Chapter 17

Harry was at breakfast with his Gryffindor cousins when Arthur's reply came in the most unexpected way. The doors to the great hall opened to admit a familiar face and Fred jumped up with George close behind him. "Hey, there Perce!"

"What's a ministry flunky..." George smirked as he draped his arm around Percy's neck.

"Doing at Hogwarts, dearest elder brother of ours?" Fred finished, tugging lightly at his brother's robe lapels.

"First of all, while I am still technically employed by the ministry, my previous post is unavailable and I have yet to be given a specific department to which I must report. If you must know, I am here to speak with Lord Potter." The former head boy confidently shrugged out of his brother's smothering presence and brushed any possible lint from both his shoulders. "Once we've completed our urgent conversation, I may be able to spare you a moment before I leave."

Harry's jaw threatened to drop but then he realized that he'd inadvertently asked for this and turned it into a smirk as he stood. He was glad he'd finished his meal. "Hello, Percy. What can I do for you?"

"It has come to my attention..." Percy began to follow Harry and Ron toward the doorway.

"Your father told you..." Harry murmured, smirking as Ron pushed the doors open.

"Well...yes." Percy sniffed awkwardly. "You have a need for information pertaining to..."

Harry suppressed a chuckle. "I lack a fundamental knowledge of the inner workings of the ministry and wizengamut."

"Surely you must see that your new status requires some guidance..." Percy gritted his teeth with a terse nod. "And perhaps a bit of assistance."

Harry bit his lip as he whirled around to face his older cousin. "Why, Percy! Are you offering to be my assistant?"

"Erm...well... yes." Percy glared at the young lord suspiciously.

"Do you know what that would entail?" Harry asked innocently as he led the way to his apartment.

"Of course, I do." Percy seemed offended. "I was, after all, assistant to the head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation during the Quidditch World Cup and the Triwizard Tournament last year."

"And look how that went..." Harry muttered thoughtfully. "But it's true that I know you can handle sensitive information and secrecy. I also remember well enough your penchant for organization. You were awfully good at being a prefect." He glanced at a smirking Ron but Percy's chin tilted up proudly. "I'll mostly need you to be at the ministry taking appointments or advising me on procedure when I ask."

"I can do that." Percy hurried to assert himself.

"What would you be assisting me with specifically? Would you be a general assistant or maybe you'd just handle official ministry business?" Harry's eyebrow rose in askance. He was certain that his cousin would be reluctant to become assistant to a fifteen year old, but maybe the lordship would overrule the age of his boss. Harry watched Percy's face as he thought it over.

"As far as I know, your needs involving the ministry are the most pressing but if that changes..." Percy eyed the young lord and his youngest brother as they arrived at Sigmund's door. "I will, of course, consider helping out in other areas as well. Agreed?"

"Agreed." Harry grinned and nodded. "This is my cousin Percy, Sigmund. He's related to..."

"The other redheaded cousinsss, I'd asssume?" The reptilian guardian lifted his head to blink at him.

"Yes." Harry chuckled. "He may come and go with a specific password."

"What is it saying?" Percy whispered nervously.

"He asked for the password. I gave it and the doorknob will now turn." Harry reached for the knob and twisted, smiling as the lock clicked. "I'll fill you in in the sitting room."

Ginny stared as her older brothers entered the room. "Perce? What...?"

"I'm pretty sure your dad sent him to be my assistant. What I don't know is..." Harry turned to face the older boy while Ron closed the door behind them. "...if we can trust him."

Percy pouted like he'd known it seemed too easy. "Mum and Dad told me all about the irregularities with your inheritances and your placement with your mother's sister."

"Did they tell you about my magical guardian and how that should've been my godfather... Sirius Black?" Harry asked as he backed toward the fireplace. "Did they tell you he was innocent and wrongfully imprisoned for twelve long years?"

"They told me everything they could." Percy admitted quietly, glancing between Harry and his two siblings. "Including that Dumbledore is suspected to have had a hand in things."

"Ginny, you're closer." Harry knew this would be easily confirmed but he wasn't sure what to do if it was a lie. "Please call the Burrow for me." He watched Percy as she threw the powder into the grate.

