Chapter 4: The Day We Spent Together

Severus knew that he had to drop the glamor. He had already been discovered as he cursed his obvious method of walking, but he could at least keep Harry safe. Severus flicked his wand, removing his glamor, but kept the glamor on Harry. He narrowed his eyes at Lucius and gave his comrade a nod.

"Lucius, I was not expecting you to be here." It was silent in Madam Malkin's. Even Madam Malkin was quiet - it was as if she knew she shouldn't interfere in this confrontation.

Lucius narrowed his storming howlite eyes and Severus did not know what to expect. His comrade was always slippery like a snake and knew when to strike.

Suddenly, Lucius drew his wand and pointed it at Harry. Immediately, Severus sent a Petrificus Totalus, but it was blocked by Narcissa's Protego. A muttered spell under Lucius' breath revealed Harry underneath the glamor. Severus cursed and stood in front of Harry. He didn't know what the Malfoys would do. He knew that Lucius was a fanatic supporter of the Dark Lord and may or even will hurt Harry. But inside, Severus knew that Lucius couldn't hurt Harry without damaging the Malfoy standing in their social circles and especially in the Ministry. Severus just watched and waited, and so did the Malfoys.

It seemed as if Madam Malkin was irritated with their spell casting. "OUT ALL OF YOU OUT! I WILL NOT SERVICE PEOPLE WHO CAST SPELLS IN MY SHOP! OUT!" With a burst of magic, Severus, Harry, and the Malfoys all found themselves outside of Madam Malkin's shop. People were staring at them; then they stared at Harry. Severus was ready for people who would swarm them, but none of them moved. Severus knew it was because Harry was in the company of him and the Malfoys, and no one would dare go near the boy. Severus silently thanked Merlin that no one approached them, but he did glare at Lucius.

"Perhaps, we should take this discussion somewhere else?" Lucius had drawled out. Severus narrowed his eyes once more at the man, but Lucius did have a point. It would do any of them well should they stay in Diagon Alley. But Severus did nod and walked alongside the Malfoys, but making sure that Harry was far away from them.

"Where to, Severus?" This time it was Narcissa who asked him. He did not want to take him to his house, no, they were too untrustworthy to be there, but he didn't want to go, Malfoy Manor, a place that was dangerous for him, more so Harry to be there.

"Cokeworth, we shall go there; I have a house that we will use in our discussion. Do hold on - I will not be responsible if any of you get lost in trying to find the place." Severus was not kidding. He held no love for the Malfoys, except for his godson, Draco. The boy was hiding behind Lucius, but Severus could see Draco's fear and uncertainty. He was also sure that Harry was feeling the same thing.

Severus held out an arm with Narcissa taking it. Lucius took his wife's hand and held it while his son held on tightly to his cloak. Harry, on the other hand, held onto his hand. Severus closed his eyes and saw in his mind, the little house he had brought many years ago.

They disapparated with a small pop.

E&H E

Harry didn't know who those people were. All he knew was that they were threatening and tried to harm him and Mr. Snape. He did not like these people. Although he had noticed the young boy with them, their son perhaps was also looking frightened. Harry pitied the boy, he too would be frightened if his parents were like that. Mr. Snape led them all into the house they appeared in. Harry had long overcome the sickness of Apparition but it still makes him feel uncomfortable.

The house Mr. Snape brought them too looked very old. It seemed as if no one has lived here for years, yet for some reason, Mr. Snape owned it. Perhaps it's an emergency house, Harry thought as he looked around the house. He stayed close to Mr. Snape. He didn't know if that couple would try something to hurt him.

They reached the dining area and sat at the table. No one said anything. The tension suffocated Harry, he just wanted to enjoy his day with Mr. Snape and shop for his school materials, not be suck in a situation like this...

E&H E

Draco was nervous. He didn't want his father and godfather fighting. He loved them both very much. He hated fighting. To Draco, fighting was barbaric and very old class, especially if you're not dueling or are a dueler. To Draco, fighting meant disrespecting the old art of duels and the dances of dueling.

He noticed the boy with his godfather. He looked very small, but Draco knew he was to start Hogwarts too. How did his godfather know this boy? Who is this boy? Draco thought he looked familiar, but he couldn't place a name to the boy. Then his mother spoke.

"Severus, who is the boy next to you?" It was an innocent question, but Draco's mother was a graceful dancer who can spin and turn everything to her will. His mother controlled the dance floor. He silently asked Merlin to help his godfather.

"This boy is Harry Potter." Draco couldn't help but gasp. His parents on the other hand had their eyes widen a bit more, but did not offer anything else. Draco knew that he wasn't supposed to react, but since his parents did, maybe he wouldn't be scolded. Draco held this thought with a small smile on his lips.

"Pray tell, Severus, you have the Boy-Who-Lived under your care?" His father had an edge to his voice and Draco did not like that one bit. It seemed that his godfather had noticed for his onyx eyes had narrowed.

