Disclaimer: I do not own the creation of Harry Potter or anything to do with it. It all belongs to J.K. Rowling.

Thank you to the people that reviewed and for the PM's I received on the first chapter. It's filled me with hope for the story!

Now, onto the second chapter of the rewritten 'An Unusual Attachment' – A lot more changes now…

Chapter Two: Start-of-Term Feast

...

Harry and Ron walked at a fast pace in attempt to catch the last carriage just in time. It was already occupied by Hermione and two 5th year Ravenclaws. One of them he recognised only by sight, but the other one Harry knew immediately. "Luna!" the exclaimed, sitting down in front of her.

"Hello Harry, Ron. It is a pleasure to see you both once again." Luna said happily.

Hermione frowned at the two boys. "You took ever so long, you're lucky this carriage was waiting for the final few students."

"Sorry 'Mione," Ron said, "I think we're the last two anyway."

Just as Harry was about to close the carriage door a pale hand stopped him and clambered onto the carriage silently.

"Malfoy! Go find somewhere else to seat your ferret arse!" Ron growled but the carriage had already begun to move as the door shut.

"I assure you, I would like nothing better than to be as far as way as possible from the mudlblood, blood traitor and loony girl however, obvious circumstances leave me no choice. You can clearly see this was the last carriage." And with that, Draco turned his body as far away as possible from the other students, a sneer on his angular face. It did not go unnoticed by Harry that Malfoy hadn't added his name within the insults.

"Malfoy! Just because your Slytherin friends have abandoned you, does not mean you can come join us-" Ron began, but Hermione shook her head and signalled at Ron to leave it.

Luna, oblivious to the situation unfolding in front of them, turned away from her Quibbler and stared at Harry airily and asked, "Harry how was your summer?"

"It was fine thank you, yours?" was Harry's immediate toneless response. Her eyes uncharacteristically narrowed.

"It was wonderful. But what happened to your-"

"I got into a fight with a few muggle boys. They had knives." Harry recited automatically, mentally kicking himself. There were two rather deep long cuts along his neck, however under his chin, so Harry thought no one would particularly notice them. He had used concealment charms across his shoulders and realised he must have forgotten about the neck. This meant he couldn't apply them anymore, now that Hermione and Ron had also seen.

In truth it was not a random group of boys, but Uncle Vernon. Well, one of them was. Uncle Vernon had fallen into one of his reckless rages and had grabbed the first object he could see. Harry couldn't even remember the reason why his Uncle had done it. Harry couldn't remember anything in those few moments of pain. The second one was done by himself. Harry still does not understand why he did it. It was in a daze of pure desperation to take away all other pain and hurt. Those few moments of assured blissfulness was worth a scar for life. It made Harry forget. Forget that he had the weight of a prophecy on his shoulders. Forget that he had to be a killer. Forget he was a killer. Forget that hardly anyone gave a damn about him. Forget he was the boy-who-lived. Forget the way Aunt Petunia would look straight into his eyes and say, "I hate you." Forget the abuse words and pain Uncle Vernon inflicted upon him. Forget that his family had spent so much time hiding his secret whilst he was at Hogwarts and then he would throw it all back in their faces by acting all abnormal. Forget that he was ungrateful. Forget he was a freak. And finally, forget Sirius was dead. In those few moments he was only Harry. Only Harry. A boy lost in all the horrors of the world.

Harry wouldn't honestly say he was self-harming: he had only done it six times; once on his neck, twice on his left arm, once on his waist and twice on his right thigh. It wasn't as though he was addicted to self-harm; Harry only did it when he felt truly desperate. He was not trying to kill himself for it would be incredibly selfish due to his prophecy. Harry most certainly not defining himself as an emo, nor was it for a release or something he could control. It wasn't to grab attention (as if he didn't have enough already) or as a cry for help. Harry only self-harmed because it made him forget.