"Ginny?" Molly Weasley's voice came through before they saw her face. "What in the world?"

"Just checking on Percy's references before Harry gives him the assistant job, Mum." She said flippantly.

"Percy is at Hogwarts?" Molly looked flabbergasted. "I thought he'd write to Harry, not go visit ...on a school day!"

"Hey, Gin." A voice that was unfamiliar to him came through but Ginny recognized it as her eldest brother's.

"Bill!" She squealed.

"Perce was home to introduce his new girlfriend and we received Harry's letter as they were about to leave." He chuckled. "Dad suggested he help Harry out and they argued a bit but then Mum and Dad swore us to secrecy and told us what Harry found out at the bank and about his health issues."

She pulled her head out to check with Harry, who nodded. "Alright. Thanks, Bill. I'll write later. Glad you're home for a while!"

"You swore a secrecy oath?" Harry asked.

Percy nodded. "Dad insisted on a powerful one. If I reveal even the most minor detail of what was told to me yesterday, it will place a tongue tying hex on me which can only be undone by the caster."

"Interesting." Harry replied while Ron took a seat beside his sister. "Alright, I've decided to trust you. Ron, I'll meet you in class. I don't know how long it'll take to get Percy up to speed. If I'm not there in time, tell her a ministry duty popped up. I'll explain in detention if I have to."

"Harry, Hedwig is waiting in the owlry. She's got a package." Luna told him as she joined Ginny on the couch.

Harry made a motion for Percy to follow him and led the way to his owl. "Here's the two knut tour. That was the only public room in the apartment. Bathroom... Girl's beds... Boy's beds... This is the guest room which is reserved for bodyguards, advisors, or assistants. Across the hall is the owlry...my room is last. We can talk there, after I retrieve whatever package this is."

Percy remained silent even as he greeted Errol on his perch but Harry could see he was processing the information as he stroked Hedwig's feathers.

"Hello, girl. What have you got for me?" As soon as he took the package, he noticed the Gringotts symbol and opened it. "It's the files I asked Korlag for! Perfect. I'll look them over later. Let's move on."

Harry asked Ziva for a second chair and as soon as they were both seated, he looked his cousin in the eye. "I have class in fifteen minutes, so give me the bottom line. What do you need to do your job?"

"The first thing I'll need is an office space in the ministry building - nothing fancy." Percy informed him. "I'll be the only one to occupy it so a small one will be fine. This is the name of the individual you will need to contact about the rental agreement, which can be negotiated via floo or owl."

"I consider that a ministry matter, you write something up giving you permission to use my name for the specific purpose of procuring office premises and I'll sign and seal it, along with the rental agreement when you bring it to me." Harry nodded and pulled out a piece of parchment from his desk drawer. Dipping a quill, he drew up a list of names and handed it to him. "People I'd like to speak with."

"Lady Augusta Longbottom? Makes sense. Tiberius Ogden? Marchbanks? They're retired; why?" Percy muttered as he read the list. "Malfoy? Lord Malfoy!? Lucius Malfoy?"

"You have there, a list of the wizengamut members and the order in which I'd like to speak with them." Harry explained, taking it back. "I'd better add Amelia Bones to the list, as well as the queen's representative who witnessed my title acceptance."

"You want an appointment with Madam Bones?" Percy sounded appalled. "The head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement?"

"Yes. She's also a member of the wizengamut. Several, if not all of these people will be instrumental in finally getting my godfather a proper trial which will result in an immediate dismissal of charges and allow him to begin really living his life." Harry reasoned. "That is one of my foremost objectives, you see."

Percy stared at him.

"Oh, just a little heads-up - if you do become my general assistant, you'll be dealing with my business partners as well." Harry smirked and held up the contract he, Remus, and Sirius had signed with the twins.

"So, you said I might make use of the guest room?" Percy's voice sounded hoarse. "It appears that I have quite a bit of work to do."

Harry grinned and called Ziva to ready the room while he got ready for class.

/*/*/*/*/*

"Now that we've discussed the theory of the match to needle transfiguration, please come up to the desk and retrieve your box of matches." Professor Mcgonagall gestured toward a large pile of match boxes. "After that I will be assigning partners."

