Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. It and any characters from the franchise that may appear in this fanfiction are the intellectual property of J.K. Rowling. This story was written for entertainment purposes only and no profit is made from this story.
Author's note: Short reminder that this is a DracoxHermione story so for those who do not like it, I advise you to stop reading. This story won't include any Ron or Dumbledore bashing either, even if both of them make some unfortunate decisions during this story. Everyone has their flaws after all. Personally, I am not a fan of time-travel fics where the time traveler and their future love interest immediately become boyfriend and girlfriend during first year. I kind of find that unrealistic, and in this case Hermione is still obviously a child, whereas Draco was around 17-18 years old when he went back in time. I think of his love for her at this point as that of a "protector" rather than an amorous love. Enjoy :)
After the initial shock of Harry being the actual Lord of the Slytherin had worn off, Ragnok had explained to Harry that by defeating Lord Voldemort, he had killed the last rightful Slytherin scion. Both of them had Peverell blood, and magic had deemed him worthy to lead House Slytherin. Until he was of age, however, his magical guardian would be the one taking over his duties, in his case Lord Sirius Black.
"My cousin can't take care of Mr. Potter," Narcissa began. "As you well know director, he has been convicted of…" She looked at Harry sympathetically. "Convicted of selling out the Potters to Lord Voldemort."
Harry immediately turned wide-eyed. Having grown up in the muggle world, he'd never truly heard the story of his parent's demise, even if Draco had attempted to send him and Hermione some old newspaper clippings.
"Draco. Having House Black on our side could help us in the Wizengamot, even before any of you become of age," Deandra urged him on. "Hermione always told you that Harry's godfather was innocent. A scion of the Most Ancient House of Black should not be rotting away in Azkaban."
The blonde agreed. Hermione had told him of Harry's love for his godfather. How he'd always wanted to be a real family and build a home with him, the closest thing he had to a real father. Hermione would kill him if he denied Harry a happier childhood than last time around. And after seeing the boy for himself with his adult knowledge this time around… Let's just say Draco was growing a soft spot for the scarhead. Merlin, let's face it. He was actually starting to enjoy his company. Life could've been very different if he'd been less of an ass the first time around.
"How could Lord Black have betrayed the Potters if he was also Harry's magical guardian?" Draco asked innocently, hoping Ragnok would help him out on this one.
"In the Potters' will, Lord Black was mentioned as Mr. Potter's godfather," Ragnok said. "Alice Longbottom was his godmother. Other potential guardians were the Lupin and Bones families. As to my knowledge, Lord Black was never convicted. Gringotts has never received official notice from the Ministry that his vaults should be locked down until the next heir took their place. If Lord Black would enter Gringotts today, he would find refuge in this bank."
Draco smirked at the goblin. Bloody brilliant to have the goblins on your side.
Narcissa frowned and hissed. "Are you saying, Director, that the Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black was thrown into Azkaban without receiving a trial? Has my family, my house, been turned into a mockery at the Ministry?" Even if his mother and her cousin had never been the best of friends, throwing the Lord of an Ancient and Noble House into jail without trial was political suicide.
Oh. Right. That might actually solve one issue. The Triwizard Tournament. It was Barty Crouch Jr. who'd escaped the clutches of his father and made Potter end up in that graveyard. Just this one small change could stop the rise of the Dark Lord…
"Mother, how could Lord Black be Harry's godfather and betray the Potter family? Would his vow as godfather and Harry's guardian not have killed him?"
Deandra's approval flooded him. "Well played, little dragon."
"Exactly, Draco," Narcissa said. "And who may I ask, director, has thrown my cousin into Azkaban without a trial?"
The goblin grinned wickedly. "Why Lady Malfoy, only the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement or the minister could enforce such a thing during a time of war. I'm sure you are familiar with Bartemius Crouch Senior?"
Narcissa smirked. "Of course, director. My husband is not his biggest fan, I'm afraid. Let's make sure Mr. Potter gets his rightful magical guardian back while we restore House Black's reputation, shall we?"
The puzzle pieces were slowly, but surely, falling into place.
