A/N: So yea, that was more than a few days, so sorry about that! I had to do extensive "research" and binged the Sorcerer's Stone movie and read the book. I've mixed a few things with the book and movie, so hopefully this comes across as canon compliant for the most part. Also, I'm so very sorry about the spelling errors from the first two chapters. I went back to read them for reference and cringed when I saw that I had spelled Gryffindor wrong! I was just so excited to get this out there! I promise these chapters coming up will be much better. Year One is complete, so I'll post daily. Also, I know that they're only 11, but I've included some sweet Dramione moments. Here we go!
Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy, and Theodore Nott were all raised as brothers in a very unconventional household. Draco's mother and Theo's godmother, Narcissa Black, lived at Grimmauld Place along with Harry's aunt and uncle Sirius and Petunia Black, and their best friend, Remus Lupin. The house was always full of energy and love and madness, and no one could have asked for more. Their lives could have been very different, so they knew to be grateful for what they had.
Over the summer they'd each gotten their Hogwarts letters. Theo and Draco in June and Harry in July. So today was a very important day. Today they all went to Diagon Alley for their school supplies. The adults of the family were all very careful about taking the children out into the wizarding world. Ever since the unofficial end of the wizarding war, things had relaxed for most of them, but not for their family. Sirius went back to being and auror just long enough for the remaining death eaters to be captured, then decided to stay home with his family. After spending a year away from them in Azkaban he'd decided he'd spent enough time away. Petunia still worked in the muggle world, and had gotten her doctorate as well, now owning a practice of her own. Narcissa opened up an apothecary in Hogsmeade, with Remus running the shop. Narcissa herself stayed home with the children and Sirius most of the time, and really was more of a silent owner. It was Remus that did all of the work. She was happy to let him do it, it gave her the chance to spend time with the boys, while he felt he was contributing to the household and gave him purpose.
The flames in the living room began to glow that bright green color, meaning someone was coming through. After a moment Hagrid stepped out, nearly breaking the fireplace.
"Hello, Hagrid." Harry said brightly.
"Hello there, Harry! Gettin bigger every time I see ya I reckon!"
Harry just smiled at him, he said that all the time.
"Draco, Theodore."
"Hello, Hagrid." They said in unison.
"So, you boys are all ready to go then?" Sirius asked them.
"Yup!" Draco answered.
"Go on and get your lists, you've left them upstairs." Narcissa said to them all.
The boys raced each other up the stairs, tumbling over each other in an attempt to get to their rooms first.
"You know what to do if you see him?" Narcissa asked the moment they were out of earshot.
"Course I do. I can take care 'er them."
Narcissa nodded nervously and Sirius came over to put his arm around her shoulders.
"It's alright, Cissa. It's been years since the last really bad incident, just after the divorce became final."
"I know, I just worry."
"Just a little trip to get school supplies, nothing exciting at all." Sirius joked.
"Tell that to the boys, they've been looking forward to this all week."
"Ready!" Theo practically screamed as he came barreling down the stairs. "I... made it... first!" He huffed, his wrinkled school list clutched in his hand.
"Great Job, Theo." She drawled. "Will you be able to read that list now that you've destroyed it?"
"Of course. I'll just steal Harry's." He grinned, making Narcissa roll her eyes. Something she never would have done years ago.
"You be nice to Harry."
"I'm always nice to Harry." He said with a straight face.
"Mhm." She didn't bother to hide her smile. Out of the three boys she was sure at least Theo would be Slytherin, although from time to time she had to wonder about the other two.
"Ready!" Draco and Harry said as they raced back down the stairs.
Sirius looked over the three boys with amazement. Here were three children that under previous circumstances never would have gotten along. They all acted so much like the other, and so not at the same time. Harry was dressed in plain dark denim jeans and a sweater, while Draco was practically in a three piece suit. Theo on the other hand was a mix of both, wearing a sweater and dress shirt with black jeans.
"Alright boys, listen to Hagrid. Pay attention, and don't wander off."
"Yes, Sirius." They all chorused.
"All righ' boys. We'll floo to the Leaky Cauldron, then go from there, ya?"
They all nodded, and with a puff of smoke and a lot of shouting they were gone.
Draco loved Diagon Alley. He loved the sounds and the people and it was always a wonder whenever they went. It was such a different world to him, he would never tire of it. He wouldn't say he'd lived a sheltered life, but there were still dangers out there. He didn't know exactly what, but he'd heard it often enough growing up. The only danger that he knew of was his father, and he hoped they didn't see him today.
"Hello Hagrid! The usual, I presume?"
"Not today, Tom. I'm on official Hogwarts business. Just helping young Harry, Draco and Theo here buy school supplies."
"Bless my soul, it's Harry Potter." Tom said with excitement. Further down the bar other patrons could be heard whispering about the Malfoy boy and is that Tobias Nott's spawn? With Harry Potter?
"I should not have said that." Hagrid said under his breath.
"Harry P-Potter!"
"Oh, Hello Professor, I didn't see you there!" Hagrid breathed in relief. "Boys, this is Professor Quirrell. He'll be your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
"Hello, Professor." All three boys said at once. Harry stuck out his hand, then pulled it back when the Professor shied away from him.
"F-ffacinting subject. N-not that you n-need, eh, P-potter?"
An awkward silence fell over them, no one really sure what to say.
"Well then, must be going now. Lots to buy!" Hagrid said quickly as he shoved the boys along to the closest door.
"I hate that." Harry grumbled the moment they were out the door and staring at the charmed brick wall.
"At least you're praised. Draco and I are scowled at." Theo said sadly.
"I hate that too! It's not fair."
"Calm down, Harry. No one knows anything about us, and we should keep it that way."
"Draco's right, just do yer work and ye have no problems!" Hagrid said brightly. He took out his pink umbrella and tapped a pattern against the bricks, opening them up to reveal the wonderful Diagon Alley.
"Now, what's on your list, eh? Got quills and ink, and don't forget your little bits and bobs for doing your wizardry."
"Shouldn't you know what's on the list, Hagrid?" Draco joked. "Wow!" He breathed as he ran ahead to smush his face against a glass display. "Look at it! The new Nimbus 2000!"
Harry ran over to join him, while Theo stood back with Hagrid. He never understood what the big deal was about quidditch.
"It's the fast model yet!" Harry screeched.
"Come now boys, lots to do!"
"Yes, Hagrid." They mumbled.
"Next year we can try out for the house teams, I bet Sirius will buy us one!" Harry said excitedly.
Draco smiled at him, knowing he was probably right.
They made their way to Gringott's, since Hagrid said he had some important Hogwarts business to do since he would be here. They all walked in, and Harry could barely suppress his gasp. He'd never been in here before, and these... creatures looked funny.
"Hagrid, what exactly are these things?"
