A/N:

Sorry this one is a bit shorter than the last but that was because this one is setting up stuff for later chapters! hope you like this one as much as the last though!!

~``~``~``~ Draco ~``~``~``~

I couldn't believe it! It was almost as surprising as…nope, nothing was more shocking. I sat on the end of my bed, halfway dressed, staring at my newly marked arm. It was insane! On my pale skin, over the blue veins that could be seen through my skin easily, was a mark of a skull and a snake, the snake coming out of the skull as if it were a tongue. It was hard to believe indeed.

Now however my mother had been much kinder to me, my father now treating me as more of an equal in the house. It was now that I was one of them that I was treated like a true son to them. It was true; I was now a follower of the dark lord, told to bend at his will. He now had complete control over me. That's what that party had been about.

It was so I could meet some of the other death eaters. So I could already be in the loop with them, learn what was usually done as a death eater. I was actually scared out of my mind about this. Today was the day I was going to learn what my roll would be to the dark lord. I'd be going into Diagon Ally with my father and apparently meeting some other death eaters who I'd be working with.

My mother came to get me after a while, escorting me to the front door. There I met with my father. We walked in silence until we got to Diagon Ally. I gasped softly when I saw that all the streets were empty and almost all of the buildings were closed down. All except for one. At the very end of the street stood the only building that seemed alive. Weasley's Wizard Wheezes stood proudly at the end, emitting bright lights and loud popping noises. I blinked a few times, staring briefly into one of the windows. I thought I caught sight of a black tuft of hair but it must've just been my imagination. I was quickly pulled into another shop. A shop that seemed closed down and beaten up. An old furniture store.

As soon as I set foot in the place I felt a powerful push from inside of me. It felt like I was on a roller coaster. I bent over, my father looking down at me worriedly. My stomach was doing flip flops and I instantly knew that I'd finished. I'd completed the change. It had been a few weeks in the coming, everyday getting worse and worse until now. Now I stood and felt like I had all the energy in the world. Then I felt a small tingle in the back of my head, a sense of some sort. It was almost like a little voice in the back of my mind.

Mate is near.

It whispered at me. I turned my head a few times, waiting for the feeling coming for me. The feeling that I'd read and re-read about over and over. Nothing more came. I waited for more instruction, waiting for a new urge to come over me. Nothing came. I was sure that something cool would have happened to me. Something strange, like I'd get a flash of my new mate or gain a new power or something, but nothing happened.

"Draco, are you okay?" I snapped back to attention at the sound of my father's voice.

Everyone around the room was looking at me funny. My father stood in the middle. Next to him was the man I'd met a while back, Yaxley, the shark man. Then on my father's other side was a woman who looked a bit less subtle than the other two men. Her black hair was a mess of curls that had slight strips of white going through them. She wore a dress that was ragged and chopped at the bottom, fishnet stockings slid underneath the dress. I believe father addressed her before as Bellatrix.

"Yes, sorry, just thought I'd heard something." I stepped forward to view the cabinet they were all standing around. I stepped forward and embraced my future.

~``~``~``~ Harry ~``~``~``~

The Weasley twins shop was up and running, giving a good laugh to anyone who stepped foot in their shop. I'd just gotten Hermione and Ron's attention from Fred and George when I saw someone familiar pass by the window of the shop. My eyes widened in realization as Malfoy, Draco Malfoy, the worst kind of scum there is, passed by the window. Ron and Hermione had seen it too and we were already moving.

Hermione led the way up through the old abandoned building across from the one Malfoy had entered. All that we could see from the place we were crouched at was that Malfoy and his father were talking to each other and from the looks of it; other people were also with them. That's when I felt my heart squeeze. I caught the glance Malfoy tossed around, seeming to be looking for someone. I caught his gaze but he didn't seem to have seen me. I blinked and my hand traveled to my chest as the organ hidden under skin and bone squeezed even tighter.

"Harry!" Hermione snapped her fingers in front of my face. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, just fine." I replied, looking back at Malfoy's back.

