A/N: I need to respond to the review by Steve2 to clarify a gross misrepresentation of the background of Harry Potter's mother. I clearly stated in one of my author's notes in the previous book that Mrs. Potter was originally in Hufflepuff.

For everyone else who reviewed, thanks for the feedback. It does help to know that my grammar is getting better, although using the spell checker helps. I do apologize to Mandraco for introducing characters who won't be at Hogwarts but, if it is any consolation, they will both be showing up again at one point in the story. As a bit of suspense, I won't tell you when.

Chapter 3: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

It was on the morning of the following weekend that Draco found himself walking back to Grimmauld Place. As expected, the shaggy black dog was watching him as he turned the corner. On a whim, he walked past the home and approached the dog. As he sat down next to it, he would swear it looked surprised.

"Look, you able to talk to that owner of yours?" Not bothering to wait for an answer, he continued. "There's this wimp of a kid 'e's related to an' 'e don' give a damn about 'im. Don't like 'im meself either, mind you, but that's not the point. Kid's got no dad, an' all 'e's got is a bossy mum, least from what I can tell. Now, if your owner took the time . . ."

He looked at the dog which was just staring at him.

"Never mind. Stupid idea anyway. What kind o' roll model would Black be anyway. Casper'd jus' turn out to be another Potter."

The dog growled.

Draco snarled at the dog and stood up. He walked back to the home. He and Dudley were going to, as Miss Carmichael put it, spend quality time together. In Draco's mind, that was another stupid idea. But Janice said it was worth a try. Dudley might be a decent person. He went in and saw Miss Carmichael standing there.

"Good, you're on time for once. Dudley will be down shortly. Have you decided what to do?"

Draco shrugged. "Thought we'd visit the Queen, but she's out of town."

Miss Carmichael smiled. "Why don't you show him some of the finer points of the area."

"Ain't none. They moved 'em all to where the posh folks live. Truth is, don't know whot to do."

"Ask him?"

"Ask me what?" Dudley asked as he came down the stairs.

"Whot ya feel like doin'."

Dudley shrugged. "What is there?"

"Nuthin'."

Miss Carmichael shook her head. "Here's a suggestion. Draco, why don't you show him where you went, last weekend, to buy your school supplies."

Draco hesitated. Dudley noticed and said it was a wonderful idea. Draco's opinion of Dudley diminished ever so slightly.

Once outside, Draco led the way in the general direction of Charring Cross, with no idea of what to do once they arrived.

"We're not really going to look at school supplies?" Dudley asked once they had turned the corner.

Hiding his relief, Draco shrugged. "Don't know what else to do."

"We could go by my school. Someone might be there with a football we could kick around."

"Can't"

"Can't play football?"

"Can't go to your school. Used to be me old one. Got kicked out. Punched this kid. Busted 'is nose."

Dudley grinned. "We must be related. Same thing happened to me at my old school."

It was Draco's turn to grin. "I 'eard it was more than that."

Dudley spoke with mock pride. "I used my Smeltings stick. You only used your fists." His smile and his pride faded. "Don't think it mattered in the end. I know they were already talking about removing me. I was 'becoming an embarrassment'."

"Jus' as long as you ain't embarrassed." Draco decided to change the subject. "Can't ya get a placement? Least you'd 'ave a decent 'ouse to live in. Got to be better'n 'ere."

"It was good enough for you," Dudley pointed out. "And I do have a history of violence. No one would want me because of that."

"Yer tellin' it all wrong. Ain't violent. Ya got mad and beat up that bloke. No one ever asked what he said to get to ya. . What they're seein' now is a fine young gen'leman down on 'is luck, needin' only kindness and a 'elping 'and. Jus' lie though yer teeth an' ya can write yer own ticket."