"They're goblins, Harry." He answered as quietly as he could. "Clever as they come, goblins, but not the friendliest of beasts. Better stay close. You'll all have to come with me, I'm afraid. Better not tell anyone we were here."
The boys nodded, intrigued about what secret business Hagrid could be doing. Once they reached the counter Hagrid cleared his throat. "Rubeus Hagrid, here on official Hogwarts business for Professor Dumbledore." He pulled out a crumpled letter from his pocket and gave it to the head goblin, who just stared at them. Creepy. Hagrid lowered his voice. "It's about you know what, in vault, you know which."
The goblin nodded once. "Very well."
A goblin, the boys and Hagrid all piled into a single car and rode deep into the depths of the bank. Harry was amazed that all of this was right under the bank. Draco seemed completely unimpressed, he'd probably read all about it in some book. They came to a stop and the boys waited as Hagrid got out to retrieve whatever was inside the vault. They all peaked around to see what was there, but Draco wasn't sure if he was seeing things right. A small canvas looking bag? That's all that was there? He looked to Theo who shrugged, not caring in the slightest, while Harry continued to stare at it unashamed, his curiosity written all over his face.
With the trip to Gringott's being completely uneventful, Draco looked back to his list as they wandered around.
"We still need... wands." He said to them.
"A wand? Well then you want Ollivander's. Ain't no place better! Why don't you run in there and wait, I just got one more thing to do. Won't be long."
"Alright." Theo said as he ran inside, ecstatic to finally get his wand.
Harry and Draco laughed at him then ran to follow him in. They all looked around in awe, the shelves were stacked floor to ceiling with boxes of wands. They'd just begun to really look when an old man came barreling down on a wheeled ladder from the back room.
"I was wondering when I would see you boys! Mr. Potter, Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Nott."
They all nodded nervously, and grouped together like they usually did when something new happened. Sirius said it was a defensive move, but they just felt better when they were close to each other.
The man puttered around, moving from shelf to shelf looking at boxes. "It seems only yesterday that your mothers, and Mr. Potter, your mother and father were in here buying their first wands."
Draco was grateful that he didn't mention his father or Theo's, maybe this man was smarter than he looked.
He pulled out a box and handed a wand to Harry. "We'll go on, give it a wave!"
Harry waved it towards a shelf and jumped back as at least fifty boxes flew from it and landed on the floor. He put the wand down quickly.
"Apparently not." Ollivander said humbly.
Puttering around the back of the store he came back with another wand and handed it to Draco. He swished it and a vase shattered loudly on Mr. Ollivander's desk.
"Nope, no. Definitely not!"
Theo barked out a laugh and both Draco and Harry turned to swat at him.
"Shut up, wait until it's your turn." Draco laughed out.
They watched as Mr. Ollivander climbed a tall ladder and grabbed a dusty box from one of the top shelves. "Mr. Nott, perhaps this one?"
Theo gulped and took the wand. He gave it a flourish and to his surprise a soft yellow glow swirled around him.
"Ahh, very peculiar. Willow, elven inches, Thunderbird tail feather. A very powerful wand indeed, Mr. Nott."
Theo looked proud of his wand, staring at it with a goofy smile.
Mr. Ollivander disappeared into the back of the shop again, this time coming out with a box that looked shorter than Theo's. "Mr. Malfoy, give it a go."
Draco swished the wand and that same light began to glow around him.
"Wonderful! Hawthorn, ten inches, unicorn hair. Excellent choice! Unicorn hair is the hardest to turn to the Dark Arts." He said kindly, as if he sensed Draco's trepidation about what his wand meant.
Wandering into the back room again, the boys began to wonder if he got lost. When he emerged he had a completely different look on his face as he handed Harry a wand. The moment harry touched it a wind came from nowhere and a bright orange glow surrounded him.
"Are you kidding me right now?" Theo huffed to Draco, who just chuckled. They were both use to this sort of thing by now.
"Very curious."
"Sorry, Sir. But, what's curious?" Harry asked softly, almost afraid of the answer.
"I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. It just so happens, that the Phoenix, who's tail feather resides in your wand, gave another feather. Just one other. It is curious that you should be destined for this wand, when its brother, gave you that scar. The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter. It's not always clear why, but I think it is clear that we can expect great things from you. For He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things. Terrible. But great." And with that he left the boys in the front of the shop and head to the back.
Theo looked around before he spoke. "I feel like you're the last person he should be saying 'Voldemort did great things' to."
Harry couldn't help but laugh at that, Theo had a point.
"Boys! All done, ya?"
They rushed out of the shop to show Hagrid there wands and gasped when they saw him standing there with three owl cages. "Happy birthday!"
"Hagrid!" Theo squeaked. He immediately went to the eagle owl with bright orange eyes and beautiful grey feathers. Harry chose the white snowy owl, while Draco took the barn owl with soft tan feathers, a bright white chest and large, expressive dark eyes.
"No way!" Draco shouted as he picked up his cage. "Hagrid, He's beautiful!"
"Glad you like 'em, it's not every day yer boys turn eleven, now is it?" He beamed with pride. He decided to treat them to lunch before he took them home, so they headed back to the Leaky where they ordered and chatted excitedly about their wands and their owls. He happily listened to their chatter, losing all track of time. They were just getting ready to leave when the door chimed and in walked Lucius Malfoy. Hagrid abruptly stood between him and the three boys who were still seated at the table.
"Ye got no business here, Malfoy." Hagrid said sternly.
"Don't I?" He drawled. "I believe I do. That is my son you have."
"I'm no son of yours!" Draco spat.
Lucius looked him right in the eyes and gave a small smile. "Quite the fire you have there, son. Can't seem to mask your emotions at all, can you?" He took another step forward and Draco saw Hagrid tense.
Hagrid learned forward a bit, to try and be more intimidating, while reaching into his pocket and pulled out a wrist watch that he held behind his back. The boys knew instantly what it was and slowly grabbed their cages and reached for the watch. The moment all four of them touched it, the emergency portkey activated and they were whisked away before Malfoy even knew what hit him.
They landed on the floor of Grimmauld Place in a pile of limbs and squawking birds.
"Does that hurt the owls?" Harry mumbled.
"Course not." Hagrid said as they stood. "Just be a bit dizzy for a bit, nothin' to worry about."
"Damn, I was hoping you wouldn't have to use that." Sirius said as he entered the room. "What happened?"
"Nothing much." Draco answered. "Lucius showed up just as we were finishing lunch. Hagrid got us out of there quickly."
"Did he say anything to you?"
"No."
Theo rolled his eyes. "Don't lie, Draco. He said that he had business there because Hagrid had his son, and Draco does a crap job of hiding his emotions."
"Draco-" Sirius began.
"Look I'm fine, it was nothing. I don't need to hear another there's good apples on every tree speech."
Sirius watched with sad eyes and he ran up the stairs.
