A/N: From here on out the chapters will be much longer. The updates will be fewer too since there is so much that I would like to fit in. We have also reached the point of Harry and friends beginning Hogwarts. Ron is going through some stuff and is turning away from his longtime friends; stemming from his jealousy and feelings of inadequacy. He will go down a dark path but do not fret; he finds himself along the way and who he's meant to be with as well. It will just take a while. And now, a time jump with an update of where the years have taken our characters! Enjoy!

August 24, 1991

Severus Snape held onto his youngest son's hand. At three years old, little Alexander was already exhibiting signs of strong magical skill. Currently he was asking why his "bwudda" had to leave in a week. "Harry is starting Hogwarts. Don't worry though. Daddy will keep an eye out for him. And I will be sure to have Harry Floo call once a week."

Severus looked over at his very pregnant wife Lily. Their twin girls were due in November and Lily was already done. "After these girls are born, no more. Five is more than enough." Severus smiled at the memory. They had been gifted a Valentine's getaway by Sirius and Alice and brought back a souvenir or two souvenirs really.

The years had been good for all of their friends and family. Narcissa and Frank just got married last Christmas and were expecting a little girl in two weeks. Neville and Draco were starting Hogwarts and Carina was attending a magical primary school with Violet, Ginny and Luna. Although this was the three girls last year before starting Hogwarts. Carina was looking forward to becoming a big sister. Her magic started showing up the day Alexander Sirius Snape was born. She had come with her mother and brother to visit and conjured a bouquet of lilies.

{*Totally forgot to write that part in the last chapter}

Sirius and Alice Black welcomed another daughter, Nox, in September of 1988. Their daughter Aurora was as rambunctious as her father and as sweet as her mother. Their son, James Francis was born last Halloween. It was a hard birth and they had almost lost Alice. They ended up doing a full Hysterectomy to save her life. She was a stay-at-home mum, but did some freelance work on the side helping the Aurors with special training once a month. Sirius and Remus opened up an Apothecary Shoppe in Diagon Alley two years ago.

Remus and Nymphadora aka Tonks were married this past summer. She had graduated and passed her Auror training two years ago. Currently she worked as Auror Garrett's partner in the DMLE and loved it. They bought a cottage on the outskirts of London and were still waiting on children. Tonks was young and Remus was enjoying their quiet life together. He felt happy and calm. He said that Tonks made all of the bad thoughts disappear the moment they became fully bonded.

Severus shook himself out of his revery when he felt his son tug his hand. "Mummy! Da! It's Mummy!" He looked up and saw his wife hunched over.

"Shite! Lils? You okay?" He rushed over and noticed her shaking with silent laughter. "Merlin's Beard, Lily! You scared me. What is so damn funny?"

Lily stood back upright. "You didn't see that?" She looked to where Harry was standing, helping Ron stand back up. Severus shook his head. "The boys were staring at the new Brooms at Quality Quidditch Supply. Ron was leaning on Draco, but then Draco saw a pretty girl and took off towards Flourish & Blott's and Ron went arse over head. I know I shouldn't laugh but I just couldn't help myself."

"See Alex, Mummy is okay. Just laughing at other's pain." He smiled then pecked a quick kiss on his wife's cheek. "We'd better hit up the bookstore next." He called over to the Quidditch store, "Harry! Ron! Time for books!" They both audibly groaned.

"Coming dad!" Harry called out before tugging Ron along. "Draco ran off."

"He's in Flourish & Blott's. Followed a young lady in there." Lily explained. Harry rose his eyebrows.

They entered and saw Draco talking animatedly with a girl with curly brown hair and big, doe eyes and seemingly the girl's parents.

Draco was looking at the new Nimbus 2000 with Harry and Ron. "Too bad we can't bring our own brooms this year. I'd like that one." He said as he envisioned himself riding it.

"Hermione! Slow down!" Draco's ears prickled as he heard her name. He turned around and saw her. His dream girl; his soulmate. She was here. Unfortunately for Ronald Weasley, he had pick this moment to lean on Draco to fix his show. Draco rush off to where he saw her entering Flourish & Blott's. He heard Ron groan as he fell, but didn't even spare him a glance.

Draco entered the bookstore and saw it was buzzing with excitement and laughter of many young witches and wizards. He searched and searched. Finally, he found her searching to find all the books needed for first years. He smiled as he came closer; a smugness about him. He waited patiently for her to look up and see him.

After a few minutes, she looked up to find her next tome and it was well worth the wait. "Oh my gosh! Draco!" He didn't even stop himself from running to her. He hugged her tightly, slightly lifting her off the ground. "You? You're a wizard!" He laughed and smiled softly at her.

