PS – Chapter 12
"I do feel so sorry," said Draco Malfoy, one Potions class, "for all those people who have to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas because they're not wanted at home."
"In fact," continued Malfoy. "Why don't you come home with me for Christmas, Potter. You can see what it's like to have parents."
Draco and his cronies burst into laughter, missing the sneaky look that had suddenly appeared on Harry's face.
"I'll join you," said Harry. Malfoy stopped laughing and was staring at Harry in horror. "It would be interesting to meet the parents who dealt with you for eleven years."
"You stay away from my family," screeched Malfoy before stomping off with his cronies.
But the thought stayed with Harry for the next two hours. Before the end of the day he had taken his name off the list of students staying at Hogwarts for the holidays.
"Why in Merlin's name would you want to spend the holidays with HIM?" demanded Ron. "His family are nutters."
"It would be Christmas to me," smirked Harry. "Do you know how annoyed he will get seeing me at his house on the holidays?"
Ron was silent. "Just be careful. Give him hell for me."
Professor McGonagall was absolutely flummoxed when Harry told her he was going to spend the holidays with the Malfoy's, saying he was invited by Mr. Malfoy. She assumed he meant Malfoy Snr. and warily gave him permission to leave. By the time she mentioned this to Dumbledore the next morning the train had left. He had a panic attack and had to be admitted to Madam Pomfrey's ward because he kept screaming Harry was in danger. He would not get out until three days later.
So the next morning Harry was on the train heading towards Kings Cross. He sat alone in the compartment directly next to Malfoy's. Malfoy didn't know he was on the train. He was intending to make himself a surprise to him.
Once the train arrived Harry followed Draco off the train and saw Malfoy being embraced by a tall and slim blonde.
Harry decided to make his entrance. He walked straight up to the lady.
"Hello, Madam," he said. "Forgive me for assuming but are you Draco's mother."
The lady turned to him. She was rather nice-looking and had a lovely smile.
"I am indeed," she spoke poshly. "My name is Narcissa Malfoy. You can call me Cissy. Who are you?"
"Harry Potter," he said, noticing out of the corner of his eye Draco was staring at him in stunned horror. "I promise I won't be a hindrance while I'm staying."
"Staying?" she questioned.
"Draco," said Harry. "Didn't you tell your mother you invited me for Christmas?"
The woman's friendly eyes now turned to stone as she glared at Malfoy. "Care to explain, Draco?"
"It was a joke," he stammered. "I didn't think he'd take me seriously."
"It's not a joke anymore," she spoke crisply. She turned back to Harry. "You're very welcome to spend Christmas with us. I'd like you to take hold of this."
She took a book out of her handbag and handed it to Harry who looked confused.
"It's a portkey," she explained. "We'll put our hands on it and it will transport us back to our home."
Harry put his hand on it and felt himself swirling as everything changed. He quickly found himself in front of a majestic manor. Primrose bushes lined the lot and there were several ostriches parading around the front lawn.
"You have a beautiful home Madam," he spoke wondrously. "A home befitting a princess like you."
He didn't need to look to know he put a beaming smile on her face.
"I am not a princess," she smiled. "But thank you, you have made my day."
Draco was absolutely furious seeing Harry Potter charm his mother. He hadn't seen his mother smile like that in a long time and it was never at him. Once he got Potter alone he was going to kill him.
The trio made their way inside.
"Dobby," she called.
At once a strange creature appeared out of thin air. It had large, bat-like ears and bulging green eyes the size of tennis balls and it was wearing a filthy pillowcase.
"Can you make lunch for three?" she asked. "We will be in the parlor room."
With a nod the creature vanished.
"What was that?" asked Harry.
"That Harry, is a house-elf," she answered. "They are servants to wizardkind. They will take care of the house and its inhabitants."
So they conceded to the parlor room at the side. Draco was content to sit and sulk, watching furiously as Harry Potter told his mother on how he was enjoying Hogwarts and the wizarding world.
"Where were you before you went to Hogwarts?" she asked, sipping her tea. "No one except Albus Dumbledore knew where you were the last ten years. Your re-entry back in July sent the tabloids into a frenzy. They've been trying to get into Hogwarts to interview you, but Dumbledore won't let them. Everyone now wants to know about you."
Harry flinched. "I only found out I was famous on my eleventh birthday. I have lived with my Muggle relatives since my parents died. I'm glad Dumbledore's keeping the tabloids out. And besides, I don't like my fame. To them, I'm the Boy-Who-Lived. I just want to be Harry."
"Well, you're just Harry to me," she said, putting down her teacup. "You're clearly a well adjusted, civil, well-mannered young man. If only Draco were like you."
Draco himself was on the verge of blowing up. He absolutely hated seeing Harry Potter sweet-talk his mother.
