Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing. Author's note is at the end.

III. HOGWARTS A HISTORY: Say What?

After Harry left the classroom, he went straight to search for Ron and Hermione. This was, a conversation, which really could not wait.

"Harry!"

He turned around when he heard Hermione's voice, smiling. He was also a little grateful to see her holding back from running at him with another hug like she did last night and trying not to blush at the memory.

"I'm so glad you're okay!" She said.

"Yeah mate, glad to see you're out of the hospital wing!" said Ron.

Harry grinned at both of them. "How are the both of you?"

Hermione beamed at him saying they were never better. Smiling, Harry was just relieved to know they survived and were safe.

"Hey, I need to talk to you both about something." Harry said quickly. As it was a bright day out, the three of them went out to the grounds and found a spot by the lake, grateful that there weren't any other students around them. After double-checking to make sure they were absolutely alone, Harry told Ron and Hermione about what happened in the final room. Hermione let out a stifled scream when he got to the part about Voldemort being in the back of Quirrell's head and Ron paled to almost match one of the ghosts. When he told them how Malfoy had appeared out of nowhere and actually tried to get Quirrell off of him, Hermione and Ron's jaws dropped.

"Wait!" Ron interrupted, "You're telling me, Malfoy, Draco Malfoy, helped you? The same git who challenged you to the duel and tried to get you expelled?" Ron exclaimed. Harry nodded and looked towards Hermione. Her eyes were wide with shock before he noticed her expression change to something more like suspicion, but she seemed determined to wait for him to finish his tale. After she nodded, Harry continued, launching into what Dumbledore told him about his scar, finishing with the talk he had with Malfoy and the decision to give a second chance.

"Are you mad!" Ron shouted, "Malfoy, a second chance?"

"Yes Ron, I decided to give him a second chance." Harry said a bit nervous. He knew Ron wouldn't like it, he only hoped Ron wouldn't see it as some sort of betrayal. He really didn't want to lose the very first friend he ever made.

"Why Harry? You know how he is! He's just trying to trick you again, I bet you anything." Ron huffed. Harry looked to Hermione who still hadn't said anything, but she looked thoughtful.

"Ron," she finally said, "How do we know he's not being sincere?" Hermione said. Before Ron could get into a stride she quickly added, "I mean, we know he's been foul, all year long, but he did help Harry when he could have done absolutely nothing. What exactly would he gain by possibly having his whole entire house turn against him if they found out what he did and also calling a truce with Harry?" Hermione said. Ron gaped at her before blustering again about how you can't trust a Slytherin for anything, especially Malfoy. Hermione, exasperated, fixed him with another glare. "Ron, let me ask you, if the shoe were on the other foot, and you took a stance against your house, agreed to start again with your enemy, then what would you do?"

Looking a little bashful, Ron looked between Harry and Hermione, sighed and thought for the sake of his best mate; he would follow Harry's lead. Then something else occurred to Ron now that he had calmed down.

"Wait, Harry, you said Malfoy offered to be an ally?" Ron asked.

"Yeah," Harry said, a bit relieved that Ron wasn't ranting anymore, and grateful to Hermione for being there. "He said friends were far off, but everyone could use an ally. Why?" Here, both Harry and Hermione looked to Ron, curious as to where he was going with this.

"I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but Harry, we all need to talk to Malfoy. This… a wizarding alliance can be good, but can also be dangerous." Ron said.

"What do you mean Ron?" Hermione asked.

"I remember hearing my mum and dad talking about it this past summer, because Percy had asked something about it…anyways, they mentioned something about, once someone is considered an ally it's not easily broken, and might mean having to side with them right away even if you don't completely agree…" Ron trailed off ears turning slightly pink.

"Well," Harry said, "Malfoy did mention wanting to talk to all of us, later tonight. He promised this time that he'd actually show, and would be in the classroom we were in earlier after curfew."

"But Harry," Hermione said, eyes narrowed, "He nearly got you and Ron caught the last time he said to meet past curfew."

"But Hermione, we have the cloak this time!" Harry said, "So if Malfoy were to actually try anything then we'd be–"

"Able to get away?" Hermione asked, skeptical, "What about Mrs. Norris? You said she followed you when you were leaving the library the night you went to the restricted section, so even if she couldn't see you, she still followed you." she said.

"I still didn't get caught, besides Hermione, the lamp I took crashed to the floor. If there wasn't a crash, I'm positive I would have been fine." Harry looked at her with such a confident expression, hoping she wouldn't think it a weak response. Hermione couldn't help but bite her lip while contemplating that little fact before she sighed, looked at both Harry and Ron, and agreed to the meeting.

During the rest of the day, the trio went to spend the afternoon on the grounds, enjoying the weather, and at some point in time, Hermione stated that she was off to the library and would meet them back in the great hall for dinner.

"Why must she always go to the library?" Ron asked.

"You know Hermione, Ron, she loves to learn things." Said Harry.

