Thank you all for the reviews! I could barely believe my inbox this morning when I took a look.

I just thought I'd answer a couple of questions before I get started on the next chapter. First of all, although I fully intend on making this a Drarry in the future, currently any emotions between the two boys is platonic, and I intend to keep it that way until at least fourth year. Secondly, I'll be updating weekly, most likely on the weekends as I'm currently working full time. Feel free to message me any questions though :-)

Beta'd by: Bombadilo Baby

As usual: I do not own Harry Potter, any of its character's, or ideas - J. K. Rowling created the Harry Potter world, for which I am eternally grateful

G

Lady Narcissa Malfoy was not a woman easily surprised. Though to say that she was not a little shocked to see this particular trio of boys walking towards her as she waited in her favourite café down Camelia Alcove would be inaccurate. As she discretely took in the minute signs of amusement on her husband's face and the clearly delighted expression on her son's, both of which were usually quite composed in public, she swiftly grew inquisitive. It was also obvious to note how protectively her two Malfoy men felt, walking either side of the smaller stranger.

That was mentioning nothing about the tight clasp of her son's hand around the small and dark haired boy. She fought down a chuckle at the adorable view the two boys made; she'd hate to embarrass Draco by showing signs of her amusement.

Just what exactly had she missed over the last half hour?

Though she didn't immediately recognise the young boy being pulled along beside her son, something in the shape of his face and green eyes called to her memories.

Raising a delicate brow to her husband as he leant down to kiss her cheek in greeting, Narcissa silently requested an explanation. Watching as her son automatically drew out a chair at their table for the newcomer.

"Narcissa" Lucius greeted, smoothly taking a seat beside her. "I hope you'll forgive our slight delay, we had some small matters at Madam Malkin's to take care of."

"Afternoon Mother" Draco greeted happily, before turning back to his smaller companion. "Harry, this is my mother, Lady Narcissa Malfoy nee Black. Mother this is Harry Potter." He introduced.

Lucius sat back, enjoying the stunned expression on his wife's delicate face before she swiftly filed away the information, his face smoothing out. Narcissa cast a welcoming smile towards the now identified boy.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Potter." She knew now why his face had seemed so familiar; it was strikingly similar to Lily Potter's, barr the untidy black locks (which was entirely James Potter's, she noted with amusement). "I hope my boys have been taking good care of you?" she inquired, turning towards Lucius, already expecting the answer.

"Of course my dear. There's just been a small change in plans." He explained "Harry's arranged escort was just recently made . . . unavailable. I've arranged for the change in supervision this afternoon to ourselves." He informed her "The required notifications for informing the school and Board regarding the change have already been delivered. I've just received confirmation from the Board." he reassured, anticipating her next question.

Draco meanwhile was leaning closer to Harry, his blonde hair brushing against the raven's as he explained how they ordered from one of the menu. The extra menu's had popped up when the three joined Narcissa at the table in the dappled sunlight.

"Just take a look for something you would like, then either Mother or Father can use their wands to tap and order your choice. The amount is automatically withdrawn from one of our vaults in Gringotts." Draco described, seeing Harry's curious expression as he explained the ingrained magic.

Harry froze, looking up nervously towards the two elder Malfoy's, as though expecting them to contraindicate Draco's previous words. When Lucius nodded in confirmation, Harry's eyes widened slightly before darted back towards the table. Harry squirmed in his seat.

"I - I'm not that hungry. I don't mind not getting something." Harry stumbled, one of his hands nervously clutched in his new robes, his eyes downcast.

Lucius and Narcissa shared a brief look, even as Draco ignored Harry's statement.

"You just told us that you haven't sat for lunch yet." The blonde primly reminded him, before his grey quickly warmed again "Besides, the beef with ginger tuffs is delicious! And you have to try the elder flower tea." He informed Harry, taking obvious delight in offering his superior knowledge of the establishment.

Harry looked at Draco from the corner of his eyes, blushing awkwardly when he noticed how close the other boy was. He wasn't used to interacting so closely with other his own age, since most people tended to avoid him. The dark haired boy had just opened his mouth to refuse again, when Narcissa smoothly intercepted.

"Of course you'll have something Harry dear, there's nothing worse than shopping on an empty stomach. Besides, you'll find the Malfoy's are not easily dissuaded once they've set upon something. And feeding you lunch is something we will insist on" Narcissa stated easily, soothing Harry's discomfort.

In the end an obviously dazed Harry caved to the Malfoy's, quietly ordering the same as Draco. It wasn't long before their meals arrived, and the three Malfoy's watched as Harry's green eyes lit up in fascination at the sight of the ginger tuffs atop the plate. The raven reached out of tentative hand towards the thin feather-like strands drifting up around the plate, watching them curl around one of his fingers delicately in the breeze.