"Draco, why don't you show Harry around the manor," she said, turning her gaze at him. "Show him the spare bedroom nearest mine. He can sleep in there."
Draco wanted to scream at his mother but decided ultimately not to. His mother was terrifying when she was angry.
So he dragged Harry out of the parlor. He dragged him to every important room as quick as he could, said what they were before showing him the spare bedroom.
"Stay in here and don't come out," he snarled.
"Hey Draco, want to play Quidditch," smirked Harry.
"NO!"
And with that Draco was gone, slamming the bedroom door as he went.
Harry sat on the bed and smiled. Getting under Malfoy's skin was so easy.
And he was enjoying his time here already. Narcissa Malfoy had such a friendly personality. It was very clear which parent Draco did not take after.
Harry dropped his smile. He hoped Malfoy's dad wasn't as bad as him.
IlIlIlIlI
"Lucius," said Narcissa, still beaming with pride. "Welcome home. How was your day?"
Lucius Malfoy raised an eyebrow at the uncharacteristic smile on his wife's face. Normally she could be quite moody.
"What happened?" he asked coolly.
"We have an extra guest for Christmas," she smiled.
"I told Draco not to invite Crabbe and Goyle," he started thundering. "Those two are even stupider than their fathers and have no grasp of intelligent conversation. Virgil Crabbe himself believes an egg is hatched from a dog."
Narcissa's friendly countenance dropped from smiling to repulse. "Do you think I would let those brain-dead idiots in my home? I have my standards too, Lucius."
"Sorry," he said quickly. He did not want to aggravate his wife further. "Who did Draco invite?"
"That part you won't believe," she said, the smile once again appearing on her face. "Harry Potter."
Lucius dropped his cane in shock. "Harry Potter is here. I thought Draco hated him."
Lucius sat down, shakily calling for Dobby to bring him tea. As he sipped his tea he calmed down.
Harry Potter is in his house. This changed everything. He wanted Harry Potter to be aligned to the Pureblood cause which is why he persuaded Draco to try and befriend the boy going to Hogwarts. But Draco screwed up royally by insulting Weasley blatantly to his face.
Granted, he did not like the Weasley's either. But Lucius was raised to be subtle. A sneer and a subtle taunt did not generally look like an insult to others, but the one you said it to would be insulted. Draco had no concept of it and was too brash. He truly hated the letters his son kept sending him the last three months complaining about Potter.
Maybe having Harry Potter in his manor wouldn't be a bad thing. Maybe he could persuade him to join their politics. Harry Potter was the most respected wizard in the whole nation. His voice would be better listened to than his own.
"I think I'd like to meet him," he solemnly said, while managing to keep his sharklike smile off his face.
"Draco's showing him around the manor at the moment."
Lucius stiffened and mentally facepalmed himself. He hoped Draco had not screwed up again since Harry Potter arrived. He would have to have some words with Draco that night.
IlIlIlIlI
Harry had a short rest on the bed before he got up. He was feeling thirsty so he went downstairs to the parlor room to see if Narcissa was still in there.
She was. And in there was a man who was the spitting image of Draco, but with longer hair that gave the man an aristocratic look.
"Um, Mrs Malfoy," he intentionally mumbled. "Where's your kitchen? I would like to get some water."
"Dobby," she called. The elf appeared and was instructed to bring Harry water.
Harry had just sat down when the elf re-appeared and handed him a tall glass of iced water.
"Hello, sir," said Harry, looking over at the man sitting across from him. He offered his hand. "I'm Harry Potter."
"Lucius Malfoy," the man said regally, shaking his hand. "I am Draco's father. My wife here was telling me Draco invited you for the holidays. It is an honor to finally meet you, Mr. Potter."
"The honor is mine, Mr. Malfoy," smiled Harry. "And please, call me Harry."
"Very well, Harry," he said. "Has Draco shown you around the manor."
"He did it in a rush," said Harry. "He clearly wanted his own time. It is a beautiful manor though, very much befitting a prince and the lovely princess."
Narcissa let out a giggle. Lucius mentally raised an eyebrow at his wife. Now he understood why Narcissa was smiling. Harry Potter had clearly charmed her.
"Don't you mean a king and queen?"
"Nonsense," said Harry. "Kings and Queens live in castles, and they are old. And besides, I don't see a hint of age in either of you."
Lucius could see his wife was now swooning over the double compliment. He was glad to see she wasn't being cold to Harry Potter. But then again, Narcissa loved children.
He realised he liked the compliment too.
So he engaged the boy in conversation about Hogwarts to break the ice. Harry told him about his classes, Quidditch and the teachers. One of them being his associate Severus Snape.
"Do you not like Severus Snape?" he asked, noticing the hard edge on Severus' name on the boy's tongue.