"Yes. I knew you were a witch when we met, but because of the Statute of Secrecy, I could not tell you. I've waited years. I just hoped that when you received your letter, your parents would accept. Hermione." He hugged her again.

"I searched for you. Took my dad to the library and searched phone books from all over the country." Draco took her hand and Hermione blushed.

"That's because I live in the Wizarding World. I am what they call a 'Pureblood', which means that both of my parents and my ancestors are magical. That day at the Amusement Park was one of my first times in the Muggle World."

"Where are your parents? Are you here all alone?" She asked as she walked to the next aisle.

"My mother and my stepfather are home. Mother is due to give birth soon and is on bed rest. I am actually here with my best friend, Harry, his family and our friend Ron. Lost my real father when I was younger." Hermione grabbed his hand and squeezed.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that, Draco." He just shrugged then checked out her growing pile.

"Looks like you're almost set here. When Harry's parents get here, his mum or stepdad can put a lightweight charm on them so they're easier to carry." He looked and saw her parents watching. Her mother had just realised who he was and walked over with her husband.

"Oh my goodness! Hermione! Is this your friend from Blackpool?" Hermione tugged him over.

"Yes! He's Going to Hogwarts as well! Can you believe it?" They chatted a bit until Severus, Lily, Harry, Alexander, Violet and Ron arrived. Introductions were made. Ron was blushing as Hermione introduced herself and Draco tucked her closer to him. Harry saw this and laughed.

"So, Harry?" Hermione turned toward the boy with glasses and messy black hair. "Your stepdad is going to be our Potions teacher?"

"Yeah. It's going to be strange having to call him Professor Snape instead of dad. He's the only father I have ever known." Hermione's eyes looked over to the tall, handsome wizard talking to her parents with a small boy on his hip and a very beautiful, pregnant witch holding the hand of a young girl that was a smaller version of her mother. "My mum is having twins, my baby sisters. She due in a couple months. Do you have any siblings?"

Hermione shook her head. "No, just me." She turned to Ron, "And you, Ron? Any siblings?" Draco and Harry chuckled.

"Y-yeah, um, lots. I am the youngest boy. Got five older brothers and a younger sister. She will start Hogwarts next year." He rubbed the back of his neck and was blushing again much to Draco's annoyance.

The crew finished shopping all together then hit up Fortescue's for ice cream where they ran into Alice, Neville, Aurora, Nox and James. Draco introduced Neville as his stepbrother to Hermione and the Grangers. Draco showed his upbringing by pulling out Hermione's chair for her causing her to giggle sweetly.

Harry wanted to tease him since Draco loved teasing Harry about Luna, but decided against it. It was odd seeing the famed Muggleborn of his best mate's dreams. He'd been talking about her for so long that Harry felt like they had known her forever.

When it was time to leave, Draco gave her a hug. "See you on the Platform! We can all get a cabin together!" She smiled at the group of boys. Waving at them, Hermione joined her parents before disappearing into the Leaky Cauldron.

"So, that was her, huh?" Harry said as he watched Draco smiling at their retreating forms.

"Yeah, can you believe it? After all this time, she still remembers me." He sighed happily. Then he saw Ron and marched over towards the boy. Harry followed after, knowing exactly what was about to happen. "Oi, Weasley!" Draco went toe to toe with the redhead.

"What's your problem, Malfoy?" Ron looked surprised at Draco's attitude.

"Don't get any ideas in your head about Hermione, yeah? She's mine." Ron's eyebrows disappeared under his shaggy hair. "Got it?"

"W-what? I don't know what you are talking about! I didn't do anything!" Ron said defensively as he backed up, knocking into a table and bringing attention to the grownups.

"Guys! What's going on here? Draco? Ron?" Lily asked as she waddled over. "Come now. Settled down."

"He's crazy! Thinks I'm after that girl he just met. What's up with you and Harry? You're eleven and acting like you have found the loves of your life's because of some dumb dreams. Like you can see the future or something. If you could do that, maybe your dad wouldn't have been killed or did you want him to die?" And that was when all hell broke loose.

Draco launched himself at Ron and they started swinging punches at each other. Harry tried getting in between them and got pushed away, falling back in hitting his head. Lily cried out for help and Severus came running over to break it up. "Immobulus!" He shouted and both boys froze. Lily gathered up Alexander and Violet as Severus checked on Harry. "Looks like he bumped his head. You okay, buddy?" Harry rubbed his head but nodded he was alright.