It worked. Dudley's grim look faded. He even said it could be worth a try. He also pointed out that they still hadn't decided what to do. Draco suggested they go to a not-so-nearby market to get something to eat. When Dudley said he had no money, he was told it was not a problem. Dudley asked if Draco had money and was told no. Dudley hesitated, then said he wasn't hungry. After a pause, he added the word, yet.

With no idea of what to do, Draco asked if Dudley liked cars. When Dudley said yes, they ended up at the garage and volunteered to help Mick. Dudley learned how to clean a carburetor. It was something.

September the First. Janice was crying, but she said nothing was wrong. Mick told Draco that it was because he was leaving. Draco said it was silly. She didn't cry the last time he left. Mick shrugged his shoulders and told Draco that if he didn't figure it out in five years, he would explain it to him.

Janice managed to give him a hug before he could escape out the door. It was his own fault. The baby was still too young to care if he was there or not. He shouldn't have stopped by her crib. A quick dash and he would have been gone. Janice was becoming too motherly for him. She was a good friend but she didn't have to keep asking him if he remembered his toothbrush.

And he was out the door. Mixed feelings. He was leaving the closest thing he ever had to a home. He was going away to school again. Friends and adventure, and no more need to be careful of what he said to people.

Draco took a deep breath and set out for King's Cross Station. He would be there within the hour. He took three steps.

Coming up the street was an unexpected sight. Professor Black. And with him a young black-haired boy two years his junior.

"Cousin," the boy called out as he waved.

Draco groaned to himself and gave a weak wave in return. He politely waited as his defense teacher walked up. "You're me escort?"

"You were always a clever boy."

Another delay. Professor Black had to stop and talk to Mick and Janice. Casper was introduced as his nephew and that led to everyone going inside to see the baby. Twenty minutes after he had left, Draco was standing in the den/nursery waiting for everyone to finish being polite. His plans for arriving early seemed to fade quickly. Finally, Professor Black said his goodbyes and dragged Casper away. Casper had fallen in love with the place. He said later it was the first time he didn't have to worry if he broke anything.

"He means," Black explained when Draco scowled, "At home, and at his aunt's house, everything is kept clean and spotless. It's like living in a museum. Your friends have a home that looks like people really do live there."

"Don't explain the clothes."

Casper was dressed in a green tweed jacket with leather patches on the elbows. He had a blue and white striped shirt underneath and brown corduroy trousers. And shoes so well polished that they shined. The orange bow tie finished the ensemble.

"Isn't this the way muggles dress?" the boy asked.

"Only for Halloween. Casper, you ever 'ear the phrase, 'yer ugly and yer mother dresses you funny'?"

The boy shook his head while trying to decide if he was being insulted.

"Well, you ain't ugly."

Professor Black kept both boys moving. "Malfoy, you should know that we don't mix with muggles very often. Perhaps constructive criticism would be more helpful."

Draco looked at Casper. His first impression had been that the outfit made the boy look like a complete insert-word-here. But now that he thought about it, Draco understood that anyone who looked at Casper would have the correct impression. And now, thanks to the professor, Draco felt he had to do something about it.

"Hold on," he said as he swung his backpack off his shoulders. Holding it with one hand, he reached in with the other and pulled out an expensive pair of sunglasses, gold wire frame and mirror lenses. With practiced ease he swung his backpack into place again and handed Casper the sunglasses.

"If ya get rid of anythin'. You'd 'ave to get rid of all of it," Draco pointed out. "This'll 'elp."

As Casper put the sunglasses on, after first looking at his reflection, Sirius Black glared at Draco.

"Will that really help, Malfoy?"

"Can't hurt," Draco said with a shrug.

"You said you'd be early," Hermione admonished, then gave Draco a hug anyway.

"Needed to wait for me escort," Draco answered with a nod toward Sirius Black. "Still 'ave 'alf an hour, anyway."

"You're forgiven, then." Hermione looked past him. "Don't be too happy though."