- September 1st, 1991 -
That day at Gringotts a few weeks earlier could not have played out better. Both Hermione and Harry had been heirs to ancient lines, increasing their political power, even if it was still a few years too soon to put that plan into place. Director Ragnok had agreed to keep Harry's status as Lord Slytherin hidden until he came of age, and the two witches and wizard present had taken a vow to never tell anyone without Harry's permission. Dr. Granger had signed a written contract to never speak of the conversation.
Harry had been confused at first, learning that his parents had been betrayed. Director Ragnok had been the one to write his parents' will and specified that it would be impossible for Sirius to betray his friends and still be alive. The real culprit was still out there, somewhere. He promised to give the Wizengamot a copy of the will, with Harry's permission, once a trial for Sirius would be held. Narcissa had promised to speak with Lucius right away to see the Lord of her house acquitted of any charges made against him. She would also contact her estranged sister, Andromeda Tonks, who was a healer at St. Mungo's and would be able to help Lord Black with any mental and physical injuries he'd suffered in Azkaban. How she would explain that peculiar detail to her husband without facing his fury, she still had some issues with figuring out. Draco suggested that she could always mention to his father that being aligned with House Black would be politically beneficial and that Sirius had never wanted his aunt Andromeda to be cast out of the family and he would probably reinstate her. Therefore, being friendly to Andromeda was politically advantageous to the Malfoy family. Narcissa smiled at her son and wondered out loud when he'd become so considerate yet cunning. He waved it off, saying that his Slytherin qualities must be showing.
After the initial confusion and excitement died down, Harry got information about his vaults and estates as Heir Potter, Heir Peverell and Lord Slytherin. Director Ragnok assured him that the bank could take care of most things until he turned of age, but that it was probably a good idea to take lessons in politics and investing during the summer holidays. His godfather might've despised his family, but he was still trained in old pureblood values. Hermione and Draco got the same advice, seeing as they would also take over their House responsibilities when they turned seventeen, or in Draco's case when his father left him the Malfoy Estate.
Hermione had taken a trip to the Dagworth-Granger vaults which were filled with galleons, but even more importantly books and research. Agreeing that she'd need to be a few years older and more knowledgeable than she was now, she paid the goblins to make a detailed inventory for her so she, her family, and friends could go through the vault at a later and more appropriate time. She did manage to take one book with her which seemed to be aimed at beginning potioneers.
After some arguing with her mother, she also paid the mortgage on her parents' dentist practice, saying that it was what her parents loved to do and she didn't want them to worry about money if she had a lot of it just sitting in a vault. With her mother's permission, director Ragnok re-assigned a goblin to the vault so they could start investing the money. Dr. Granger and Hermione asked if it would be possible to also give a certain percentage of the profits to a local shelter and orphanage.
Now, almost two weeks later, Draco was nervous as he, Harry, and Hermione walked to platform Nine and Three-Quarters to take the Hogwarts Express. After they'd left the bank, Dr. Granger had claimed that Harry should not be living with "that family" and Narcissa had agreed. Since Harry had grown up in a muggle household, and it seemed as if the magical community and whoever had put Harry with the Dursleys had not cared about what had happened to the boy, it was decided that Harry would spend his last two weeks of summer holiday with the Granger family.
Since then, the three of them had written in their diaries, bonding together. Draco sincerely hoped that Harry and Hermione would get their brother-and-sister relationship bond again. The only thing he was unsure about was Weasley. Even if Potter had turned out to be sassy, witty, and cunning when allowed, he just could not shake the feelings he had about the Weasel. His obvious attraction to Hermione in the last timeline had something to do with that, but it was more than just that. Even if the boy had always shown a strategic mind which helped the Golden Trio survive, he had also been an ill-mannered, biased little git.
"Much like you were the first time around," Deandra scolded him. "Give the boy a chance, Draco. If he doesn't take it now, then give him the time to grow up, like you did. Their friendship might not be the same as it was before, but we knew we would make changes. Whatever is meant to be, will be."
Draco sighed as he walked through the invisible barrier to the platform, his mother at his side. Dr. Granger followed, holding both Hermione's and Harry's hands.