"Come on, we should go, it's kind of creepy up here." I felt Ron shudder next to me. He started to lead the way down again, Hermione grabbing my hand and practically dragging me away with her.

What had they been up to? Nothing good if it involved Malfoy. What was that feeling I'd had back there? It was like I was being warmed down from the inside out. Like I'd drunk a warm cup of hot chocolate or sat beside a fire after being outside in the snow. Whatever it was it had taken over me and I hadn't even been able to think straight. Luckily though, it was over.

Tomorrow would be a busy day. Tomorrow we'd be heading back to Hogwarts. The rest of the day would be spent with Ron and Hermione at the burrow, packing and practicing our forgotten spells over the summer. Hermione would no doubt give Ron and I a lecture about getting our homework in on time this year, and we'd ignore her as we always did. Then there would be a quick dinner before heading to bed, only to be woken early in the morning to get ready. Though no one would be ready by the time it was time to go, yep, just another year…

~``~``~``~ Draco ~``~``~``~

I sat in my room that night looking through each and every book I had, trying to find out more on what I should do now. How was I supposed to find my mate? Nothing else had happened to me in that shop. No automatic feeling that showed me who my mate was. But I had known that my mate was somewhere nearby. I had felt it deep within my body, telling me that they were near.

I had started to panic that I would never find them. I would die here alone, to strong of a pain in my chest to go away. I'd probably never find my mate. I wish I could tell my parents that I was now a Veela. The end of the change hadn't been anything like I had expected. It was easy. I hadn't had any fatal symptoms so I felt lucky about that, but now I was already feeling the churning deep within me for my mate. I wish I could get some sort of sign as to who my mate was. It would make finding them a lot easier if I could at least get a face…

Aside from my newly found Veela problems, I was also worried about my new position with the dark lord. I would be serving to the dark lord during this school year, preparing some sort of transferring cabinet so the death eaters could get into the school. The most important part of my job, I would have to kill the man in charge. The one man that you-know-who himself feared. Albus Dumbledore.

That man. I'd hated him all these years. Thought he was a ridiculous excuse for a wizard, but I'd never been prepared to kill the man. Now though, that was my entire goal for this year. Forced upon me by my family and our worship to the dark lord. I had to do it. I was chosen for this. It was just me that had to do it. It wasn't like I really wanted to, but I had to. For my family. I'd be shunned out if I refused, not to mention the dark lord would kill me himself.

I was really beginning to verge on the way to a total freak out. The responsibilities of things I didn't even want to do were weighing down on me. I hadn't asked to become a Veela, nor did I ask to become obsessed with learning about them. I carefully eyed the stack of about twenty books about Veela that lay on my desk, waiting to be packed into my trunk. I also hadn't asked to become some sort of servant to the dark lord.

I sighed and began shoving things into my trunk. I was surprised to think this, but I couldn't wait to get to Hogwarts. At least then I'd be away from this house and I'd have some time to myself while I did the first simple task I'd been asked to do. Then at least I'd have time to prepare myself for the big task I'd been needing to do. Mother and Father had gone out for a while and were supposed to pick me up about an hour before it was time to leave for the train.

In the mean time, I had the whole house to myself. I decided to wonder downstairs for a bit. I almost glided down the stair case, just as I'd been taught to do when I was younger. Be graceful and poise even if no one was watching. It was the Malfoy way. I quickly caught sight of a maid, dusting some picture frames that were already spotless in one of the sitting rooms.

"Excuse me." I said, getting her attention immediately.

"Oh, what can I do for you Mr. Malfoy?" She asked, bowing lowly to me. I almost smirked.

"You're new here, correct?" I asked as she began to stand again.

"Yes, sir." She replied. I could practically see her shaking with fear that was usually delivered by my father.

"Then I suppose the other maids haven't told you. When it is just I, you don't have to act as a servant. That is only for my father's appearance." I told her. She seemed shock but stopped shaking. As if to prove my point another maid, Helina I believe her name was, came in at that moment with a fresh vase of flowers.