Harry looked up in surprise.

"Is something wrong, Lord Potter?" She asked.

"No, Professor. It's just that this is the second class to assign partners and it made me curious if every subject would be partnered this year." Harry replied.

"All of the core classes will, Lord Potter." She answered with her usual aplomb. "As will several of the electives."

Harry frowned, doing the math in his head, and glanced over at his potions partner.

Draco met his gaze and nodded once.

Cringing inwardly, Harry braced himself for the conversation he knew would come after class. "Professor, may I request a certain person as my partner?"

"No. Your partners must be from the opposite houses." She answered tersely.

"That's fine, Professor." Harry asserted. "I'd like to request Draco Malfoy."

"I have no objection, Professor." Malfoy said, standing up.

"Alright." She eyed them both warily. "I'll allow it. But you'll both stay after class to explain yourselves."

The class continued with no further outbursts and Harry hung back while Ron and the rest of his classmates went about their day.

"Well, Mr. Malfoy? Lord Potter?" Professor Mcgonagall asked, standing up to come around the desk. "Let's hear what you have to say for yourselves?"

"Professor, Lord Potter and I have much in common." Draco met her gaze. "Among those things, we have a cousin whom we both hold in high esteem. It seemed best to declare a truce."

"Which we took care of on the train." Harry said carefully. "Then, in our first potions class, Professor Slughorn made us partners and I think that... due to my unknown ministry duties..." Harry hedged. "I'd hate to..."

"Rather than having to synchronize his schedule with seven or eight people for class purposes, it might be more efficient to only make it four." Draco interrupted, placing his hands on the table as he stood up. "I'm willing to partner him in all the classes we share."

"I see. That's very thoughtful, Mr. Malfoy. If Lord Potter agrees..." She looked at Harry, who nodded. "I will let the other professors know."

"Thank you, Professor." Draco nodded respectfully before turning to the young lord. "I believe we have things to discuss. Shall we?"

"Actually, Lord Potter, I would like another word." She said.

Harry nodded and looked at the blond. "We do need to talk. Lunch?"

Draco nodded. "Join me at the Slytherin table?"

"It might be awkward if we sat at the house tables." Harry asked. "My suite?"

Draco stared at him. "Are you asking me out?"

Harry chuckled. "You'd know if I was asking you out, Malfoy. For one, it wouldn't involve a teacher."

"Very well. See you at lunch." The blond blushed and glanced at the older woman before hurrying out of the room.

Minerva Mcgonagall looked at her student and lifted one eyebrow. "Were you flirting, Potter?"

Harry's lips twitched and finally curved. "I suppose you could say that."

She stared at him, speechless.

"Now that we're finally getting along, I could do much worse." Harry confessed. "But you wanted a word."

"Yes." She pursed her lips. "The head elf has reported that there's to be one extra Gryffindor for lunch and dinner today. Do you have any idea what that is about?"

"Yes, Professor. Percy Weasley showed up unexpectedly at breakfast today." Harry replied. "I've just hired him as my assistant and he's going to handle some preliminary ministry matters before the session opens."

"I see." Mcgonagall nodded. "That's fine."

"He's staying the night to advise me on a number of subjects and he'll be leaving in the morning." Harry informed her. "May I offer him breakfast?"

"Mr. Weasley is welcome to join us for any meals while on the job for you, Potter." She frowned. "It's just that I prefer to inform the elves rather than the other way around."

"So, next time, I should let you know as soon as it's decided instead of waiting to see you in person. Got it." Harry grinned sheepishly. "I'm sorry."

She waved him off. "Have a good day, Potter."

"Thank you, Professor." Harry murmured as he turned to leave.

"Oh, and Potter?" She waited for him to turn around. "Don't play with fire."

Harry laughed. "This from the woman who handed her students full match boxes this morning."

"You know what I'm referring to." She frowned. "Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus, Potter."

Harry's inner mischief maker came to the surface. "But, Professor! That sounds like so much fun!" He said, smiling as he closed the door behind him.

"What took you so long?" Ron bombarded him as soon as he turned around. "What are you so happy about? Why did Malfoy run out the room like someone was chasing him?"