"Is he a friend of yours?" the boy asked. "If he is I won't say anything more."
He has manners, unlike Draco thought Lucius.
But here was the groundwork that could get Harry Potter on his side.
"I know him well," said Lucius. "But he is more an associate than my friend."
And it was true. Lucius never let anyone get close to him. He believed in having good connections, not friends, despite how he presented himself in public.
"What's wrong with him, I won't tell," he said softly on purpose, trying to show he cared.
Harry knew right away the man was putting on a façade. With Narcissa in the room though, he knew he wouldn't talk unless Narcissa forced him.
"He mistreats me," said Harry, dropping his head. "More like bullies me. He sabotages my potions because he doesn't want me to do good. Insults me and my dead father on a regular basis and always calls me names."
"That monster," screamed Narcissa.
"Narcissa," called Lucius.
"I will wring that man's neck," she thundered. "That no good, rotten, son of a – "
"NARCISSA," he shouted. "There is a child here."
Narcissa turned to Harry, who was looking scared. "I'm sorry Harry. It is not proper for a lady to act like this."
She turned to her husband. "But something must be done."
"How about an embarrassing story?"
"Indeed."
"Well, Harry," said Lucius. "I'm going to tell you a story about Severus. You mention it to him, and he will leave you alone."
"What?" asked Harry, eager to hear dirt on his most hated teacher.
"Back in Severus' second year when I was in Seventh, he decided on his thirteenth birthday he would ask this girl he liked out. However, his competitor for the same girl decided to mess with him. So he decided to mess with Severus' shampoo. He applied a forever greasy spell to it with a few side effects. His hair is now completely unwashable. It will forever remain greasy and somehow his robes always billows when he walks, and his underwear will always be pink. Although I think that one was a separate prank, it all happened at the same time. Just mention pink underwear to him, and he will leave you alone."
"That's hilarious," laughed Harry. "What was the prankster's name?"
"I don't recall his last name, but his first name was James," smiled Lucius.
Harry knew right away it was his dad. But he decided not to show it. Lucius Malfoy was a very interesting man. He rather liked the way the man held his cards close to his chest. He was a real Slytherin.
By this time dinner was ready. They made their way into the Dining Room. Draco had not shown since he escorted Harry to his bedroom.
"Where is that boy?" demanded Lucius. He called for Dobby and ordered him to wake up Draco.
Dobby, ever the one for loopholes, first popped to the music room for the whistle, then to Draco's room, sealed the room from sound, went right up to Draco's ear and blowed the whistle.
Draco shot up screaming bloody murder. Dobby sent the whistle back to the music room in its original place and announced, "dinner is ready."
Draco paled. If dinner was ready that meant his father was back. He had to get to him before Potter could. He dashed out of the room without changing his pajamas and darted downstairs to the dining room.
To his horror Potter and his father were talking away at the table. "Oh no."
His father turned at his voice to face him.
"Draco," he said with disgust. "Why are you in your pajamas?"
Draco had forgotten he was wearing them.
"It is rather improper to be wearing pajamas at the dinner table," said Potter. "Surely you have some nice clothes for eating at the dinner table."
"Indeed he does Harry," said Lucius. "Clothes I have spent a fortune on. Go change Draco. We'll start dinner without you as punishment."
Draco stormed back upstairs to his bedroom and slammed the door. Bloody Potter, now he's got his father eating out the palm of his hand. He kicked his wardrobe, forgetting he was not wearing any footwear. He howled in pain as the tremors shot through his foot. By the time he got downstairs after sulking and screaming everyone was finished their dinner already.
"I actually think it would be interesting to see the gathering of the lords at the Ministry," said Potter. "Can I come with you to the next meeting?"
Draco munched on his beef furiously.
"I'm sorry, Harry," said his father. "Children are not allowed in. You are clearly wise beyond your years, but they would still see you as a child."
"Have you ever taken Draco?"
Draco looked up in horror.
"Draco," his father snorted. "He won't sit long enough to count his toes."
"Oi," shouted Draco. "I'm right here."
Lucius didn't see his son enter. "I'm sorry, Draco." He turned to Harry. "We'll continue this discussion later, Harry. I'd actually like to talk to Draco for the moment, no offense."
"None taken. I will join Narcissa in the parlor room for tea."
Once Harry was out of sight Lucius stood up.
"Come, Draco."
So Draco followed his father into his study.
"Draco, what do you think of Potter being here?" he asked.
Draco's fury rose. He knew his father's study was sealed from sound escaping.
"HE IS PLAYING YOU," roared Draco. "HE'S GOT MOTHER HOODWINKED AND NOW HE'S GOTTEN YOU."
"Shut up, Draco," ordered Lucius.
So Draco did.
