So I finally decided on a pairing for Harry for this story. I originally wanted to go with Daphne but I think for the tone of either the second or third act of the story, pairing Harry with Delphini Riddle would work much better. In this story she'll have been born around the same time Harry did rather than towards the end of the Second Wizarding War. I'm also going to try and keep to a bi-weekly posting schedule per chapter, maybe a bit earlier or later depending on work with the dissertation but around every 14 days or so.
Also thanks for all the kind words in the reviews. It means a lot that people enjoy the story and gives me some more motivation to write when I'm stumped.
After the breakout from Azkaban, Draco had written to Dumbledore asking if Harry could relocate to Malfoy Manor for the summer. It was safer, he argued, the ancient wards of Malfoy Manor were strong, and they could protect Hermione and her family as well if they decided to come. Besides, if Sirius Black could break out of the unescapable' Azkaban, really what were Harry's muggle aunt and uncle going to do? Buy another door lock? More iron bars on the windows? After two weeks of non‑stop owling Draco managed to secure a concession from the headmaster that it would, perhaps, be alright.
While he was still mulling over what he had observed at the end of the previous year, Draco was still certain that regardless of what Harry's answer was, he was Harry's friend, and that obligated him to do whatever he could to help him. Dark wizard or no. Pulled out of his thoughts by the familiar sound of the floo, Draco turned and plastered a smile on his face. Whatever else, he was a Malfoy, and a Malfoy was nothing if not courteous.
"Harry how are you? Aunt and Uncle treat you alright I hope?" said Malfoy with barely concealed humor as he raised an eyebrow.
"Git." Said Harry with a smirk as he hugged the wizard, pulling back he continued, "I'm fine. How have you been?"
"The usual. Training. Assassinating Death Eaters. Rooting out dark secrets," said Draco casually although his grey eyes flicked to meet Harry's vivid green ones for just a second at the end.
"He knows."
"How? We've been careful?" replied Harry nervously.
Harry responded with a nervous laugh as he rubbed the back of his head, eyes darting to the side. Draco had to resist the urge to slam his head into the wall. Harry was lots of things, but a good liar was clearly not one of them.
"Okay that's it. Come with me," muttered Draco as he launched onto Harry's wrist with a vicegrip and practically dragged Harry down the hall into an empty room.
"Narcissa, dear, do you think our son might perhaps be gay?" asked Lucius as he watched the entire affair with a raised eyebrow, sipping from his teacup before setting it back down.
"Nonsense Lucius, have you seen the way he looks at Hermione when he thinks no one is looking? Our son is clearly bisexual." Said Narcissa without even bothering to lift her eyes from the copy of The Daily Prophet that she was reading.
"Hmm… I suppose you are right. Well adoption is always an option for grandchildren." Considered Lucius with a small shrug as he dug into a pastry.
"I am always right, love. Besides this thing with Harry is clearly a fling. He doesn't even look at him the same way he does Hermione."
"We are good parents, aren't we?"
"Of course we are Lucius."
"Look. I'm pretty bloody pissed that you're keeping something from me Harry but that's not the point right. If you're going to lie about something at least be halfway decent about it." Hissed Draco as practically through Harry into the room and slammed the door behind him.
"What are you talking about?" asked Harry nervously as he frantically looked around the room for an exit.
"I saw you use the Imperius curse on Lockhart after you obliviated him last year." Stated Draco coldly as glared at Harry who seemed to visibly deflate.
"You need to tell him or obliviate him." Said Tom.
"For fucks sake I'm not about to obliviate one of my best friends." Said Harry exasperatedly.
"Draco I can explain… If you'll let me. I was always planning on telling all of you. I just wanted to wait for a better time," pleaded Harry. Draco sighed as he collapsed into a chair and motioned for Harry to continue. As Harry launched into an explanation of Tom and the understanding the two of them had come to Draco progressively sank into his chair until he was finally slumped over, groaning into his hands.
"Merlin, what a mess." Muttered Draco as he turned to look at Harry. "Are you sure there's nothing that can be done to separate the two of you?"