Luna believed Harry's story about the muggle boys and fell into a rant about how people who behaved like that, have a condition called, 'Mortangerans'. Harry did not even bother to ask what 'Mortangerans' was so he just kept nodding in agreement to keep Luna content. Hermione and Ron glanced at each other, a mutual understanding coming between them – they'd need to talk to Harry to ensure he had been okay over the summer. Malfoy discreetly watched the scene from a distance, rolling his eyes at Saint Potter's seemingly unnecessary attention from his worshippers. He watched slyly with narrowed eyes at the conversation, all circled around the Boy-Who-Lived.

What was it with Potter? Despite being friends in the biggest loser circle possible, he gains the love and attention from literally anyone around him – and it was all due to the Dark Lord! It wasn't as though Potter had any particular talent of his own, except maybe Quidditch (but even that was overrated in Draco's opinion), however, he gets the credit of defeating You Know Who literally every time he encounters him. And all these deluded idiots seemed to believe he truly was capable and powerful enough for it – even most of the Death Eaters Lucius had introduced Draco to.

It made them fear the 'Chosen One' more, readily determined to do anything the Dark Lord possibly wanted them to do, and even beyond. There were occasions when the Dark Lord's inner circle of Death Eaters would attempt to decide the desires of their Lord for themselves, in order to gain more credibility. And that exactly is what Lucius, a Death Eater who had lost his high ranking position due to the mishap at the ministry last year, had in mind.

And that's where Draco came into play.

(**A/N at end**)

Draco thought back to last time when he failed to complete a task set containing Harry Potter.

It was first year Christmas Holidays. Draco wasn't riding with the rest of the pupils on the Hogwarts Express to go home. He was having side along apparition with the Malfoy's house elf, Dobby. Though his parents never paid much attention to him, Draco's face was lit with excitement at the prospect of seeing them again. Oh they would be so proud to see how much he had learnt at Hogwarts! Draco pictured his Nanny opening the door with her loving smile and his mother behind her, her two welcoming arms stretched out in hug position. Then his father would walk up to him, smiling proudly as he draped his arm around him, and lead him into the sitting room, where they would talk about his year so far.

But then reality kicked in. Dobby opened the front door, and a spotless, empty hall came into view. He called out to his mother, but no one answered. Dobby looked up at Draco's confused face and helpfully answered, "Ms Malfoy ist with the other mistress's Mister Draco. Only Master Malfoy ist in the house. He be waiting for you." Draco smiled; oh well his mother was unavailable at the moment, she'd be back later. But his father was waiting for him! But Draco frowned slightly. Where was his Nanny? He voiced his thoughts. Dobby suddenly looked very uncomfortable. "Uh that is something I not be talking about Mister Malfoy."

Draco's holiday feeling was starting to drain. Draco ran upstairs into his father's room. "Father!" he cried, and made to hug him, but at the harsh look he received, caused him to decide otherwise. He articulated his worry instead. "Where is my Nanny?"

"That is none of your concern." The chill in the older man's voice made Draco shudder. "You did not do as I say son. You did not befriend Harry Potter. You are now to face the penalty."

That night had been one of his worst. As his father had left the room, he had faced a bloody Draco and said. "Your Nanny is dead."

Draco closed his eyes at that particular painful memory. It was because of him, his Nanny was dead. She had left a letter underneath his pillow which he had read that very night.

Dearest Draco,

By the time you read this letter I shall probably no longer be around; your father and I did not see eye to eye about your welfare. I know right now I should be here for you, but it is time for you to grow up, my little Dragon, and make your own decisions. You are a big boy now.

Lucius wants to teach you to become as cold and callous as he is; he wants you to become like him. Draco, I beg you, no matter how much he tortures you into it, please never listen to him. You need to decide for yourself what you become and I know that you are nothing like he is. Yes, you will want to please him and by not listening it will seem like you are disappointing him, but Draco, trust me, he will never be honestly happy for you. Everything is for his name and honour.

Draco I love you, and no matter what you become I will always love you, I'm sorry for what is to happen. I know you will choose the right path Draco, you are a good boy.