"Do you honestly think I don't know that? It is because of your idiocy he is in this house. I can see how he's played your mother and how he's trying to play me, but I for one will take full advantage of it. I enjoy a good debate with a Slytherin."
"HE'S A GRYFFINDOR."
"After the way you conducted yourself on the Hogwarts Express do you think he'd want to be near you. He was clearly meant for Slytherin but ended up in Gryffindor. And that's another thing," he stood up. "Didn't I tell you to become friends with Potter on the train? Your blatant rudeness and brash attitude pushed him away. I want to become allies with Harry Potter. Him being in my home is my salvation. I am going to start debating with him on our traditional views and values. Hopefully I can convince him to join traditional society. Harry Potter at eleven years already has more influence than I've ever dreamed of. People will listen to him. I still have the taint of an 'Imperiused Death Eater' that plenty of people still don't believe. I have difficulty getting laws passed ever since 1981. But Harry Potter is The-Boy-Who-Lived, the one believed to vanquish the Dark Lord when he was an infant in diapers. He could ruin us if he doesn't like us."
"So here's what's going to happen," ordered Lucius. "You will not annoy, taunt, bully, or lord your way over Potter or anyone else in Hogwarts. You will do your studies, your homework, and be civil with Harry Potter. You will not tell him or anyone else about this conversation. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes father," said Draco monotonously, a sign of repressed anger on his face.
And with that they both left the room to join Narcissa and Harry in the parlor for tea.
IlIlIlIlI
Harry was sleeping on the four poster guest bed when he suddenly woke up. He had felt something cold on his face.
"Dobby is sorry for waking you, Harry Potter," said the voice.
Harry reached for his glasses so he could see the elf better. He put them on and saw the Malfoy elf sitting directly in front of his face.
"Don't come so close," said Harry.
"Dobby is sorry," the elf said. "But you must return to Hogwarts?"
"Why?"
"Harry Potter is not safe here. Master wants to convert you into a pureblood."
"What's wrong with that?" asked Harry. "My friend Ron Weasley is a pureblood and he's not so bad."
"But - "
"Look Dobby," said Harry. "I appreciate your concern. But I can take care of myself. I always have."
"But - "
"Dobby," said Harry, pulling himself out of his duvet and sitting in front of the clearly scared elf. "Are you scared of the Malfoy's?"
"Bad Master beats Dobby and has influenced young Malfoy to beat me too. Mistress Narcissa is a snob but she's alright."
"I know you can't leave willingly. Narcissa told me you're tied to the family. But can they set you free."
"The only way to set a house elf free is to present him with clothes. They will never set Dobby free."
"Not willingly, anyway," smirked Harry. "Dobby, would you help me with a prank. You will get your freedom and get Draco into trouble."
"How?"
IlIlIlIlI
The next morning after breakfast Draco stormed to his room to start his Christmas homework. He couldn't bear to watch his father and Potter talk.
Harry and Lucius heard a muffled shout from the room above which was Draco's.
"What's that boy done now?" grumbled Lucius, getting up. "Come Harry, we'll continue to talk while we walk."
So Harry got up, smiling inwardly.
They got up to Draco's room to find a strange sight. Draco's clothes were strewn all over around his desk. Standing there covered in his clothes was Dobby. He was holding a sock.
"Master has given Dobby a sock," he said in awe. "Dobby is free. Goodbye."
And with that he popped away.
"Harry, leave," said Lucius in suppressed anger. "I need to have a word with my son."
Harry went to his room and found Dobby on his bed.
"It worked," exclaimed Dobby quietly. "Dobby dumped his clothes on him and he threw them off. Dobby caught this sock in his grasp."
Harry smiled for his friend. Then he heard Lucius shouting.
"YOU BLASTED IDIOT, WHY DID YOU SET THE HOUSE-ELF FREE? ARE YOU COMPLETELY DEVOID OF BRAIN CELLS."
"Father, it wasn't me."
"DON'T LIE TO ME. I SUPPOSE YOU'RE GOING TO SAY DOBBY DUMPED THE CLOTHES ON YOU AND YOU ACCIDENTALLY THREW HIM A SOCK. I'M NOT STUPID DRACO. I'VE TOLD YOU TO CLEAN YOUR CLOTHES OFF THE FLOOR BECAUSE DOBBY CAN'T. YOU'RE GROUNDED FOR THE REST OF THE HOLIDAYS."
"Get out of here Dobby," whispered Harry. "I think he's coming."
With a quiet pop Dobby vanished.
A moment later Lucius opened the door.
"I'm sorry, Harry," he said. "I can't talk with you anymore today. I am too angry and don't to accidentally anger you. Don't speak to me because I will blow up at the next person who says a word to me. Go find Narcissa and tell her what happened."
And with that he stormed off.
Harry shrugged and went downstairs. He found Narcissa in the music room playing the piano.