"Mr. Malfoy," started Tom‑Harry as Draco flinched and immediately dropped into a battle stance one hand moving towards his dagger, the other towards one of the smoke bombs. "I mean no harm. Here take Harry's wand, then we can talk."
Draco hesitated before warily pocketing his friend's wand. "I'm not a fool you still have access to wandless magic as well as nonverbal magic."
"Of course, but I hope that you will at least hear me out." Said Tom‑Harry smoothly. "The bond between the fragment of my soul that resides in Harry and his own is rather permanent. The only way to separate us at this point would be for Harry to create a horcrux himself and then embed the portion of my soul within the horcrux. Essentially, we are one and the same."
"This makes my job immensely easier," said Draco sarcastically as he sighed.
"I assure you Mr. Malfoy that Harry's survival is my top priority. 'I' am now separate from the rest of the being known as Lord Voldemort. If Harry dies, 'I' will die as well. I rather enjoy living so I cannot allow that to happen. Regardless of your feelings about me, we are united in our desire to see Harry live." Said Tom‑Harry softly.
"He won't ever leave Harry alone, will he?" asked Draco sadly. Tom‑Harry shook his head.
"There was a prophecy that Harry is destined to kill m – Voldemort. We never heard the full prophecy, but I am certain that it is the reason for his obsession with Harry."
"You'll be training Harry then I assume?" said Draco, it wasn't a question. Tom‑Harry nodded.
"Don't get me wrong. Harry's talented, very good reflexes and a great instinct for dueling, but that's for people our age. He wouldn't last a second against an experienced Death Eater at this point, let alone Voldemort." Said Draco.
"He has the raw potential. I'll be helping him hone it. I am only trying to help him Mr. Malfoy. You have my word."
"We should still keep this from Ron. Hermione might understand but I don't think Ron would," said Draco without answering Tom's implicit question.
"You'll need more experience as well you know. You might have completed the Krypteia training but we both know that a Krypteia improves with more experience. You won't survive as you are."
"I'll talk to my parents about taking a year off to 'study abroad'. I can take out some more missions. Get some more experience." Said Draco quietly, knowing he was right.
"You might want to ask Hermione to go with you. She is absolutely brilliant, but she needs to learn to trust her instincts a bit more."
"I'll ask her. Are there ways we can delay this? Voldemort is returning but surely there is something we can do?" asked Draco. Tom‑Harry shook his head again.
"You all are 12 or 13 Draco. Still children. Regardless of what you have learned or been through there is still ancient magic binding most of your abilities until you come of age. We have no allies that we can trust with this information. No, the only think we can do is prepare."
"Take care of him. Harry's a brother to me." Said Draco quietly as he took one last look at Tom‑Harry before he left the room.
Ron laughed as spun in the air, the tail end of his broom sending the quaffle that Blaise and just tried to score with bouncing back towards Theo.
"You'll have to do better than that, Zabini!"
"Shut it, Weasley!" growled Blaise with a smirk as Theo laughed. The good-natured ribbing between the two continued as Blaise and Theo scored and Ron saved in equal fashion. Meanwhile Harry and Draco were throwing an impressive array of counters, feints, and tricks at each other trying to catch the snitch, prevent the other from doing so, and also distract the other.
"I still don't understand all the fuss about quidditch." Said Hermione as she looked up at the boys, tearing her eyes away from the third-year charms book.
"I think it's a male thing," said Daphne with a bored look as she lounged in the sun casually eating from a plate of grapes.
"Mother thinks its very brutish and déclassé," sniffed Astoria even as her eyes followed Ron through the air.
"Subtle," snickered Daphne as Astoria huffed and lightly hit her on the arm.
"It doesn't make sense, I mean why are they trying to show off? Ron and Harry are putty in your hands. Its not like they don't know," frowned Hermione as she cocked her head to the side trying to figure it out. Daphne giggled as Astoria rolled her eyes.