"Hello Draco." She addressed me as that of a friend, giving a cheery smile. "You haven't eaten at all today. Would you perhaps like a late brunch?" I shook my head.

"No, I'll be fine getting something for myself." Helina nodded and went back to what she was doing. She still showed respect for me, but it wasn't because it was forced on her.

Without another thought, I wondered into the kitchen where a few house elves were working. Why we needed house elves and maids I wasn't sure. I went straight for the fridge. I was pretty sure my mother and father had no clue where the kitchen even was, having not needing to be in it once since they have staff to do things for them.

I picked out the jug of pumpkin juice and went to find a glass. My eyebrows scrunched a bit when I found I had to stand on my toes to reach the cabinet. I'd never had to before. Granted, this was a cabinet that was a lot higher than other cabinets but I'd always just reach up highly to get to it, never having to stand on my toes. I put the thought to the back of my mind and poured a glass. I really wasn't feeling hungry so I didn't continue my search for food, but rather just left it at the drink.

I swirled the liquid around in my glass for a second. It wasn't the same. It was different than the juice at school. It tasted bitter while the one at school tasted sweet. This one was different because it was a fancy type of juice. Not at all the same as the one at school. I liked the one at school better. It was obviously less expensive but it had a better taste. Everything seemed to be better at school lately.

"Draco," Helina had walked into the kitchen, at once gaining my attention. "Your parents are said to be back soon, so I took the liberty of packing the rest of your things." My eyes widened slightly when I remembered what I had left lying around on my desk.

"Well, thank you b-"

"I will not tell your parents of the books, as it is not my job to spread secrets, but to serve the Malfoy household." Her accent came out even more heavy on the Scottish side than it usually was. I instantly relaxed.

"Thank you." He gave a small nod before trying to shoo off a house elf.

I put the rest of my pumpkin juice on the counter, not feeling very thirsty anymore. I wondered out to the main hall. I could spot my things for Hogwarts already sitting by the door, just begging to leave. I was on their side for this one. I wanted to leave as soon as possible. Though I knew that it'd still be a long trip to get there, in which my father would go over every single detail of my mission once again.

Just another year…

~``~``~``~ Harry ~``~``~``~

This morning was exactly as I had planned it to be. Nothing out of the ordinary except that Fred and George weren't here rushing around with everyone else. I'd meant to wake up earlier than everyone else, but I had felt extremely worn down and tired. I could barely drag myself out of bed when Mrs. Weasley did a wake-up call. Ron had decided to sleep for another half an hour, throwing pillows and sheets and anything else he could find at anyone that tried to get him up. It wasn't until Hermione had come in that he'd finally been woken up, flying out of bed and rubbing his head from her slapping him upside it. She huffed as she walked back to Ginny's room.

Ginny had been the first up so she got first dibs on the only useable bathroom, as Fred and George had tested something in the upstairs one a few years back and it practically exploded. Every year Mrs. Weasley says that they are going to fix it all up soon but it never happens. So, lucky for Hermione, girls apparently have no trouble sharing a bathroom with each other so she cut through the line that had already formed and went straight in with her. Mr. Weasley was standing with us, complaining that he was going to be late for work at this rate.

"Why don't you kick them out, you are the father here, dad." Ron said, obviously becoming annoyed that his father had started bouncing up and down.

"Have you ever tried to get a woman out of the bathroom before they were ready, Ron?" Ron shook his head. "I still have scars." Mr. Weasley said, shuddering at the memory.

I tried not to laugh but a few snickers escaped me and Ron had taken to glaring at me. He was only mad because he was last in line. Ginny and Hermione soon broke out of the bathroom, both already in their Hogwarts robes. I took the next trip, quickly dressing and ruffling my hand through my messy hair, not bothering to comb it, knowing it'd only be a waste of time. Ron was growling as his dad rushed into the bathroom. I only shook my head and went downstairs, my things already packed and ready for Hogwarts.