"Mcgonagall wanted to ask me a few things after we got done talking about the class partnerships." Harry told him, ticking his fingers as he answered each of the questions. "Malfoy ran because he was embarrassed about something. I'm happy because things seem to be going well."

"Why'd you request Malfoy?" Ron whined.

"Several reasons, Ron." Harry sighed. He'd known this would happen. Was he mentally prepared for Ron to argue? "First, we're trying to become friends and this will help us get to know each other. Second, he will understand the responsibilities of both my roles - student and wizengamut member - since his father is also a member."

"I guess that makes sense." Ron grumbled.

"She said partners had to be from opposite houses, Ron. They wouldn't have put us together anyway." Harry reasoned.

"Yeah, I suppose so." The redhead pouted.

"It was also decided that Malfoy and I will partner for all the classes we share. I hope we don't have to have this conversation multiple times, Ron." Harry frowned.

Ron huffed. "Fine. I just hope he isn't a bad influence on you."

Harry chuckled. "C'mon, on the way to Divination, I'll tell you what Percy's face looked like when I told him I was business partners with the twins."

/*/*/*/*/*

As soon as divination class finished, Harry and Ron hurried out the door. "At least the partners will change for divination. It'll get us used to working with different people and personalities. That's a skill for the real world."

"Yeah...can you believe her though? Her inner eye told her Mcgonagall would make us late to class so we're excused." Ron sighed, relieved to be out of the hazy attic. "Hey, don't you have to meet Malfoy?"

"Yes." Harry cast a tempus charm. "Dobby?"

The little elf appeared.

"Draco Malfoy is coming to the suite for lunch." Harry told him. "Can you or Ziva make something appropriate? Something you know he likes...that I also like?"

Dobby bounced on his toes nodding enthusiastically. "He is liking Italian food, Master Harry."

"Wonderful, Italian food...hmmm..." Harry considered this as they began walking down the busy hall. "Chicken carbonara and pasta."

Dobby smiled. "Master's guest prefers marsala with potatoes. Ziva and Dobby will see to everything."

"Now to find the guest." Harry chuckled as Dobby popped off to perform his task. "I think he mentioned runes and arithmancy...they're both in this area, right?"

"Yeah, there's Hermione." Ron said, hiding behind him. "She's already got a study schedule for OWLs. It's only the first week of school and the tests are in June!"

As Harry's eyes scanned the dispersing group of students, he noticed Malfoy's blond hair. "Malfoy!"

At his words, everyone in the corridor turned to see what was happening.

Draco turned to face him as the crowd parted for Harry to approach. "Ah. Good. Can we have that discussion now, Pott-erm... Lord Potter?"

"Yes, my office is this way." Harry tilted his head to indicate the direction they'd travel.

When they'd left everyone's earshot, Draco whispered to the brunette. "You've a suite and an office?"

"No," said Harry. "But they don't know that and it sounded less like a tryst when I said 'office'. Didn't it?"

Draco grimaced. "I suppose so."

"I asked my elves to make Italian. I hope you don't mind." Harry mentioned casually.

"Mind?" Draco stared at him. "Italian food is my favorite. As a matter of fact, after school, I plan to tour the Mediterranean."

"That sounds quite entertaining." Harry smiled wistfully. "I've never been out of the UK."

"Well, the Italian coast is lovely. The waters of the Adriatic are a real sight." Draco's gaze softened as he spoke. "And on the other coast, Capri is spectacular!"

"It's nice to see this side of you." Harry murmured. "Before we arrive, I must confess ...I had help choosing the menu."

"Oh?" Draco's eyebrow rose.

"My suite is allowed three elves." Harry explained. "I get two Hogwarts elves and one from home. Your family's former elf is now in Hogwarts' employ."

"Dobby?" Draco sighed. "Is he around? I haven't seen him in ages."

"I'll call him for you. The door is just past this stretch of tapestries." Harry replied.

Draco paused when he saw the door to the heir's suite. His eyes skimmed the door and it seemed like he wanted to touch the paw prints but something held him back before trying. "Is it magic? It feels magical."