"Just leave him alone for now. He'll come back when he's ready." Theo said with a shrug then looked at Harry. He knew Draco, and what he needed was to talk to someone who never judged anyone. "Sirius, check out my wand!"
Sirius turned his attention to Theo, excited that they at least enjoyed most of their trip. "Yea, let's take a look."
Harry snuck off when Theo had Sirius's attention, and Hagrid was tending to their owls. He ran up the stairs as quickly as he could without altering anyone and made his way to Draco's room. He knocked twice then walked right in.
"Draco?"
"Yea?"
Harry saw him sitting on the edge of his bed, hands clasped in front of him, staring at the floor.
"Can I come in?"
"You're already in."
"Perfect." He grinned then sat down beside him. "What's your owl's name?"
"I was thinking about... Casper."
"Why Casper?" Harry asked, then he smiled. "After that movie Aunt Petunia let us watch. You've seen that so many times."
"When he flies I bet he'll look just like a ghost."
"You're probably right." Harry agreed. "I like Hedwig, I think. It sounds cool."
"Is that all you care about, being cool?" Draco said as he bumped him with his shoulder.
"People already think I'm cool, I really don't have to worry about that."
"And people think I'm evil and just waiting to join my father and betray you."
"We'll just have to show them how wrong they are then, won't we? I know you Draco."
"But no one else does. What if when we get to Hogwarts that's all people see? What if I'm in Slytherin?"
"Your mom was in Slytherin." Harry reminded him. "And she's not bad."
"I wish she would've changed my name to Black, too. I hate being a Malfoy."
"Don't say that."
"It's true!" He whined.
"I think she didn't change it so that when you do prove everyone wrong, it will remind them how stupid they were to underestimate Draco Malfoy in the first place. Anyone that speaks to you for three seconds would know that you're nothing like your father. Prove that being a Malfoy isn't a bad thing. Lucius is evil, not you. He has nothing to do with who you are, Draco."
Draco nodded. "Thanks, Harry."
"Anytime." He smiled back.
Later that night Harry and Theo snuck into Draco's room.
"Hey, Dray?"
Draco rolled over dramatically in bed. "Don't call me that, Theo."
"He's awake." He chuckled over his shoulder to Harry.
"Want some company?" Harry asked as he shut the door.
"I want some sleep." Draco pouted.
"That's nice." Theo said as he plopped onto the bed. "Move over."
"You have your own bed you know." Draco grumbled but moved aside so Theo could lay next to him. Draco pulled himself to sit against the headboard.
"Are you still nervous about tomorrow?" Harry asked as he sat on the end of the bed, his legs crossed.
"Yea." Draco admitted.
"You know that you can make it anywhere, right? It doesn't matter which house you're in." Theo said gently.
"It does to me."
"Look, any one of us could be in Slytherin." Harry said to him.
"Yea right. You? In Slytherin? Harry Potter! You're whole family was in Gryffindor."
"I don't really see how that has anything to do with it." Harry said simply. Other than Sirius, Draco's entire family was in Slytherin."
"It's just another thing that people will hold against me." Draco said sadly. "Just another thing they'll see before they really see me."
"I know you hate it, but I know how you feel, Draco." Harry tried to assure him. "Everyone sees Harry Potter, the boy who lived, before they see me. I'm nothing special, I didn't do anything. I'm just Harry."
"And I'm just Theo. The kid everyone remembers last because I'm stuck in the shadow of you two until they hear my last name and realize who my father is."
"At least your father is in Azkaban." Draco reminded him. "I wish mine was."
"Me too." Theo and Harry said at the same time.
"He can't touch you, Cissa made sure of that." Theo said firmly. "He does this nonsense to get to you, don't let him win."
Draco sighed. He knew Theo was right, his father got under his skin so easily. He needed to control that.
"Hey guys, what if we're not together? What if we all make it into a different house?" Harry wondered nervously.
"I don't think that will happen. You two idiots will be in Gryffindor. I can hold my own in Slytherin." Theo said confidently.
"Yea, for the first two days and then you'll be asking to stay with us for a night!" Harry joked.
Theo laughed at that. "Maybe. Hey, do you think Lolly is still up? She could bring us some snacks."
"Popcorn!" Draco said immediately.
"Or we could just do it ourselves." Harry said sarcastically. "Really, you two are so lazy."
"I'm gonna try it. Lolly." Theo said quickly, before Harry could yell at him some more.
Lolly popped in a second later. "Yes, master Theodore."
"Could you please bring us some popcorn?"
"And juice!" Draco added.
"Young Harry Potter?" Lolly asked.
"Ugh. Make that three popcorns."
Remus was up early, as he always was. Sunrises made him happy, so he tried to watch as many of them as possible. He had a hard time sleeping last night, his nerves and excitement for today getting the better of him. He made the coffee, just as he always did, and hid the sugar from Sirius, just as he always did. It really was his favorite time of day.
"Good morning, Remus."
"Morning, Petunia."
She walked into the kitchen in her lovely lilac silk robe and matching pajama set. Heading straight for the coffee she grabbed her favorite mug and poured some in, then added the flavored creamer she liked. She went to sit next to Remus on his left, like she always did, until he stopped her.
"I wouldn't sit there today."
"And why not?" She asked as she moved to the other side of the table and sat on his right.
"You'll see. I've planned it out perfectly." He grinned.
"It was a late night for him, and you know how grumpy he is in the mornings. He'll most likely just accio the sugar instead of looking for it."
Remus's smile didn't fade. "I'm counting on it."
Curious, she smiled back at him, eager for Sirius to wake up now. It would be a good hour at least before anyone else was up. After a while Petunia grabbed some muffins and fruit for her breakfast while sharing with Remus. It was nearly two hours before anyone else came downstairs.
"Oh my goodness you're alive." Petunia gasped.
"Shut it." Narcissa grumbled as she shuffled into the kitchen.
It must be a Black family trait, Petunia thought. Cissa and Sirius always slept in whenever they could, and were both very grumpy in the mornings. She watched as Cissa made her morning tea, taking a few biscuits with her as she sat down. Another Black family trait, a sweet tooth.
"We should be waking the boys soon." Remus said to no one in particular.
"I've just checked on them, they all slept in Draco's room last night."
"Did they really?" Petunia asked, surprised. "They haven't done that in years."
"Draco is nervous about the sorting." Narcissa clarified.
"Did Sirius ever tell him that he could ask to be put into Gryffindor?" Remus asked Petunia.
"No, he didn't. He should know that if he gets sorted into Gryffindor he made it there because that's where he's meant to be, and nothing else."
They all looked to the hallway when they heard Sirius's grumbling about mornings and brightness and why the hell is the kitchen so many floors down from his bedroom.
Remus sat up a little straighter, but otherwise gave nothing away. He watched as Sirius grabbed his coffee cup from the rack on the counter, poured his coffee and absently reached for the sugar.
