Author's Notes:
Hi everyone! Sorry for the short chapter this week, things haven't been too great over here. The bar exam got postponed again. Now it's in October, three weeks before my wedding day, and it's been extended from 2 days to 3 and it's at home! I've just been extremely stressed about this. Not just because it's at home now (where my husband-who is also taking the exam-and child/dog are) but also because of the multiple restrictions, having to some how stretch our meager budget, and accepting the conclusion that finding a job now is going to be impossible. Who's going to hire someone who's supposed to sit for the (now) October Bar with the (always there) risk of that person failing but, now, the added risk of postponement (again) or even complete cancelation! It's been super bad for my mental health. And on top of that I've had family issues and wedding planning stuff. I might be taking a week off of posting to just get things back to normal here, I don't know. I hope you will all understand if I take some time off due to this expected-but-unexpected development. I had a hard time being able to sit and write this chapter due to everything going on and I don't want to publish anything that isn't up to my high standards, so I really hope you guys will understand! I do want to give some positivity here, though, by saying I do have a job interview Friday with a HIGHLY reputable firm. I don't know if I'll get the job (due to the bar exam!) but I'm going to give it my all.
Beer of the Chapter: This chapter I drank Sam's '76' Lager! It was super light and refreshing while still keeping that crisp 'lager taste'. It has some notes of honey, citrus, and a little bit of (dare I say) peppercorns? I highly suggest this beer for a hot summer's day.
Reviews: Midnitewanderer: I'm sorry you live with such rude people! I don't know if I could stand being interrupted so much I forget what I was going to ask. As for Lucy, you'll have to wait and see! It's definitely not going to be fun for our little Dragon. I think that chapter might end up with a trigger warning. MMax: It's good to hear from you! Glad you liked the chapter. Yes, I think the distance will make for some interesting plot points come years 5-7. ProfessorMarauder: Thank you! I think some of it seems like filler because I'm trying to figure out my style now that I'm getting into aligning with the books. But some of it is also build up for plot! And, no, Harry didn't suspect at all. He hoped Hermione was a witch, but it was assumed she was simply a muggle. Evilbunnyz127: Thank you! I'm so glad you liked the story so far! I love finding stories that have a good bit of chapters written so I can just dive in and keep going. I'm super impatient when it comes to getting story updates from people. There will definitely be more Harry/Nana McG interactions throughout this story!
PunksterNL: Thank you for reviewing how I've been trying to mix cannon with AU. I wasn't overly sure about the technique I decided to try but I'm glad that you guys as readers are enjoying it! To Draco; I just couldn't pass up such a plot altering and juicy drama decision. I really, really agonized over this decision-like, I had some people read my whole story just to give me advice on what to do! So, I hope it was the right decision. I'm glad you liked my save on the Ollivander front-I'm still mad I didn't think of that issue. Smallwjl: I just couldn't pass on the plot opportunity. I really did agonize over the decision and put off writing it for a while. But I had to go with my gut on it, here. And thank you! After your comment about Sirius and PTSD I went and did some research and talked to a few friends who are therapists and just went from there. Hopefully I can keep it up because I feel that his PTSD is a huge character trait now. Thanks for the review!
Thank you all for reading! Please enjoy this chapter of Ignoring Destiny and Please remember to review! 3 more and I'll finally reach 100 reviews! I'm so excited. Thank you everyone who has reviewed so far. Chapter 33 received the most reviews out of any of my chapters and it was beyond exciting! I love you all!
Chapter Thirty-Four: A Blue Dragon
The next morning Draco somehow found himself sitting across from Dumbledore and Professor Flitwick in Dumbledore's office. Lucius Malfoy sat next to him, his anger radiating off of his person as his blue eyes burned at the sight of Dumbledore and Flitwick. Draco looked away from his father and stared down at his feet, hoping beyond hope that this would end quickly. He hadn't seen his father this angry since the time he found out that Draco had made friends with the Weasley children.
From the corner of his eye, he could see Lucius' knuckles turning white as he gripped the top of his cane, the snakes head peeking out from between his fingers. Draco knew from unpleasant experience that his father not only kept his wand hidden inside of that cane, but that his grip indicated his patients was running thin. But what could his father do to him or anyone else in this office? He would have to keep his composure during this meeting, Draco was sure of it.
"Albus—" Lucius began before being interrupted.
"Ah, I see we are using first names today, are we, Lucius?"
