The first thought in Draco's mind upon waking up was, 'It's real.'
He couldn't believe it. He didn't know how it had happened. He might still be dreaming. This might still be a fantasy. It might still be all in his head... but... it could also be a second chance. (Magic works in mysterious ways, that was a lesson he was taught long ago, that anything could be possible.)
He didn't know how or why he got a second chance. He certainly didn't believe he actually deserved a second chance, but he was going to embrace it with both hands firmly.
He closed his eyes and thanked whoever was listening, if someone actually was, and he strongly felt the feelings of gratitude that he was feeling.
He didn't know how long he did that but he felt a lot better after opening his eyes once more.
'Now... what am I going to do? What could I do?'
He could actually learn more about the family finances, how to properly behave and call in favours owed. He could learn about a lot of things.
He could also kill Potter.
Should he?
Could he actually do it?
He wasn't sure. If... if he actually had Dumbledore at wand point, would he have been able to fulfill the Dark Lord's task and kill him? If he couldn't even imagine killing Dumbledore, would he be able to kill Potter?
'Everything that went wrong with my life was because of Potter.' He blamed, viciously. Inwardly, he knew that wasn't completely true but he held onto that thought resolutely.
Should he kill Potter? Draco didn't think he'd be capable of killing someone, even if it was Potter. His face was turning pale just thinking of it. Well, that clears it then. He won't be killing Potter, unless there was no other option. He had to keep the door open even if it was one he didn't want to cross (didn't think he was able to cross).
Perhaps, he could just avoid Potter. Or ask his parents to transfer him to a different magical school. But he actually loved Hogwarts! He could still remember his first day as a first year when he felt Hogwarts' magic. It was astounding. Powerfully brilliant. Its magic embraced him and made him feel safe. Alive. Welcomed.
No. He definitely refused to give up Hogwarts.
There was something else he could do, he suddenly realized.
The Dark Lord.
He could prevent his return!
If everything that went wrong with his life was because of Potter... everything that went wrong with his world was because of the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord affected more than just his life... he affected his father's life and most importantly, his mother's life as well. His family meant the world to him. They are his world.
The problem is... he didn't have a clue how the Dark Lord returned. He could recall 4th year... that Dumbledore and Potter were both claiming that Voldemort returned. Could it have been then?!
He wasn't sure. He didn't have enough information. Perhaps, that's what he should do? Focus on gathering information and learning? He felt more calm now with an idea of at least something to do. Something is always better than nothing.
xxx
"I'll miss you, darling." His mother sniffed, softly.
"I'll miss you too, mother." He told her, his face flushed. His face turned even redder as he turned to his father, "I'll miss you as well, father."
His father looked surprised. What was even more surprising was how his father gathered him into a hug.
It felt nice though. He couldn't recall the last time his father hugged him.
His mother gave him a hug too. It felt warm.
He would make sure to ensure his family survived intact this time.
xxx
Could he be the reason Potter didn't go to Slytherin last time? No. Certainly not. Surely, he didn't play a big part in Potter's life, much less Potter's life decisions. Perhaps... perhaps... he was in an alternate universe or a different timeline? He shrugged the thoughts off. Never mind. He needed to stop thinking of Potter.
xxx
"What do you want!?" He was irritated. What could Potter possibly want from him? Draco had made it his personal goal to pretend Potter didn't exist, but unfortunately they were sharing a dorm. The dorms were in pairs. Somehow, while he wasn't paying attention to Snape's first year welcoming speech, he got paired up with Potter. Draco inwardly groaned. Last time, he was with Goyle. He wasn't sure why he wasn't this time but he most certainly wasn't happy about it!
His ire seemed to astonish Potter because he gaped. Like a fish. Stupid fish. Stupid Potter.
Still, Draco couldn't believe this. Potter was wearing his heart on his sleeve! The other Slytherins were going to eat him alive.
'I shouldn't care about that,' he muttered to himself before saying aloud, "Well?"
Potter looked embarrassed. With a shy tone of voice, he murmured quietly, "I'm not sure how to get into the bathroom."
Draco felt like the worst.
Potter was a kid, even if he did consider killing him, but still a kid. He was new to this school and most likely, didn't know how things worked.
Didn't he hear someone gossiping before that Potter grew up with muggles? Draco shoved the thought away. As if something like that could be true.
Unfortunately, he did recall Potter wearing the most atrocious clothing the first time he'd met him at the robes shop.
'I'm going to regret this.' He thought to himself before continuing aloud, "Oh. Take out your wand and point it at the bathroom's doorknob. It will glow green if no one is inside and you will have to say 'open' in order to unlock it. If someone is inside, the doorknob will simply glow red and remain locked."
"Thanks," Potter said. He seemed genuinely grateful and he even shot Draco a smile. Draco stared at him. Potter was being nice to him. He most certainly wasn't going to be nice back! He also definitely wasn't going to apologize for how he behaved earlier. That was asking for too much.
The irritation of having to share a bathroom with Potter was easily dismissed, but he still felt a bit irked.
A different thought entered his mind.
Was he going to have to explain how everything worked to Potter?
Draco felt horrified. No. Of course he wouldn't have to! Draco attempted to reassure himself. Surely Potter knew how to do stuff. It was probably just the bathroom.