Neither Narcissa nor Lucius had the motivation to comment about the faux pas of playing with one's food, not in the face of the innocent and delighted curiosity on the raven's face. Nor the self-satisfied look on their son's that Harry obviously liked the food Draco had suggested.

The rest of the meal passed pleasantly, if slightly more actively than was typical for the Malfoy family in such a public area. Draco had begun explaining enthusiastically about them rules of Quidditch, with the occasional comment or clarification from Lucius and Narcissa, whilst Harry listened closely. It took most of the one hour meal, but gradually Draco managed to get Harry more confident talking with his family. Eventually Harry was timidly asking and volunteering his own thoughts to the discussion. By the time the small group stood up to depart the café Draco was immediately latching onto the raven's hand again, pulling him towards the window display on the Quidditch store back on Diagon Alley, both of them excited to see the newest racing broom. Though Draco was mostly excited just to share his enthusiasm with someone his own age. The elder Malfoy's walked arm in arm closely behind the duo, quietly discussing the scenario that had left the young raven haired boy alone without an escort nearby whilst the two boys were happily distracted.

It was a loud shriek further down the street that finally disturbed the peace of their small group.

"Harry!"

Harry's head jerked up in alarm, and he shifted even closer to the three Malfoy's nervously as a plump red-headed woman barrelled towards them through the crowd.

"Oh thank goodness, there you are! We've been looking everywhere for you!" The woman babbled quickly. She looked up and nodded towards the Malfoy's "Thank you, I'll take care of him now." She told them, automatically reaching out to pull Harry away from the Malfoy's. "Come along dearie, the others are waiting just up at the book store." She cooed reassuringly to Harry.

Harry ducked away, moving out of reach further and backing safely between Draco and Lucius. Harry's eyes were wide and becoming anxious as he looked quickly between the loud red-headed lady and the Malfoy's.

"I'll thank you to calm yourself Mrs. Weasley, and allow Harry some space, as your current attitude is clearly upsetting him." Lady Malfoy said coolly. Draco scowled up at the interloper.

"Perhaps if you wish to talk to Mr. Potter you would try greeting him in a civil manner, rather than attempting to drag him away. You are currently, for all intents and purposes, nothing more than a complete stranger." She stated, a disdainful tone edging into her voice.

"Well! I never!" Mrs. Weasley huffed affronted and momentarily off-footed as she noticed for the first time Harry's panicked expression. She plastered a sweet smile on her face. "Harry love, I'm Mrs. Weasley, though I prefer Molly. Hurry up dear, I've been sent to collect you. There's no reason for you to spend any more time with . . . with this family. Dumbledore-"she didn't see the frown those words brought to Harry's face, or the stubborn glint in his eye as he edged forwards to stand beside Draco again, but the Malfoy's certainly did.

"The Board has overruled Dumbledore" Lucius interrupted, lowly "in regards to his recent decisions of appropriate guardian's for Mr. Potter. I'm afraid leaving an uninformed minor, with no experience in the Wizarding world without a suitable escort or indeed, any escort, was not something we could sanction." He sneered "Unless you have written approval from the rest of the Board overturning our recent decision to place myself as Harry's temporary escort for the day, then Mr. Potter will not be going anywhere with you Madam." He informed the now extremely frazzled woman.

"There's no way I am going to leave the boy with you!" she spluttered, appalled "Surely you agree Harry? I doubt you want to stay with these three, not that I blame you;" she hurried on, still oblivious to the storm brewing in Harry's eyes as his grip tightened around Draco's hand.

"Everyone knows they're the wrong sort of people for any decent folk to associate with." Mrs. Weasley said, growing quite angry now. "Besides I'm sure my son Ronald, he's your age Harry dear, would love to spend the afternoon with-"

Harry had finally found his voice again, and stood scowling up at the red headed woman "I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself thanks." Harry said. Draco squeezed his hand reassuringly and Harry stood a little straighter.

Everyone fell silent, staring at the very small and very angry raven haired boy standing bravely off against Mrs. Weasley.

Draco smirked while Molly gaped, her mouth opening and closing reminiscent of a goldfish.

Lucius raised one perfect brow haughtily. "If that is all, I'll have to end this charming conversation. I do hope you can excuse us. There are several more purchases the boys need to make in preparation for Hogwarts before we return Harry to his muggle family this afternoon." Lucius said, the four of them leaving Molly behind as she stood, stock still and stunned in the centre of the footpath.