Lucius frowned indignantly, "I suppose we are, Headmaster. As I was beginning to say. You are aware of why my presence was required today, I assume? Or are you not as up to date with the goings on within your school as you so claim?"
"I believe I am acutely aware of the goings on within the walls of Hogwarts and the Ministry, Lucius. However, I'm not sure of the issue for which you called this meeting, if that's what you're suggesting. I am afraid I never quite mastered the art of Legilimency quite like our Potions Master has. Therefore, I find that I am quite incapable of reading the minds of those around me. If you could, I would appreciate if you could enlighten the present company as to this…unexpected visit."
Lucius forced a small smile at Dumbledore's words; his teeth bared almost as if he were snarling as he replied, "Well, Headmaster, I believe this issue at hand is quite clear. My son, Draco, was not sorted into the proper house. As you are well aware, the Malfoy and Black families have long since been sorted exclusively in Slytherin house—save a few unsavory individuals who required pruning from the family tree. However, there seems to have been a mistake involving my son's sorting. It came to my attention late last night that Draco was erroneously placed into Ravenclaw house, not Slytherin, and I demand this issue be rectified immediately."
Dumbledore smiled calmly at Lucius as he looked at him over the tips of his fingers, "I assure you, Lucius, there is nothing wrong or incorrect about the young Mr. Malfoy having been sorted into Ravenclaw. The sorting hat placed him in the house that best suits him, where he will flourish and grow within the best. It seems our young Mr. Malfoy has a thirst for knowledge that simply could not be satisfied by placing him in Slytherin house."
"Be that as it may," Lucius stated through gritted teeth, "Our family history, our legacy, dictates that Draco be in Slytherin house, with his own kind, and I demand he be moved immediately or I will be forced to convene the school governors to discuss this issue further."
"Now, see here, Mr. Malfoy, it's not appropriate to use threats against the headmaster!" Flitwick stated, shock written on his face, "I assure you that Ravenclaw house is just as noble, creates just as intelligent and successful witches and wizards as Slytherin house."
"Thank you, Filius. Lucius, I am afraid there is nothing that can be done. The magics that sort the students is both old and strong—it cannot be undone no matter how much of a fight is put up about the situation. I would hope that you would be proud to have such an intelligent young boy as your son."
"I have no issues with Ravenclaw house," Lucius spat, "But rather, those that get sorted into the house. I do not wish Draco to be forced to associate with those undesirable people. Muggle born students are rarely sorted into Slytherin whereas they run rampant within the other three houses. Draco needs to be surrounded by his peers—the other pure blood families of old. I will not stand to have the Malfoy name tarnished in such a way!"
Draco watched fearfully as Dumbledore pushed his chair back and stood up, towering over Lucius as he glared down, his blue eyes alight with righteous fire, "Lucius, I will not tolerate such antiquated beliefs within the walls of Hogwarts. I have long fought for the rights of muggle born students within these hallowed halls. Mr. Malfoy will not be removed from Ravenclaw house for the sole and prejudiced reasoning of blood status and you have no right to come to my office and make these demands. Now, if you don't have any other demands to make of me, I believe it is time for Mr. Malfoy to head to breakfast so he can get his timetables for the year. It wouldn't due to have him miss his first meal of the day on his first day of classes."
Lucius stood up, his black cloak billowing behind him as he turned to Draco, his eyes cold and hard, "Draco, we will speak of this issue at a later date. Believe me when I state that this will not be the last of this issue. I am extremely disappointed in this display of defiance from you and I expect your attitude to change before the holidays. Go!"
Draco stood up quickly, his eyes downcast, "Yes, Father. I'm sorry, Father." Draco turned and nodded as each man in turn, "Professor Dumbledore. Professor Flitwick. Father," And he quickly turned on his heel and left the office to make his way down to breakfast. If he was lucky, maybe he could grab a quick bite to eat before classes began.
~ID~
The whispers followed Harry, Ron, and Hermione from the moment they left Gryffindor Tower. People all over were doing what they could to get a glimpse of Harry throughout the corridors and staircases; some people even doubled back to pass him again, staring at him.
Wanting to get away from the stares, the three tried to find their way to the great hall for breakfast quickly. The soon realized that the castle was more of a maze than they had anticipated. They got lost almost immediately and it was lucky of them that Hermione had already memorized Hogwarts: A History and was able to use that information to find their way again. In all, it only took them 20 minutes to get down to breakfast.