Alice healed Draco's black eye that was beginning to form then Ron's bruised cheek. Neville dragged his stepbrother inside the shoppe after Severus unfroze both boys. "Draco, man. You need to calm down." He whispered. "You know you cannot beat up every person who thinks Hermione is pretty. She's a very pretty girl and she's intelligent. You've already seen how talented of a witch she will be so you also know that she can take care of herself. Ron is our friend. I can't believe you attacked him."

Draco groaned, "You didn't hear what he said. He said that I probably seen my father's death and wanted it to happen! What the hell!" Draco could feel tears prickling at the corners of his eyes. "That's a pretty messed up thing to say."

Neville patted his shoulder. "You know he gets mean and says hateful things when he gets mad. He didn't mean it." Draco shrugged.

"I guess you're right. Ugh. He ruined my mood." He chuckled then smiled thinking of the young witch. "She's brilliant, isn't she?" Neville smiled at his stepbrother.

"Bloody brilliant."

Four days later, a few days early, Narcissa and Frank welcomed their daughter, Willow Amelia Longbottom, was born at 3:33 in the morning. She had a head of wispy blonde hair and big, blue eyes that matched her mother's. They sat and just watched her. "She looks like you, thank Merlin." Frank whispered. "I was praying to all the gods that she didn't get my ears." He chuckled as Cissa pouted.

"Hush, now. I like your ears." She said softly as she adjusted her hold of Willow. "Came early so your mummy could see your brothers off to school. Already so considerate." Frank kissed her head.

"She competes our little family." He yawns then gets up from his spot on the bed, stretching and cracking his neck. "Lily said she will bring the boys and Carina up after breakfast. A shame Sev already had to go to Hogwarts yesterday. Do you need anything, dear?" Cissa shook head then moved the baby into her cot.

"No, but I do think I will try to get a couple hours of sleep before they arrive and while this precious girl is sleeping." He walked back over to give his wife a kiss, which she deepened immediately. "Mmm, I love you. I'll be back in a few minutes. Going to get a cup of coffee and a scone or something." Seeing her smile was one of the greatest feelings in the world.

"Don't be long. Maybe grab me a blueberry muffin? Love you." She snuggled into the bed and closed her eyes, falling asleep fast. He stared at her a bit longer then looked into the cot where their daughter lay. Smiling to himself, Frank turned away and headed to the hospital cafeteria.

September 1, 1991

Hermione Granger stood on Platform 9 & with her parents. The train had arrived moments ago. She was so anxious that her parents decided to leave early. As the stood around between Platforms 9 & 10, they waited until they saw a young boy and his mother walk through the brick wall before going through themselves.

"I wonder when Draco and his family will arrive. I hope we still get to sit together on the train. I still can't believe that he's a wizard. I hoped that he was and he is." Her parents looked at each other over their daughter's head and smiled. They had heard about Draco the past few years. They went back to Blackpool the same day every year in her hopes to run into him again and watched her disappointment every time.

"I am sure they will be here soon. Didn't an owl drop off a letter to the house? Did he say anything to make you think he had changed his mind?" Her father asked. If this boy hurt his little girl's feelings, there'd be hell to pay.

"Just that his mum had his baby sister and that he got into a fight with his friend Ron, and they are still not speaking to each other. I don't know what they fought about but he said it was not worth getting into." She shrugged. Going by the way the red haired boy was blushing and fumbling his words around their daughter, Mrs. Granger had a good feeling that she knew her daughter was being fought over.

"Mum, Dad? For my birthday this year, can you send some Cadbury to me using the Owl that Professor McGonagall gave us? Enough to share with my new friends?" Her birthday, the first birthday that she will not be home to celebrate. Her twelfth birthday was in a few weeks and they would miss it.

"Of course, sweetheart! Anything you want. You're going to be so missed but we know that this is the best thing for you." Her mother gave her a tight hug as her father kissed the top of her head.

"Hermione!" She heard Draco call her name and turned to see him and his family walking towards them. His mother was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. She was tall and lithe even 3 days postpartum. Her long flowing blonde hair was pulled up away from her flawless face, and her smile was warm as her twinkling blue eyes took in the sight of the girl and her family.

"Are we going to leave soon?" Draco had been up since 5am. He was anxious for his first trip to Hogwarts. He would be starting a new journey today. He was going to be living in another country away from his mother, stepfather and siblings. "It's almost 10:30!"

Narcissa had just finished feeding and changing Willow. "Yes. Just let me get the baby in her pram. Frank! Can you get the pram out? Mr. Impatient is ready to go." Draco rolled his eyes at his mother. Carina came in and hugged him close.