"Yeah but exams are done! We stopped You-Know-Who from getting the stone, I think we deserve to have some fun now!" Ron said.

"Well, maybe going to the library is how she likes to have fun?" Harry said as more of a question. He knew Hermione loved to learn, she was brilliant, and if Harry was honest with himself, not only did he admire that quality but he also wished he liked to learn as much as she did. He enjoyed learning, he also knew that since he and Dudley were no longer at the same school, he didn't have to dumb down his grades, but old habits die-hard. He also didn't want Ron to think he didn't know how to have fun, but still wanted to do well. On that note, he reminded Ron that it was because of her studying habits, that she was, "How did you say it last time Ron? Brilliant but scary?" Harry grinned as Ron's ears turned a little red and mumbled about not wanting to be on the wrong side of Hermione's wand and asked Harry about playing a game of exploding snap.

Soon they were at the end of year feast, the decorations that adorned the great hall were for Slytherin House. The final scores showed Slytherin at 482, Ravenclaw at 436, Hufflepuff at 352, and Gryffindor being in last place with 312 points. When Dumbledore stood to make his end of year speech, cheers were loud as he announced Slytherin having won.

"Yes, yes Slytherin, very well done, but certain events have taken place which must be taken into account and last minute points need to be awarded." Dumbledore said. The students quieted down; all curious about who exactly were about to receive last minute points.

"First, to Miss Hermione Granger, for cool use of intellect while others were in grave peril…50 points. To Mr. Ronald Weasley, for the best game of chess Hogwarts has ever seen these many years….50 points. To Mr. Harry Potter, for pure nerve and outstanding courage. I award Gryffindor 60 points." He paused, a twinkle in his eye as the students began whispering, about how Gryffindor was almost caught up to Slytherin.

"Finally, it takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but even more to stand up to your friends. To Mr. Neville Longbottom, I award 10 points." (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) "Now, assuming that my calculations are correct, I believe a change of decorations are in order. Gryffindor and Slytherin tie for the house cup!" Clapping his hands, Dumbledore raised his arms out, as the banners all around the hall changed from pure green to showing the snake and lion side by side, both house colors next to each other. The students didn't quite seem to know how to react. Hufflepuff started clapping and cheering, glad that Slytherin had not won the cup outright, with Ravenclaw following. The Gryffindor table (and Slytherin) were shocked and wide eyed. No one could remember a time when the house cup wasn't outright won by one house.

Draco Malfoy was flummoxed, and managed to maintain a glare in the direction of the Gryffindor table, (at the same time fighting a smirk.) The Slytherin score this morning was at 472 points. Professor Snape had told Draco earlier that afternoon he had earned an extra 10 points for his house from the Headmaster but to tell no one the reason for the points. Draco had been genuinely surprised and had asked his head of house what he had done to earn the points from Dumbledore. Professor Snape had told him, rather cryptically, it was for demonstrating strength of character. Draco stared back, trying (more rather, hoping) to not betray an ounce of surprise. Did the headmaster know exactly what happened in the chamber? He couldn't possibly know, right? Professor Snape, in that moment, just stood observing the young Slytherin, and Draco had never felt so exposed in his life. Quickly putting on his usual smirk, he nodded his head before walking off to the feast.
In the moment of the tie, he could see Potter and his friends smiling and laughing, briefly making eye contact with Potter before turning his attention to Goyle who was mumbling about Dumbledore being crazy. As the feast ended, he found it easy enough to slip away from everyone and went to the classroom, trying not to feel nervous about meeting with Po-Harry and his friends. Steeling himself, he looked at the door, and after taking a quick look around to make sure there was no one around, he entered the door. He didn't wait long before the door opened and the four soon to be second years were staring at each other a bit awkwardly. Again, Harry was the first one to start the conversation.

"Hello Draco," he said.

"Hello Harry," Draco said as he glanced at the other two, "did you fill them in?"

"Yes, I told them everything," Harry said. Ron narrowed his eyes while Hermione seemed to just observe the interactions so far. Draco just nodded.

"First off Malfoy," Ron started, "Harry might be willing to give you a second chance, but I'm not. I don't think you can be trusted at all."

"Ron-" Harry said warningly.

"Look Weasley, as I've already told Po-Harry, I want to start over. My accord is with him and I have agreed to not pick on you or Granger."

"But what else did you ask for Malfoy?" Ron glared.

Malfoy stared at the red haired boy, biting back a snarky remark.

"That was all he asked for Ron. He wants to start over." Harry said.

"There is something that I don't quite understand, Malfoy." Hermione said, speaking up for the first time. Everyone stopped to look at her. "I went to the library shortly after Harry told us you wanted to form an alliance. From what I understand, this is not something to take lightly. They're extremely specific, binding for a long time; the consequences could be severe for both parties if they try to break the alliance without good reasons. Why exactly would you risk an alliance with Harry? What exactly is in it for you?"