"They're boys Hermione. They think about quidditch, girls, food and that's it. Besides I'm not interested in Harry, he's fun and a good enough bloke but I fancy someone else," said Daphne as she sneaked a glance at Theo.
"I had hoped Draco would somehow be better," muttered Hermione darkly as she returned to the book, Daphne and Astoria shared a knowing glance before wisely dropping the subject.
Hermione looked up when a shadow crossed over her book to see a sweaty, grinning Draco. "I would've though you'd have gone through the entire book by now. Still stuck on Glacius?" asked Draco as he dropped himself beside her.
"I'm still having a bit of trouble getting the consistency of the freezing. I mean its 'enough' to walk on but it's not the 10-centimeter consistency that I wanted." Said Hermione, wrinkling her nose at Draco. "Ugh you need a shower Draco." He just let out a bark of laughter.
"I did want to speak with you though. I'm taking this year off Hogwarts to go study abroad, I'm considering Beauxbatons, Koldovstoretz, maybe even Mahoutokoro. My grades are good enough and Mother has already sorted it with Dumbledore. Your grades are even better than mine so I'm sure that you would be able to go if you wanted." Said Draco looking appraisingly at Hermione.
"You just want to go to Mahoutokoro for the quidditch," said Hermione teasingly even as she thought of the possibilities. The opportunity to go study and learn magic at a different institution was not something to be passed on lightly.
"I won't lie that it has crossed my mind, but I am serious about this. I'd like to learn as much magical theory as possible, even if I can't do magic myself, know how magic works on as many levels as possible will be crucial to my work as a Krypteia." Said Draco. He winced as he saw Hermione's face fall a little. He knew that she didn't agree with his position as an assassin, but he was happy that she was willing to put up with it to be his friend.
"Hmm… I'll think about it." Said Hermione as she raised her chin in a haughty fashion but both she and Draco already knew the answer would be yes. Hermione Granger was not one to ever turn down a chance to learn more.
"You two are just going to abandon us? Is that it?" gasped Ron in mock horror as he and Harry clutched at their hearts.
"O woe is me, T'have seen what I have seen, see what I see!" quoted Harry as he fell to the ground. At this everyone stopped and stared at him. Theo and Blaise whistled and Astoria managed raised eyebrow whilst Hermione and Draco were absolutely flabbergasted that their friend could quote Shakespeare.
"What? It's not like I'm a complete moron. I'm just not a swot like those to," said Harry as he sat back up and saw the stares. Everyone laughed as Hermione looked embarrassed and Draco simply glared.
"I'll remember this when you owl me for help with transfiguration," said Hermione calmly before she got up and started walking back towards the manner. Harry's eyes widened.
"No wait, I'm sorry! Hermione please," begged Harry as he threw himself around her legs. Draco chuckled. Life was never boring with friends like these.
Draco and Hermione had been called to his father's office in the Manor. While Narcissa had managed to smooth things over with Dumbledore about Hermione accompanying them on a study abroad trip, Dumbledore had wanted to discuss it personally with both Draco and Hermione before he would allow it to occur.
"You've told Miss Granger about your identity then Draco?" asked Dumbledore, blue eyes twinkling.
"Yes sir." Replied Draco, refusing to make eye contact. While he knew that Dumbledore was quite possibly one of the most powerful wizards in the world, something about his demeanor caused Draco to be wary of him. No one got as powerful as Dumbledore did without some sort of ambition, some sort of desire for power and that made Draco uncomfortable.
"I see. Miss Granger, you do have the highest marks in your grade, Mister Malfoy included. That being said, a year abroad studying might be a difficult transition. Are you sure that this is something that you would like to do?"
"Yes. I think it would be a wonderful opportunity and I am sure I can keep up with the Hogwarts curriculum while doing some electives abroad." Said Hermione firmly. She had already gotten a head start on third-year transfiguration and charms and she was certain keeping up wouldn't be a problem.
"In that case did you have a school in mind? Draco listed Beauxbatons, Koldovstoretz, and Mahoutokoro as potential schools he wished to study at. Did you have any particular institution in mind, Miss Granger?"
