Disclaimer: Me own Harry Potter? Hahahahahahah.......

Author's Note: We get a glimpse of Draco's past, and Hermione get's to learn some interesting things. Ignore the typo's i'll fix them eventually... Sadly only two people reviewed my last chapter so i'm here to give them some credit....

I would like to thank-

Emeralden Rapley who reviewed the last two chapters

and a very special thanks to miss quirky bookworm who has faithfully reviewed every chapter!!!!

and of course WhiteAbyss who has alway's supported me in my crazy endeavors.

and everyone else who reviewed on other chapter's, i'm not kidding, i love review's. I'd also like to give all my reader's a warning that i guess i should have given you earlier, later on their way later on i will be revealing two people who will be soarly disliked, and i will be dropping very tiny hint's every now and then and some straight foreward hint's in my author's note, so just so everyone's aware, there will be some MAJOR bashness later on....

Quick question for everyone- Would you like me to start answering review's at the end of each chapter?

Chapter Seven: The Official First Lesson

Childish laughter filled the orphanage, as the younger five year olds ran around the nursery. In the middle of the entire ruckus stood a small silver haired boy with a large grin in his face. The little boy took off the necklace that decorated his small neck, and placed it in his trousers, not wanting it to break, after all it was a gift from Rachel.

The tiny Malfoy then joined in the childish game, waiting for his uncle Sev to pick him up and take him home, no one noticed the small flames that ate away at the windows curtains.

The flames grew agonizingly slow, consuming the curtains. When a young boy smelled the smoke, he ran to the closest adult, telling them he smelled something yucky. As the adult turned to where the young boy pointed, they could do nothing but stare in horror as the curtain and edge of the carpet where engulfed in fire.

Draco heard a strangled cry, which stopped the five year old in his tracks. He turned and watched as adults started rounding up children. Other's where running to doors and windows to find them either locked or being eaten by hot flames. Draco felt a surge of fear run through his small body, as he dashed off to find Rachel.

Cries of fear and pain soon filled the orphanage, carrying the sound through the walls ensuring everyone could hear them. The small silver-haired boy continued to run in desperate search of Rachel, he felt tears cloud his vision as agonizing and hopeless screams assaulted his small ears, and tore at his five year old heart.

Draco's nose was filled with the smell of black smoke and the heat of the fire seemed to reach out and consume the small boy. Soon his cries for Rachel, and Severus or his parent's joined the many others crying out for loved ones. As another scream ripped through his dry throat he stumbled upon an unmoving body. Childish wishing leading him to believe they might still be alive.

Draco shook the body before him, wet tears evaporating as the hit the ground. After successfully turning the body over, one last bloodcurdling scream erupted from the small boy as he recognized his mentor Rachel.

The now fifteen year old Draco sat in his bed, his body ridged and shaking, as his throat became soar after his own scream, followed by a the small flow of tears that the heir allowed himself to shed. Holding tightly to a throbbing red hand.

Candace had awoken to her master's scream, and being the only one who heard it, she made her way over to Draco and nudged her cold pink nose in his side, hoping to give him the little comfort that a small fox could.

The Golden Boy awoke, feeling strange, brushing the feeling aside, he turned his mind to more important matter's, like the fact that he was apparently attracted to the Slytherin Ice Prince, and his arch-rival, Draco Malfoy. Okay, the attraction's only physical right? I just have to get over it, that's not to hard right? I mean, I can't be attracted to a bloody death eater, who probably has some evil scheme to kill me. I need to focus on what Malfoy's up to, not how delicious and utterly edible he looks… no wait bad thought, bad thought…. And with that battle in his mind Harry Potter went down to breakfast.

Hermione felt shiver's of anticipation and nerve's go through her body. Today she was about to fully dedicate herself to creating house unity. She didn't care what Ron or Harry said, she believed that the Slytherin's where just a bit misunderstood, well most of them. She had even surprised herself when she had two lengthy conversations with Zambini during potions and a few more in the library. The latest of these small talks were the reasons for her nerves.