Draco looked back. The Potter clan had just walked through to Platform 9 3/4, and James Potter was waving to Draco's escort. As they walked up, Harry Potter gave a quick glance at Draco and told his parents he was going on board to find Longbottom. Draco made a mental note to be thankful for small favours.

Sirius introduced Casper, who shook hands cheerfully with the Potters. He was now given the official label of a nice boy.

"I should be going," Draco said as he went to board the train.

"I'd like you to wait," Black told him. "Now that James is here there are things we need to discuss."

"Whot? That I'm a rotten kid? I know that, an' I promise to change me evil ways."

Black smiled, causing Draco to frown. "No need to discuss the obvious, or lie about it. This relates to certain events of the last school year. And no one is going to criticize you."

"If nothing else," James Potter added, "You've shown you have no loyalties to You-Know-Who. That has to be considered a positive point."

Draco nodded in agreement although he wasn't about to believe anything.

Potter continued. "In view of events at the end of the school year, I have been given a specific assignment. I need to ask you a few particulars about what happened."

"I need to board the train," Draco told him.

"There is time. And if I can't get my answers here, I will have to go with you to finish my interview. It's your choice."

Draco scowled. A look at Hermione showed she had a bemused look.

"Whot ya want to know?"

"Dumbledore related everything to me but I am curious about one thing. Did . . . You-Know-Who use any magic or was everything done by Professor Quirrell?"

Draco thought back to the events in front of the Mirror of Erised. "It was Quirrell who did everythin'. Volde . . ."

"Don't . . . say that name," Potter hissed. "It could bring bad luck."

"Voldemort," Draco said forcefully. "'e said 'e was forced to live off someone else, like a parasite."

Potter seemed relieved despite Draco saying the name. "Dumbledore also said that when Quirrell came in contact with you he felt pain. Did HE feel pain as well?"

"Don' know. I was 'urtin' as well. Din't pay attention."

"James." That was Claire Potter. She was looking back toward the entrance. "There seems to be some problem."

Potter looked. He called to someone he knew and walked over. His wife and friend followed. Out of curiosity, so did everyone else in the group. The man was a Ministry clerk. He said his wife went back to the station proper to find out what was keeping their daughter. She hadn't come back. The gate attendant said he would check and he hasn't come back. James looked at Claire as he pulled out his wand, and told her to wait. Sirius Black pulled his wand out as well and said he was ready. The two men exchanged grins. One went through the barrier, followed closely by the other.

"Best team in the Ministry," Claire Potter assured all the children. "If there's any problem, they'll fix it."

"Why did he go? Uncle Sirius?" Casper asked.

"He's back on duty as an Auror. It's his duty to investigate anything unusual."

"Uncle Sirius?" William asked. "Why did you call him Uncle?"

"He said it was easier than explaining that he's really my second cousin."

"Jus' bein' polite," Draco added helpfully. "Like the way I call Professor Snape, Uncle Severus, though we ain't related. 'e's an old friend o' me dad."

Missus Potter nodded but looked around nervously. A small crowd had grown larger, waiting for something to happen. She looked at the station clock. "It's getting late."

Hermione followed her look. "We only have a few minutes before the train leaves. We should get going."

"Hermione."

"Missus Potter?"

"I need to ask you a favour. I don't know what is happening on the other side of the barrier, although I'm assuming the best. On the other hand, I know we are safe here, for the present. I want you to take William and Casper with you. Just in case."

"Mum, I want to stay with you." William looked afraid.

"It's for the best, dear."

"But . . . now I have three people to worry about."

Claire Potter gave her son a mock serious look. "And if you don't listen to me, I'll make sure you have much more to worry about." She put her hand on his cheek. "Don't worry. This is probably for nothing, and I will worry less if I know you're safe." She glanced at Casper. "And I know other people would worry less if they knew you were on the train."

"I'd be happy to watch them," Hermione said. "If you think it's for the best."

"It's a judgement call. As I've said, I don't know what it's like on the other side of the barrier."