"I was thinking Koldovstoretz. Beauxbatons has an amazing charms program but their curriculum is quite similar to Hogwarts, and while Mahoutokoro has produce some amazing witches and wizards, many of their magics are bound to Japan, I doubt I would be able to fully utilize anything I learned there." Said Hermione after a moments thought.
"Would that be agreeable to you Draco?" asked Dumbledore turning to stare at the young Krypteia.
"In an ideal world I'd love to go to Mahoutokoro for their quidditch programs," said Draco with a smirk before continuing, "But this isn't an ideal world and I do think between Beauxbatons and Koldovstoretz, Koldovstoretz is the better choice."
"Very well. I will inform Alexei that we have two students who wish to spend a year at Koldovstoretz and once I have a response, I shall inform you two and your parents." Said Dumbledore with a small smile.
"Thank you, professor," said Hermione excitedly.
"Nonsense. You two have the highest marks in your year. If anyone is deserving of studying abroad for a year it is the two of you."
"You'll write to us, won't you?" asked Ron, in-between stuffing his face full of cottage pie, ignoring Hermione's pointed look of disgust.
"'Course we will. It's Russia what do you think we'll do during the winter? Go outside?" scoffed Draco but the smile on his face betrayed him.
"Has anyone ever told you, you're a huge prat?" asked Harry with a raised brow even as he took a bite of treacle tart.
"We all have." Intoned Blaise, Theo, Daphne, and Astoria at the same time. Draco threw up the forks sign at them and immediately had the back of his head cuffed by his mother.
"Draco! We raised you better than that. Apologize now." Said Narcissa eyes narrowing dangerously.
"Yes mother… Sorry…," grumbled Draco even as the table laughed.
"Mrs. Malfoy thank you for the meal, it's wonderful," said Hermione politely.
"Ah think nothing of it dear, you should thank Dobby. Dobby?" With a crack the house elf appeared looking brightly at the Malfoy matriarch.
"Yes, Mistress?" asked Dobby expectantly.
"Hermione here would like to thank you for the wonderful meal you made," said Narcissa with a smile. Dobby turned towards Hermione his eyes widening.
"Thank you for the meal Dobby, it was delicious," said Hermione happily. She hadn't thought it possible, but the house elf's eyes widened even further.
"Oh, Dobby is not deserving of your praise miss! But Dobby is happy you found the food delicious," said Dobby in an excited squeak before he shook her hand vigorously.
"Don't say that Dobby. Goodness knows our family would fall apart without you," said Narcissa with a snort.
"Mother's right you know, you do everything for us," said Draco casually as he lazily waved a spoon around to make his point. Dobby managed to get out some more phrases of being undeserving before disappearing again, no doubt back to work.
"I'm still surprised by how well you treat your house elf Draco. Father is always…" said Theo before he trailed off with a grimace. Blaise and Draco shared a look. While the Greengrass and Malfoy families were some of the more progressive members of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, the Notts had sided firmly with Voldemort in the First War. Draco was only friends with Theo through Blaise whose family had and was remaining decidedly neutral.
"What do you mean?" asked Harry in a curious voice. Looking around Draco noticed that Hermione was also curious.
"House elves are bound to a single master or a wizarding family for the duration of their lives. They are intensely loyal and unable to disobey a direct order however they can willfully misinterpret an order depending on the wording." Explained Draco as Hermione's eyes widened in horror.
"They're slaves?" asked Hermione as Draco, Blaise, Theo, Daphne, and Astoria flinched.
"It depends on the family dear, some keep to the old traditions like we do. Each generation we reify the bond between elf and family. The contract lasts one generation and if the elf believes we are no longer worthy of their service, they leave." Said Narcissa as she took a sip of tea. She thought for a moment before conceding, "However, some families do force their house elves into life-time contracts. In which case yes, they do become slaves."