"Damn it, Moony." He muttered. "Accio." He said as he took his wand from his robe pocket and gave it a swish. The jar of sugar came flying out of the cupboard right in front of him and smacked him right in the forehead, leaving a very pissed off Sirius Black holding his face with one hand while trying to wipe off the coffee he spilled on himself with the other.
Petunia spit out her coffee right onto the table as she gasped for air between laughter. "Oh my, God! Oh, Remus that was brilliant!"
"Remus, that hurt!" Sirius whined as he sat down, still rubbing his face.
"Want me to kiss it?" He asked.
"No. Get the hell away from me." Sirius barked. "You can clean that up."
Still chuckling, Remus waved his wand and the mess from the sugar and spilled coffee disappeared.
"We should wake the boys." Narcissa said as she tried to hide her smile behind her tea cup.
"I know, it will be so quiet around the house now." Petunia answered sadly. "I won't know what to do with myself."
"You'll still have me, Tuni." Sirius said playfully.
"And what a handful you are."
"It's nearly nine, I'll go get them now. Kings Cross is always so crowded." Narcissa rose to wake the boys while Petunia left to make sure everything was packed in their trunks.
It was Remus and Petunia who escorted the boys to Kings Cross to board the Hogwarts express. Petunia had always loved seeing Lily off on the train and they thought Remus was the best choice to accompany her. Out of the four of them he was the one that was out in society the most, and people really wouldn't pay any attention to him.
"Alright, we're nearly there." Petunia said in a giddy voice. "This is the best part."
"Muggles! Muggles everywhere! Come on, let's go!"
They all turned in unison to see a short woman with bright red hair and a gaggle of red headed children following her.
"Hello, Molly." Remus greeted once he recognized her. "Is this your family?"
"Why Remus, it's been ages." Molly said as she hugged the man.
"Might I introduce you to Petunia Black, Sirius's wife. Petunia, this is Molly Weasley. Sirius and I knew her brothers."
"Oh, How wonderful to meet you."
"Likewise." She pointed to the oldest boy of the group. "This is Percy, the twins are Fred and George. This is Ron, it's his first year at Hogwarts, and then Ginny, our youngest."
"Oh, it's our boys' first year as well! Harry, Draco, and Theo."
"Hello." They all said at the same time.
"Well boys, we better be going, I wouldn't want you to miss the train." Petunia said brightly.
"Aunt Petunia, I don't see the platform." Harry said to her shyly, afraid he was missing something.
"Percy, Percy dear, why don't you show them how it's done." Molly waved her hand and the oldest Weasley boy took off straight towards the brick wall.
Harry watched in amazement as he walked right through it.
"Better do it at a bit of a run if you're nervous." Molly whispered to him. "Fred, You next!"
"He's not Fred I am!" One twin huffed.
"Honestly woman, you call yourself our mother." The other said, shaking his head.
"I'm sorry George, off you go."
The boy got ready to run to the wall then turned back and grinned. "I'm only joking, I am Fred!"
Harry giggled as he watched them both disappear.
"Alright boys, you first! We'll be right behind you!" Remus smiled.
"Good luck." The little red headed girl said to Harry.
"Thanks." He got his cart ready, then took off at a sprint right towards the wall. His eyes got wide when he made it through and saw the Hogwarts express. He was barely out of the way before Ron came barreling through, with Draco and Theo right behind him.
"Good luck to you boys, this year." Molly shouted back with a wave as she tried to catch up with her family.
"Isn't it amazing?" Petunia breathed. "Alright boys, have a good year. Don't get into any fights or duels or detentions!" She said as she hugged Harry and kissed his hair.
"Not even one?" Draco asked playfully.
"Not even one, Draco. I love you. You will do great things no matter where you are sorted, do you hear me?"
"Yes, Aunt Petunia."
While Petunia was smothering the other two boys, Remus took the opportunity to talk to Theo. He'd always been closer to Theo, mostly because Sirius and Petunia and Cissa had their hands full raising Harry and Draco. Remus thought of himself as more Theo's father than anything else.
"Are you nervous, Theo?"
"Yes. I didn't want to let Draco know, but I am. I don't want to be in Slytherin."
"You won't be, I know it."
"But how do you know?" He asked urgently.
Remus just smiled at him. "Because I knew you would ask that question. It's alright my boy, I will always love you. Always."
"I am your boy, aren't I?" He said as he hugged him around the waist.
"Yes. You are. Now go along now, make friends and do all kinds of stupid things."
Petunia and Remus switched and before they knew it the whistle was blowing to signal the train's departure.
"Alright! Get going, I love you all! Good luck!" Petunia shouted as the boys left to board the train and find a car. She waved to them the moment she saw them in the window, just as the train was leaving.
"I'm so proud of you that you didn't..." Remus looked over to see that she was wiping her eyes. "Cry."
"Oh shut up, my children are leaving, how am I supposed to not cry?" She huffed dramatically.
Remus chuckled and took her hand to apparate back to Grimmauld Place. "Let's go, Tuni."
Harry, Draco and Theo found an empty compartment and settled in. The nervous excitement of all the first years filled the train.
"Excuse me, do you mind? Everywhere else is full." The red headed boy from earlier said as he peaked in.
"Not at all." Harry said with a wave of his hand.
"Ron, right?" Draco asked him.
"Yup. Ron Weasley."
"I'm Draco. This is Theo." Draco said as he pointed to himself and then Theo.
"I'm Harry. Harry Potter." Harry said to him. Better just get it out now, he would figure it out eventually. Draco not saying their last names wouldn't do anything.
Ron's face morphed into surprise. "So it's true! Do you really have, you know, the scar?"
"Oh, Yea." Harry smirked as he lifted his messy fringe with his hand.
"Wicked!" Ron said in awe, making Harry laugh. "Draco. Draco Malfoy? My mom told me about you."
Before Draco could defend himself Ron was already rambling on.
"Said her brothers knew your mom and what not. Said they liked her. You live with your mom, yea?"
Draco nodded. This was the first time he'd heard something good about his name. "Yea. With Harry's aunt and uncl,e too. Theo as well."
"Theodore Nott." Theo clarified.
Ron shrugged, he couldn't remember hearing anything about him.
"Anything off the trolley, dears?" The trolley witch asked as she pushed her cart full of sweets up to their door.
"No thanks, I'm all set." Ron said glumly as he held up a bag of... something.
Draco and Harry looked at each other and then Theo, who rolled his eyes.
"Whatever. I said I wouldn't tell."
Draco and Harry grinned then shot up out of their seats to buy whatever they could with the money Sirius gave them before they left. They nearly bought the entire trolley, and candy was spread everywhere on both of their seats.
"Berty Bott's Every Flavor Beans!" Theo said excitedly as he held up the package.
"They mean every flavor!" Ron said with a mouth full. "There's chocolate and peppermint, then there's also spinach, liver and tripe."