"Let's go then," Hermione said as cheerfully as she could.

As the four of them walked toward the train, Draco looked ahead at the other people. Missus Potter was not the only one to think of that idea. At least two other families were putting their younger children on the train as well.

"You Four," someone called out. "The Time. Board The Train. Quickly, Now."

Hermione nodded, hurrying everyone on board. "And you'd better behave."

With two boys repeatedly assuring Hermione that they would be on their best behavior, Draco led the way as they went to find Justin.

Justin waved as they walked into the car where he had saved a compartment. As they passed by, Draco looked into the compartment next door. Susan Bones waved. Ernie MacMillan looked up and grinned. Draco looked into the compartment on the other side. He saw Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle. They were talking and didn't look up.

"Draco?" Justin asked as the four joined him in the compartment.

As Draco sat down next to Justin, he pointed to the black-haired boy who sat next to him, the one with the mirrored sunglasses and the orange bowtie. "This is Casper. Turns out that 'is mum is not only me godmother but Sirius Black's cousin."

"He has your taste in clothes, I see."

Casper beamed at the compliment. "Draco gave me the sunglasses."

The other black-haired boy, sitting next to Hermione, snorted. Draco pointed at him. "That's William. Turns out 'e's 'arry Potter's brother."

Justin nodded. "And why," he asked slowly, "are they with . . . you?"

"Ain't. They're wit' Hermione."

"Good. A logical explanation. Hermione?"

Hermione blushed. "Something's happening on the platform. Missus Potter asked me to watch them" She looked at William and Casper who were leaning forward and having a whispering argument. "Will the two of you stop?"

"Blood traitor," Casper hissed as he sat back and crossed his arms.

William adopted the same position, muttering back, "Death Eater."

"Death Eater?" Draco asked.

"Supporter of Voldemort," Hermione answered.

"It's going to be a wonderful trip," Justin commented.

"Thanks to him," William said.

"You started it," Casper responded.

"Are you a Death Eater?" Draco asked Casper.

"NO. He made that up."

"Fine. 'e's a liar."

"Am not," William insisted.

"Are to," Casper challenged.

"Stop it, both of you," Hermione demanded.

Draco was looking at Casper. "An' what's a blood traitor."

"He is."

Draco deftly stopped William from getting up by reaching over and pushing him back down. He then asked William, "What's a blood traitor?"

"Don't ask them," Hermione insisted. "A blood traitor is a pureblood who mingles with witches or wizards who have muggle backgrounds."

"Like me?"

"No," Casper insisted. "You're the exception."

Justin laughed. "So it's fine to associate with muggle-borns if you make an exception?"

Casper started to answer no, then yes, then paused with his mouth half open.

"It seems to me," Hermione smiled, "that you can't honestly call someone a blood traitor in front of your muggle-born friend. Draco is your friend, isn't he?"

"But Draco . . . " Casper started to say.

"Me mum was muggle born, an' yer mum was frien's wit' 'er, frien's enough to become me godmother." Draco held up his hands as though to say 'oh well'. "Yer hatin' someone for doin' the same thin' you're doin'."

"He called me a Death Eater," Casper said defensively.

"Well, 'e's a Potter. They do stuff like that all the time."

William hit the seat with his fist. "That's not fair. You're taking his side because he's related to you."

Hermione glared at William. "Draco just explained to Casper that there is nothing wrong with liking people regardless of their background. It seems to me he was taking your side."

"But . . . he called me Potter . . . like it was a bad word."

"Don't say it." Hermione was glaring at Draco. "William, Your brother made it a point to harass Draco during our first year. It was the reason he was kicked off the Quidditch team. Draco has strong reasons to dislike your brother." She kicked Draco's leg to make sure he was looking at her. "Draco should know better than to judge someone just because he's related to someone else he doesn't like."

"But 'e's Potter's brother."

"And Casper is Sirius Black's cousin. Did I make my point?"