"Here we are, children," his mother announced. "Platform Nine and Three-Quarters."
Draco could see the wonder in his companions' eyes as they took in the bustling business of wizarding England saying goodbye to their children, all of them crawling onto the Hogwarts Express for that one last hug. It was pure and utter chaos. But Merlin, he loved it. It felt like home.
"Now remember to write us in the diaries we gave you when something important comes up," Narcissa said to all three of them. "Owls are easy to intercept, and after the media attention Lord Black's trial is stirring up, we could use a bit more calm and secrecy. But please do let Hedwig deliver the more regular mail. She needs the exercise, and it will make her happy."
The Ministry had not taken well to discovering that Lord Sirius Black had been cast into Azkaban without a trial by the previous administration. The current head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, D.M.L.E. for short, had immediately begun gathering evidence, witnesses, and memories of the night the Potters were killed. Sirus Black was taken out of Azkaban by Madam Bones and put under surveillance at St. Mungo's while being watched over by his cousin Healer Tonks in preparation for his trial. Barty Crouch Sr. had been interrogated under Veritaserum and they had found his son Barty Crouch Jr., a death eater, alive and well under an unforgivable Imperius curse at his home. Things were not looking up for either one of them. Draco, however, was very pleased at this revelation. Let's see how Moldy Pants would try to resurrect himself this time around without his faithful servant infiltrating the school.
Soon, the trio said their goodbyes to Lady Malfoy and Dr. Granger and they went onto the train looking for a compartment to sit in. Draco came upon Daphne Greengrass, Theodore Nott, and Blaise Zabini. All three of them had been Draco's acquaintances the first time around and even though they had been friendly, they had never actually been friends. Associating with these houses would be a good start, however. All three of them were the respective heirs to their houses, all of their heads of houses holding a seat on the Wizengamot. Perhaps, this time around, he should try and expand his circle of friends.
He opened the door to the compartment, stuck his head in, and smirked at the three 11-year-olds. "I assume you got room for some more fellow snakes?" he asked.
Blaise smiled and waved them in. He had always been one of the more friendly, yet reserved, Slytherins. At least, to the people in his own house. To the outside, he spouted blood purity above all nonsense and was an arrogant and vain boy, keeping up appearances. Something told Draco he probably would've been sorted into Hufflepuff if it wasn't for Lady Zabini's particular take on blood traitors.
Theo looked up from the book he was reading and nodded at him and Hermione, while Daphne raised an eyebrow when she noticed the Boy-Who-Lived walking through the doors, closing the compartment behind him.
"Harry Potter, a snake?" she asked, tilting her head, her golden blonde hair falling over her shoulder. "Now I've seen it all. Have you been spreading your Malfoy influence already, Draco?"
Draco smirked. Greengrass had always been too smart for her own good. Analytical, observant, and one of the most gorgeous girls in Slytherin House. A Ravenclaw in a snake's skin.
"Be nice," he scolded her. "Hermione and Harry are my friends."
"Draco Malfoy, making friends? Impossible," Theodore said, putting his book away. "You've been a righteous snobby twat since you were in diapers, I can't believe you actually found someone who likes you," he smirked, putting out his hand for Harry and Hermione to shake. "Theodore Nott," he introduced himself.
"Harry Potter," the raven-haired boy answered as he was introduced to the three other children.
Draco could feel nervousness seep into Hermione. He really had to do something about that damned bond. What if she started noticing his feelings too?
She had confided to him in the diary that she felt like she might be the odd one out. The girl raised by muggles – well squibs – who was actually the heir of a lost and ancient house. He turned his head at her and winked, seeing a plea for help in her eyes.
"And this is Hermione," he said, as he sat down. "The long lost heir to the Dagworth-Granger fortune."
She shot him a thankful look and greeted the others who were all interested in her heritage. One of Theodore's ancestors had written the Pure-Blood Directory, a book containing a list of the Sacred Twenty-Eight to which the Nott, Greengrass, and Malfoy family all belonged. Draco tried to put in his two cents on the heritage test and Hermione even being linked to the Malfoy family through an adopted line. He had to establish her status from the get-go. Even if these three Slytherins had not necessarily followed their parents' footsteps and weren't actual proponents of blood purity, he had to establish her status as a half-blood, yet part of an ancient house. Potter didn't need his help. He was the bloody Boy-who-lived. Heir of the ancient house of Potter. He could fend for himself.
