A/N: Skipping ahead again! Olivia is 9 years old and Draco is about to start his first year of Hogwarts :) Enjoy!

Outofthisworldgal: The salve they were brewing was a warming salve to soothe sore muscles and joints. Capsaicin is a common ingredient in things like IcyHot patches you put on your sore back or knees.

andpleasedontcry: Yeah, both Draco and Olivia have a pretty good temper on them lol, but they get over it as most kids do.

victoria cullen34: Thanks :) I still haven't decided quite exactly how I will have that revealed to her yet, but I have some ideas. Hope you enjoy this chapter also.

X Blue Eyed Demon X: Thank you :)

June 1991 – March 1992 (Age 9-10)

"Happy Birthday, Draco!" Olivia yelled as she ran into his room. Jumping onto his bed, careful not to step on him, she shook him awake. "Come on, get up, everyone will be here in a couple hours!" It was normal for her to wake him up. In fact, there had been a few nights throughout their childhood when she would get scared due to a storm or a bad dream and find herself crawling into his bed. Her Aunt Cissa never said a word of disapproval since they were only children.

Draco groaned, reluctant to wake. "Olivia, it'll still be a couple hours; let me sleep."

She collapsed next to him, pushing his hair out of his face. "Draco, please? I won't get to see you hardly at all this year. Let's go flying or something before everyone gets here," she put on a fake pout.

He opened one eye, raising the same eyebrow. "You hate flying," he said, wondering what she was getting at.

"I don't hate it; it's just not my favorite thing to do. Besides, you love it and it's your birthday. I don't care what we do."

"Alright," he sighed deeply. "I'm getting up."

Olivia smiled and left him to get dressed. Running downstairs, she went to find her Aunt. She found her in the kitchens, approving the emerald green cake resembling a sleeping dragon. "Wow, Draco will love that!" she exclaimed in awe.

"I'm sure he will," she laughed. "Did you manage to wake him?"

"Mmhmm," she nodded. "Aunt Cissa? Can you braid my hair? I think Draco wants to go flying before everyone gets here."

"Of course, dear," she replied, guiding Olivia out of the kitchens and up to her bedroom, which was right next to Draco's. Narcissa could just have the girl's hair braided with a spell, but she enjoying doing it by hand. Olivia was as close to a daughter as she'd ever have and she had beautiful long hair that the witch used every excuse she could to fix it into elegant braids. She sat at the small vanity and let the older witch brush and fix her hair. Olivia picked an emerald green ribbon from her stash she kept at Malfoy Manor and Narcissa tied off the long French braid.

Flying wasn't Olivia's favorite thing to do. She didn't get the rush from it the same way that Draco did. She wasn't afraid or anything like that, but she'd much rather be doing other things. However, seeing Draco flying circles around her was always amusing. Olivia knew he loved that feeling...free and like the entire world is at your feet.

Looking down towards the house, she noticed Theo coming out and waving to them. Pushing her broom down, she landed just beyond the garden. She figured the two would enjoy flying together so she handed her broom off to Theo and he thanked her before taking off.

Magnus and Hayden came later, followed by two other boys Draco had become acquainted with, Crabbe and Goyle. Olivia didn't much like the latter two. She did enjoy the Mulciber boys and Theo, of course. Hayden was especially funny while Magnus was quiet, but observing and witty. Theo was a mixture of both. Crabbe and Goyle didn't have much personality on their own; they simply were.

When Draco and Theo finally touched down, their hair was tousled and they were out of breath. Narcissa smoothed out Draco's hair as he approached the patio. They all had sandwiches and tea just as they had during Olivia's birthday, followed by cake, which drew the most attention from all the boys, especially Draco. The emerald sleeping dragon that had smoke streaming from it's nostrils was the coolest thing they'd seen and the fact that they got to cut it up and eat it was even better.