"Harry Potter is indeed in my care? Yet old friend, why is it that you care so much?" Draco could see his father tense from the corner from his eye. He knew why. His father wanted to kill the boy, for he killed his father's Master. Draco was thankful for the boy for killing the Dark Lord. He was a vile man who deserved to die.

Draco looked at the boy, whose emerald eyes looked at his godfather, scared, just as he was. Draco wanted to get away, and it seemed the boy, Harry, wanted to leave as well. But how to ask?

"Draco, you and Harry should leave. This is a discussion that will be between your parents and me." Draco was shocked. How did his godfather know? But he wouldn't ask. He'll ask when the time is right. Draco was grateful but Harry seemed more frightened. It sightly offended Draco but he knew why the boy would be scared. His father did point his wand at him and his mother had not helped matters at all.

His godfather bent down keeping his eyes on Draco's parents but whispered words into Harry's ear. Harry seemed to look at Draco for the first time and gave Severus a nod. Then he rose from the table and walked to where Draco was.

Draco too stood and walked with Harry until they reached the backyard. It was an awkward silence that Draco didn't know how to break. It seemed that Harry was more willing to break it though.

"Your name is Draco?" Now, this was a question Draco could answer.

"Yes, and I suppose your Harry Potter?" Harry gave him a nod.

The silence came back and it was more stifling than ever.

Draco gulped and decided to ask another question. He for one did not want to sit in pure silence for who knows how long.

E&H E

"What subjects are you looking forward to in Hogwarts?" Harry was stunned. He thought that Draco would ask him about his relationship with Mr. Snape or anything personal about him, not a question about Hogwarts. But Harry decided that he'll humor Draco.

"Potions and Transfiguration. Both seem very interesting with the theories behind the types of magic. You?" Harry noticed that Draco smiled a bit. Harry found that he liked the small smile on the boy. It made him more human.

"Same with Potions. Although I rather find myself more excited with the prospect of Defense Against the Dark Arts." Harry gave Draco a nod. He didn't know what to ask Draco. What to ask a boy whose parents pointed a wand at him and almost hurt his guardian?

"What house do you want to be in?" Draco took a guarded look on his face.

"Will you laugh at me if I tell you? I won't laugh at you if you won't laugh at me." Harry was confused by the defensive display but he did promise Draco. Draco seemed satisfied enough as he opened his mouth.

"Ravenclaw. I know it's funny since being a Malfoy and a Black means you must go into Slytherin. But I don't see myself there. I would have to dance with so many people there and always be on my guard. I rather not have that for seven years of my education you know? I want to learn, have more knowledge, use it, become something greater than my name... what about you?" Harry didn't know what to say. He didn't understand most of what Draco said, a Malfoy, a black, and dancing? It seemed that Draco noticed his look of confusion.

"Why do you look like that? Did you not understand some of the things I said?" Harry couldn't help but nod bashfully. He felt bad for not understanding, but Mr. Snape didn't teach him much about pureblood customs. The man was focused to ensure that Harry was well physically and learned how to read and write.

"Mr. Snape, he didn't teach about wizarding customs, mainly pureblood ones. You seem to be a pureblood, can you explain by what you mean by being more than your name?" Draco seemed happy to indulge.

"Well, my name is formally, Draco Lucius Malfoy. I am the only heir to the Malfoy family. My mother is from the Black's, another pureblood house. I am a Malfoy and Black, but the heir to the Malfoy alone. But what else? Hm. Well, Slytherin is one of the four houses. You know of them, right?" At Harry's nod, Draco continued. "Well, Slytherin is known as a "bad" house because we produce many Dark wizards as opposed to the other houses. But that isn't my main reason like I said, I love learning. I love knowledge, that's a trait that doesn't suit well with Slytherins. They use knowledge as a weapon to trap and force people to do my bidding. I don't want that. I want to use my wisdom to help others; I don't want to be what people expect of me. It's bad enough that I'm a Malfoy and a Black." Harry didn't know what to feel. He understood Draco's ambition - to be more than what people expect - but he knew that Draco's path would be a long one.

"I understand better now. Thank you. As for me, well I don't know yet. I know that people want me to follow my parents and be in Gryffindor, but I don't see myself there. I'm not courageous nor brave for that house. I don't see myself rushing into danger so carelessly. But I do want to help and protect people. So I don't know what house would fit me best. I think it's Hufflepuff, but wouldn't that be embarrassing? The Boy-Who-Lived in Hufflepuff... what a joke. Harry noticed Draco's troubled expression.

"I don't think it's a joke. If Hufflepuff is where you belong then I will support you. Besides, you don't have to meet everyone's expectation's either. Be you. Be Harry Potter, not James Potter or Lily Potter. Embrace your differences from your parents. I'm sure that they'll be proud of you either way." Harry couldn't help but smile. It was similar to what his mother and father had said in their will. Harry also was stunned by the emotional and mental comprehension Draco could have. Harry knew that many children his age would have the emotional and mental range of a teaspoon, but it seemed that Draco was an exception.

Harry found that he enjoyed Draco's company. The boy made him feel normal, not like a freak. Draco didn't even get annoyed when Harry didn't understand what he saying, but even offered to explain it to him.