Yesterday at the library

Hermione took a deep breath and sat herself down, next to the Italian Slytherin that seemed lost in his thoughts. She felt him jump slightly, but covered it up with a smooth Slytherin greeting, "Hello Granger, and what may I do for you today?" the Gryffindor gave him, what she prayed was a warm, greeting smile, " can a fellow peer not sit with her potions partner, two day's running?" The Italian surprised her by giving her a sly grin, "Of course, how rude of me, please, make yourself comfortable."

She felt her cheek's redden as she seated herself next to him, trying to make idle conversation with the Slytherin she asked him, "So what were you thinking about?" she wasn't really expecting a reply to her question, but when the Italian answered her, she felt something flutter in her stomach, "Just worried about Draco."

Now this piece of information surprised her and before she could stop herself, her thoughts were already out of her mouth, "Why would anyone be worried about Malfoy? He can practically beat anyone in this school in a duel, aside from maybe Harry."

Hermione clamped a hand over her mouth as she finished, not sure how her Slytherin companion would react, when he yet again surprised her, "Can you keep a secret, not your Gryffindor side, but you honestly? Because you do realize if anything I'm about to tell you is relayed to anybody, even Weasley and Potter, I will have no choice but to track you down and silence you to oblivion?"

She was still for a moment, thinking his words over, before silently nodding in confirmation. Zambini let out a sigh and shook his head and mumbled, "Please forgive me Drake…" He straightened in his chair before answering her question, "Before I start, I want you to remember that Draco is like a little brother to me, so if you do indeed blab this to your friends, and they hurt him, I will have no regret hexing them till they're sent to St. Mungo's due to blood loss and insanity."

Hermione could only silently nod again before Zambini continued, "I know Draco is fully capable of taking care of himself in a duel or any fight for that matter, but he isn't too familiar with people in general. Yes, he knows exactly how to get under someone's skin, and deal with people on a natural basis, but… well, I can't tell you that, that is something only Draco is allowed to tell you, but I will tell you that he's very easily…. How should I put this….. Granger, just ask something else…"

The Gryffindor could not help but noticed how uncomfortable the Slytherin was and decided to have mercy on her new companion. There was a short silence, before Zambini asked her something, "I know your having trouble with your little 'House Unity' thing, so why don't you sit with me, Draco and Pansy, for breakfast tomorrow?"

Hermione was once again shocked into silence before the Italian chuckled. The sound sent her heart into overdrive. "Don't look so scared Granger, contrary to popular belief, we Slytherin aren't going to murder you, and you might be able to learn a few things." The Slytherin then waited patiently for her reply with a grin plastered on his lips, "O..okay…s-sure…" she couldn't believe how badly she stuttered in front of the Italian.

Zambini's grin seemed to widen into a full blown out smile that made her heart skip a beat. "Great, I'll talk to Draco and Pansy, see you tomorrow at breakfast Granger."

Now

Hermione took a deep breath, trying to shove her nerves down. She tilted her head, straitened her back, and strode confidently into the Great Hall.

Blaise threw a cautious glance at the shorter boy beside him, Draco and Candace had woken him last night, learning that Draco had, had a nightmare, one that he hasn't had for four years. He had led Draco to his bed and let the silver-haired boy sleep with him, just like he had four years ago. When he had noticed his hand that morning and asked what had happened his only reply was, "Toad Witch"

That was all he really needed to know, as he glanced at Draco's hand again, the red words, "Trial by Fire" that were imbedded in his hand, was hidden underneath a concealment charm. He just prayed to Salazar that his best friend was up to a breakfast with his secret crush.

Harry watched as Malfoy entered the Great Hall, his eyes immediately went to his hand, which held the inscribed words, "Trial by Fire" and was taken back when he saw nothing. Then the thought hit him that Malfoy must have used a concealment charm, unfortunately he, himself didn't have as much talent in charms as the Slytherin so he kept it hidden the muggle way, with a glove. A few minutes later Hermione came through the Great Hall doors. Harry made to make her some room, when she had started walking toward the Slytherin table.

Everyone in the Great Hall including Harry himself, watched in utter amazement and extreme horror as Hermione Granger, Gryffindor mudblood, seated herself at the Slytherin pureblood table between Blaise Zambini, and the Ice Prince himself Draco Malfoy.

After minutes passed by in completely shocked silence, the entire hall erupted in small hushed whisper's which soon escalated into overly dramatic anguishing cries that seemed teasing from the twins and most everyone else yelling insult's like nothing before.