Gifts came next and Draco received a lot of different things: another Zonko's box from the Mulciber boys similar to what they usually received and quidditch memorabilia from the others. Olivia handed him her gift, which was a pair of dragon hide quidditch gloves and his two favorite sweets, black licorice wands and an orange chocolate dragon egg that, when cracked, held a tiny charmed dragon inside. Lucius brought out his gift from him and Narcissa last since it was larger and much more obvious – the brand new Nimbus 2000! Olivia was even excited for Draco as he jumped from his seat and went straight out to fly it. It was so fast!

Olivia was busying herself by preparing leeches as Severus focused on his intricate stirring. When he stopped and set the hourglass, she asked him what had been on her mind.

"Daddy? Is there a way to start school a year early?"

He looked at her, observing her meticulous slicing. Severus thought for a moment. "Unfortunately, no. Without practical magical experience, there's no way of being able to properly assess the level at which you will perform."

"I thought as much," she sighed. Olivia placed the knife to the side and wiped her hands on the towel before sliding the cutting board over to him. "I have been studying the same as Draco for years; it's not really fair honestly. I'm not fond of the idea of it just being me this year either. I'll simply be bored to tears without Draco to pick on," she joked.

The corners of his mouth quirked at the remark. "I am sure you will have plenty of studying to occupy yourself with. You'll have more time to focus on your piano lessons and Narcissa will likely enjoy it just being the two of you for much of the time." He checked the hourglass and readied the leeches to add them in parts while passing her the griffin claw to powder. "Perhaps I should discuss with her about your studies for the year. Since you and Draco have been on the same page until now, I do not see any reason to deviate from that."

"Really?" she asked excitedly, taking out a claw and moving it across the microplane and into the mortar.

"That won't include the practical approach, however, you realize," he noted. "But it would put you ahead of the rest of your year if you studied the theory beforehand."

Olivia nodded in understanding. The idea had merit. She would have notes and essays in advance to work from, giving her an advantage and more time to study other things in her spare time. "Could I go with Aunt Cissa and Uncle Lucius when they take Draco to get his school supplies?"

"I suppose. I will owl Narcissa and talk to her about it. Your books could be purchased at the same time."

Diagon Alley had been a long trip. Olivia didn't expect so many stops, but, then again, they did have twice the amount of books to buy and errands to run while they were there. The most boring part had been waiting for Draco to get fitted for his robes, but she had to admit being fascinated watching him find his wand in Ollivander's. She couldn't wait until the next year when she would get her own.

When they took him to the platform to board the train to Hogwarts, Olivia had been quiet. She said her goodbye and made him swear he would write. Lucius had some things to tend to at the Ministry so she had been apparated back to Malfoy Manor with Narcissa. The start of her time as the only kid in the home was already seeming to be lack luster.

Her time was consumed by her studies and piano lessons thrice a week. Narcissa took her shopping quite a bit more considering Draco wasn't around to complain, but Olivia found herself bored much of the time she would usually be playing with Draco. She read a lot more and painted or wrote to Severus and Draco.

Draco had written first to tell of his being sorted into Slytherin, which was expected, but exciting nevertheless. He'd also bragged about meeting the infamous Harry Potter, but said the boy was extremely rude and proud git for turning down Draco's offer of friendship quite offensively. Olivia had to admit that this Potter boy must be very prejudice for turning down an acquaintance before even knowing Draco. Granted, he was pompous and rude himself sometimes, but Draco was always nice, thoughtful, and smart around Olivia.

They exchanged a few letters over the course of the term. She enjoyed reading about his experiences in classes and his house. It was especially amusing when he told her of how her father had made Potter look a fool on the first day in Potions. She did wonder how the infamous Harry Potter could not know about very basic potions ingredients. There was even a muggleborn witch who rivaled Draco in grades and who knew more.

Her birthday was a tad disappointing since only Hayden Mulciber was able to come since the other boys and Draco hadn't been allowed to come because of being at Hogwarts. Severus had brought her a letter when he came. She received more painting supplies and a new quill, which was always nice, books, and sweets. Olivia did try to match the excitement to her previous year's experience, but she was sure that her father had noticed.

She concentrated on her studies, taking the best notes she could so she would have the best reference for the next year. The next couple months passed relatively quickly. They were supposed to meet Draco at the train station for the holiday. Olivia would stay a few more days before Severus would come get her on Christmas Eve day.