Everyone just stared at Hermione. Harry was grateful she was there. He knew if he had asked that of Malfoy then things might have been even trickier moving forward. After a moment, Draco said, "You're right that forming an agreement with Harry is risky which is why I asked for all three of you to come. If my house found out about our truce, I won't be safe, even my family name won't keep me safe." Draco paused unsure of how to say this next bit, but figured it was best to push forward. "My family can not find out. At. All. I've already explained myself to Harry about my family and what they've taught me. When we were in the room with the mirror, I realized the Dark Lord is nothing but mad. There's a lot I realized since that moment, especially that it's not over. He'll keep coming and me and my family won't be safe." Draco trailed off looking more so at the ground than anyone.

"We're just a bunch of kids," Ron started, "what can we do?" He asked, sounding unsure of everything.

"Kids that managed to get through every obstacle the Professor's set up." Draco said, and all three Gryffindor's blushed. "Look, if there's anything going on as far as the dark lord goes, I can let you know, and maybe, just maybe we can figure out a way to… I don't know, but we could do something about it."

"So you absolutely meant it, about working together?" Hermione asked.

"Yes." He said resolutely.

"So here's what we do-" she started.

"Wait, one second." Ron interrupted, "This means you really will stop picking on me and my family, Hermione and Harry."

Draco sighed in frustration. "That's what I've been trying to tell you Weasley. I've agreed to Harry's terms and that included stopping picking on you and Granger. Now that we have that settled, maybe we can move on to a plan on how we can hide my helping out Potter." Ron looked to Harry who had been quiet for a good chunk of the conversation, and saw Harry looking hopeful, nodding his head towards Malfoy. Ron knew his friend was not going to change his mind on this at all, so with a small grimace and look towards Hermione who was also nodding, he sighed. "Alright Malfoy. I still don't trust you, but I trust Harry, so I'll work with you." Draco nodded before sticking out his hand, which Ron took grudgingly.

"So we need a way for you and Harry to interact regularly without you being suspected by your house and your parents," Hermione started again. "What I'm thinking is we can set up a very public incident at the beginning of next term." All three boys looked confused by this. "Oh honestly! Just think about it, if we can figure out a way to have an incident in front of other students, then we can make it look reasonable for you to be talking to each other in public a bit more politely, and anything important we can come up with some kind of code or cipher."

"That's brilliant Hermione." Harry said smiling. "We can definitely plan this out a bit more over the summer, maybe I can send Hedwig out?" He started.

"That sounds like it could work, but won't Malfoy's parents be wondering all of a sudden why you're getting mail from Harry?" Ron chimed in. "This is going to be a long game before we finally reach a checkmate. Maybe I can ask Percy if I can use his owl."

"I don't think owls we'll be any good." Draco said frowning.

"Why not?" Harry asked.

"Because, if I'm to hide this from my parents they'll be wondering why my friends are suddenly such great letter writers…I think I might have a solution." He said all of a sudden. "My family has a house elf, he's quite a pathetic little thing but he'll listen to me about not telling my parents."

"You have a house elf?" Ron said.

"What's a house elf?" Hermione and Harry asked.

"A house elf is a creature who loves to work." Ron said. "Mum is always saying how nice it would be to have one help around the house."

Hermione and Harry frowned but before they could answer they heard voices outside the door. The quickly looked at each other before Harry quickly rushed all of them towards a wall besides the teachers desk, pulling out the cloak and hoping it covered all four of them as they crouched on the ground behind the desk. They heard the door open and saw a light from a teachers wand lighting the way around the room. All four students had their hands covering their mouths as they heard the footsteps approach the desk. Hearts pounding, they heard a crash outside in the hallway along with Peeves laughter and Filch yelling after the poltergeist. They heard the teacher muttering before the turned and left the classroom. After the door closed they waited another minute before Harry removed the cloak.

"That was close." Hermione said nervously.

"Okay, so clearly we've been here a while," Draco started, "and we at least have some idea of how we're going to communicate. I need a cover, but we'll figure this out over the summer. I'll reach out first, I'll send my elf as soon as I can." That being said, their meeting officially ended. Harry peeked out the door before signaling the others to follow. They let Draco leave first, and after he rounded a corner, the three of them were covered by the cloak and thankfully didn't run into anymore teachers (or Mrs. Norris) on their way back to Gryffindor tower. After the day they had, the boys told Hermione goodnight and they all went to sleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow.

End Year 1.

Author's Note: Hello everyone! I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays and had a first good month of the New Year. So we officially ended year 1 and are now heading into year 2. Honestly, I was a bit stuck on this particular chapter and I appreciate your patience for the update. So again I want to say thank you so much for your patience as well as those of you who are following/liking this story. Side note: as far as the story is concerned, I am finding it a bit of a challenge to write from the perspective of 11/12 year old mind so please bear with. I'm currently working on the next chapter and hopefully I will have it posted soon. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Till next time,

-Blackheart09