Hermione looked calmer once she knew that Dobby was in the service of the Malfoy's but everyone could tell she was still aghast at the way house elves were most certainly being treated by the rest of the wizarding world.
"Hermione, the wizarding world is just as bad as the muggle one. We have our own issues with xenophobia, bigotry, and hatred. We're bigger on tradition than muggles are so a lot of it is very ingrained," said Draco softly looking down at his plate.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ruin lunch," said Hermione lamely a slight flush appearing on her cheeks.
"Don't be Hermione. I'm sure we all agree with you." Said Lucius with a small smile, speaking for the first time. He raised his tea cup to toast the table. "There are many issues with our world but I'm looking forward to all of you changing what my generation could not."
Draco smiled as all of his friends at the table took the praise to heart. He had good parents.
"You two are Mr. Draco Malfoy and Ms. Hermione Granger then?" asked the aristocratic looking man clad in a bear fur mantle with thick looking, utilitarian robes underneath. The man's black eyes were not cold however, rather they radiated a fierce devotion as well as warmth.
"Yes sir. Thank you for allowing us to attend Koldovstoretz for the year, headmaster Romanov," said Hermione politely as Draco intoned his thanks as well. The man absentmindedly stroked his chest length brown beard for a moment before breaking out into a full grin.
"Nonsense! Albus tells me you are the brightest witch and that Mr. Malfoy here is an exceptional Krypteia. How could I deny yourselves such an opportunity? Or deny my students the chance to engage with different magical traditions themselves? And please call me Alexei. In this school we are all students. We must hold onto traditions but never let age dictate brilliance!"
Alexei Romanov motioned for the two Hogwarts students to follow him.
"He seems very… nice," whispered Hermione to Draco as they followed the Koldovstoretz headmaster into the campus. Koldvstoretz was built into the side of a mountain glacier. The only way in or out was via magical means like the floo, or via the gryphons that were the sworn protectors of the school. Since its founding in 1237 A.D. it had never fallen to an enemy assault.
"He's much easier to approach than Dumbledore," admitted Draco as they struggled to keep pace with the long legged headmaster.
"Dumbledore just enjoys playing the unapproachable Merlin figure. Send him a pair of socks and he'll be inviting you to tea all the time," laughed Alexei loudly as both Draco and Hermione reddened realizing that he had heard their gossip.
"I'm glad to have the two of you here for the year. Even here in Russia we have heard tales of the Krypteia and their skill and sacrifice in protecting muggles and muggleborns. And your head of house, Minerva, has raved about your skill and talent Ms. Hermione Granger, she says you may grow into the brightest witch of our age. Now I must introduce you to the rest of the students. With any luck they will be ready for dinner."
"Excited?" asked Draco as he turned to look at Hermione.
"Yeah, I am," said Hermione with a brilliant smile before she slipped her hand into Draco's. Draco blushed as Hermione simply laughed and pulled him forward. It would be a good year indeed.
"What can I do for you Ron?" asked Lupin kindly as he looked up from marking the third-year papers on grindylows to see Ron knocking on the side of his office door and standing there uncertainly.
"Do you have time to talk Professor?" asked Ron hesitantly.
"Of course, I do Ron. What's this about?" asked Remus as he got up and motioned for Ron to take a seat wherever.
"Well I was wondering if you'd be willing to tutor me outside of class? It's just that…" said Ron trailing off as he uncomfortably looked everywhere except at Lupin. "I feel like they're leaving me behind. Draco and Hermione are off doing a study abroad where they'll learn loads and Harry has always been great at Defense and he just keeps getting better. I don't want to feel like I'm a burden to them," finished Ron lamely.
"Ron I can tell you for certain that none of your friends would ever feel that way. I might not have meet Mr. Malfoy or Ms. Granger but from what Harry tells me they think the world of you. But if you want, I can give you some pointers. James and Sirius were always better duelers than I was, but I'd like to think that I'm able to hold my own." Said Lupin with a kind smile. Ron felt a lump emerge in his throat. Not trusting himself to speak, he simply nodded.