"I heard what happened," Narcissa said before Harry could open his mouth. "I stay in here when he's angry. He will never enter this room even if his life is in danger."
So Harry stayed in the room with Narcissa. She decided to teach him how to play piano.
Harry found himself to be a quick learner. His fingers seemed to have a mind of their own as he quickly picked up her instructions. She was very impressed.
They stayed in there until nearly dinnertime.
That was when Narcissa realised there was no house-elf to cook anymore. Lucius only had one house elf left and it was Dobby. Every other one had died. Lucius refused to buy one because the business that dealt with them didn't like him and would never sell him one.
"I don't know how to cook Harry," she confided. "We'll have to go out tonight. I can probably get a friend to buy one for us in disguise."
Harry didn't want another elf to suffer at the hands of Lucius Malfoy.
"I'll cook dinner for you," he offered.
"Do you know how to cook, Harry?" she asked. "You're only eleven."
"Nonsense," said Harry. "My relatives had me cooking for them since I was five."
It was only after he said it he recognised his folly. He clamped his hand over his mouth in horror.
"Why did they have you cooking so young?" she asked, finding his sudden attitude very suspicious.
"Are you hungry for a chicken curry?" he asked. "In fact I'll teach you."
"That'll be nice," said Narcissa, smiling at him.
So Harry taught her how to make chicken curry. She hadn't been in a kitchen in over thirty years. She was honestly impressed with the Malfoy kitchen.
She was honestly enjoying the cooking. But as she was learning it she was also deeply thinking about Harry's slip-up. Was the boy mistreated by his own relatives? With a steely resolve she served dinner.
They all loved it. Lucius said it was the best curry he had ever eaten. He tried to refuse Draco it as punishment but Narcissa wouldn't allow it. She wanted to know what her son thought.
"That was delicious mother," he said, taking another forkful. "I didn't know you could cook."
"Harry taught me," she beamed. "It's his recipe."
Draco spat out the remaining curry in horror.
"He's poisoned us."
"How dare you mess up my table," thundered Narcissa. "You're cleaning it up. And not another bad word about Harry, understand."
"Yes, mother."
IlIlIlIlI
Harry spent a wonderful Christmas Day at Malfoy Manor.
Lucius' mother Lucretia 'call me Lucy' came by and she was simply a hoot unlike her son. She was great fun and enjoyed telling jokes and laughing.
Lucius' uncle Reginald Malfoy came by too. He was also terrific fun. The old man drank a lot of Ogden's Wine and enjoyed belching the alphabet and telling fart jokes.
"Hey Harry," he slurred. "Pull my finger."
Harry noticed Draco was right behind his uncle. The man was doing it on purpose. Smiling, Harry pulled his finger.
"Uncle Reg," coughed Malfoy from the stench. "What is wrong with you?"
"Sorry, Drakey," said Reginald, winking at Harry. "I didn't see you there."
They sat down for a lively Christmas dinner. Everyone was talking over the table. They all looked like a normal family.
The it came time for the family photo.
Harry intended to stand behind the camera but Narcissa wouldn't let him.
"You're now part of our family, Harry," she said. "Get in the photo."
Harry intended to stand beside Reginald but Narcissa pulled him in front of her and kept her hands on his shoulders in a loving manner.
"Smile for the camera, Harry."
So Harry did. After the camera flash Harry did something he had never done before. He turned to Narcissa and gave her a hug. He had honestly come to love Narcissa. She was simply lovely.
Grandma Lucy saw it and cast the camera to go off again. Caught on camera was also Draco's face of horror as he looked at Potter.
Harry would always treasure that photo.
IlIlIlIlI
Three days after Christmas Albus Dumbledore showed up with Severus Snape.
They didn't stay long. Dumbledore had suggested Harry go back to his family for Christmas to Narcissa. The spells she unleashed at the man at the suggestion had Severus rushing out carrying an injured Dumbledore away.
"Harry will never go back there," she had shouted at the retreating men.
"I'll never go back where."
Narcissa turned in shock. Harry was standing there wide eyed and watching Dumbledore and Snape flee.
She realised this was her opportunity to get Harry to talk.
"You'll never go back to your so called family."
"Really," he asked with apparent delight.
She steered Harry into the music room and sat him at the piano where he was most comfortable. She encouraged him to start playing.
"Harry, I think I know what is going on with your family," she said causing the boy to immediately stop playing.
"I don't want to talk about it," he whispered angrily.
"Harry," she spoke calmly, turning his head to look at her. "The only way you can get out of there is to talk about it. Remaining silent will keep you there. Give me your voice."
Harry broke down into Narcissa's arms. Weepingly he told her about his relatives, about how they mistreated him, starved him and kept him sleeping in a cupboard.