The silence for once was peaceful, that is until Draco broke it.

"I'm asking cause I'm curious, but what's your relationship with my godfather?" Harry cocked his head in confusion but realized that Mr. Snape is Draco's godfather.

"Oh, Mr. Snape, he saved me from my aunt and uncle." Harry wasn't ready to indulge the story of his life to a boy he just met. Thankfully, Draco understood and let the topic drop.

"What do you think is going on inside?" Harry asked Draco. Draco looked at Harry with an unreadable expression. Harry found that he didn't like that look at all.

"I don't know. But whatever happens, let's stay as friends, okay?" Harry was taken aback. Draco wanted to be his friend. Harry was going to make his first friend. He couldn't keep the grin off his face as he nodded his head - as fast as he could. It must've surprised Draco as he quickly gripped Harry's shoulder and laughed. Draco's laugh sounded soft and light. It was soothing to the ears, and Harry liked it a lot.

"Don't make your head fall off! A nod was enough you know?" There was a drawl to Draco's voice, but it wasn't mocking, merely on the edge of teasing. Not to mention, Draco was grinning as he said it, so Harry smiled at him.

The boys just sat next to each, in peaceful silence as they waited for their parents and guardian to solve their issues.

E&H E

Narcissa watched as her son left with Harry Potter. She never expected the boy to be under Severus' watch. She looked at the man who was staring at Potter's retreating form. Then, Severus turned his attention back to her and her husband.

"You will not harm, Harry. Not as long as I live." It was a simple but sure declaration that shocked Narcissa. She never heard the man give such a statement, nor even care for someone in such a manner. She never knew Severus could care or even love someone the way he cared for Harry.

She saw Lucius glaring at Severus.

"You dare betray our Lord by housing the one who killed him? What kind of loyal servant are you, Severus?" Severus' jaw tensed. Narcissa knew that something big would come about this argument. She just wished that she didn't have to be here to witness it. She rather be home in the company of her garden and white peacocks.

"Lucius, you dare question my loyalty to the Dark Lord?" Lucius knew he was stepping on the wrong path. Severus out-ranked him in their Lord's eyes. To the Dark Lord, Severus was more useful to him than Lucius - a truth that Lucius, Narcissa, and Severus knew. It hurt Lucius' pride, yes Narcissa knew, but her husband does need to be reminded of his superiors at times. Narcissa knew it hurt more for her husband to be outranked by a filthy half-blood. But to Narcissa, Severus was more than a filthy half-blood. He was the only worthy half-blood of her attention.

Narcissa heard a laugh from the backyard of the house. It also seemed that Lucius and Severus had heard as well. Although both men glared at each other, they rose to see what caused such a laugh. It was a laugh that Narcissa had never heard before.

The adults looked to see that Draco was laughing with Harry smiling. It brought a smile on Narcissa's face to see her son laugh, but she had never heard her son laugh that way. It saddened her that she was not the recipient of that laugh. Seeing the looks on the faces of the boys made both Lucius and Severus turn to each other.

"A truce for the sake of the children, Severus?" Severus narrowed his eyes at her husband. She could not blame him. Lucius would never surrender so easily; since his pride was damaged.

"Oh, old comrade, I promise not to harm Potter. He makes Draco smile, so for Draco's sake, I won't hurt the boy. Truce?" Severus gave Lucius a warning growl, promising revenge should anything happen to Harry, but shook Lucius' hand. It was at that moment that the boys had noticed the presence of the adults.

Draco ran up to his mother and quickly hugged her, but slightly inclining his head to Lucius as a sign of respect.

"Mother, Father, this is Harry Potter, my friend. I would appreciate it if he and Godfather Severus could join us to finish shopping in Diagon Alley? After all, it was unfinished and we both need our school supplies."

Narcissa smiled at her son, inclining her head to show agreement to her son's plan. Lucius pursed his lips and after a moment of consideration, inclined his head as well.

Severus, on the other hand, was looking conflicted. Potter seemed to notice this and glance at Severus, a pleading look in his eyes. Severus sighed and nodded his head.

Both Draco and Harry gave shouts of joy and briefly hugged each other. It warmed Narcissa's heart to see her son acting like his age.

"Draco, we must leave, we have not eaten lunch, and I'm sure that your godfather and friend wish to eat as well." Draco sighed at Lucius' command. He turned to Potter, giving him one final hug, and went behind his father.

"We shall meet up in Diagon Alley, perhaps, two days from now? Will that be fine, Severus?" Severus inclined his head at Narcissa's suggestion. He gently pulled Potter to his side as Potter held onto his robes.

"Well then, farewell. We shall you three two days from now." And with that, Narcissa and her family disapparated.

Author's Note: Hello! Thank you for viewing Chapter 4. I apologize if it's shorter than normal. I won't be able to update this weekend as I'll be away from home. But I will be writing still and will update when I get back home. So please look forward to a double or triple update.

I hope that you all are enjoying this so far, next chapter is the Train and the Sorting Feast . Look forward to~

See you all soon!

- The-Songbird-Who-Wrote