"Sirius used to love them, until Remus left only the bad flavors for him once." Harry said to Ron. "Hasn't touched them since! The rotten egg looks just like the popcorn one, you know."
Theo gagged and spit out the handful he just shoved into his mouth, remembering exactly why Sirius didn't eat them anymore.
"George swears he got a bogey flavored one once!"
"Hey, Ron?" Harry asked as he picked up a chocolate frog. "These aren't real frogs, are they?"
"It's just a spell."
Theo burst out in laughter. "You still believe that!"
"You were pretty convincing! I didn't think it would actually jump!"
Draco just shook his head. "Everyone knows that it's the card you want."
"You collect 'em too?! I've got about five hundred myself."
Harry opened the package and scrambled to catch the frog as it jumped out and landed on the window.
"Grab it!" Theo shouted as they all leaped to reach it, colliding into one another. They watched sadly as the frog jumped out the window.
"Aww, rotten luck. They've only got one good jump in them to begin with."
"I've got Dumbledore." Harry said as he picked up his card.
"I've got about six of him." Ron said to Harry.
"Who else do you have? Any good ones?" Draco asked.
They began an intense conversation about which cards they had and who they thought was the best witch and wizard in their collection, when a girl walked in to their compartment with crazy brown hair and huffing in exasperation. "Has anyone seen a toad?"
"A toad?" Ron questioned.
Theo, Draco and Harry looked at each other. "Neville." They groaned.
"Yes, he's apparently lost his toad. I've searched this entire train!"
"Good luck with finding Trevor, Neville's always losing him." Harry said as he blew the hair out of his face.
"Wow! You're Harry Potter!" She said when she saw his scar and sat down right next to Draco. "I'm Hermione Granger. And you all are?"
"I'm Draco." He rushed out.
"Theo."
"Um, Ron Weasley."
Hermione looked slightly disgusted with his full mouth and the fact that he barely acknowledged her. "Pleasure. Well, you better change into your robes. I expect we'll be arriving soon." She stood up and quickly made it to the door before she turned around. "You've got dirt on your nose, did you know?" She looked at Ron and pointed to her one nose. "Just there." Then turned around and left.
"I wonder what house she'll be in." Draco after she left.
Theo chuckled to himself. "Want to be in the same one, do you?"
"No." Draco said shyly.
"Whatever Draco, can't hide your emotions, remember?"
"Maybe I liked her. A bit."
"She seems mental, that one." Ron said to them, making the other boys giggle.
They heard the train whistle then quickly stuffed their candy into their pockets and rushed to get their robes on. As they exited the train they all looked around in wonder. They'd only been to Hogsmeade to visit Remus, and even then only went to the shop.
"Firs' years! Don't be shy, this way! Hurry up now! Hello, boys!"
"Hi, Hagrid!" Their voices full of excitement.
"Well come on now! Firs' years this way to the boats! Follow me!"
As they floated along to the castle Draco couldn't help but feel giddy. He was finally here at Hogwarts. The castle even more breathtaking than Sirius had described. He was able to get a boat with Theo and Hermione, while Harry, Ron and Neville took another.
"Wow it's amazing!" Hermione said in awe.
"Right?" Draco agreed. He'd never seen anything else so magical.
"Wicked!" He heard Ron say from the boat next to him. He looked over and smiled at Harry, who was staring, slack jawed.
Once they reached the other side of the lake they all climbed out with the help of Hagrid, then climbed several stairs up to the castle.
"Go on now. Professor McGonagall is waitin' for ye!" With a wink and a wave he shooed the large group of first years inside.
"More stairs?" Harry grumbled.
At the top of the staircase stood a tall, severe looking woman. She made Draco nervous, she looked like she didn't take shit from anyone.
"Welcome to Hogwarts." She said loudly and clearly. Her voice set Draco's nerves at ease, maybe she wasn't as stern as she looked. "Now, in a few moments you'll pass through these doors and join your classmates, but first you must be sorted into your houses. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin."
Draco and Harry exchanged a nervous glance.
"Now while you're here, your house will be like your family. You're triumphs will earn you points, any rule breaking and you will lose points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup-"
"Trevor!" Neville squeaked as he spotted his frog at Professor McGonagall's feet. He looked up nervously. She did not seem impressed. "Sorry."
"The sorting ceremony will begin momentarily." She turned and walked away, leaving them at the top of the staircase to wait until they were called in.
"Neville, you should keep better track of that thing." Draco whispered in amusement.
"He keeps getting away from me." Neville mumbled.
"Give it to Harry, people always want to be around him." Theo joked.
"Hilarious, Theo. I don't attract toads you know."
"So it's true then?" A boy with a harsh voice said from beside them. A large burly kid with an equally large friend. "What they said on the train. Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts."
Harry turned to glare at Theo, who didn't look sorry he drew the attention to him.
"This is Crabbe, I'm Goyle."
Ron snickered from beside them.
"Think our names are funny do you? No need to ask who you are. Red hair, hand me down robes. You must be a Weasley. You'll soon find out that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter."
"Like who's exactly? Certainly not yours." Draco spat before he could stop himself.
Harry grabbed his elbow to settle him down before he started a fight.
"You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort." Goyle sneered at Draco and Ron as he spoke. "I can help you there."
"I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks."
Theo sucked in a breath and grinned. Before it could escalate any further, they were called into the great hall.
"We're ready for you, follow me." Professor McGonagall said with a smile.
Some of Draco's good mood had diminished, but once the heavy double doors opened and he saw the beautifully enchanted room he felt that awe again. He gazed at the ceiling, impressed with the night stars that were shining brightly.
"It's not real, the ceiling." Hermione said from beside him. "It's just bewitched to look like the night sky. I read about it in-"
"Hogwarts, A History." Draco finished.
"Yes." She smiled back at him. "You've read it?"
"It's one of Theo's favorites. He talks about it all the time."
Hermione blushed and kept the giddy smile on her face as she and Draco made their way to the front of the great hall.
"Now, before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words." Professor McGonagall turned her attention to a man that was standing behind the head table in purple robes and a matching hat with a long white beard.
"I have a few start of term notices I wish to announce." He spoke quietly yet with authority. "First years, please note that the dark forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Also, our care taker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you that the third floor corridor, on the right hand side, is out of bounds to anyone who does not wish to die a most painful death."
Draco looked at the students around him, who all had mournful faces. "What kind of school is this?" He whispered to Harry, who looked equally as confused.
"Thank you." Professor Dumbledore sat down, looking over all the first years with a small smile.
Professor McGonagall produced a large scroll from behind her, seemingly out of thin air. "When I call your name, you shall come forth. I shall place the sorting hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses. Hermione Granger!"
The girl beside Draco took a nervous breath, then walked up the stairs and sat on the stool. He thought it seemed to take forever when he finally heard the hats raspy voice call out its decision.