Narcissa held the crying child in her arms. Her eyes grew colder in fury as he continued speaking.
"I will personally make sure you never go back there," she said with conviction. "I promise you."
IlIlIlIlI
But Narcissa had no idea how to. She didn't want to involve the law as that would bring more attention to Harry. And he didn't want that.
After a lot of thinking that evening she formed a few conclusions about Harry's situation. Harry told her Dumbledore left him with his relatives. That had her very curious.
Albus Dumbledore had a lot of positions, but not one was associated with child services. He had left Harry Potter at his relatives less than twenty-four hours after his parents died, BEFORE Sirius Black, her own cousin and Harry's godfather, was arrested for killing Peter Pettigrew and twelve Muggles. There was something fishy there. She was sure of it. He was also accused of being a Death Eater, which she didn't think was true. The man was kicked out of his own family for going against their beliefs.
Although she believed in the pureblood mantra, she didn't believe in following You-Know-Who. She had reservations about having a husband who followed him, but he had changed his ways since then. She knew he did.
They had a political agenda. You-Know-Who didn't. She knew full well that You-Know-Who just wanted Lucius' influence and money.
Her thoughts kept frittering to Sirius. She hadn't thought about the man in years, but now that she was something just didn't make sense.
So the next day she sent Lucius to the Ministry to talk to Barty Crouch who was the DMLE minister at wartime.
The information Lucius came back with was staggering. Sirius Black hadn't had a trial. He was accused of betraying James and Lilly Potter to You-Know-Who.
She didn't believe that for a second. She remembered Sirius and Potter at Hogwarts, despite them being a few years below her. Not one was ever seen without the other that you would have thought they were brothers. They fought the darker students with pranks all the time and both openly disdained You-Know-Who.
There was no doubt in her mind that her cousin betrayed him.
But she also remembered who was also in their group. The studious werewolf Remus Lupin and the weird Peter Pettigrew.
He was always creepy. Sneaking into girls toilets and locker rooms, had a weird chitter in his teeth, deathly afraid of his shadow. But he was also the malicious one. He'd sold her out after she bribed him for catching her and Lucius in seventh year. She never trusted him after that. He was always out for personal gain.
So the next day she asked Lucius to manipulate Cornelius Fudge into giving her cousin a trial.
"Why would I do that?" he asked.
"I've been thinking about his situation and I don't think he did anything he was accused of. There is something very fishy about it. He is Harry's godfather and if he really is innocent, then he will gain custody of Harry. A Harry Potter who would then be raised in a happy home. He will be very grateful to you if you do this."
She knew that part would get him. She was well aware of the political debates and his intentions with Harry.
"I'll talk to Cornelius this afternoon," he spoke. With that he left.
The next day when the Daily Prophet arrived the front page said Black to receive trial.
She read the article with glee. 'Apparently' Minister Fudge had discovered judicial errors with the previous administration and wanted to correct their illegal error. She knew full well that was her husband's words and not his.
At Hogwarts Dumbledore was recovering from the spells inflicted by Narcissa Malfoy in the Hospital Wing when a furious Severus Snape stormed in and threw the Daily Prophet at him.
Dumbledore shot straight up in bed in shock at the article in the front page. However his movement made him scream in pain and fall off the bed. His scream brought Madam Pomfrey running.
"Albus, I told you to remain in bed."
"I need to go and talk to some people," he moaned from the floor.
"No you won't," she spoke thunderously. "You will remain in this bed until you are healed from your potions injury. And if you try to leave I will give you an enema. Do you want another one?"
"I'll be good," mumbled Albus.
By the time his injury had healed and he was allowed out Sirius Black was already free.
IlIlIlIlI
Narcissa watched as Harry got much needed treatment from Healer Wingham in St Mungo's.
She had convinced the boy to see one since his guardians never took him to a Muggle hospital.
"Come on, this way Black," came a voice.
Narcissa turned her face in shock. Walking up the hallway surrounded by two Aurors was her cousin Sirius Black.
Sirius had received a Veritaserum testimony at trial. After that there were more ramifications.
Barty Crouch was questioned about his conduct in imprisoning Sirius without trial. When the man refused to answer they had dosed him with Veritaserum. When he was asked then about his conduct he named other people he had imprisoned without trial. He was then asked what other crimes he had committed. He was in Azkaban before midnight along with his not-so-dead son. Reporters were now baying for blood trying to find more corruption and Lucius was scared.
He was already handing out thousands of galleons to keep out an investigation into him or Fudge.
Sirius Black was in St Mungo's recovering from dementor exposure. But she didn't think he was on this floor.
"Sirius," she called out.
He turned to look at her and sneered. "Hello, Cissy. Are you seeing someone to fix your personality?"