As they walked into the hall, they quickly searched the Ravenclaw table for familiar blonde hair, and were ultimately disappointed when they failed to find Draco amongst the students in his house. The trio quickly found seats at their table and began loading up their plates with breakfast for the day.
They were chatting about what their classes would be like as Hermione spread jam on her toast, when a large flock of owls poured into the hall carrying letters and packages. Harry and Hermione didn't even bother to look to see if any owls were coming their way; neither anticipated receiving mail anytime soon. Harry was pleasantly shocked and confused when Hedwig landed in front of him, almost knocking over Ron's pumpkin juice, and held her leg out, a small scroll of parchment attached to her.
"What'cha got, Hedwig?" Harry asked as he untied the letter from her leg, "Here," he placed some bits of bacon on the table for Hedwig which she ate happily.
Harry quickly unfurled the parchment and read through the untidy handwriting on the page.
"Who's it from?" Ron asked, his mouth full of eggs.
"Hagrid," Harry said, smiling, "He's invited the four of us to tea this Saturday. Want to go?"
Ron and Hermione made comments of agreement and Harry quickly wrote his response on the other side of the parchment and tied it back to Hedwig's leg, "Here you go, girl. Can you fly this to Hagrid? I'll be up to visit you in the next few days with a letter for dad. Can you take it to him when I come?"
Hedwig gave Harry a hoot and nipped his finger before flying off, her wing hitting the bit of toast Hermione was eating, knocking it to the ground. She sighed and grabbed more toast and started spreading jam on it again.
"I wonder where Draco is," Hermione mentioned casually as she finished spreading jam, "He looked so pale last night. Do you think he was nervous about the sorting? I was so pleased to see him get sorted into Ravenclaw—he's so smart, you know. He's going to love being in that house and solving a riddle every day to get to the common room."
"You have to solve a riddle to get into the Ravenclaw common room?" Ron asked with a frown, "Blimey, I'd never be able to get to bed."
"You'd just have to wait for someone to let you in is all," Harry commented back, "But, you're right, Hermione. I'm sure he wasn't too pleased with the hat's decision. Now he's going to have to deal with his father."
Hermione frowned and set her toast aside, "What do you mean? Won't his dad be pleased he's in such a prestigious house?"
Harry shook his head, "Nah. His dad's mad—he's got some hang up about blood status and family tradition," Harry quickly went on to explain to Hermione the conversation he, Draco, his father, and Sirius had before the start of term, "His dad's going to be bloody angry that Draco wasn't sorted into Slytherin."
"Speaking of the git," Ron said as he nodded toward the entrance to the great hall, "Draco just walked in. Draco!" Ron called and waived his arm.
Draco looked over and caught sight of Ron. They could see him quickly glance around the room before hurriedly making his way over to the Gryffindor table and taking a seat.
"Hi guys. Am I even allowed to sit here? Every one else is eating at their house tables."
Harry shrugged but Hermione piped up, "I read in Hogwarts: A History that, while it's not against school rules for students of different houses to sit at other tables, it's not common practice due to the nature of your relationship and affiliation with your housemates."
"Hermione I swear you read too much. Who does this much studying before their first day of their first term?" Ron asked as he rolled his eyes at her.
"Honestly, Ron, I don't know why you didn't do any research into the place you'll be living at for seven years! There's so many secrets here at Hogwarts, legends and history; doesn't that excite you?"
"Not really. You're the odd man out, Hermione."
"Well excuse me for showing an interest in magic and Hogwarts. I haven't had the privilege of knowing about all of this," she indicated everything around them, "from the moment I was born like the rest of you."
"Right," Harry said, "Anyway, Draco, Hagrid invited us all to tea Saturday. Did you want to come?"
Draco sighed and slid down in his seat, "Yeah, if I'm still at Hogwarts, anyway."
"What do you mean, 'if you're still at Hogwarts'?" Ron asked as he spooned more potatoes onto his plate.
"Father came to have a meeting with Dumbledore and Flitwick. It was—it was a sight."
Draco quickly explained the events that occurred in Dumbledore's office and his father's reactions. The trio gasped and cried out, outraged, at Lucius' actions and statements.
"That's bloody ridiculous!" Ron exclaimed, "Demanding you be moved because there are muggle borns in Ravenclaw. I mean, really. As if there aren't any in Slytherin!"