Dear Harry and Ron,
How are the two of you doing? Draco and I have settled into Koldovstoretz quite well. Headmaster Romanov is very welcoming and has been doing his best to smooth over any cultural issues between Draco, myself and the rest of the students. The material here for third year is a bit easier than Hogwarts in Potions and Transfiguration but much higher with regards to Defense Against the Dark Arts, Ancient Runes, and Arithmancy.
Draco is a minor celebrity here since him being a Krypteia is an open secret. He can't even walk to class without at least one girl swooning at him and several boys challenging him to fights to prove their honor. It's so funny to watch his face since he has no clue how to respond to any of it.
Harry, I hope that you are doing better after your bout with the Dementor. Draco and I were so worried and we're glad to hear that you are doing better. Please convey our thanks to Professor Lupin for helping you with the Patronus Charm. I'm really jealous of you for that! It's such an advance piece of magic, way beyond N.E.W.T. level, you better teach me once I'm back!
Anyways I better go, Draco is getting grouchy and I need to go save him from another one of his female admirers.
Best,
Hermione
Dear Hermione and Draco,
We're both doing well, I'm starting to get the Patronus and Professor Lupin has started to give Ron some outside of class pointers as well. He's definitely the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher that we've ever had, he really knows his stuff. I'll definitely try to teach you once you come back although you can probably go to Professor Lupin assuming the position isn't cursed and he doesn't leave after this year.
Blaise and Theo have been really good. They've generally tried to keep the younger Slytherins in check. They looked out for Ginny when a second-year tried to hex her from behind. Ron hasn't said anything, but I think that he and Astoria are hitting it off. I saw them coming back from Hogsmeade walking hand in hand. Please don't mention it to him, I just thought you might to know. He's a lot happier these days, I think she's a good influence on him.
Someone sent me a really good broomstick after my Nimbus 2000 was smashed by the Whomping Willow, I know you two are going to say it might be jinxed and from Sirius Black and I already thought of that and McGonagall is currently having it looked over so please don't bite my head off.
Hoping that you two are enjoying Russia,
Harry Potter
"Blaise?" came the hesitant voice from behind him.
"Can I help you?" asked Blaise as he turned around, seeing the youngest Weasley. "You're… Ginny right? Ginny Weasley?" She nodded.
"I just wanted to say… thank you. Ron told me what you did, and that you got a weeks worth of detentions for it." Said Ginny as she looked up at the older Slytherin.
"Don't mention it Ginny. Your Ron's little sister. I'm sure he'd do the same for me or Theo. Besides, he was a prick anyways, deserved it," said Blaise with a smile waving off her thank you.
"Still I didn't think a Slytherin would stick up for a Gryffindor," said Ginny returning his smile.
"We're not all bad. Theo is a good friend, and you can probably trust the Greengrass sisters," said Blaise after a moments thought. "I'll see you around Ginny. I have detention to get to."
As the third-year walked away, arm raised in farewell Ginny decided that perhaps there was more to Slytherins than meet the eye.
"Excellent, again!" said Alexei approvingly with a wide grin as Draco and a sixth-year student at Koldovostoretz faced off against each other, both wielding nothing but blunted daggers. The sixth-year scowled before faking a lunging stab at Draco. Mentally rolling his eyes Draco, saw the telegraphed fake and tripped the sixth-year before he could recover his balance, fluidly transitioning to being on top of the man with his dagger to his neck.
"Dead," whispered Malfoy softly his grey eyes glinting like pale steel as the sixth-year's face drained of color.
"Did everyone see what happened?" asked Alexei to the surrounding crowd. When several hands, including Hermione's, went up he motioned for one of them to explain.
"Mister Malfoy saw Gavrie's obvious and waited until he had all his weigh on one foot before tripping and mounting him to get a quick kill," said a fourth-year as Alexei nodded approvingly.