The six of them engaged in pleasant conversation, sharing some of their family history and excitement for being a student. Draco tuned out during some point of the conversation and started talking to Harry about Quidditch, when suddenly, Neville Longbottom appeared, looking at them nervously.
"Hi," he stammered. "Did any of you see a toad? I'm looking for my familiar, Trevor…"
In true Hermione fashion, she got up and offered to help Neville. Draco knew he could use a simple Accio or point-me charm to find the toad, but he thought it was better for the younger ones to have their own experiences and find their own solutions to their problems. He needed them to be thinking strategically. They would bloody well need it if they were going to take Ministry by storm in the future.
"Thank you," Neville said, bowing his head slightly. "I'm Neville Longbottom by the way, as most of you will know…"
Hermione introduced herself and the rest of the compartment, having gained more confidence.
"Longbottom is one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, just like us," Daphne said. "We've met before. My father thought you wouldn't even make it into Hogwarts," she said sheepishly.
"My uncle Algie thought the same," Neville sighed.
Harry had been awfully quiet. "Your mum," he began suddenly. "She's my godmother. And mine was yours. That makes us godbrothers, right?"
Neville blinked at that. "Yes, my grandmother mentioned that," he said quietly. "It's nice to meet you, Harry. Now if you'll excuse me, I really need to find Trevor."
Once Harry also jumped up, Draco noted that you could get the Gryffindorks out of Gryffindor, but you could never truly get the Gryffindor bravery, chivalry, and determination out of the Gryffindorks. Oh well. Let them have their fun. He could feel Deandra smiling at the situation.
The three of them said their goodbyes, promised to return with Trevor, and left to look for the toad on the train. The three Slytherins started grilling Draco on his friendship with the Boy-who-lived and his mysterious discovery of the Dagworth-Granger heir.
About half an hour later, Neville and Trevor showed up again. "You guys," he said. "I think Hermione is having an argument with one of the Weasleys a few compartments over… Harry was trying to cool it down, but…"
Well fuck. Hopefully, it was that wanker Percy.
Draco thanked Neville, and was followed by Blaise as he made his way to the compartment he remembered from his first year. Why did Weasley have to be such a knobhead?
Harry stood protectively in front of Hermione as he frowned at the youngest Weasley son. "I think we can tell who the wrong sort are for ourselves, thanks," he said.
Draco stopped in his tracks. He blinked. No. This couldn't be. No. No. It was almost exactly the same thing that Harry had said to him that first day on their way to Hogwarts. But now it was aimed at his former best friend.
"Some things, are always meant to happen," Deandra spoke in his mind, saddened. "They may not happen in the way we expect them to this time around. There's still hope for them to become friends with the Weasley boy. We should try not to antagonize him."
Blaise yelled at them, trying to catch their attention to break up the argument. "Guys, what's up? Why are you arguing with Weasley?"
All it took was one look at Draco and Blaise for the redhead to turn an awful shade of purple. "Fraternizing with Slytherins?" he said. "I would expect better of the Boy-Who-Lived."
Bloody. Fucking. Wanker.
"Draco," Deandra warned him. "Don't do or say anything you will regret. Remember he's an 11-year-old boy. You were much the same at his age. All he knows is the rivalry between his family and yours, between Gryffindors and Slytherins. Do not ruin this for Hermione and Harry. He's always been there to help them in the past."
Draco mentally grumbled at her. It would be so much easier to be a total wanker back to the kid. But indeed, he was nothing but a child. And Draco had some damage control to do.
"And what does better mean exactly, Weasley?" he asked, raising his chin in the air. "Being a Gryffindor like you lot? I thought your parents would've raised you with the notion that everyone should be treated equally. Everyone means muggle-borns, squibs, half-bloods, muggles, and pure-bloods alike. No matter what House they are sorted into. Yet you stand here being a bloody git to Harry and Hermione. Is that what your family has taught you?"