"SILENCE!!!!!" A cold commanding voice boomed over everyone's yelling. The Hall was quite within seconds, and to everyone's utter surprise, Severus Snape was seen standing, glaring coldly at the entire Hall, "I suggest you all continue eating and worry about petty house squabbles on your own time! There is no rule designating your seats in this school! You may eat out in the Quidditch fields for all I care, just cease your trivial arguments over food." Announced Professor Snape in the same cold commanding voice that demanded to be listened to. Snape swiftly seated himself, and continued his cold icy glare over the student body, daring a single one of them to protest. (Note: Sevvy is really cranky in the morning.)

Hermione sat shocked in her seat, her shock soon turned to uneasiness as many people shot her suspicious glares. She jumped as she heard the drawling voice of Malfoy, "Well Granger, you certainly know how to make an uproar." The Gryffindor didn't know whether to glare at Malfoy or not, when Zambini spoke, "Now come on Drake, you promised me you would try, please…"

She heard Malfoy give a defeated sigh, something she never would have expected, "Alright Blaise." Malfoy turned to her and she saw his cold stormy-gray eyes soften ever so slightly, it kind of scared her, "I won't promise not to tease you Granger, actually I probably will tease you, no I will… but you're welcome at this table at any time, and know that I am only doing this for Blaise's benefit." He didn't say it in the cold mocking tones that usually came out of his mouth; in fact it felt as if his voice was drained of all emotion.

Hermione glanced at the Italian beside her, who just shook his head and whispered to her, "He had a long night." She didn't find it her business to ask anything further, as she went to prepare her plate. She seemed to forget the glares and stares of her friends as she began talking adamantly with Zambini, she didn't even notice that she had begun to speak with Parkinson as well. Only when Nott's voice interrupted them did she become aware of her surroundings again.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't mudblood Granger, sitting with a bunch of Snakes. I must say I'm surprised Malfoy, that your father would approve of such company." Hermione was about to say something when Malfoy interrupted her, "That is presuming you know what my father would or would not approve of, which I am quite sure you don't. Now I would like to continue eating in this somewhat acceptable company so would you be so kind as to leave, seeing as how you are far from even tolerable company?"

Hoping that Nott would leave then, Malfoy looked back to his plate, but apparently Nott wasn't quite done, "A mudblood 'acceptable' company? You're a disgrace Malfoy, no self respecting pureblood would even consider a mudblood company at all. I will bring you down Malfoy." With that Nott stormed out of the Great Hall with Crabbe and Goyle trailing behind him. Hermione heard Malfoy let out another sigh before turning to his three eating companions, "I seemed to have lost my appetite, I'll see you in class." Malfoy stood and strolled out of the Great Hall with the inhumane grace of a Malfoy.

Only after Malfoy had left did Hermione realize that half the Great Hall had witnessed their interaction. She began to feel a little self conscious, especially when she noticed Harry and Ron were also looking at her. She was so tempted to run out of the Hall that her feet had begun to move towards the doors Malfoy had just disappeared from. The Gryffindor only stopped when she felt two warm hands descend on her shoulders; she looked up to see Zambini and Parkinson, lead her out the Great Hall with blank faces.

After watching Hermione leave with Parkinson and Zambini, Harry and Ron followed suite rather quickly. When they eventually caught up with her, they watched in slight shock, as their best friend said goodbye to two of Malfoy's friends. Once the other two had left, Harry and Ron went up to her and bombarded her with questions, "What was that about?! Why did you sit at the Slytherin table?! What did those two say?! Are you under a spell?! Did they drug you?!" as they continued to throw questions at her, she finally answered, "Will you two shut up?! What makes you think that they did anything to me? For your information, they were quite gracious to me, even Malfoy. Maybe if you two would get over your stupid prejudices you'd find out that they aren't all that bad!"

The two boys looked gob smacked, before Ron angrily retorted, "Hermione are you mental? This is Malfoy we're talking about, the one who almost got Buckbeack killed! The one who is always calling us names and making jabs at our family!" Hermione seemed to glare at Ron, "If you haven't noticed, Malfoy hasn't called us anything since we got here. Not even on the train, where he had the perfect opportunity. You're just mad because I was right; Slytherin's and Gryffindor's can get along."