"Combat is not just about technique. It is about intuition, reaction, and knowing when to commit to an action. Mister Gavrie telegraphed his fake far too much. Misdirection is about balance, throwing just enough out to get your opponent to bite on it but not so much to put you at a disadvantage if they realize what fake it is." Said Alexei to the assembled group. Noticing a hand still raised Alexei motioned for them to speak.
"Sorry Headmaster, but why is this important. Aren't we witches and wizards? Shouldn't we focus on magic?" asked a confused third‑year. Hermione raised her hand to answer.
"Because you are at an advantage if you can utilize hand-to-hand combat. Most witches and wizards are uncomfortable dueling at anything closer to 5 meters. If you can get in close you can put them off‑balance. Besides if you know how to use your body as a weapon being disarmed is a lot less of a death sentence." Explained Hermione as Alexei gently clapped after her answer.
"Miss Granger is correct. Just because we possess magic, does not mean we should neglect non-magical forms of combat, and as Mister Malfoy has demonstrated today, with enough training and the right tools, even a seasoned and veteran wizard can be taken down by someone who cannot use magic." said Alexei. "Now, I want everyone to pair off and practice the basic takedown we learned at the beginning of class."
Alexei clapped once as everyone in the large classroom began to pair off one by one. It soon became apparent that after witnessing Draco's mastery of multiple martial arts and weapon styles that no one wished to be paired with him.
"So um… How do we do this?" asked Hermione nervously as Draco pointedly looked anywhere but at her.
"We'll do a really basic takedown combo that you can use if you don't have your wand." Said Draco nicely.
"What do I do?"
"Okay you're going to snake the opposite arm underneath and around my upper arm, while grabbing and pulling my wrist with your other hand. At the same time, you're going to want to fall forward into a sort of pigeon stretch with your leg around the leg on the same side as the arm you're pulling. While falling you'll sort of force my leg to hyperextend allowing you to use your momentum to push me to the ground." Said Draco as he helped Hermione through the motions. Once he was on his back he continued. "Now you'll want to immediately continue forward with your motion, so you can mount me and make sure I can't throw you off. That way you're in an advantageous position. If you don't follow through I can easily take this position and transition it into an armlock by crossing my leg like so," demonstrated Draco as Hermione winced in pain.
"So what do I do now?" asked Hermione as she straddled him across his waist.
"Once I am in this really disadvantageous position I'm going to try and do two things, protect my neck and also keep my elbows close to the center. However, you can easily see that that's close to impossible. To truly protect my neck, I have to use my arms extensively, and if I want to protect my arms from a lock I leave my neck exposed. It's not the purpose of this class but you'll want to learn to chain 'high' and 'low' attacks to my neck and arms until I give you an opening." Explained Draco as he showcased why he couldn't protect both his neck and arms at the same time.
"What about nonverbal or wandless magic in this situation?" asked Hermione even as she ran through some of the more basic neck and arm attacks that Draco had explained.
"Honestly, while knowing hand‑to‑hand combat is really useful for throwing your opponent off balance unless you've been training in it your whole life like I have you will still be at a pretty big disadvantage if your opponent is advanced enough to have mastered wandless magic." Admitted Draco even as unconsciously countered one of Hermione's grabs and bucked her off and rolled until he was on top of her clutching both her wrists. They both blushed when a chuckle from behind them made them realize exactly how close they were and what position they were in. Draco and Hermione hastily separated and stood up not looking at each other even as Alexei gave them a knowing look.
"Ah young love… Don't let me catch you out after hours," said Alexei with a hearty laugh before walking away, Draco and Hermione hadn't thought they could be more embarrassed, but it was becoming quite clear that wasn't the case.
"Umm, if you'd like I can show you some more basic takedowns?" offered Draco lamely, face still red.
"Yes! Yes that sounds great," said Hermione quickly hoping to put off talking about what had happened for as long as possible.
"Is he telling the truth?" asked Harry incredulously.
"Yes. As far as I remember it was Pettigrew that informed me of where your parents were. He broke the secret. Sirius Black has always been loyal to your father." Replied Tom trying to think of how this complication would play out for Harry.