Yours truly,

Margret, your Nanny

He had not listened; his father turned into a monster and Draco followed hoping that he would be just like him one day. Draco still admired his father and was willing to do anything he can to please him, yet he wasn't so sure he wanted to bow down to the Dark Lord anymore. Draco did not hate his father, but as much as he wouldn't admit it, he truly feared the plan that he had been now involved with. Not because it was Potter he had to try and befriend, but because of the consequence if he failed. Lucius Malfoy would not spare a single part of his body.

It was a confusing affair but Draco we as determined not to let his father down. Not this time.

What seemed like a life time later, the carriage and Thestrals arrived at Hogwarts. They quickly got off and made their way towards the Great Hall. Upon reaching there, the Ravenclaws bid their goodbyes to the Gryffindors and entered through the doors to their table. Malfoy had already left them straight away.

The Gryffindors joined their fellow peers and quickly became immersed in conversations about their summers. Harry ignored the usual stares he received and settled to a seat next to Dean and decided to watch the Sorting, trying not to make any eye contact with anyone. Even though no one was talking to him, or touching him, Harry felt very uncomfortable sitting so close to people. He didn't understand why. Perhaps it was after so many weeks alone, desperately craving contact, the sudden arrival of people was smothering him. Harry dearly hoped it wouldn't last; how would he cope on a day to day basis?

His eyes wondered to Malfoy on the next table. He appeared to be sitting alone, rejected from the usual society he was once welcomed and respected within. Why did Malfoy behave so strangely on the train? And surely one conversation with Harry hadn't caused his former friends to abandon him? He shook his head from these mindless thoughts; there was no need to become so concerned on his first day back into freedom. He continued to watch the Sorting, clapping loudly when a first year entered Gryffindor house. It was good to be home.

Draco sat, his head propped up by one hand, with his elbow on the table. He was so very bored. Some Slytherin's had asked him what was going on and Draco had plainly said, "None of your business." Draco was used to being alone; that wasn't about to change now. Soon after dessert was over and everyone had consumed as many, helpings as would suit them, Dumbledore stood up and cleared his throat. The students immediately silenced and turned towards the Headmaster.

"Evening all my pupils. I trust food was wonderful enough for all of us? Yes? Good good. As you may have noticed, we were once again in need for a new Defence Against The Dark Arts Professor. I hope will all welcome him into our school – Professor Markel!"

The Great Hall came alive with more applause from one particular table compared to the others: the Slytherin house. Harry looked at the table in curiosity. Hermione had also noticed this strange occurrence. "Very odd isn't it," she whispered in his ear, shuffling over to him, "That many of them seem predominantly pleased about this." Harry nodded his head slightly in agreement; it was very odd. Ron eyed the two muttering together silently, as an unexplainable wave of possessiveness arose in him. This went unnoticed by Harry and Hermione. Harry's eyes glanced over to Professor Snape. The man sat with a very large scowl on his pale face, not even clapping for the new professor. Harry guessed that this was once again due to fact Snape failed to be given the DADA role.

Draco was frozen in shock. William Markel. Not in the highest rank of the Dark Lord in any way at all, yet respected enough amongst a very concentrated number of Death Eater families. Parkingsons, Knott, and his own of course. Draco had never personally spoken to him, for his father deemed him too low in the positions to acknowledge the man. What was he doing here?

…

After the feast the four Houses began to make their way up to their respectful common rooms. Ron and Hermione had already left to do Prefect duties, so Harry walked with Neville, Dean and Seamus back to their dormitory, discussing the N.E.W.T.S that the boys were going to take.

"I'm going to have to convince Snape to let me into Potions somehow because I've decided I want to be a Healer," Dean announced, "Perhaps I'll speak to McGonagall and get her to convince him!"

"I'm so glad I'll never have to step into the Potions lab again! And I can't believe I even managed to get a pass in my OWLS!" Neville exclaimed happily.

As though summoned, the Potions Master came up from behind. "Potter!" he barked suddenly.