"I'm going to miss you, Draco." His six year old sister hugged him tightly. "You'll write me, won't you? I can read but not your cursive so try to not do that, okay?" Draco kissed the top of her head.

"I'll try to remember that, Car. Be good for mum and Frank, okay?" She nodded and wiped a stray tear away, "I love you, little sister."

"I'm not the little sister anymore." She said sadly.

"Sure you are! You're my little sister and Willow is my baby sister. See?" He winked at her and grabbed his trunk, looking at the clock again. "Mum! Frank! Please!" He rolled his eyes at them as they were sneaking in a kiss before stepping to the Floo.

"Oh shush. Go on. Take Carina through with you." His mother said as she giggled. She knew why he was in such a hurry. He'd told her all about Hermione Granger and how they were soulmates years ago, and knowing that they were finally reunited had her son over the moon. She was sad that he was leaving, but Narcissa also knew how much he needed this. No more fretting over Malfoy business and just enjoying his childhood.

They made their way through the Leaky and onto the train platform. Narcissa smirked as she heard her son gasp and whisper, "She's here." Then he grinned before he rushed towards her, dragging his trunk behind him. "Hermione!"

"Harry James Potter, get down here! The train leaves in twenty minutes and dad needs to be there in five minutes!" Lily was already tired and sore from the babies waking her at 4am taking turns bouncing on her bladder. She was anxious already with Harry starting at Hogwarts. Luckily her husband and her son's stepfather worked at the school, but she was still going to miss her son. She had one more year until Violet started so at least she would have her help around the house with Alexander and the soon to arrive twins.

"I'll go see what's taking so long. Don't fret my love." He looked to Violet and she nodded, an unspoken conversation between them.

"Come on mummy, let's go get Alexander ready." Really the toddler was already dressed and had his shoes on, but Violet could always claim to need help with the boy's hair. "I can never get his hair to look right." Lily was thankful to have something to distract her.

Severus got to his oldest's room and snickered at what he saw. Harry sat on his trunk staring at a picture of him and his family. "Ready, Harry?" Harry jumped a bit before standing up and hugging his dad close. "I don't know what I am so sad!" Severus stroked his hair.

"You're leaving the only home you've ever known. Of course you're a bit sad, son, but you're going to love this. Meeting new friends, learning new things, being able to fly on a broom, practicing magic! Plus, your dear old dad here will be close by. Whenever you start missing Mum, Vy and Alex, just come to my room and we can Floo home." He winked at him as Harry stepped back, wiping away any evidence of tears.

"I guess but I'll feel bad that none of the other students got that privilege." Harry shrugged. Severus was always amazed by how selfless his children were; thankful that they had their mothers heart.

"I get that. Come on, let's go before Mum kills us both." They laughed as they made their way down to meet the rest of the family. With one last look around, Harry threw his Floo Powder down and called for the Leaky Cauldron.

Neville stood at Platform 9 & cuddling his baby brother. "Gonna miss you, Jamie."

"Hey! What about us?" His little sisters were holding hands next to their Mum and Dad.

"Of course I will miss you guys too but Jamie is my little shadow. I am too used to him following me around everywhere I go." He snuggled his ten month old brother once more before handing him to his stepfather.

"You'll be brilliant, kid." Sirius said with a wink. "Don't go breaking too many hearts." Neville squished his nose up as if he smelled something foul.

"No thanks. Unlike D and Harry, I'm happy not worrying about that kind of stuff yet." Alice and Sirius couldn't help but laugh at that.

The Weasley's showed up just then with Ron high five-ing Neville, "Finally! Hogwarts! Check out this cool dragon skin wand holster Charlie made me! Pretty wicked huh?" He showed Neville. "See if Malfoy has something as cool as this to show his little girlfriend. Can you believe that prat?" Neville just shrugged, wanting to stay out of Ron and his stepbrother's new feud.

"Speaking of the lovebirds," Ron said with a sneer as he saw Draco, Hermione, and Harry walking their way with their families close behind. "Maybe I'll go say hello to my new friend, Hermione." Neville sighed. He really hated drama but it seemed his red haired friend thrived on it.

He watched as Ron strode up to the Muggleborn witch. He watched as Draco sneered at Ron and Harry looked uneasy. Then he heard Ron, "Be careful making friends with this one." Pointing at Draco, "His father used to hunt your kind." Draco's eyes went wide as did Harry's as Hermione looked confused then turned towards Draco looking mortified and facing Ron Weasley once more.