"Sirius, I've changed," she said. "I was young and foolish. I still have my beliefs, but I don't push them on people anymore."
"Yeah right," she snorted.
Her eyes narrowed. "I have proof right in this room."
"What proof?"
"I have gained another boy I now consider a son in less than a week," she said. "A great young man with manners, respect and loyalty. He's now eleven years old. You know him."
"Who?" he said and glanced in the window he was passing. His breath hitched. "Is that Harry?"
"He followed my son home for Christmas, probably as a joke," she said. "I took him home to the manor. I didn't want to leave him on the platform. He is a lovely child. He's wise beyond his years, but he's been hurt."
"Hurt?" questioned Sirius.
"He was left with his Muggle relatives," she said.
"I WILL KILL THEM," roared Sirius. "Harry was never meant to be with them. It was either me, Remus or Frank and Alice. Why is he not with one of them?"
"Sirius," she spoke crisply. "A law passed straight after the war prohibiting werewolves for caring for children. Frank and Alice Longbottom were attacked shortly thereafter. They are insane. They're upstairs in the Janus Thickey Ward."
"No one was available," he realised. "Then why didn't WCS (Wizarding Child Services) put him somewhere nice."
"I don't think Dumbledore involved them."
"Now I understand," he spoke bitterly. "Whatever Dumbledore wants, he gets."
Narcissa arched an eyebrow. It didn't sound like Sirius looked up to Dumbledore anymore.
"He wasn't at my trial as Chief Warlock," he said. "They said he was injured and recovering at Hogwarts."
Narcissa smiled at this. She read it in the paper and she knew the real reason behind the injury.
She went up to her cousin's ear and whispered, "That was me."
"YOU," he asked in shock. The Aurors were trying to beckon him on. "Come visit me soon Cissy. We got a lot to talk about."
IlIlIlIlI
Harry was put on a potions regimen for the rest of the week. He had to stay at St Mungo's for the rest of the week.
It wasn't too bad though. He had met his godfather Sirius Black who made sure to stay with him most of the time since he was on the same floor. His godfather could hardly believe he had stayed at Malfoy Manor but laughed away on Harry's stunts while staying there, especially with freeing Dobby.
"I can't believe you got away with that," he laughed. "Where is the elf now?"
"I have no idea where Dobby is now," he said.
POP! "Harry Potter called for Dobby," a happy voice spoke.
"Dobby, how are you?"
"Dobby is well, but he wants a new family," said the elf.
"You just went free last week," Harry was confused. "Why do you want a new family?"
Dobby looked at Sirius, who smiled.
"I think he wants to join your family, Harry," said Sirius.
Harry looked at the pleading eyes of the house-elf. He immediately wanted to hug the little guy.
"Ok, Dobby," said Harry warmly. "I'd like you to join my family."
A blue aura surrounded the elf and shot straight at Harry. The elf was looking even happier than ever.
"Old mistress is coming," Dobby said frantically and vanished.
"Make sure you use him for pranks," whispered Sirius, before there was a knock at the door.
"Hello, Harry," said Narcissa. "Hello, Sirius."
"Hey Cissy," said Sirius.
Narcissa and Sirius had been seeing each other a lot lately and had now become friendly with each other. Narcissa had provided Sirius with a good barrister who would help him claim guardianship of Harry. Said barrister was also helping Sirius press charges against Albus Dumbledore for subverting a will as it was considered a legal document that didn't even have his name mentioned.
"I've got news Sirius," she smiled. "Peter Pettigrew has been captured."
"WHAT?" Sirius jumped. "How did they find him?"
"You can thank Poppy Pomfrey at Hogwarts," she said. "Apparently young Ronald Weasley took his pet rat to the Mediwitch because he had become very pale. A rat that was missing a toe as described in the Daily Prophet. She stunned him and called the Aurors. Dumbledore was questioned on why he didn't have Animagus charms on the castle."
"It never did back in my day either," smiled Sirius.
"He's in a holding cell at the ministry wearing magic supressing cuffs. He can't transform."
"Great."
IlIlIlIlI
Harry wasn't able to get out for New Years Eve, but to his surprise the whole Malfoy clan including Grandma Lucy and Uncle Reg came to celebrate it in his ward.
Harry was in such a good mood he said something to Draco he'd never said before.
"Hey Draco," he offered his hand. "Want to be friends."
Draco was happy Harry offered. Life at the manor was boring since Harry had been admitted to St Mungo's. He had to admit having Harry around had been challenging fun.
"Friends."
And with that the two boys shook hands.
IlIlIlIlI
As time went on during the remainder of the Christmas holidays Draco developed a cooler head. His mum had sat him down once Harry was admitted and asked him to be more of a friend. That the only reason he didn't he didn't have friends was because his father taught him. She had asked him if he wanted to be his own man, rather than his father's puppet.