Putting on her favorite dress and thick tights for warmth, she brushed her hip-length hair before clipping back the foremost strands away from her face. She went downstairs just after slipping on her shoes. They apparated just after she slipped on her coat and scarf.

She stood with Lucius and Narcissa who had her hands on the girl's shoulders, a subtle attempt to keep the girl still. Olivia waved at Theo who was the first familiar person to step off the train. When she saw Draco, she could hardly contain herself, but Narcissa kept a firm grip that reminded her of herself and where she was. She still grinned as he came towards them, his hair slicked back as usual when they were away from the Manor and proudly displaying his Slytherin scarf, pulling his trunk behind him.

When they got back to the Manor, he ran out the patio doors and into the snow, Olivia following close behind. "Draco," she laughed. "Wait up! I don't have my boots on!"

"Well, you should've thought of that!" he shouted back at her.

"I couldn't very well wear boots to King's Cross, now, could I?"

They ran over the hill and down towards the pond that was nestled near the woods. He stopped and caught his breath while she ran up behind him. Draco let out a disappointed sigh. "It's not frozen all the way," he said, seeing the still rippling water of the pond.

"It's still pretty, though," she commented, enjoying the way the ice had formed slightly along the edges of the water.

Draco looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "You're weird."

"Am not!" she laughed, hitting him playfully on the arm. "I just love winter. It smells great and everything is so beautiful." He was simply silent as she clutched her coat tighter and enjoyed the cold air. "I missed you, you know," she said finally.

He shot her his signature smug look. "Yeah? Just isn't the same without me around, is it?"

Olivia nudged him with her elbow and laughed. "It's true, though. I missed you. I can't wait until next year. You're getting to have all the fun while I'm stuck here."

"Honestly, it would be more fun if Potter wasn't such a pain and I didn't have to deal with a muggleborn getting better grades than me. Sometimes I wonder if the teachers give her the better grade because she's a bloody Gryffindor."

"She's in Gryffindor? You never told me that. From the way you talked about her, I assumed she was in Ravenclaw."

"You'd think so, but no...bloody wreckless, loud gits," he sneered. "I swear Potter, Weasley, and that Granger girl are up to something. They sneak around and whisper like they're planning stuff...and they get away with everything!"

"You're talking about the troll on Halloween?"

"Yes!" he said, exasperated. "It's unbelievable! I guarantee you, if it had been Slytherins to take down that troll, we'd have been in detention for weeks or worse!"

"But you wouldn't have been dumb enough to be caught," she laughed.

Draco laughed, his mood lightening, "True." He slung an arm heavily over her shoulders. "Come on. I have a craving for hot chocolate and I need to interrogate you on my Christmas gift." Olivia laughed and they headed back towards the Manor.

Knock. Knock... Olivia softly rapped her knuckle against the open door. She held a book in her arm as she waited for her uncle to address her. He was in the middle of writing so she didn't want to interrupt his train of thought.

"Yes?" he asked, finally glancing up to her.

"Uncle Lucius," she started as she walked towards his desk, "may I pick out one of your books again? I finished this one last night."

"You're caught up on your studies?"

"Yes, Sir."

He smiled and nodded towards the shelves along the left side of the room. "Bottom three shelves only, remember?"

Olivia smiled at him and went to browse through his collection quietly as he finished his letter. Placing the old book back onto the shelf, she really tried to keep her attention only to those she was allowed, but she realized that she had read nearly all of them. A title managed to draw her attention upwards.

"Uncle? I know this isn't on the bottom three, but isn't Occlumency what Daddy is really good at?"

He looked up from his parchment, studying her for a moment. "Yes, Severus is well versed in the art, but it is very advanced magic."

"Could I read it? I've read the bottom three shelves to death and back already," she asked while pushing out her bottom lip, appealing to her uncle's weakness.

Narrowing his eyes at her, knowing what it was she was doing, he laughed. "I don't see why not. You won't be able to practice much, but I suppose the techniques could prove useful to improve your focus."