"Gryffindor!"
She bounced happily off the stairs and smiled at Draco before she made her way to her house table.
"There goes that." Draco grumbled.
"You don't know that." Harry whispered harshly. Draco was always so hard on himself.
"Ronald Weasley!"
They watched as Ron sat on the stool, looking like he was about to be sick. The hat was barely on his head before it shouted "Gryffindor!"
Cheers erupted at the Gryffindor table, where they assumed the rest of the Weasley's were all sorted.
"Harry Potter!" The crowd in the great hall came to near silence except for a few whispers that the great Harry Potter was really here. Harry walked slowly up to the stool and sat down, waiting for the hats decision.
"Slytherin!"
Several gasps were heard from around the hall. Harry looked right at Draco then Theo and could easily see their shocked faces. He walked over to his new table and sat down. He'd never wished for one of the other boys to be in Slytherin, but now that he was here, he hoped he wasn't alone.
"Draco Malfoy." With a sigh he walked up the few steps to the stool. Without a doubt he would be Slytherin now. If harry was there, there was no doubt in his mind that's where he would end up. He was a Malfoy after all, and not a single Malfoy was ever anything but Slytherin.
"Ah, a Malfoy, are you? Hmm, great potential, yes. Strong willed, a great desire to prove who you are. Do you know who you are, boy?" The hat asked him.
"I'm a Malfoy."
"That you are, yes. That you are."
Draco knew his fate was sealed. He heard the hat take a breath and waited for the inevitable.
"Gryffindor!"
"What?" He breathed. Gryffindor. He was in Gryffindor. Professor McGonagall removed the hat and he saw just as many surprised faces. He looked down at Theo who looked very happy, and then Harry looked both sad and proud. It was Harry who started clapping first.
"Welcome to Gryffindor!" Ron shouted over the commotion.
"A Malfoy, Huh." Fred said to him.
"In Gryffindor." George finished.
"The sorting hat knows what it's doing, it's been its job for centuries." Hermione defended at once.
"Yea, Malfoy's alright." Ron said right after.
Draco smiled at his hopefully two new friends, then heard Theo's name being called.
"Theodore Nott!"
Draco watched anxiously as he sat there, nearly as long as Hermione.
"Ravenclaw!"
"What?!" Draco was shocked. Luckily the cheers from the Ravenclaw table next to him covered his outburst. "I can't believe we're split up. All of us."
"What do you mean?"
Draco turned to Hermione. "We all live together, ever since we were one. I didn't think it would happen that we wouldn't all be together."
"Gryffindor is the best house there is!" Ron said excitedly.
"Yea, it is." Draco smiled softly.
The welcome feast began and Draco's mouth was watering instantly at the food that appeared on the table.
"Wicked!" Ron began grabbing everything he could reach, eating a drumstick from both hands.
Draco kept sneaking glances at Theo and Harry, trying to see if they were okay, if they were talking to anyone at their table. Theo seemed to be perfectly fine and in his element, chatting away with the girl next to him and the boy across from him. When he looked at Harry he noticed that he was rubbing his scar and looking at a teacher at the head table.
"Hey, Percy, who's that teacher there? Talking to Professor Quirrell?"
"That's Professor Snape, head of Slytherin house. He teaches potions, but everyone knows it the Dark Arts that he fancies. He's been After Quirrell's job for years."
"Really? That's Severus Snape?"
"Professor Snape." Percy corrected.
Draco stared at him, too. "He's my godfather."
"And you didn't know who he was?"
"I've never met him." Draco shrugged. "What's he want with Harry?"
Hermione looked to the head table and saw that the Professor was looking at Harry, before his attention switched to them. "He doesn't look very friendly."
"He knows my father, I would watch out for him."
"He's a teacher, he can't do anything bad, right?"
Draco looked at her. "I'm not sure. I don't trust him."
"Hello! Welcome to Gryffindor!"
Draco screamed as ghost popped up from his plate.
"Hello, Sir Nicholas." Percy said with a nod.
"Do they have to do that?" Draco asked, still anxious from his scare.
Fred and George laughed at him. "Wait until you meet Peeves!"
After the feast and Draco was so full he could barely move, he got up to follow Percy to his new home. With one last look he checked for Theo and Harry, then left with his fellow Gryffindor's. He walked up what seemed like endless flights of stairs before they finally arrived to stand in front of a portrait of a woman in a flowy white dress. Percy gave the password then the whole frame swung open.
The common room was huge. Much bigger than anything he had at Grimmauld Place. Huge red chairs and couches filled the room with patterned rugs covering the floor. Mismatched tapestries covered some of the stone walls. The room had tall ceilings and huge windows with heavy red drapes. Tables full of games and other knick-knacks were in every corner. He climbed even more stairs up to his dormitory, along with the four other first year boys. He found his trunk already in front of one of the beds and sat down.
"You made it, Draco."
Draco looked up to see Neville sitting on the bed next to him. "Yea, I did." He flopped back and stared up at the covering of his four poster bed. He saw something carved into the framework and stood on the mattress for a closer look.
Prongs was here
Draco reached up and ran his fingers along the words. This was Harry's dad's bed. He jumped off quickly, nearly falling on his face and he scrambled over to the bed on his other side. Nothing. "Neville, move over!" Sure enough, he saw it.
Padfoot
"Neville, will you switch beds with me?"
"What for?"
Draco waved him up and when Neville stood beside him he saw the writing etched in the frame. "This was Sirius's bed. That one belonged to Harry's Dad. It just..."
Neville nodded. "Yea, sure."
Grateful that he understood, he jumped down to push his trunk over and then grabbed his things to change for bed. After everyone was asleep, Draco laid there for hours, looking at that single word. Harry should be in the bed next to him. He felt comforted though, knowing this was one belonged to Sirius. He should've talked to him more, he realized in hindsight. Not that the didn't now, but Sirius was always trying to get him to talk about what was going on inside his head, and it took this moment right now to see that they were so much alike. Both coming from destructive family names that expected things they were just unable to give. They'd beat the odds. When Draco finally did fall asleep, he was smiling.
Harry had no idea what to do. He didn't have Draco, he didn't have Theo, and he was alone and in Slytherin. If that wasn't enough, he was stuck with Crabbe and Goyle. Thankfully there was another boy in their year, Blaise Zabini. He wasn't that bad to talk to, he reminded him a lot of Theo. Harry hoped they could be friends, otherwise the next seven years were going to suck. He was pleasantly surprised when his room only had his name and Zabini's on the door. He liked his dorm room well enough, the windows went from floor to ceiling and he could actually see into the lake. He didn't realize that when his prefect said dungeons he would actually be under the school and below the lake. At least he didn't have to worry about thousands of stairs. The stone floors and stone walls made the room a little dark, but oddly enough the silver and green comforted him and made him feel at home. His bed was soft, as well as the plush furniture in their room. Each bed had a desk right next to it with a wingback chair. The thick heavy blankets made up for the chilly room temperature, so as soon as he was changed he snuggled in, and laid there watching the fish swim by until he fell asleep.