"Yeah. Sorry, Billy Boy. I'll wait 'til you do somethin' before I hate you."

William looked doubtful, but Hermione put her hand on his shoulder, and told him, "That really is amazing. He said he was sorry. Draco never used that word before." She gave Draco a sly grin. "And he used it on a 'Potter'."

"Careful," Justin said. "Next thing, she'll have the two of you being friends."

Draco's eyes lit up. He didn't hate Harry Potter. He detested him. And the most perfect revenge just came to mind.

"I think she already did, make us frien's." He turned to William and held out his hand. "It'll mean you really are a blood traitor . . . jus' like Casper."

"You can't mean that?" Casper said in surprise. "About being his friend?"

That decided William who took Draco's hand in an exaggerated handshake. "Yes, he does."

"But . . ." Casper looked pleadingly at Draco. "Do I have to be his friend, then?"

The older boy grinned. "Noooo . . . but the two of you do have a lot in common."

Two ten-year-olds said, "What?"

"Yeah, Yer both purebloods. Yer both ten. And . . ."

Hermione stepped in. "Both of you are probably the first underage passengers on the Hogwarts Express in decades. That has to be worth something."

"We had to come," William pointed out.

"That doesn't make it any different. Isn't that right, Casper?"

Casper and William both looked at each other and grinned.

"Will they let us go up to the school?" Casper asked.

"That would be great," William replied. He turned to Casper and added, "Harry told me about the welcoming feast. There's loads of food and all you can eat."

"I'm getting hungry just thinking about that," Casper responded.

As the two continued talking, Draco glanced at Justin who nodded in agreement. Both gave Hermione a look that said she was brilliant. She smiled back to show that she already knew.

A knock at the door. Two identical faces looked in. Both glanced at William.

"You're Harry's brother."

"Yeah."

"And you're with Draco?"

"Uh, yeah."

Fred and George looked at Draco who smiled.

"Uncle Sirius left them in my care. There was trouble on the platform."

"We know. Word's going though the train," George explained.

"And we're helping the news along," Fred added. "We already know a few people who didn't make it on the train. Angelina, Cedric Diggory from Hufflepuff, Your friend Nott and his brother."

"About a half dozen others."

William suddenly looked worried. "My dad went to . . ."

The twins looked at each other and nodded. They turned back to William. "Not to worry. He's fine," George told him.

"How do you know?"

Fred grinned. "Oliver Wood. He's our team captain. He went and asked the conductor."

"Good thinkin'," Draco chimed in. "'e'd know if there were any serious problems."

Justin couldn't help himself, "or any problems with Sirius."

Four people groaned, but the two youngest laughed.

"Hermione," George said, "Oliver wants a team meeting, if you're up to it."

Draco was surprised at Hermione's look. She was surprised at the comment, as though she didn't expect to still be on the team.

"I . . . I'm still Seeker."

"Unless you're worse than last year," Fred noted. "You're the reason we won the Quidditch Cup."

Hermione still seemed nervous about the idea, a fact that was not help by two now worshipful faces looking up at her. "I haven't flown all summer. I don't know . . ."

"And you won them the House Cup too?" William asked. "Harry said Gryffindor won."

Fred pointed to Draco. "We were twelve points down to Slytherin, and he came up with twenty house points."

William was now staring at Draco with something close to respect. "What did you do?"

"Stole 'em," Draco replied. "It's me specialty."

"How?"

"He won't tell," Justin answered. "He says it a professional secret."

Casper's voice was filled with awe. "You stole housepoints?"

Fred spoke up. "Hermione? Are you coming?"

"YES."

Hermione said a quick goodbye and followed the twins to the next car. She came back a moment later. "Justin, you're in charge."

"Why not Draco?" Casper asked.

"Sirius Black would kill me if I put him in charge of you." She was gone again.

"Uncle Sirius doesn't like me," Draco said informatively.

"I didn't know that," Justin responded.