"This is Sigmund." Harry said softly. "I found him attached to the door of Potter Grove's manor house. He's a guardian of my family, gifted from one house to another. You can probably guess which."

Draco gave him a small smile and then blinked, clearing his throat. "Is there a password?"

Harry nodded. "I just need to greet him."

"Well, I'm famished so, by all means..." Draco gestured toward the door.

"Hello, Sigmund. This is Draco Malfoy."

As he said this in parseltongue, Harry kept his eyes focused on the blond who gasped softly.

"To this day, I think of you when I speak to a snake." Harry chuckled and reached for the doorknob.

"There isss something about thisss one..." Sigmund hissed.

Harry glanced at the snake but didn't acknowledge his words.

"You think of me?" Draco asked with wide eyes.

"Yes." Harry said as they walked in. "You see, I'd spoken to a snake before our duel in second year...a python at a muggle zoo. My accidental magic set him free. Your little stunt only taught me that there was more to it."

Draco blushed but it was ignored as they were suddenly bombarded by Luna,

"Hello, Draco!" She grinned at him before turning to Harry. "Harry, something strange happened a few minutes ago. A new door appeared in the sitting room."

"What?" Harry blinked and hurried further into the room. "What do you mean?"

Percy had his wand trained on the door across from the grouping of furniture and looked like he'd been at it for a while.

"It just formed." Percy said sounding more than a little freaked out. "First it was just a dark shape on the wall. Then...over the span of a minute...the door became visible and changed to wood and then a knob appeared."

"Has anyone looked inside?" Harry asked.

"I don't know that we should, Harry." Percy hesitated.

"Has anyone asked the elves?" Draco asked, sounding bored.

"Malfoy?" Percy seemed surprised to see him. "What are you doing here?"

"I was invited." Draco answered loftily. "I think you should ask your elves, Potter. Hello, Dobby."

"What? Why?" Harry was baffled until he noticed Dobby and Ziva standing next to the vase.

"Ziva is sensing the magic of Hoggy-warts in this change, Master Harry."

"Dobby popped into the new space, Master Harry. It is being safe for Harry Potter, sir... and guest...hello, young mister Malfoy."

Harry looked intently at each elf and then took out his wand before turning the knob to enter the room. "Its an office." He said numbly before kneeling on the floor to laugh himself silly.

Draco followed and waited for Harry to try calming himself but then they noticed an archway. Through the arch, a table and chairs were visible. He shook his head and gestured as he pulled himself together. "I don't know why I'm surprised. Inside of a magical castle, there is a magical suite set up for the eventual heir of the four founders. It's entirely plausible that they have included the magic to detect and fulfill my needs."

"So, you think that because you randomly said you had an office, the magic interpreted it as a need and gave you one...?" Draco looked around. "That's... strangely wicked, Potter."

"Go have a seat at the table. I'll have the elves serve and only be a moment." Harry hurried to update his cousins.

When they realized it was safe, they wanted to see it but Harry promised to show them another time so he could speak with Draco alone.

He approached the table and sat across from the blond with relief. "My life is far from normal. I hope you know what you're getting into by becoming my friend."

Draco smirked but otherwise ignored Harry's inane words as he passed him the basket of garlic bread. "So, Dobby told me Italian food was his suggestion."

"I told him you were coming and asked what you enjoyed." Harry huffed.

"Well, thank you. It was thoughtful." Draco smirked at his companion. "Now, shall we discuss potions or transfiguration or one of the many other classes we will be partnering for?"

"Actually, I'd prefer to discuss something else altogether." Harry chuckled.

"I'm intrigued." Draco said, cutting into his chicken.

"As you know, I'm related to all four of the founders." Harry began. "Well, I'd like to get to know all four branches."

Draco savored the marsala sauce and hummed his pleasure while motioning for his host to continue.

"I'll be visiting all of the common rooms over the next week or so." Harry smiled at him. "I'd like you to join me in yours with a friend or two. Anyone who might be interested in talking to me."

Draco considered this and nodded. "Pansy and Blaise might be the best to start with if I'm going to introduce you to Slytherin house."