Theo couldn't get his brain to shut off, everything about his life had changed in the last hour that he couldn't process it all. He was happy with his house, Ravenclaw suit him just fine. Everyone seemed to be nice enough so far, and he was excited to begin his day tomorrow. He fell in love with his dormitory the moment he stepped foot in it. The huge circular room had everything he could ever want. The walls were covered nearly floor to ceiling with books, paints, oils, scrolls, and several musical instruments. The soft dark blue carpet beneath his feet felt like a cloud, at least what he assumed a cloud would feel like. Actually, a cloud would most likely feel like nothing. All a cloud was- Shaking his overactive head, he let out a deep breath. He wondered how Draco was doing, most likely having the time of his life up there in Gryffindor tower. Harry though, he was worried about Harry. Those two idiots from before were also sorted into Slytherin, which meant Harry would be rooming with them. Forcing his mind to calm down, he laid in bed for a while, going over his day until he finally felt his eyes get heavy. He hoped Harry was okay.
"Tuni." Sirius whined.
"Siri." She mocked.
Sirius continued to pout as they sat together on the small loveseat in his study. After one of the quietest dinners they'd had in a very long time, each of them retired to a different area of the house. Narcissa went to her room to read, while Remus took over the library, researching different plants that he was interested in adding to his stock at the shop. Petunia went to Sirius's office to go over some files from work and make a few notes, and Sirius followed her, like the lost puppy he was.
"Please?"
"Sirius, I don't want to miss the boys' letters. They said they would write."
"And they will, their letters will be here waiting for us when we get back. It's been ages since we've taken a ride. It's a beautiful night."
She couldn't argue with that. It was a beautiful night and she honestly couldn't remember the last time he'd taken her out on his motorbike.
"Just a quick ride."
His smile made her heart flutter. "Just a quick ride." He scooped her up and carried her bridle style out of the study, while she was shrieking the entire time.
"Sirius Black, put me down!"
He stopped at the top of the stairs. "No." Kissed her, then ran down them.
"Sirius!" She screamed, certain they would fall.
He didn't stop until they'd reached the long entry hallway that had a magically expanded closet where he kept his bike. "Ready, flower?"
"I don't know, I think I've had quite the wild ride already."
He grinned at her. "You haven't seen anything yet."
Unable to believe that after all these years he could still make her blush, she turned away and smiled as he got the bike out and wheeled it down the steps.
The street was quiet and dark, it really was the perfect night for a ride. Petunia climbed onto the bike, sitting behind him while he cast a disillusionment charm on them so they wouldn't be seen.
"Ready?" He asked as he started the bike.
"Always." With a quick kiss to his cheek she held on tight as they took off down the street, only lifting into the air when they were nearly at the intersection.
Petunia always loved flying. She felt much safer on the bike than a broom, but either way once she was in the air she loved it. Clinging to Sirius she looked around as he flew around the city, slowing down a bit once they reached the city lights. Sirius knew how much she loved to see the city lit up at night.
"Climb up front, flower."
Petunia maneuvered around him until she was sitting side saddle in front of him now, and facing him. "This was a wonderful idea, Sirius."
"After all these years you still question my brilliance." He said playfully.
"I never question your brilliance, I question your impulsiveness. Something you seemed to have passed on to Harry."
"You forget that he's James' son, too. That man was just as much of an impulsive idiot as I am."
"I miss them." She said as she buried her face in his shoulder.
"As do I. Everyday."
"I wonder how the boys are doing."
"No doubt destroying that Gryffindor dormitory." Sirius said brightly. "Come now, no sad thoughts. Enjoy this night with me."
Remus perked up when he heard the screeching of an owl at the window. Seeing Theo's owl he walked over to let the bird in, then took the letter from him and watched as he flew away. He smiled at the letter, then went downstairs to see if Cissa or Sirius and Petunia received letters as well. If they didn't he would read his later before bed. When he reached the first floor Cissa was already sitting in the living room.
"Did you get one?" She asked.
Remus nodded. "From Theo."
"Draco wrote me one, I've just taken the one from Hedwig as well."
"Did you? Are they not home?"
"I'm assuming they went for a ride. Didn't you hear her squealing like a bloody mandrake earlier? I heard them leave but haven't heard them return."
Remus just smiled. He assumed they were off to do other things when he heard the ruckus they were causing. "I suppose we should wait for them. Care to bet on who was sorted where?"
"Remus Lupin you are a terrible influence." Narcissa grinned back at him.
"And somehow no one's ever figured that out."
"Ten galleons. Theo's in Slytherin, Draco and Harry in Gryffindor."
"Ten galleons. Theo's a Ravenclaw."
They both turned to the entryway when they heard the laughter. "We've got letters!" Remus called out.
"Oh! Damn it, Sirius I told you!" Petunia scolded as she ran down the hallway.
"You blame me for everything!" He hollered back. "Siri, one more circle around. Siri, let's stop here. That's not me talking to myself, my dear."
"If you two are done bickering." Remus drawled.
"We're never done." Sirius smirked. "Where are the letters?"
"Wait! We're betting on where they were sorted!"
"Remus! You've corrupted Cissa!"
The man gave Petunia a wink. "Oh, Fine. I think Theo and Draco are in Ravenclaw, and Harry's in Gryffindor."
Sirius plopped down next to his wife on the couch while Remus and Cissa sat in the chairs by the fire. "Well, I think Harry's in Gryffindor, and Theo and Draco are in Slytherin."
"Ten galleons is the bet." Remus said to them as he opened Theo's letter.
"You're on." Sirius smiled as he took Harry's letter from Cissa.
"Dear Moony." Remus read aloud. "I've had the most exciting day! I won't tell you about Draco and Harry, as I know they're writing their own letters. I've been sorted into Ravenclaw! The tower is amazing! I can see most of the grounds from my window! There's shelves full of everything you can possibly dream of to inspire creativity. I know I'm going to love it here. So far everyone's been really nice, at the welcome feast I talked to a girl named Padma, and a boy named Anthony. I liked them well enough. I'm hoping I like all of my classes, I'm a little nervous about potions. Please don't tell that to Cissa or Aunt Tuni." Remus looked up from his letter and smiled.
"It's like we've taught them nothing." Petunia laughed out. "Harry's a lost cause, too."
Remus went back to the letter in his hands. "I better get to sleep, tomorrow is a big day. Send everyone my love, Theo. Well, how about that. Ravenclaw. Looks like the two of you owe Tuni and me some galleons."