"Well, that's your opinion but I seem to go with my gut reaction when meeting people. And my gut tells me to stay far away from you, Ronald Weasley!" She then took Draco's hand in hers and strode over to her parents and Draco's mother and Neville's dad who had missed the incident while talking to the other adults. Ron's ears went red and he disappeared onto the train. Neville decided right then that he would become great friends with one Hermione Jean Granger. She'd be family one day after all.

The Hogwarts Express was bustling with students. Percy, Ron's brother, was a Hogwarts Prefect and a total git that thought he was better than everyone. He was a brown-noser extraordinaire of the haughty sort. "Everyone should change into their school uniforms. We shall arrive at Hogwarts shortly." Percy looked around the compartment, "Ron not sitting with you guys?" Harry was about to speak up but Hermione beat him to it.

"Ronald is not welcome after the way he treated Draco." She moved closer to the blonde which had Draco practically preening with pride.

"I see. Well, my youngest brother does seem to have a knack for speaking before he thinks. I would apologize but he'll never learn." Hermione felt a deep respect for the young wizard at that moment. "Draco, Harry, Neville, and..."

"Oh, Hermione. Hermione Granger." She stood up and shook his hand.

"Percy Weasley. Gryffindor Prefect. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Granger. I shall see you in the Great Hall. Good luck with your sorting." With that, he closed the compartment door and left.

The boys all changed in the compartment while Hermione waited in the hallway. She was reading Hogwarts - A History when she heard the compartment across from theirs open. "Oh! Hello! First Year?" A boy with dark, curly hair and glasses asked.

"Yes, and you?" The boy nodded. Hermione smiled and put her hand out, "I'm Hermione Granger."

"Theo, Theo Nott. Pleasure. Granger? I don't recognise the surname."

"Oh, well, you wouldn't. I'm a Muggleborn." Theo's eye went wide and he looked around.

"I, um, I've never met a Muggle before. Who are you sitting with in there?" Theo asked out of curiosity.

"My friends Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter, and Neville Longbottom. They're changing. I'm just waiting for them so I can change." Theo grinned.

"Cool, I know Draco. Our fathers were friends up until Mr. Malfoy's death a few years ago. How'd you meet him or did you just meet today and become chums at first sight?" He chuckled.

Hermione blushed. "We actually met years ago at Blackpool Pleasure Beach!" She answers excitedly. Seeing his look of confusion, she explained, "Oh, it's an amusement park. A Muggle place where you ride rollercoasters and such. Seeing your confused face, I suppose you've got no idea what I am talking about." She said with a laugh.

Just then, the compartment door opened, and out walked Draco. "Hey, Granger! Theo? How you doing man!" Draco pulled him in for a hug. "Merlin! I haven't seen you in years! Who are you sitting with?" Hermione watched as Draco's eyes lit up at being reunited with his friend.

"Father told me to sit with Crabbe and Goyle so I'm in there with them. They're so dense, I couldn't stand another second in there. Pansy Parkinson and Daphne Greengrass are in there too, but you know how I feel about them, and my feelings about them have not changed since we last hung out." Draco remembered.

Pansy and Daphne were best friends and very snobbish. They used to pick on Theo and call him 'Theodora' and once even forced play makeup on his face. His father caught them and gave Theo a beating for it. Draco despised Tiberius Nott. He did not know why his father was even friends with the man; probably because they were both followers of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

Theo had a rough life. At only eleven, he'd already seen death. Particularly his own mother. It was ruled as an accidental death, a fall from the top of the stairs. Theo saw her fall and watched her neck snap as her head hit the bottom step. Theo confided in Draco when they were seven that he had heard his father's screaming at Theo's mother, Adelaide, just moments before she fell. He believed that his father killed his mother for wanting to take Theo and leave their tumultuous marriage.

"Forget them. Come sit with us." Hermione agreed and followed them in. After introductions were made, the boys stepped into the hall so Hermione could change quickly. After they stepped in, they all started talking about what they were most excited about. Hermione was excited to see the library, Draco and Harry were looking forward to Flying and Quidditch, Theo was most interested in Potions and Neville was eager to start Herbology.

The train stopped at Hogsmeade Station finally. Draco took Hermione's hand as they got off the train. She blushed; no boy ever had done that before. It felt so natural. Theo looked from them to Harry and Neville with his eyebrows raised. "Not my story to tell," said Harry and Neville nodded in agreement.

"Firs' years this way!" The largest man they'd ever seen covered it brown hair and a bushy beard called out.

"Who is that?" Hermione asked, her eyes wide at the sight of the half giant.