I was the only one at the table eating, so there was plenty of food to eat. Everyone else was rushing around trying to find there things. Ginny was ducked half-way under the couch looking for some sort of diary, though she gave me a small smile and promised it was just a normal diary this time when she first announced what she'd been looking for.

You see, in second year, Ginny had been under the control of Tom Riddle, otherwise known as Voldemort. He'd bewitched her to write crazy things on the walls and help him with his plans to try to defeat me. It had scared Ron half to death knowing that his sister had been behind it all, even in her first year. Ginny however had gotten off and not gotten in any trouble for it, which was a relief to say the least.

Hermione was currently trying to get a scarf controlled. It looked as if someone had hexed it to act more like a snake than a scarf. It kept trying to slither up her leg and moved out of the way anytime she tried to calm it to make it normal again. Eventually Mrs. Weasley saw her struggling and helped her to unjinx it. It slowly slid down her leg and fell to the floor, once again a normal scarf.

Ron had just come down the steps, looking angry. As soon as he sat at the table across from me he grabbed a plate and began to shovel food onto it, mumbling something about there being no hot water in the sink. He ate grouchily and didn't speak to anyone in this mood. That's when Errol, the worlds oldest owl, came crashing through the Weasley's window and into the plate of eggs. He held a small letter in his beak that had Ron's name on it in fancy script. His eyes lit up and he removed the letter form the owls' beak, shooing it away.

As soon as he'd undone the envelope the letter seemed to spring to life. It began singing the words 'Ron can't use magic outside of school yet!' over and over in his face. The voice the letter took on sounded a lot like the twins. My suspicions were put to rest when the letter said it was from Fred and George. The letter then blew a raspberry at Ron and tore itself to shreds.

"I hate howlers! I hate Fred and George! I hate school!" Ron said, stomping back upstairs to gather his things.

Mr. Weasley rushed down the stairs just after Ron disappeared up them. He gave a nod goodbye to me, then placed a kiss on Mrs. Weasley's cheek. Within the next second he was out the door and headed off to work. Her whole face had lit up and she seemed dazed for a second before snapping back into action. She called the attention of everyone in the house, her voice ringing loudly throughout the entire of the building. Everyone was gathered around her within seconds.

"Ginny, your diary is upstairs in Ron's room under his pillow." Ginny glared at Ron and rushed upstairs.

"I couldn't get it open anyways." Ron whispered to me.

"Ron you will cut out the attitude and be pleasant for the day, or else I shall make sure that you will never be able to use that wand of your again." He instantly paled at the threat. "Hermione, Harry dears, would you go upstairs and help bring all of the stuff down. Once it's down and all together I can enchant it to follow us without any help." Hermione and I nodded before going upstairs.

Yep, just another normal year back to school.

~``~``~``~ Hermione ~``~``~``~

"Ronald! Get your wand out of my side this instant!" I growled at the red head. We'd all piled into the new enchanted car that Mr. Weasley had gotten.

I had been placed in between Harry and Ron while Ginny took the other side of Harry. Ron had been annoying me all morning. Why couldn't he ever just be normal for once like Harry? Harry was kind and actually had feelings. He had normal thoughts and cared for me. Why couldn't I have started to like him instead? I glanced over at Harry. He was sitting calmly in his seat, flipping through a book with Ginny, laughing every once in a while. I had to admit I envied Ginny a bit. She's got a way better deal with her crush than I did.

I glanced over to Ron. He was squirming in his seat, tapping restlessly against the window and he just scratched his head. It was obvious which boy was of better quality. I had tried to like Harry, really I did, but each time I'd thought I'd start getting somewhere, Ron comes back and does something to either upset or please me, putting all the focus back onto him. I couldn't believe that this was the guy that I had chosen to like. I sighed to myself and leaned back in my seat, trying to remember why I liked him at all.

"'Mione, are you okay?" Then I remembered.