"Draco's next!" Cissa said quickly as she ripped open the letter. "Hello, mom. It's been a busy day, I'm sorry my letter will be short. I've been sorted into Gryffindor! I can't believe it, mom. I made it. Neville is here too, so that's nice. The rooms are nothing like I expected here, I like them a lot. Red everywhere though, I'll have to get used to that. Oh, before I forget, Professor Snape was giving Harry strange looks, I didn't like it. I'm worried about how potions is going to be. He seems like a bitter man. I better get to bed, I love you. Tell everyone else too. Draco. Pay up, you two."
"After I read Harry's letter!" Sirius beamed with pride. "Hello everyone, since I know you'll be sharing these letters. I'm not sure whose letter you'll read first, I hope you're not disappointed. I've been sorted into Slytherin. It was quite the shock for everyone I think, including me. I'm not really sure what to do. The rooms are really nice at least, if only a little cold. My roommate, Blaise Zabini seems alright. Two other boys were sorted into Slytherin too, Crabbe and Goyle. Sorry if I just gave away Theo and Draco's news, but they're not with me. Sirius, I'm not sure if it means anything, but it scared me because it's never happened before. Professor Snape was at the head table staring at me, and when I looked up... my scar began to hurt. What does that mean? I look forward to your response, I love you all. Harry."
Sirius stared at the letter before looking up to see everyone's reaction. "Slytherin."
"It's not a bad house to be in." Cissa said quickly.
"No, of course not." Petunia agreed.
"It was just... unexpected." Remus said with a nod.
"Right." Sirius nodded back. "Right."
"Well, you have to write him back and tell him how proud you are of him." Petunia said as she grabbed his hand.
"What about Snape?" Remus's asked, looking to Narcissa.
"He did fancy himself in love with Lily. Harry is her son."
"And he looks exactly like James." Sirius added. "With Harry being Slytherin at least Snivellus can't take points from his own house without looking like an ass."
"But what would make his scar hurt? I don't understand." Petunia asked the group.
"I have no idea." Remus answered honestly. This worried him, too. "It's never bothered him before, I will have to research curse scars and see if anything turns up."
"Cissa, do you know the parents of these boys Harry's with?" Sirius asked her.
"Yes." She nodded. "They're older men, brutes really. Bullies I can guarantee. Crabbe Sr. was always the muscle that stood behind the brains. Goyle Sr. is a large man too, but he at least had half a brain. They're both irritating beyond belief with their superiority complex."
"Wonderful." Remus said with a roll of his eyes.
"We'll all write them individual letters." Cissa said as she stood. "I think I'll do that now."
"Us, too." Sirius and stood as well, the bet forgotten. He held his hand out for his wife who took it and wrapped herself around him.
Once they were in their room Sirius threw himself onto the bed.
"He will be fine." Petunia said as she sat next to him.
"Right."
"Do you doubt him?"
"No, but I do worry about him. He's surrounded by death eater's kids, Tuni. We can't protect him from here."
"No, but you can guide him as much as you can, and encourage him when he needs it, which might be a lot. Maybe later on this week we could send that boy he rooms with a package, too. I don't recognize the name. Zambini, was it?"
"Zabini. I wonder if his mother is Bianca. If so that makes him husband number..." Sirius closed his eyes as he tried to think. "Two's kid? Something like that."
"How many times has this woman been married?"
"Six, seven. Nine. I don't really know, love. A lot. I think you would call her a gold digger."
"Oh, one of those." She smiled. "What did you think of Draco's letter?"
Sirius smiled. Genuinely smiled. "He reminds me of me."
"Me too. I think in time, he'll realize that as well."
Sirius rolled over to face her. "You're a wonderful woman. I hope all of our kids find wives just like you."
"Well unless they meet someone with a muggle sister that will be hard to do." She joked.
"I mean it. I don't know what I ever did to deserve you. You've always stood by me, never doubted me once. I want them to have what we have."
"They will, in time. But right now they are eleven."
Sirius kissed her with a smile on his face. "And you're smart, too."
Draco woke the next morning at the sound of Neville's ridiculous toad croaking. The rest of the dorm must've heard it too, since they were all stirring from their beds. The Irish one, Seamus, smacked Neville with a pillow.
"Hey!" Neville whined as he rolled over.
"Rise and shine!" Seamus shouted before he ran back to change his clothes before Neville could smack him.
Twenty minutes later the boys went down to breakfast as a group.
"Hey, Neville, do you think I should tell Harry?"
"Tell Harry what?" Ron asked.
"About the bed. Harry's Dad carved his name into the frame, I don't want to upset him though."
"I wouldn't right away, we'll see how he's doing so far." Neville said, which Ron agreed with.
They all sat at the Gryffindor table, and Draco saw Theo and that girl he sat next to yesterday talking at the Ravenclaw table. When Theo was excited he couldn't sleep, so Draco knew that he'd been in the great hall first thing this morning. He waved to him, and Theo waved and smiled back, then went back to talking to his friend.
Draco had just started in on his cereal and toast when he saw Harry walk in with that dark skinned boy beside him. They seemed to argue a bit about where to sit, and eventually Harry left and made his way to the Gryffindor table, the boy soon followed him.
"Hey guys, this is Blaise. He's my roommate."
"Blaise Zabini." He said as regally as he could.
"I'm Draco Malfoy, this is Ron." He said pointing to the redhead across from him. He went around the table and stopped at Neville, who was right beside him.
"Hey guys!" Theo said as he ran over and nearly knocked Draco off the bench when he sat down.
"Blaise, this is my other brother, Theo."
"Theodore Nott. Who are you?"
"I'm Blaise. I room with Harry." He said, a touch annoyed at Theo's tone.
"Don't mind him, he takes some getting used to." Harry grumbled.
"Hey, Harry, how are you? Everything good?" Theo asked him, his concern showing.
"Alright so far. It's just Blaise and I, so-"
"What?" Theo and Draco asked at the same time.
"In our room, it's just the two of us. Do you guys have more?"
"Yea, all of us room together." Draco said as he waved a finger around the table.
"Same here." Theo nodded.
"Huh. I wonder why?"
"My mom said that it's to create alliances." Blaise said to the group. "Solid friendships that you can rely on later on in life."
"We can do that too!" Seamus shouted.
Blaise just shrugged. "Or maybe it's just to keep out assholes you don't want to be stuck with."
Draco barked out a laugh. "I like you."
"What's your schedule like?" Theo asked.
They exchanged schedules, all while Draco kept glancing at the door.
"If you're looking for you girlfriend she was already here and left." Theo said with a grin.
"Girlfriend?" Ron asked with his face scrunched up before he realized who he was talking about. "Wait, you liked her?"
"I just met her yesterday! She seemed nice."
"She seemed bossy." Ron corrected.
"Then she's perfect for our Draco." Harry grinned.
"Shut up. All of you." He grumbled as he went back to his cereal.
No one missed how he stopped looking at the door.