"That's Hagrid! He's the gamekeeper of Hogwarts. I've met him a bunch of times visiting dad, um, Professor Snape." Harry explained. He had to remember to call his dad Professor. It was going to be hard after calling him dad for three years now.

"Wait! Your dad is Professor Snape? Cool!" Theo looked impressed. "He will be our Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. He killed He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named! Wicked!" Harry swelled with pride.

"Harry! Seen Snape a minute ago." Hagrid spoke to Harry directly before raising his hand and saying loudly, "All firs' years over here please!" As the newest batch of students gathered, Draco felt a push at his shoulder. Looking up he thought he'd seen a head of red hair disappearing behind a group of kids.

Hermione was nervous but saw Draco still standing next to her and calmed. His hand brushed hers and they both smiled at each other before blushing. "I've got you, Granger. Don't you worry your pretty little head." He'd called her pretty. A boy had never called her that before. They followed along with the rest of the first year students and were led to a body of water.

"Al'ri you lot, this here is the Black Lake. Pair up into a boat and wait." Draco and Hermione looked at each other questioningly and nodded an unspoken agreement between them. Draco took her hand and guided her into their boat that was light by a candle hanging off the bow.

Harry and Neville got into a boat and Theo turned to find someone and saw his friend Blaise Zabini and smiled. Thanking the gods he wasn't stuck with someone he didn't know. Once all of the students were settled into their boats, one of them was heard asking were the oars were. "You won't be needing tha'. Everyone ready?" A girl shrieked as her and her companion's boat began moving towards the castle. Harry turned and saw Hagrid waving and becoming smaller as his boat moved away.

Neville was excited and had the biggest grin on his face. "We're finally here, Harry!" Harry nodded and smiled before turning back around. They looked as if they were going to crash into a wall of vines before they magically opened up revealing a tunnel lit by floating candles. Mr. Filch and his cat, Mrs. Norris were standing there scowling at the children, but Professor McGonagall was there as well, a welcoming smile upon her face.

After they disembarked from their boats they were led up to a side door. "Welcome everyone! I am Professor McGonagall, your Transfiguration teacher as well as Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The Welcome Feast is about to begin, but first you will all get sorted into your houses. Stay here while I let the Headmaster know that you are ready."

"We'll be going in alphabetical order. Do you think we should sort ourselves into order for Professor McGonagall?" Hermione had turned and asked everyone. Someone was heard snorting and then everyone turned to see Ronald Weasley with two boys. "Something to say, Ronald?"

He narrowed his eyes at her and a sneering Draco Malfoy. "Not at all, gorgeous." And he wink at her. Winked at Draco's witch.

"Weasley," Draco said in a warning tone before moving as if to confront him, but feeling a hand on his arm stopping him.

"He's doing it to provoke you, mate. Don't fall for his childish nonsense." Harry said, a pleading look in his eyes.

Ron and the boys he was with sniggered. Hermione was pink cheeked. They were looking at her and all three winked at her. "Look at her like that again, you assholes, and I'll bash your faces in!" Draco shouted. Mr. Filch yelled for them to quiet down.

Draco turned back and took ahold of Hermione's hand to take her back to the front of the line. "I can fight my own battles, you know. I've been doing it my whole life against arses like that." Hermione tucked her head down but Draco tilted it back up, using his finger under her chin. He smiled softly at her.

"Hermione, I am very protective of you. If someone tries to hurt you or make you feel uncomfortable, you can always count on me. You're my dearest friend and someday you'll be much more than that." Hermione blushed at his softly spoken words. How could he speak like one of the men from her romance stories that she reads? Maybe people that grew up with magic acted differently than those who did not. They sure dressed like they lived in a different time.

"How do you know? How could you know what the future holds?" Draco smirked at her and leaned closer.

"Because, I dreamt it. And my dreams?" He smiled at her wide eyes, "They always come true."

Draco, Hermione, and Theo were sitting at their House table. He couldn't believe that he wasn't in the same house as his stepbrother Neville and his best friend Harry, but they looked over to see them at the Gryffindor table and then around their table at Ravenclaw. "At least we were not sorted into the same house as that arsehole Weasley. His parents are going to freak out. Slytherin? A Weasley in Slytherin? Can you believe it?" Theo said as he spooned more roasted chicken and potatoes onto his plate.

"Apparently his brothers cannot believe it either." Draco nodded to where Percy, Fred, and George were watching as their little brother was making friends with Snakes. There was a girl with short black hair talking to him as her blonde friend was twirling her hair and giggling. Theo's friend, Blaise Zabini, looked bored and annoyed next to them as Crabbe and Goyle gorged on food.