Hermione frowned at Ron, "There aren't, Ron. Muggle borns aren't sorted into Slytherin—the house founder made sure of that when the four of them created the Sorting Hat. He believed that Hogwarts should have only been for pure blood children but he was outvoted by the other founders of Hogwarts who insisted that anyone who can do magic be allowed to attend the school. It's an old, deep rooted prejudice and I can't believe your father follows that archaic notion."
Draco sighed, "My who family does. Well, except Sirius. He was disowned years ago by my Great Aunt Walburga."
Harry snorted, "Yeah. Uncle Sirius likes to say he was 'properly disowned'. His parents were right prats—as prejudice as they come. They were dead proud of Uncle Sirius' brother, Regulus, for joining up with Voldemort during his reign. Oh shut it, you three."
"Yeah, well, I might be disowned at this rate. Honestly, I won't be surprised if I get a howler telling me not to come home."
Ron's eyes darkened, "Well then you'll come live with me. Honestly, after seven kids what's one more."
Draco looked at Ron for a long time, as if he were fully appreciating him for the first time, "Thank you, Ron. That means a lot. I don't care what my father says about you, you and your family are good people."
"Yeah," Ron said, smiling before frowning, "Wait, what does your dad say about my family?"
Just then they were interrupted by McGonagall and Flitwick who had made their way over to them with their times tables.
"Thanks, nana!" Harry said as he accepted his sheet from Minerva.
Minerva let out a small smile before whacking him lightly on the head with the roll of parchment she held in her hand, "Potter, we use appropriate titles here at Hogwarts. I don't appreciate your cheek. Five points from Gryffindor. Now I suggest you start headed to your first classes, you four. Don't dally now!"
The four of them nodded and quickly reviewed their schedules, checking to see which classes they would all have together. It looked like they would have Astronomy, History of Magic, and Transfiguration together this year while the three Gryffindors would have Herbology, Charms, and Defense against the Dark Arts with the Hufflepuffs and then Potions with the Slytherins while Draco would have the later three classes with the Slytherins and Potions with the Hufflepuffs.
After comparing their schedules, the small group quickly finished their breakfasts and then headed off to Transfiguration together.
~ID~
The first week of classes went quickly for Ron, Draco, Hermione, and Harry. Eventually students got used to seeing Harry in the halls and in classes and their excitement dwindled and dissipated by the end of the week.
Other than having to get used to the fast paced environment, and a small snag in Potions, the week went smoothly for all for children. They were quickly adapting to life at Hogwarts and each were finding a niche that they were good in. Harry, of course, was doing well in DADA while Draco and Hermione were excelling at Charms. Ron was surprisingly good at Astronomy. He had explained early on to the group that he had always been fascinated by the constellations and how they continuously change throughout the year and so Bill had taught him a lot of what was taught in astronomy already.
Harry was having a blast finally learning how to use magic and finally doing it with a wand. He found it much easier to complete spells properly now that he had a wand and wasn't being forced to do it wandlessly. He instantly agreed with his uncles and dad that wandless magic was much more difficult than spells normally are.
Potions had not gone quite according to plan, however, when Snape verbally accosted Harry during their first lesson. James had not been pleased when Harry relayed that class to him. After that, Harry decided it might be best to not relay every detail to his dad so as to avoid any unnecessary visits from James throughout the school year. He imagined that may make his situation worse than it already was.
Draco was finding that he was enjoying his housemates and the classes more than he thought he would. And, if he was honest with himself, he wasn't too upset about the fact that he wasn't going to have to room with Goyle and Crabbe for seven years. They were dreadfully dull and Draco wasn't sure if they were all there in the head or not. He felt they were rather stupid for two boys his age.
Ron was keeping up with the course load but, other than astronomy, he wasn't overly pronounced in any one subject yet. Though, Harry and Draco were beginning to get annoyed at the small bickers that he got into with Hermione over the dumbest stuff. Just the day before those two had gotten into an argument over the proper pronunciation of Lumos. Ron was insisting that it was pronounced leh-MOUSSE while Hermione continued to correct him and explain that it was LIEU-mós. This spat had caused the two friends to refuse to speak to each other for an entire afternoon until Draco finally drug both of them to Professor Flitwick's office to settle the debate once and for all. Of course, Hermione was correct, and Ron begrudgingly apologized to her.
Despite the rocky start, this school year was looking bright and exciting as the group continued to take on more challenging work.
End Notes:
Thank you for reading Ignoring Destiny! Please like, follow, and review! Let's get to 100 reviews this chapter!