Draco glanced across at Harry, chuckling as he took in the expression still on his face. Harry was scowling like an angry fluffed-up kitten.

"We'd best keep an eye out for the rest of their brood, dear." Narcissa grimaced, an angry spark still in her steel grey eyes. "No doubt that ridiculous Headmaster has involved the entire family in this unsanctioned plan."

"Indeed." Lucius mused, his finger tapping the head of his cane.

Harry wanted to ask why the lady thought she would be allowed to just take him away from the Malfoy's, since he knew that Mr. Malfoy had taken temporary responsibility for him, but didn't want to anger them further. He resolved to keep his mouth shut for now, and ask Draco later when his parents weren't around.

Given that the day was wearing on, the two parents decided to split up. Narcissa heading back to the bookshop and apothecary to pick up Harry's orders (Harry had given her enough of the money he had left to purchase the items), whilst Lucius took the boys past the Nimbus 2000 display on their way to the Olivander's wand shop.

Though Draco tried to convince his Father of the necessity of a new broom to take to Hogwarts, despite the rules against first years participating in Quidditch, Lucius' amused face showed no signs of being convinced. He did however blithely assure the boys that he would come out with them both that afternoon to practice on Swedish model broom back at the Manor.

It didn't take long for Draco to recover from the disappointment, as both he and Harry were gleeful at the prospect of obtaining their own personal wands.

Harry, who knew next to nothing about the different properties of wand cores or woods, listened raptly as Draco recalled (almost) all that his Father had told him about it that morning over breakfast. Lucius prompting Draco to recall the few things he forgot.

When they came upon the actual shop Harry looked about curiously. It was a small dusty and narrow building, with faded gold lettering. Harry could scarcely see through the windows of the dark shop.

Draco could see the doubt in Harry's eyes, and quickly reassured him that they'd come to the correct building.

"I know." He agreed "The shop looks appalling, but Father told me that Mr. Olivander makes the finest wands in Britain." The blonde informed Harry, eagerly trying to peer through the grimy windows along with Harry.

Lucius held the rickety door open for them, sending a quiet tinkling bell sound through the otherwise empty storefront. The two boys eagerly piled in, their eyes wide as they looked at the shelves piled high with thousands of boxed wands. Draco squinted closer at the shelving, trying to find any form of filing system (which was apparently as absent as the shop's owner).

Lucius strode forward and rang the small bell on the front counter.

There was a sharp sliding sound, as a ladder glided into view from a side room. An elderly man with shaggy salt-and-pepper grey hair and ruffled clothing stared down at them from his position atop the ladder, his foggy pale eyes oddly keen as he looked at the three other occupants.

"Hmmm, curious." He mused softly, taking in the small grouping people who had obviously come in together, as he climbed down the ladder "Though I've been expecting you young Mister's Potter and Malfoy." He said, walking up to the counter, his long spindly fingers tapping absently on the dusty wooden surface.

He watched them silently for a moment then sprang to life once more. "Well what are you waiting for then, arm out boys." He instructed, stepping over to them as he pulled a tape measure with silver marking from his jacket pocket. Lucius stood off to the side unobtrusively, watching the proceedings with interest.

With a tap of his wand the tape buzzed quickly around the boys, measuring everything from their arm length to the space between their eyebrows in a flurry of movement. It was several minutes before Olivander snapped his fingers and the tape zipped back across, disappearing into his pocket. By this point the elderly man was already half way out of the room, muttering under his breath as he collected several long black wand boxes from all around the room.

"Your Mother had a lovely ten and a quarter-inch wand Mr. Potter. Willow. And from what I heard over the years produced some truly beautiful charm work." He recalled happily, hummed as he stroked over another box before shaking his head and walking past it towards another. "Unicorn hair, like your own Mother's Mr. Malfoy. Young Narcissa Black's wand had a core from one of the Irish herds, a truly beautiful mare. Though Mr. Scamander was only fortunate enough to be given enough for the one wand." He turned to look at Draco, his eyes canny, making the blonde shuffle uncomfortably. "Hmmm, you might have a similar core, different wood of course . . . but, where did I put that one? The 1962, New Zealand colt. . . Ah!" He exclaimed, and with a whip of his wand another black box rushed towards his gnarled hands.

He strode eagerly back over to the young blonde, black box extended forwards in offering. Draco, flicked a nervous glance at his Father, before turning back to slowly inch open the dusty lid.

Grey eyes widened as his pale hand instantly reached towards the beautifully polished wand nestled in the box, unable to ignore the pull he felt towards the wand.