Harry waved at them from his spot next to Neville and the two boys Ron was with earlier, Seamus and Dean. The two boys were talking with the twin of the girl sitting across from Hermione, Padma Patil.

The Headmaster, Professor Dumbledore, said a speech then introduced the other professors. "First we have Madam Hooch, Flying instructor, Quidditch referee and coach. Next to her we have Madam Pomfrey, our school matron and Madam Pince, our school librarian. New this year is Professor Harris, our Potions teacher. This is Professor Snape, our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Flitwick, Charms, Professor Sprout, Herbology, Professor Trewlaney, Divination..." and so on and so on until the last professor, the ghost of a Professor Binns that died in his slumber and woke as a ghost continuing to teach History of Magic.

"You will now follow your House Prefects to your new homes. Sleep well!"

"Get the boy!" A shadowy figure came into view and attacked Harry. "Give me the stone!"

"No!" Harry yelled at an unseen man. The disembodied voice making Draco feel uneasy.

"Then you will suffer! CRUCIO!!!!" Harry's screamed in agony.

"NO!" Draco screamed out as he came out of his nightmare.

"Draco, you okay?" He heard Theo ask.

"Sorry. A n-nightmare." Draco swiped his hand down his face and huffed before laying back down.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"No. Thanks Theo."

"Well, now we're all awake." Their other roommate, Michael Corner sighed in annoyance.

"Sorry mate. I get them often so I apologise in advance." Draco warned.

"Fantastic." He heard the other boy mumble.

Draco and Theo chuckled. "Night."

The following morning was the first day of classes and everyone was sat at breakfast in the Great Hall. They had received their timetables and Draco, Theo and Hermione were relived to see they only shared two classes with Ron and the rest of Slytherin House. Unfortunately for Harry and Neville, they shared multiple classes including Flying Lessons with him.

"Did you sleep well, Hermione? Do you like your dorm mates?"

"Took me a while to settle down. I was so anxious being away from home for the first time, but Padma and Mandy talked to me and it helped. Mandy's a Half-Blood so she could relate to a lot of the things I was talking about missing like my Walkman and watching the telly with Mum and Dad." Draco squeezed her hand and smiled at her. He grew up around Half-Bloods and Harry's Muggle cousin Dudley so he knew what she was talking about.

"Well, I know it's not the same but the radio here works and we get WWN. We don't get Muggle music but we have Wizard bands like The Hobgoblins, The Weird Sisters and Spellbound. Oh and the Bent-winged Snitches! They're an American band; very controversial. Neville's stepdad listens to them."

Theo plopped down across from his friends. "What's wrong with you?" Draco asked seeing the glum look on his friend's face.

"Ran into the Slytherins on my way here. That Weasley's a foul bastard, eh? The jerk tripped me over and then had Pansy and Daphne laughing and calling me a Poofter. Luckily Blaise showed up and scared them off." Draco looked across the hall and saw Ron in between the two witches with Crabbe and Goyle across from them. Blaise was a few spots over glaring at the group.

"Theo, you must tell a teacher! They cannot bully you and get away with it! And to call you that? It's just not right!" Hermione was holding Theo had across the table. It made Draco a little uneasy but he knew he had nothing to worry about. He had always known his friend was different; he'd never wanted to rescue the princess or talk about how pretty a witch was. It just didn't interest him.

"Thanks but it's fine. I'll be okay." Theo squeezed her hand back and ate some toast and jam. "Oh! Are these the schedules?" He was also a master at changing the subject.

"So Harry? Is it true that your stepfather is the DADA professor?" The Muggleborn he'd befriended last night, Dean Thomas, had asked in between bites of food. He had apologised for the way he and Seamus Finnegan had acted before the Sorting Ceremony. The had sat with Ron on the way to Hogwarts. Ron had made it sound like Draco had stolen Hermione from him and he had to break them apart.

Harry had explained what was actually the truth. It made him unsettled. Why would Ron say that he was with Hermione first? What was going on with his friend. Was he even his friend anymore?

"Yeah but I need to call him Professor or Professor Snape while in school. It's going to be strange. He's been a dad to me since I was eight years old. Before that he was Uncle Sev, the wizard that killed Voldemort and saved my mum and I from the Killing Curse. He was mum's best friend growing up and now they are married with kids." Harry shrugged unaware of the others staring at him in awe.

"That's wicked, man!" The Irish boy, Seamus added. "Me dad's a Muggle fireman. I thought that was cool. He saves people too but to save the Wizarding World and the woman you love? That's just beyond cool!" Harry's eyes went wide. How did he never realize that in killing Voldemort that night, Severus Snape didn't just save his mum's life and that of her son and unborn child but their whole world.