"Really?" she smiled brightly. Olivia pulled the text from the shelf and went to his side, leaning in to place a soft kiss to his cheek. "Thank you, Uncle Lucius."

Laughing, he waved her off, "Go on. I believe it's getting late. Do not stay up reading all night either."

Severus walked into the sitting room that Sunday, taking his place in a comfortable high back chair. Olivia was finishing up her painting at the desk across the room. When she cleaned up her things, she went to sit near him. Lucius and Narcissa had taken the chance to go out for the night so it was just the two of them.

"How are you doing with your school work?" he asked out of habit more than anything. He knew she was doing extremely well.

"Aunt Cissa says I'm doing well, but since I can't actually do any of the spells, it's hard to say."

"Specifically?"

"Well, I can't do anything with Charms except memorize the wand movements and pronunciations. Defence and Transfiguration is about half and half."

"Potions? Herbology?"

"Daddy," she laughed, "Potions is easy." Olivia thought more for a moment. "The book make me frustrated."

"How so?" Severus straightened, interested to hear her view on the text.

"In one potion, the author explains the process of preparation of green-billed mussels," she explained, going to grab her book off the desk. When she returned, she opened it to the section, "He strictly says to remove the beard, but doesn't explain at all why!"

"The beard is of a different material and texture than the actual inside. Ultimately, it's useless within the potion, but if added into it, the consistency would change. It would be thicker," he elaborated. "Really, it depends on if you're in a hurry or if you want to take the time to have a nice smooth, fluid potion."

Olivia nodded and went to grab her quill and ink to make the notes in the margin. "And, why is it that in the nutrient potion, he states that the end result should always resemble a murky green color when it's always been a minty pale green when you and I have made it?"

"I have made many modifications to nearly every potion I use to provide either a longer lasting effect or a higher potency. The modifications can effect many things, including color."

"Why have students make a potion that isn't very good, then?" she asked, obviously insulted at the concept.

"The ingredients are basic, therefore the effectiveness is also. They wouldn't be able to understand the more advanced techniques to modify."

She looked pensive for a moment. "He also misspelled 'arctiinae' in chapter seventeen," she muttered.

He chuckled. "Perhaps you should be the editor of his next published work."

"Well, his current one obviously isn't competent enough to catch something like that." Olivia closed her book and suddenly remembered. "Oh, Uncle Lucius let me borrow a book on Occlumency!" She went to her desk and brought it back, showing him proudly. "It's above his three-shelf rule, but he said the methods could be useful."

"Three-shelf rule?" he asked, lifting an eyebrow.

"Draco and I are only allowed books from the bottom three shelves. Anything above that is either too advanced or 'it's just not appropriate,' he said." I wish he'd let me look at the others, at least," she pouted. "I'll have nothing to read otherwise."

"Occlumency is definitely above your level," he mused, more to himself.

They shared a small dinner and discussed the rest of her studies as well as her piano lessons. She did wonder how she could keep that up while at Hogwarts, but he promised to speak to Professor Flitwick about using the choir room, which had an old piano in it. Severus could tell that Olivia had needed the conversation time.

Granted, they did talk every Sunday, but always in the company of Lucius and Narcissa. Now, she didn't have Draco to talk to all the time and he supposed that the school year had left her a bit lonely, which was something he was all too familiar with...so much so that he'd welcome the privacy now. It had it's benefits, but part of him didn't want his own child to turn out that way. Luckily, she'd be at Hogwarts the next year with both himself and Draco around.

When it was time for her to head to bed, he stayed in the sitting room and caught up on grading some essays he'd brought with him until the Malfoys returned. It was about an hour after that when they did come through the door, obviously having enjoyed their time alone. Severus went upstairs, opening the door to Olivia's room, and saw that she'd fell asleep reading.

He pulled the book from her hands and placed it on the bedside table. Tucking a long strand of black hair behind her ear, he marveled at how peaceful she looked. She was still so young, but would be starting school in less than six months. Lily had been right; she was beautiful and smart. Severus pulled the blanket further up to her shoulder before turning to leave for Hogwarts again, closing the door softly behind him.