who was just returning from a weeklong holiday to Greece. The Dark Mark was flying over the manor, and was dissembled by the Aurors who were dispatched earlier today. Other evidence presented by a reliable source, Severus Snape-" Here Sirius snorted inappropriately and Remus looked dubious. "-which points all fingers at the recently raised Lord Voldemort. Any comments thus far?"

Sirius spoke up. "How is the boy- Draco, isn't it? How is he taking this?" The question surprised most of the people present, not because it was being asked, but because it was Sirius that was asking. Everyone knew how much Sirius had hated Lucius Malfoy, so concern for his son was not expected.

Dumbledore's eyes shined approval, but his face remained impassive. "He's in shock, as can be expected. Right now, due to a lovely concoction of Madam Pomfrey's, he is getting some needed rest."

"Where will he live?" Arabella Figg questioned.

"As far as the Ministry knows, the Malfoys had no other living relatives," Percy stated pompously, puffing out his chest importantly.

"Actually," Dumbledore said, drawing the word out as though in deep thought, "Draco does have one living relative remaining."

There were scattered murmurings throughout the room. "Who?"- "Did you know?" – "I didn't think the Malfoys were related to anything living on this planet." So this continued until Dumbledore interrupted.

"It seems this was indeed a deeply buried secret. Through extensive research I've conducted recently- this morning in fact- I have determined one last living relative to Draco Malfoy." He repeated, as all the wizards and witches clung to his every word. Sirius steeled himself for what was coming next, waiting for Dumbledore to tell everyone about his family. Remus shot him a reassuring smile, and grabbed one of his hands, squeezing it gently before letting it go. "One Harry Potter."

The room went deadly silent, then shouts erupted-

"WHAT?!" Sirius bellowed incredulously.

"No way." Remus murmured to himself.

"It can't be…Harry Potter, our dear Harry, related to the Malfoys?" Molly whispered in a strained voice.

"Are- are you sure, Albus?" Arthur asked, looking stricken.

"I'm positive, Arthur."

"How?" Sirius cried out, still reeling. This is not right!

"Quite simply really, it's all just a matter of looking. I happen to know that James Potter was related to Narcissa, Cloyd being her maiden name then. The two were half siblings no matter how much they both tried to hide it, which they did, and very good efforts on both of their parts I might add. It was the ultimate betrayal for James when Narcissa married Lucius… severed all her family ties with both Cloyds and Potters, she did."

Something dawned on Remus and Sirius, who looked at each other and nodded. "Dumbledore's got some explaining to do," Remus mused, making sure only Sirius could hear him.

"No kidding," Sirius concurred. "This is so…so fucked up. Why is he lying to them?"

"I don't know Padfoot. We'll ask him, later of course. In private!" Remus wiggled his eyebrows, and Sirius let out the first shout of laughter to be heard in the manor for a long time.

Dumbledore gave the old friends a sobering look. Sirius pondered the new twist his life was taking, sinking into his chair again, burdened with contemplating thoughts. Before more conversations broke out, Dumbledore continued. "Because Draco has no appointed guardian, I propose he live with his cousin."

"What?" snorted Snape, outraged at the mere thought. "Sorry Headmaster, but you must be joking…"

"No joke, Severus," came the firm reply.

"But, Albus…it's just…Draco? Live with muggles?" Snape sputtered.

"Albus, I must agree with old Sev, here, though it pains me to do so." McGonagall spoke up, voice lit with amusement. "I've never seen bigger fools who oppose our world more righteously than the Muggles Harry is related to. Mr. Malfoy would not be suited there."

"True, true. However, I did not say where the boys would live, simply that they would live together. What do you propose, Minerva?" Dumbledore questioned, grinning.

McGonagall turned a slight pink at his meaning, but continued. "I think they should live here, in Malfoy Manor. At least until term starts. We could, ah, appoint a double guardian. A sitter, if you will, to keep the peace and be fair to both young men." Heads slowly bobbed up and down within the circled, showing approval.

"I'll do it, Headmaster. I'll be their guardian," Snape announced, not wasting any time.

Arthur Weasley was quick to protest. "Albus, Harry is like a son to us, we should be able to guardian him."

"While I appreciate both offers," Dumbledore raised his voice slightly to head off the impeding argument, "I do believe someone more neutral should be selected. Let me see," he whispered, stroking his long beard. Then it came to him. "Arabella, my dear, will you accept this position? With Harry here, there'll be no reason for you to stay near the Dursleys. You can conveniently 'go on vacation', if you follow my meaning."

She smiled. "Of course, of course. I'd be happy to."

"Can't I stay too?" Sirius pleaded, giving Dumbledore puppy eyes.

The Headmaster shook his head. "It is still Mr. Malfoy's Manor and as such, you are not allowed on his property for an extended period without his consent. Harry and Bella are enough to force on him now, Sirius." Siruis nodded, not pleased, but understanding Dumbledore's logic. Dumbledore continued. "First, I suggest we discuss how we'll present this information to the young cousins…"

*~*

THE END OF THE SECOND CHAPTER!!!

Thanks,


Crys