Harry had remained silent throughout the exchange, thinking over Hermione's words before taking Ron to the side giving Hermione a look that said, "Just wait a minute." Harry then told Ron all of his suspicions about the Slytherin, tactic fully leaving out the fact that he had a crush on said Slytherin. He would tell him that later… after a few moments Ron spoke, "If Hermione is really set on this house unity thing, then we may not have to sneak around to find out what he's up to, Hermione could just tell us." Harry only nodded before both of them turned to Hermione who was silently still fuming, "Alright 'Mione we're sorry, and we'll support you too, but we won't just turn over and be nice to them."

Instead of the smile and happiness they were anticipating, she gave them a scrutinizing look, before she gave them a smile and a nod of her head. Walking to their first lesson, Harry couldn't help but feel a little guilty about using Hermione's good intentions like they were.

Meanwhile the Slytherin Ice Prince was seated in class rather early, with his two mentors' behind him quietly talking. They both knew he was still angry with them, and they were both going to learn the hard way, that you don't mess with a Malfoy's friends and family unless you're ready for the consequences. Luckily for them though they we're somewhat safe from the heir's full anger which seemed to be directed at his new DADA teacher. The Angel and Demon just hoped that their lessons would not be hindered.

Classes went by too quickly for Draco, as lunch soon came faster than he would have liked. The heir found his two best friends seated with Granger at their table, along with two devious looking twins. The same two twins seemed to jump up and greet him, "and his Highness has arrived!" they both exclaimed in unison. Granger looked up at them in confusion, while Draco gave them a glare. "I thought I told you not to call me that?"

George or maybe Fred let out a laugh, dragging him to his seat. Granger still looked lost, and Draco was about to leave it that way, until the twins spilled their secret, "Why so shocked Herm's?" "We've been friends for a while." "Since the middle of first year." "In fact." "We just kept it a secret." "So we wouldn't have to explain anything." "But please don't" "tell ronnikins" (Just so there's no confusion, the twin's are using their 'finish the other's sentence' technique.)

Granger still looked absolutely dumbfounded; Draco shook his head and took the seat across from the Gryffindor piling his plate with sweets. Ameretta and Damion had been quite since yesterday, not that he was complaining, but it kind of unnerved him, the constant bickering being absent gave him a weird feeling. Deciding to dwell on it later, he tried to make conversation with his best friend's crush, for the sake of said best friend, "So Granger, what brings you here to our merry table yet again? I find it hard to believe that Potter and Weasley would allow it."

Hermione was shaken from her shock by the silver-haired Slytherin across from her, "We spoke, and they decided to support my cause. However reluctant they were." She gave him a small smile, and he surprised her by giving her a slight nod, "Must have been difficult, getting through to two thick skulls. I commend you, just know that if they are doing this to eventually hurt other Slytherins I will see to it that the rest of their Hogwarts life is lived in fear." She was about to defend her friends against him, when she realized that it was a fair warning, one similar to what the Italian had given her the other day. She nodded, confirming that she understood when she saw something she never thought possible, Draco Malfoy smiled at her.

Hermione openly stared at the Slytherin, making him slightly uncomfortably. "Is there something wrong Granger?" the smile disappearing from his face. She shook her head and berated herself for making things awkward, "No, it's just I never thought you could actually smile." Malfoy looked shocked for a moment before giving her a grin that eerily reminded her of the twins behind her, "Well, Granger, if you insist on continuing this house unity thing, there will be a lot of things that will happen that you've never thought of. I suggest you get use to it."

"Now your Highness, don't go scaring the newbie. She'll get the hang of you Slytherins in time. She's a smart witch." Said either Fred or George, she couldn't tell which. Malfoy's grin turned into a frown, "I told you to stop calling me that!" and Hermione felt herself smile.

Blaise felt his own smile form as his best friends and his crush started to get along, he wasn't worried about Pansy, she was always the social type. It was Draco he had been wary about, he knew that Draco didn't really care for pureblood politics; he just called her, "mudblood." To get under the Golden Trio's skin, but his best friend was always skeptical of a known enemy being friendly and despite popular belief; Draco cared for his house mates. There was actually a time where a first year had been sent to the hospital, and Draco had been furious.