Harry, totally not expecting it, flinched and cowered back slightly. The other boys halted uncertainly at Harry's reaction. Professor Snape gave Harry a look that almost could have been mistaken for concern however; he quickly masked it away to one that appeared very bitter. "Seven thirty tomorrow night Potter. My office. Mr Thomas I want a written explanation on why exactly I should allow you the privilege of joining my Potion class and Longbottom; I daresay the feeling is mutual – how you managed to scrape a pass is beyond me." He then walked away without another word, his robes billowing along with him, leaving Harry to comprehend what had just happened. What could possibly could Snape want from him?

"Can you believe he actually wants me to write an essay on why I deserve to be in that class?" Dean bristled at Snape's proclamation, however, Neville stayed as cheerful as ever.

"It doesn't matter what he thinks anymore!" Neville said gleefully, then his face turned into a frown, "But I wonder what he wants from you Harry." Harry frowned back. He had a feeling it may be a case of 'remedial potions', and if that were to be the case indeed, Harry was not going to continue to attend those without a fight. With that thought in mind, he shrugged his shoulders at Neville and continued up the stairs towards the Gryffindor tower. Harry decided to bring up Professor Markel.

"What was up with the Slytherin's being so happy about the new appointment of the DADA guy?" asked Hariry curiously; Seamus was the one to answer his question.

"He used to go to Hogwarts, Harry, and he was the head of Slytherin in his seventh year. I overheard him talking to the first years outside the Great Hall before the sorting and I guess it got passed along. He also went over to the Snakes during dinner. What sort of teacher does that?"

"An overly keen one I'm telling ya," replied Dean and the rest of the boys laughed. Harry internally filled with relief - it was merely because he used to be a snake and that they were sure to get favouritism now.

Once they approached their dormitories, the boys bid each other good night and fell into their respectful beds. Ron still hadn't returned, but Harry was pretty certain it wasn't the Prefect duties that were keeping him away from returning to the dorm. Harry briefly wondered how often Ron would come back, now that he was with Hermione. He smiled nevertheless, glad his best friends had finally decided to drop their tempers and get together.

The moment Harry lay down, he fell asleep almost immediately, warm, giddy and content with food and from reunited friendships. After a testing summer with the Dursley family, he hadn't felt more alive tonight than he had in months.

A few corridors away, a lonely Slytherin was walking towards the Owlery. It was past twelve now, but he couldn't seem to bring himself to care. Upon reaching his destination, he took out a small piece of parchment and a quill and thus, began to write a letter, concerning this very Gryffindor.

Dear Father,

Letters are being checked constantly by security at Hogwarts so forgive me for not speaking in very much detail. I have made my differences known to the subject at hand and I have estranged myself from previous acquaintances. I assure you, when the task is achieved, the glory will be solely ours.

Your Son.

...

Chapter End

**A/N**: The idea of the Death Eaters participating in activities of their own without direct order from Voldemort in order to gain credibility was not one of my own. I took the theory from Ian Kershaw's concept of Working Towards The Fuhrer, having studied History and being a bit of a history nerd. It's the idea that many of Hitler's party members (but namely his three main henchmen Himmler, Goring and Goebbels) actually created many rules themselves without consulting Hitler until the very end, carrying out acts they felt Hitler would approve of and grant them a higher position or gain more respect etc. It was deemed a duty to work towards the will of the Fuhrer rather than just wait for orders and instructions; therefore so many violent acts they performed were due to assuming 'That's what Hitler wants', rather than a direct command. How terrible. If anyone is interested in finding out more write it in a review or PM me.

Back to the story - we have Severus coming up in the next chapter and a little bit more information on what exactly our favourite Slytherin is up to!

I posted this chapter today, 29/01/2014 to mark 6 YEARS since first joining!

It's been amazing meeting like-minded people, reading exceptional stories, and being able to share the love we have for Harry Potter; as well as expand on and discuss areas of interest within the plot. Even though I have spent periods away from it, I've always been able to return to it at any time, feeling just as ecstatic as when I first discovered fanfiction. It's a source of comfort, for when real life gets a little too stressy!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter; look out for the next update!

Please spend a moment to drop me a review – comments, compliments and critique all equally welcome.

Best wishes

Raiise