Before Ron could answer, the twins popped up. "That's enough, ickle Ronnikins," one of them said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "The Malfoy spawn is right-", "Mum and Dad would have a fit if they heard the filth that comes out of your mouth right now."
"Our sincerest apologies-", "Mr. Potter and friends."
Fuck it was strange to hear the twins finish each other's sentences. But thank Merlin they had showed up when they did.
He nodded at the twins, took a still furious Hermione by the hand, and led Harry away, before glancing at Weasley one last time. That's when he saw the rat in Weasley's hands. Of course. He'd forgotten all about that adventure in their Third Year which Hermione told him after she sheepishly admitted she realized he'd seen her and Harry using the time turner. An anonymous letter to Remus Lupin and Madam Bones would need to take care of that particular problem.
"What was his problem," Hermione said, crossing her arms. "Once Harry mentioned that we were sitting in a compartment with you, he started spouting all this nonsense about Slytherins being the spawn of evil and whatnot."
This was Draco's time to be the adult, to put Ron's feelings in perspective, no matter how much he loathed to do so. "Weasley's family and mine have been at odds for generations," he began. "But it worsened during the war with You-Know-Who. You see, the Weasleys, like me are Sacred Twenty-Eight. But they are what is known as "blood traitors" by a lot of the older pure-bloods because they fight for muggle and muggle-born rights. They aren't perfect, however. They have no actual clue about how advanced muggles have gotten, and they have also secretly left some squibs to grow up in the muggle world. But they are, and have always been considered a "Light" family that opposed You-Know-Who, while the rest of us were either neutral, or… Well."
Harry and Hermione nodded solemnly. They had met Narcissa Malfoy and liked her well enough, but they both knew to stay clear of Draco's father and his blood purity nonsense. Both 11-year-olds were glad their friend didn't share the same ideas. If only they knew how it had been before…
"Don't think about the past, Draco," Deandra said. "What has happened has happened. We are here, changing it now."
"Yes," Draco replied as he opened the compartment for Harry and Hermione "But are we changing it for the better?"
After bonding more on the train, the six children got ready and put on their robes when they neared Hogwarts, the boys and girls taking turns in changing their clothes. Hagrid greeted Harry when they stepped off of the train, and the first years followed the half-giant to the boats which would take them up to the lake. Neville joined the three of them in their boat and Draco wondered if Longbottom would be friends with Harry and Hermione. Even though he hadn't been a part of the golden trio, he had been a fearless and loyal friend to them, and a ferocious wizard who had led the uprising against the Carrows back in Draco's seventh year. Longbottom would be a great ally to have.
Once they neared the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall looked at the three of them sternly, clearly contemplating how what she considered to be a muggle-born witch and Harry Potter could be friends with a Malfoy. Ha. Draco nodded respectfully at her and she seemed surprised, but nodded back at him, before explaining that the sorting ceremony would soon start.
Hermione rattled on about the charmed ceiling to Harry once they entered, a sign that she was nervous, and Draco quietly grabbed her hand and squeezed it for support. She smiled at him.
Out of their trio, she was the first one to be called up to the sorting hat. McGonagall almost did a double-take when the small muggle-born witch she had met a few months earlier was now on her list as "Dagworth-Granger, Hermione." Draco had to admit though, that the witch hid her surprise well.
Hermione stepped up to the small chair, her tiny hands clenched into fists. Both Draco and Harry gave her an encouraging smile, and even Neville gave her a small thumbs-up as he was struggling to hold onto Trevor.
Thirty seconds seemed like an eternity. Draco was trying to hype himself up. He'd go wherever Hermione would go. They'd agreed on Slytherin after Harry had been identified as Lord Slytherin and Draco had talked about the positive traits associated with the House. But they had also agreed they'd be sorted together if need be. He knew Hermione could end up in Gryffindor, Ravenclaw or Slytherin. He'd follow her. They both would.
When the hat called out "Slytherin!" the Slytherins applauded, and Hermione was the first girl to be sorted into the house. She smiled widely, her big front teeth showing, as she walked over to her new house. Draco and Harry grinned at each other.