Last Year

Draco and Blaise ran from the lake Pansy right behind them, not caring when Potter came up. They reached the hospital wing in minutes, they were greeted by Poppy who asked what they needed, Draco was the first to answer, "the first year that was just brought here, may we see him?" a sad look came across the old nurse's features, "Of course dear's just don't upset him, he's had quite an ordeal." The trio was guided to the furthest hospital bed where a first year Slytherin lay, barely conscious.

Blaise remembered the first year; he had come up to them the first week back and asked if it was okay to have friends outside of their houses. He had looked terrified of the answer when Draco had bent down and told him it was perfectly fine. Now he laid here barely breathing. His best friend rushed over to him, and carefully sat himself on his bed and asked him what had happened.

From what the boy had said, he had become friends with three fifth year Gryffindor's. They had been getting along fine until today; his friends had come up to him and told him they wanted to show him a surprise. Not questioning their motives he followed them to an abandoned classroom, upon entering he heard the door close behind them. When he had turned around the three of them we're standing over him grinning, and before he had a chance to reach for his wand one of them fired off a hex.

They had basically tortured him, all the while he had been crying, not understanding why his friends would do such a thing. After they were done they had left him there, disappearing through the door.

As he recounted the story to Draco, he continued to ask the older Slytherin why they would do that to him, Pansy was leaning against Blaise with tears in her own eyes when his best friend gave the first year a sad smile, "I don't know, but what I do know is that you need to get better, and afterwards I'll take you to Hogsmeade and buy you a butterbear. Would you like that?" the boy on the bed finally gave them a smile, and nodded vigorously.

Draco had smiled and ruffled the boy's hair, before rising and heading to the door, Poppy who had heard the entire conversation looked at Blaise and Pansy. The Italian sighed and told her to get three more beds ready. She nodded a look of confusion passing over her face before tending to the first year, while the two Slytherins followed Draco out the door.

It had taken Draco half an hour to track down the three Gryffindor's. We found them laughing over the incident earlier, and it made their blood boil, but before Blaise could stop him, Draco had stormed in, wand already in his hand, and disarmed all three of them before anyone could move.

The three Gryffindor's stood in shock their laughter long gone. Blaise caught sight of Draco's stormy gray eyes, to find them cold and void of any and all emotion, just like his voice, as he began to speak, "So, you find it humorous that you could deceive a defenseless first year, gain his trust, and then break it by sending him to the hospital barley breathing?" Draco's tone was indescribable, it was as if cold stone were speaking, it sent a shiver up all of their spines and the cold, detached, dead, gray eyes on his best friend sent more than a mere shiver through everyone's body.

"He was just a stupid Slytherin, not like he didn't deserve it. It's not our fault he was stupid enough to believe us. He got what he deserved, so what are you going to do about it?" said the one in the middle, Blaise thought he was either very, very brave or very, very stupid. He decided on Stupid, seeing as how he was trembling under Draco's dead stare. "He deserved what he got? Really? You asked what I was going to do about it, no. well I believe I'll just have to show you, shall I?" the tone made Blaise's stomach go cold. Draco gave a wave of his wand, and the three fifth years crumbled to the floor, there was no screams of pain, no widening of eyes in fear, they just crumbled to the floor.

"Drake, what did you just do?" he asked tentatively, Draco turned to him, giving him a small grin, as his eye's slowly retreated from their cold dead state. "I made them relive each moment they tortured that first year, with them in his position." Draco gave another wave of his wand and the three disappeared, "I sent them to the infirmary, but it will take some time before anyone finds out how to remove the spell."

Now

They never again saw Draco as angry as he had been that day, and they weren't in any hurry to ever see it again.

Harry watched as Hermione chattered with the Slytherins, when his eyes went to Malfoy, he was speaking to Hermione when he suddenly smiled; the sight almost sent his heart on a crash course landing. He suddenly felt someone else watching Malfoy, and he searched the Hall, only to have his eye's land on the stranger that had helped Malfoy the day before. The stranger seemed to sense his gaze and met his eyes; he then smirked, as if he was no challenge at all. The Gryffindor felt his irritation spike for the second time because of this stranger, and sent him a glare. The stranger's smirk widened, before giving his attention back to the oblivious gray-eyed Slytherin.