"Yeah, he's pretty awesome." Harry looked to where his dad was talking to the Potions professor. As if you knew his son was looking at him, he turned his head and smirked.

Breakfast ended and Harry and Neville met up with Draco, Hermione and Theo. The three Ravenclaw students had History of Magic and with the Gryffindors first. Next was Flying Lessons with Hufflepuff followed by Potions with Hufflepuff, lunch and Defense Against the Dark Arts with the Badgers then Transfiguration with Slytherin and then Charms with Gryffindor.

Theo and Hermione were most excited about setting up a study schedule for their friends. The two swots were becoming the best of friends. They were both only children and shared many interests. Draco was happy that they got on so well because Theo was one of closest friends next to Harry and Neville, and he would be marrying Hermione one day so they'd be linked together for life.

"How come you don't get mad at Theo when he talks to Hermione but wanted to rip Ron's head off?" Neville asked him out of curiosity during a break between classes.

"I trust Theo. I don't trust the way Weasley was eyeing up my witch." Neville shrugged. He guessed Hermione was pretty. He thought about the idea of himself being with a girl and it made him uncomfortable. He knew his stepbrother was predestined to be in love and marry the witch. He'd dreamt of her for years.

At this point in Neville's life, he was more interested in horticulture and less into thinking about marriage and the sort. Maybe it would change in a few years. He shrugged at Draco's explanation. Love was too complicated and to think about it as young as they were was just pointless in his opinion.

Transfiguration, it was decided, was Hermione's favourite subject. Sharing the class with those bozos, the Slytherin's was easier than she'd thought. She actually got paired with Blaise Zabini and he was articulate and friendly enough, though a bit broody. Draco was next to her, paired with Theo so her self-proclaimed protector was not as anxious. She did catch him narrowing his eyes at the Italian wizard next to her a few times, but her disapproving look chided him quickly.

Theo whispered to him, "You're going to drive her away with your possessiveness Dray. Blaise knows not to try anything. I already told about your whole, 'were soulmates,' stuff." He chuckled when Draco elbowed him good-naturedly.

"It's true. Shut it, Theo." They both smirked at each other and got back to their reading with a warning glare from Professor McGonagall.

"Alright, you lot! Grab a broom!" Harry was so excited that he would be showing off his skills as a flyer. His hope was to try out for Quidditch next year. His father, James, was the Seeker for Gryffindor and had the record for most catches in one season his 6th year. Harry hoped to make him proud.

"Now, I know a lot of you have flown before but your classmates have not, so excuse me while we start off with the basics." The lesson was going well until a girl from Gryffindor named Lavender fell off her broom when she dipped to far and got a bloody nose. Madam Hooch told them to wait while she took her to the infirmary.

Of course, that's when Ron decided to act like he was Morgana's gift to brooms. "My brother Charlie taught me this last summer!" He pushed off and did a Wollongong Shimmy to cheers from his fellow Slytherins.

"Ron, you're gonna get in trouble! Get down!" Harry yelled.

"Make me!" Ron scoffed.

Harry got on his broom, "Harry, don't! He's just going to get you in trouble too!" Neville said as he grasped Harry's robes. Harry shrugged him off.

"No, he wants to show off? I know I'm better at this than him." Harry pushed off and shot into the air and took chase. Ron flew high in the air then pulled to a stop and hovered.

"What do ya say, Harry? Wanna play chicken?" Ron barked out a laugh.

"What's your problem? You've been acting like a right foul git!" Harry yelled at his former friend.

"You chose his side! You were my best friend and you chose Malfoy! Over some stupid muggleborn of all things!" He scoffed.

"You're jealous of Draco? He's my best friend Ron. You're my friend too or were until you became somebody I hardly recognise! And Hermione is my friend and Draco's soulmate like Luna is mine!" Ron rolled his eyes.

"Girls! You're both pathetic! You're eleven years old for crying out loud and think you're so great because your crazy soulmate told you that you're meant to be and Malfoy is just as nuts as Loony! Thinks he's a damn Seer!"

Harry doesn't know what happened next. As soon as he heard Ron call Luna 'Loony' all he saw was red. The next thing he knew, he was chasing Ron at high speeds through the sky. He could hear shouts and screams muffled in his ears as he plummeted towards the ground directly on Ron's tail. He watched as he hit the back of his former friend's broom and Ron lost control. "Arresto Momentum!" He'd heard someone shout. Then everything went black.

A/N: And I'll be back in a few weeks with an update! Sorry for the cliffhanger!