"Great." Harry grinned. "Tonight, I'll be in Ravenclaw. Luna's taking me."

"What about Hufflepuff?" Draco asked.

"Been there, done that." Harry chuckled.

Draco's fork stopped halfway to his mouth. "Really?"

"Unofficially." Harry winked. "My official visit is Saturday."

Draco put two and two together. "Macmillan's sticky situation?"

"I was helping my cousins settle into the suite that night, Malfoy. I really don't know what you're referring to." Harry replied innocently.

Draco nodded, understanding the implications. "Snape mentioned that it was possible you'd make an appearance in the Snake Pit."

"I'm sure he's a bit disgruntled that he couldn't deny me access." Harry laughed.

"What in Merlin's name does he have against you, anyway?" Draco asked, eyes sparkling with mischief.

Harry felt a strange tingling in his tongue. It felt energized and yet relaxed. His heart and mind softened and he felt the urge to tell the blond all his secrets. "Interesting. I feel..."

"Mmm..." Draco smirked in a strangely expectant way.

"You're so easy to talk to." Harry whispered as it occurred to him that something was wrong with that. He blinked rapidly as he was suddenly swept over by a wash of air and mental energy that felt like Sigmund. His startlingly clear head registered Draco's face watching intently as he worked out what had happened. "I don't know how you did that, Malfoy, but it was completely unnecessary and more than a little insulting." He glared at the blond.

"I'm sorry." Draco seemed genuinely contrite but Harry didn't want to show any leniency just yet. "My father gave me the task of testing your mental protections. You see, our family has a secret that predates our allegiance to the Dark Lord and he intends to share it with you at your meeting."

"What is it?" Harry snapped at him.

"Unfortunately this type of secret is akin to the fidelis charm. Only the current head of the family can share it." Draco confessed.

"How did you compel me?" Harry demanded, quietly seething. "I thought I was stronger than that."

"I can't tell you that either. It's too closely related to the secret." Draco shook his head with a frown. "You're clearly not skilled in occlumency, but you do have some form of protection on your mind. That's good."

"I'm not quite ready to reveal that protection just yet... but on a related subject, I'll be studying occlumency this year." Harry huffed, still glaring at the other boy.

"Does Dumbledore want you to?" Draco snorted in derision.

"I'm certain he would if he thought I knew anything of consequence." Harry rolled his eyes. "I want to know why you attempted to force the truth from me about something so trivial. The subject isn't something I'd be inclined to lie about since the only things Snape has against me is that my father is who he is and I wasn't good at Potions straight away."

"Perhaps it is too bad that he's not teaching potions this year." Draco smiled cautiously at him. "One of those is no longer the case."

"How can I trust you after this?" Harry asked, disappointedly standing. "I wanted more for us than to be friendly acquaintances."

Draco stared down at his unfinished food as Harry began to step away from his chair.

"I suppose that instead of meeting here for our class assignments, we'll need a table at the library twice a week." Harry said, chillingly polite. "Please finish your meal and go. I seem to have lost my appetite and developed a headache, so I'll be skipping Charms if it's all the same to you." The young lord felt cold and so he transferred that to his voice. "I'm sure Professor Flitwick will have spoken to Mcgonagall so the partnership should be settled. Shall we set days for our meetings when we hear about Quidditch?"

"Potter, I...l thought the triviality of the subject might lessen your anger over the intrusion. I truly am sorry." Draco attempted to keep him there. "What about the common room exploration?"

Harry turned around and stared as his glass of water began to swell and overflow causing Draco to panic and stand only to slip on the ice that had formed beneath his feet.

"Potter?" Draco stared up at him. "What in the seven hells is going on?"

Harry reached out to touch the fall of ice. "Oh Malfoy, I have ancient secrets to keep too. I don't want Dumbldore or your 'uncle' to know about this just yet." He could see that Draco was torn so he reached out to help the blond up. "Come to the meeting with your father? I'll be asking him here."

/*/*/*/*/*

As Draco stood he felt the ice melt beneath him so he had steady footing as Harry Potter pulled him to his feet. This was a strange power...like nothing he'd ever seen.

He debated with his conscience which was pushing him to keep his father in the loop. He had done as his father had instructed him and it had woken a sleeping beast.