I looked over at him. Really he was quite stunning to look at. He really wasn't that bad of a guy. A bit lazy and not that smart, but he was really nice. He was quite opinionated and thought very highly of himself, but he was always there. He was a really good friend and could have the capability of caring if he worked on it. He was also very protective. Any time anyone said anything bad about one of his friends or family members he'd be the first one to step up and defend them. That's when I noticed he was giving me a weird look. It wasn't hard to tell why. I was just staring at him now, grinning like an idiot.

"Y-yeah, Ron, I'm fine."

"'Kay." He gave a lopsided smile before turning back to stare out the window. I sank slightly in my seat, not caring about anything else for the rest of the ride.

It was just another year.

~``~``~``~ Ron ~``~``~``~

I didn't understand why Hermione was always shouting at me and starting fights. Seriously, she thinks she owns the entire world. It's ridiculous the way she treats me. Why is she always nice to Harry? Harry always gets special treatment. 'Oh, I'm the boy who lived, pay attention to me'. It made me sick sometimes.

Don't get me wrong, Harry is my best mate and I know he doesn't do anything on purpose. I think if he had his way, he'd rather be Neville more than he'd rather be himself. Still, it wasn't fair how everything fell into place for him all the time. People fawn over him now all the time, even though just last year they were saying how crazy he was because he believed you-know-who is back.

It's not so much that I don't like Harry the way he is, but all the people who have been trying to be his friend because he's famous and all the people who crowd us in the hallways asking him questions about you-know-who, or how everyone thinks he's better than everyone else because he'd done great things in the past. Where was my attention? Who'd been beside Harry all these years, going through mess after mess and getting knee deep in trouble with him? That's right, I was. Well, Hermione was there too, but she seemed to be one of the people that preferred him.

I'd always wished that someone would come out of a weird hidden corner and tell me I was being tricked sometimes. Though that never happened and I was always going to be second to Harry. I'd always be all the things that people have referred to me in the past. 'Harry's best friend' or 'the orange boy that follows around Harry Potter' or 'That's Harry Potter's stalker and Hermione granger' or, as dobby calls me 'Harry's wheezy'. It seemed that no one but Harry and Hermione really knew my name anymore.

Of course, Harry is my best mate and I'd take a bullet with, not for, but with him any day. I took a look over at him. He and Ginny were laughing and joking about something in a book they were looking at together. I mentally sighed. Even my own sister preferred him over me. Why couldn't Harry just be Harry? Why did he have to be Harry the boy who lived? I sighed and sank down in my seat, just as Hermione had done a few seconds earlier. Though she seemed dazed out while I looked in more of a pout.

Just another year.

~``~``~``~ Ginny~``~``~``~

My eyes shone brightly as I looked at the side of Harry's face. He was gorgeous! I'd told Hermione about my crush on Harry. There was no denying it. It was there and it was happening. It had first started out as admiration but slowly grew to a full blown crush on him. It wasn't just because he was the boy who lived either, like Ron seemed to think that's the reason everyone liked Harry. It was because of all the things that he does.

His smile, his eyes, his laugh. Beyond just looks, he was a good person, and if anyone couldn't see that then they were obviously blind. He had his heart in the right place, he wasn't rude or annoying, he cared about his friends and makeshift family more than anything, he was pretty smart when it came to most things, and he was brave and daring. The list could really go on and on.

It seemed at times as though he'd been interested in me too. Then he'd turn around and treat me like I was a five year old sister. I was really confused about what he was thinking. It seemed as if his thoughts flitted away from him too easily, leaving everyone else in the dust behind him trying to catch up. Then, once you'd figured out one crazy thing he's done, he's already gone and done two more others that eventually put you behind by about thirty million. There really is no catching up, you just kind of have to go with everything he says and does. Luckily, most times he's spot on and usually never wrong. Though even the boy who lived can make mistakes.

I looked over at Ron and Hermione and found they both slunk down in their seats. Hermione looked deep in thought while Ron looked thoroughly pissed off. I shook my head and turned my attention back to the book Harry and I were reading about wizard jokes. They were really lame so we were making fun of them. It was all in good fun, especially with Harry beside me. I wondered if he'd ever know my secret…

Just another year back at Hogwarts.

A/N:

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