Lunch came and went for Hogwarts and soon dinner was done and over with for everyone. Everyone except a single heir, who began his first lesson's with his angel and demon mentors. First was Amerreta's history lesson, then Damion was going to teach him how to use his wings, which were itching to be set free.

Ameretta looked at her young charge warily, knowing he was still angry at them, and began the lesson with caution, "I'll start at the beginning, you already know that you are Zaine's reincarnation, and who his parents were. So we will just pick off from there, When Zaine was two, he met Daniel, another two year old, the two became best friends almost immediately. He was also assigned two future bodyguards, about the same age, Isis (Zaine's angel mother and heir to the heavenly throne) believed that if your body guards grew up with you, they would have a much better relationship, rather than being assigned someone random. These guards were, Marcus and Carlton, Zaine met us at around age seven…

…as Zaine was growing up, he would bring homeless animals and children into his home and give them food and shelter, when he turned twelve, he brought home a girl about the same age, her name was Chelsea, instead of eating and leaving like most of Zaine's guest's Chelsea stayed. Zaine thought of her as the sister he would never have. Two years later he came across Lavinia, a girl who would soon become one of his two closest advisors's her advice second only to Daniel."

Ameretta stopped seeing as how Damion had come into the room, he gave her a grin and exclaimed, "While I'm sure Draco finds this amazing, I think it would help if he got to stretch his wings a little, don't you?" he gave the angel a look, conveying, "Maybe if he can get some flight time, he can cool off." Understanding the demon's message, Ameretta nodded, giving Draco permission to leave.

Draco followed Damion to the Quidditch fields, his wings aching in anticipation. The demon turned around and gave him a wide grin, "Okay your Highness, just imagine your wings out and free from the confines of your body and they'll oblige." Draco did as he was told, taking off his robe's and t-shirt, before starting. Soon two dark green feathery wings graced the heirs back, Candace, whom Draco had insisted needed some time outside, jumped in excitement.

Draco gave his wings a testing flap, feeling his back muscles work before asking Damion a question, "Why are you teaching me this? Shouldn't Ameretta be doing it?" the angel shot him a quick glare before turning her head as he answered trying to suppress his chuckle, "Feather brains over there doesn't really like to fly, or rather she's not very good at it." Blaise and Pansy, who he requested be out here as well, giggled in their hands while Draco laughed lightly. Giving his wings another beat he worked his muscles harder, trying to lift off the ground.

After about six try's the Slytherin succeeded, he was now at least two feet above everyone, he beat his wings again and felt himself soar. He couldn't explain the feeling of the wind ruffling his velvet green feathers, and the rush of adrenaline that shot through his body as he took off around the field. Once he had completed seven or eight laps, he slowly descended landing softly on the fields forever green grass. "So pretty…" he heard someone say behind him, Draco turned around to find a small little girl looking up at him in adoration.

Now this little girl was strange, for on her head sat two furry red fox ears and a bushy red tail swung behind her, the heir was about to ask her what her name was and how she got here when his two mentor's did just that. The only problem was that while they questioned her, tears began to form in her eyes, "Both of you stop! Can't you see you're terrifying the poor girl!" he said as he slowly kneeled in front of her, he gave her a smile and wiping away her tears, before asking, "Hey sweetie, can you tell me your name and if you can, do you know where you came from?"

The little girl's sobbing stopped, as she quietly answered him. "m-my n-name's K-Katie, I d-don't h-have a last n-name, and I d-don't have a m-mommy or d-daddy. I-I c-came from the f-forest." Draco continued to softly smile at her as he retracted his wings. "Well Katie, how would you like to live with me?" The little girl, now Katie, gave a small nod. The heir then stood up and glared at his two mentors, "Seeing as how you interrogated this poor girl like my family and friends, that I'm still angry about, you wouldn't have a problem with her staying with me in my room would you?"

His two mentors glanced at each other, their guilt winning them over. They turned back to the Slytherin and gave him their silent consent. Never let it be said that Draco Malfoy didn't know how to get what he wanted.