Sleeping? Wasn't that mentioned in the hat's prophecy? Sleeping powers...

"Alright." Draco nodded solemnly. "I'll be here if you want me. I understand that I've upset you. To make up for it, I'll keep your secrets and hope you can forgive me in due time."

Harry turned on his heel and left the room.

No sooner had he left before Luna rushed in.

"What have you done, Draco?" She demanded. "Harry came out looking so sad."

Draco sighed and confessed that he'd used part of the family secret to test Harry's mind for protections. Her gasp had him scrambling to explain that his father had commanded it of him.

"Oh, Draco..." she sagged, defeated.

"I've apologized and I'll earn his forgiveness and trust again." Draco reasoned as they walked through the office area. "Hmmm, that's odd."

"Mmm?" Luna blinked up at him. "What is?"

"These walls." Draco frowned. "Behind the desk, there...and this one facing it...it looks like four large rectangular objects...paintings perhaps...were there but were removed. And why is there a glass display case under each one of these yet this one is next to it and they're all different sizes? I could've sworn that they weren't even there when he and I entered the room."

Luna ran for the door and shouted for Harry who came running back in. "Draco thinks that the walls changed since you both came in here."

He watched as Harry frowned at the walls, walking over to look at the empty glass cases.

"They have." He put a hand on the vertical one behind the desk which was long and rectangular with a shield shaped plaque made of wood. He attempted to remove it from the wall but it wouldn't budge so he pushed it toward the wall instead. It started to sink inward under the young lord's hand but he suddenly stopped and turned to face Draco.

"I'm not certain but I suspect that this has something to do with my secret." Harry confessed hesitantly.

"I won't say anything." Draco sighed sadly. "I ...I'll go now."

"No...l meant..." Harry faltered with a grimace and sighed. "I might end up needing help with it."

Draco's eyes widened.

"Look. There's four rectangles...four cases... four founders and houses and..." Harry seemed to be agonizing over something. "I have distant cousins from all four sides... it might be helpful to occasionally get input from the fourth branch of the..."

"Family tree...?" Luna grinned, suddenly in a much better mood.

Harry smirked in chagrin. "Yeah...and you two are a secret link to the one distant but living relative on the Slytherin side."

"Of course we'll help!" Luna grinned and threw her arms around Harry.

The knowledge that Harry needed him was bittersweet to Draco. He didn't feel like he deserved to be forgiven yet but Harry clearly wasn't going to hold a grudge.

The golden boy drew his attention and asked. "How are your mental protections, Malfoy?"

Draco blushed. "They're strong. My father taught me Occlumency before allowing my admission to Hogwarts and each year I feel like they get stronger."

"I know it too, Harry!" Luna piped up.

Harry looked at her and chuckled. "Of course you do. I'm getting a special tutor for it because of the family secrets."

"I know the secret, too, Harry." She said softly.

"Somehow, I'm not surprised." Harry sighed.

"What am I missing?" Draco asked.

"Harry is a child of the founders' bloodlines, Draco. He was lost to the wizarding world for a long time..." Luna told him hoping he would interpret the rest but he didn't. "What is a boy child called?"

"A son?" Draco murmured with shock as the rest of the hat's prophecy came to him. He looked around at the walls. "These are the puzzle pieces...you're...?"

"The lost son..." Harry confirmed with a nod. "And the goblins restored my health which woke my sleeping powers..."

"Elemental powers..." Draco whispered the words as he replayed the events of the afternoon. "You're a..."

"An elemental wizard." Harry said carefully.

Draco stared at him, unsure if he should be awed or scared. This powerful man wanted to be his friend so he honestly didn't want to be either. Then he realized the possibilities if Harry were bent to the different sides of the conflict. "We have to be incredibly careful about this information, Potter."

"Lord Potter, you're supposed to be in Charms class." Percy burst into the office and looked around, oblivious to the tension he'd disrupted. "Professor Flitwick sent Ron looking for you and Malfoy."

Harry ignored his assistant. "We?"

Draco nodded slowly. "We."

Luna grinned. "If we hurry, we can make it to our classes before they end."