"Alright… I believe you," said Harry as he lowered his wand.
"No!" screeched Pettigrew, his eyes wide and frantic as he tried to desperately look for some means of escape.
"Incarcerous. Petrificus Totalus. Silencio. Stupefy." Said Harry coldly at Pettigrew quickly incapacitating the Death Eater. Lupin and Sirius both stared at him. "What? If the plan is to take him up to be interrogated then we shouldn't take any chances."
"You're more talented than your father was at your age," said Sirius as he blinked. Lupin offered him a proud smile as he nodded in agreement.
"Thanks," said Harry genuinely happy for the compliment.
"You need to ask Lupin if he's taken the Wolfsbane potion tonight. It's the full moon." Reminded Tom.
"Professor Lupin?"
"Please Harry, after all this… call me Remus." Said Lupin.
"Right, Remus… have you taken the Wolfsbane tonight? Because otherwise… I don't know if you heading above is the best idea." Said Harry. Lupin blanched as he realized that he hadn't.
"Right. I'll go with Sirius and we'll levitate Pettigrew up to the castle and wait for the Ministry. Ron, no offense you've got a broken ankle, you should stay here with Remus and Snape. Sirius and I will send help once we can." Said Harry as both Ron and Remus nodded.
"Ready to clear your name?" asked Harry with a smile. Sirius let out a bark of genuine laughter. One that seemed impossible mere weeks ago.
"Let's do it."
As the two clambered out of the Whomping Willow Harry took a deep breath and looked up at the full moon that was just starting to peer through from behind the clouds. This would be it. He could finally go live with someone who cared. Someone who would treat him like an actual human being. He'd have a father figure who cared.
"So when would you want to move in Harry?" asked Sirius in a gruff but kind voice.
"As fast as bloody possible." Muttered Harry darkly as he thought of his aunt and uncle.
"I'm never letting them touch you again. What the hell was Dumbledore thinking, sending you there?" said Sirius throwing his hands up.
"Probably Old Magic. Your mother's sacrifice probably bound in ritual form to her last living relative. Would have protected you until you were 17." Noted Tom.
"And you're just telling me this now?"
"It's not like you ever asked before. You know I respect your decisions Harry. I'll offer advice, but I do generally try to let you live your life." Sniffed Tom offended that Harry was implying something malevolent of the dark wizard. "Not that it matters anymore. When you verbalized the intent to go live with your godfather the ritual broke. Old Magic works in unpredictable ways. It's powerful, far more powerful than the controlled spells we use today but its effects can be… unforeseen."
"Right well, no use crying over spilled milk I guess."
"Why would anyone cry over milk?"
Harry couldn't remember a time when he had been happier. Watching Pettigrew be carted off by the Minister to be give the Dementor's Kiss and Fudge apologizing profusely to Sirius would always be one of his most cherished memories. His godfather cleared, and legally able to adopt him.
"I'm impressed Harry. I admit even I thought Sirius guilty. I am glad you were able to help him," said Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling with something resembling pride.
"You told me that we should look past the surface and see the hidden lines." Responded Harry. "I'm just glad I can finally live somewhere, where people want me."
"About that Harry…" started Dumbledore before Harry raised his hand.
"I was reading about ritual protections. I know why you wanted me to stay with my aunt and uncle but Sirius asked me to live with him, and I accepted which most likely broke those wards."
"I see. Well no use crying over spilled milk," said Dumbledore with a smile and nod. "Now if you'll excuse me, I do believe tonight's events have made me crave some lemon drops."
As Dumbledore wandered off Harry felt Sirius wrap his arms around him tightly, could hear the sobbing from his godfather as he wept.
"I'm sorry for not being there for you Harry. I'm sorry I was stupid enough to get locked up in Azkaban. Thank you for letting me back into your life." Harry felt his own eyes begin to glisten.
"Don't be stupid Sirius. You couldn't have known. I'm just glad I don't have to go back to the Dursley's."
"If I have anything to say about it, you'll never see them again." Promised Sirius.
End of Year 3