The room was instantly illuminated by a warm silver light, a joyful trilling note heard faintly in swirling dust around them.

"Glastonbury Hawthorn, 10 inches, reasonably springy. A willingly given core, from one of the few unicorns remaining in New Zealand after the 1947 fires." He told them, a pleased glint in his eyes as he looked at the magic circling around the shop. "A good match." Olivander said, his eyes meeting Draco's for one long moment, before he turned round to Harry.

Harry was still watching Draco's magic with awe, glancing occasionally back to the blonde who was now carefully tracing along the grains of his new wand.

"Hmm. I doubt your wand will resemble your Father's either Mr. Potter. No . . . I do not believe either mahogany or the dragon heart string would suit you. . though perhaps a similar length? Yes, that would fit well with the necessary core. Ebony? Or perhaps a Beechwood? Though no, that's not right. . . Holly. Yes, I do believe." He flicked back some of the boxes he's previously gathered, only keeping two.

"Holly, 10 and three quarter inches, a quite stunning specimen of Wentlewrap shell for the core." He said, opening the box and carefully passing the creamy white shell handle to Harry. Harry felt an odd, unpleasant static sensation buzz around his fingers, and glanced up nervously towards Draco.

With Olivander's prompting Harry gave the wand a small swish. Instantly the flower vase on the front counter shattered, sending glass clinking to the floor. Startled, Harry hurried passed the wand back, stuttering out an apology which Olivander easily dismissed.

"Hmm. . . no. You definitely need the Holly, but there's something with the core . . . perhaps." He muttered excitedly, his eyes gleaming as he disappeared once more into the dark wand lined hallway. He paused briefly, casting an almost pensive looking glance at one particular box, before shaking his head. "No. . ." he murmured, walking further down the dark hallway "That phoenix feather might match, but not for the right reasons. Let me think now, where did I put it?" he pondered, his voice drifting back to Harry as he struggled to hear the elderly man. Harry watched as Olivander reached up to clasp one of the boxes, dusting the cover off gently.

"An Egyptian phoenix, rather hard to find there following their persecution for the destruction of the Alexandria Library," He told them "completely incorrect of course," he added absently, as he eagerly brought the box over to Harry "though it took the people there far too many years to admit it. This particular feather came from a remarkable phoenix hen, the familiar of one the earliest women to become a Physician, Merit-Ptah from Egypt. The particular feather was given to me 62 years ago." He recalled, with a smile "Dumbledore's phoenix, Fawkes, was actually this particular birds great grandson." He mentioned, as he passed the box over to Harry.

Harry's gaze had been fixated on the box since it entered his vision, a warmth spreading throughout his entire body as it drew closer. With a quiet intake of air, Harry inched the lid off and stared in wonder at the beautiful creation held within.

It wasn't smooth or straight like Draco's, it's uneven creamy brown surface made Harry instantly want to run his fingers over it. The wood gleamed softly in the light of the shop, a warm welcoming sensation spilling from it. With a smile lifting the corners of his mouth, Harry reached in to grasp the handle.

A brilliant warm golden light flooded the room, expanding out from Harry like a cloud as he held the wand aloft. A gentle warbling music whispered around the ears of the people in the shop; settling down after a minute or two.

Harry looked to Olivander hopefully, praying he wouldn't say that he needed to return the wand.

Olivander chuckled. "No need to look so concerned Mr. Potter. That wand will not likely choose any other but you for the rest of its lifetime. A very loyal wand, is the one you have there. Strong magically. 11 inches, Holly, with a phoenix feather core. Nice and supple." He paused

"I expect you both to take good care of them." He said, eyeing both boys seriously, though there was a happy glint in his eyes. Both boys immediately nodded in response, before thanking Mr. Olivander for his assistance.

Lucius had already paid for Draco. Though Lord Malfoy had initially offered to purchase Harry's as well, the raven had insisted upon purchasing it himself once they arrived at the wand shop. So, after Harry completed his payment, the three left the shop and headed towards the Leaky Cauldron, where Narcissa would be waiting outside for them.

Fifteen minutes later, after both beaming boys had shown a smiling Narcissa their purchases, Lady Malfoy led Harry up to the bright green flames of the Floo Network and carefully explained how to use the Floo Powder. Lucius was volunteered to demonstrate, and Harry watched with wide disbelieving eyes as the eldest Malfoy stepped unharmed into the flames before disappearing in a flash of colour. Harry was next and Draco urged him up to the fireplace with an encouraging squeeze of his hand, whilst Narcissa repeated the instructions with a reassuring smile.

Then, with a deep breath, Harry Potter determinedly stepped into the fire.