He made his decision that day. He honestly didn't want to be friendless but there was no one worthy in Slytherin he wanted to be friends with other than Daphne Greengrass. But he wanted a male friend.
So he chose Potter. He was honestly delighted that Harry offered to be his friend.
So when the school holidays ended and everyone returned to school, everyone was shocked when Harry Potter sat at the Slytherin Table during dinner and was laughing and talking away with Draco Malfoy.
"They've brainwashed him Hermione," whispered Ron furiously. "We need to save him."
"Don't be ridiculous Ron," said Hermione. "They're just growing up."
"They?" questioned Ron.
"Look at Malfoy, Ron," said Hermione. "He actually looks like a normal friend."
Over at the Slytherin Table Malfoy was chuckling. "Look at this Harry. Does it look like an igloo."
Harry inspected Malfoy's potatoes. "It's an exact replica."
"Hello Draco," came a friendly voice. "How was your holidays?"
"Daphne, what are you doing?"
The girl sat herself between Harry and Draco, pushing Draco out of the way.
"I have to see this igloo you were talking about," she said. "Very realistic looking, until you stab a fork into it."
She turned her head to face Harry.
"Hello, Harry," she said with a friendly smile on her face. "I'm Daphne Greengrass, it is a pleasure to meet you."
Harry decided to follow Uncle Reg's advice on introducing himself. He already liked this girl. She had lovely blonde hair like Narcissa's.
"It is a pleasure to meet you," said Harry. Instead of shaking her hand, he bent down and kissed her knuckles.
"Is that how you say hello," she smiled sweetly. "Well this is how I say hello to you."
And with that she planted a peck on his cheek.
Harry felt dazed from that action. He put his right hand on his cheek where Daphne had kissed him.
He stared straight ahead at Gryffindor Table where he noticed Ron was looking at him. He gave him a sheepish smile.
"Great," muttered Ron, stabbing his fork into his beef. "Now he's got a girlfriend."
IlIlIlIlI
Harry dealt with Ron and Draco like the fighting little children they were.
He locked them both in a disused classroom and told them to talk Quidditch.
They had both come out declaring their mutual love for the Chudley Cannons. They would always have debates about the team in the years to come.
Draco was a little stiff about Hermione but slowly warmed to her. At least she provided stimulating conversation for him and he enjoyed it.
Sirius Black's barrister had approached Albus Dumbledore with an order. Charges would not be filed on him as long as he didn't interfere with Harry's life and decisions.
Professor Quirinus Quirrell ventured into the forest one night in search of unicorns. He went a little too deep in and was found by Aragog's family. Voldemort fled back to Albania.
One night near the end of first year Reginald Malfoy went out drinking with Head Unspeakable Algernon Croaker. While drunk the two went to Malfoy Manor and pranked Lucius' library. While there, Croaker stole a book while drunk. He'd wake up to find the diary of one Tom Marvolo Riddle in his grasp. Immediately suspicious of the 'mind-of-its-own' book he took it to his comrades in the Department of Mysteries. They were able to trace its magic to other items. A highly illegal ritual was performed to expunge the remaining soul pieces in the other items globally.
Harry Potter himself was sleeping when his scar had faded.
Then the Unspeakables went after Voldemort. They tracked him down in the Albanian Forest where he possessed a bunny rabbit. They threw the poor rabbit through the arch but it was the only way to get rid of Voldemort. He would never return.
Harry managed to convince Lucius Malfoy that instead of forcing Muggle-borns out, that they should be taught traditionalism. Lucius had adhered to that. He may not like the changing attitudes, but he felt that traditionalism being held up was more important than his spite. The Malfoy's and Potter's would rule Wizarding Britain for centuries to come. Lucius managed to survive the corruption investigation and happily grew old watching his grandchildren grow up.
In fourth year Harry Potter and Daphne Greengrass started dating. Noticing the mutual crush between Daphne's sister and Draco, Harry and Daphne set them up on a blind date at the Yule Ball.
Harry continued to visit Malfoy Manor over the years constantly to see Narcissa. He honestly loved that woman.
Sirius Black got married a couple of years after his incarceration and went on to have four children.
IlIlIlIlI
2010
"You lost our children," said Daphne. "How can you lose four children?"
Harry stepped back at the rebuke. "I was just playing with them."
"I know how to find them," smirked Daphne.
She pulled Harry outside. She pushed him up against the wall and started kissing him intensely.
"EW," came four voices. "Mum, dad, stop kissing."
Daphne turned to see four sets of eyes covered by their hands behind the large bush.
"HA," laughed Daphne. "We found you."
"No fair."
AN: I had written this four years ago but didn't like it so I didn't publish it. I recently found it again after four years. It didn't seem bad now so here it is, now published.