As Draco got called up and sat down a while later, this time the sorting hat actually touched his head. That was a first.
"Well well, it's a bit tight with all these people here, isn't it, Deandra," the hat began, shocking Draco. "I'm surprised to see it took you so long to greet your old friend. Neither Lucius or Abraxas seemed to have inherited their ancestor's spiritual powers. Yet, this young Malfoy has. What to do with him?"
Draco could feel Deandra laugh. "Like me, the sorting hat is a spirit connected to the ley lines. He is one of the many bound to the Leylines Hogwarts was built upon," she explained. "You could say he is the voice of Hogwarts, quite literally in fact."
"It would be lovely to catch up some other time, Deandra," he said. "Now, let's see where to sort… Oh. Oh my. Well. Seems this isn't the first time I've sorted you, lad."
Draco swallowed. What if the sorting hat would tell his particular story to Dumbledore? If the Headmaster figured out his plan, he would have him obliviated for attempting to mess with the timeline… And all of this might've been for naught.
The hat laughed. "I do not answer to any of the Headmasters who have graced these halls," it spoke. "I answer to magic itself. And if magic has allowed you to come and change this, then all I can say is… SLYTHERIN!" it yelled, Draco sighing in relief while he joined Hermione and Daphne and a bunch of other Slytherins including Tracey Davis, Gregory Goyle, and Vincent Crabbe at the Slytherin table. Theodore Nott joined shortly after that, and then all eyes were on the small raven-haired boy who walked up to the stool.
Draco was beginning to wonder if Harry's sorting was the longest in Hogwarts history. He faintly remembered it taking a while the first time around and Hermione confiding in him that the hat had actually considered putting Harry in Slytherin.
When their conversation finally ended, and the hat yelled out Slytherin, the whole Great Hall went silent except for the Slytherin table. No one had expected James and Lily Potter's son to end up in the snake's nest. Professor Dumbledore frowned, McGonagall seemed to be in disbelief, and Draco's godfather looked awfully… Pleased?
Once the feast began, Hermione started to eagerly talk with Daphne and Tracey, all three of them quite studious. No one could beat Hermione though. She probably was going to shove study plans under their noses once October came around. Pansy clearly couldn't give a jobberknoll's ass about Hermione and was sitting on Draco's side, rattling on about a trip to Paris she had taken with her mother. Draco nodded at the appropriate times, keeping an eye on both Hermione and Harry. They had been sorted into the snake's nest. What would life be like for them now that they weren't in the lion's den? Would they grow up to be different people completely? Or were some things meant to be, as Deandra had said?
Even though Harry had spent the past two weeks in the Granger household, Draco noticed that Harry's mouth fell open when he saw all the food on the table. The boy had been underfed his entire life, so it was no surprise to Draco that he took a little bit of everything. Once dessert appeared the boy's eyes lit up when tasting Treacle Tart. Right. The damned thing he smelled in the Amortentia. Draco chuckled at the memory.
Hermione raised an eyebrow at him as she was eating some chocolate mousse with strawberries herself. She had such a sweet tooth, even if her parents rarely allowed her to eat anything too sugary. Draco shrugged back at her and nodded at Harry with his head. Once the little witch noticed her friend enjoying his food so much, she smiled at Draco. For a split second, he felt her happiness. Merlin, how he'd missed feeling that when she was around.
She suddenly frowned, confused, raising an eyebrow at him. Fuck. Had she felt that nostalgia? His own happiness? He really had to keep a tight leash on his occlumency around her… She was too smart for her own good.
After dinner, they followed the Slytherin prefects down to the dungeons, who showed them to their dorms. Since there were so many Slytherin boys this year, it was decided that Blaise, Draco, Theodore, and Harry bunk together while the other guys including Gregory and Vincent would sleep in their own room. Hermione ended up sharing with Daphne, Pansy, and Tracey. Draco noticed that Pansy had realized who her competition was and that the smiles she gave Hermione were false. But Daphne and Tracey would have her back it seemed like, as the girls chattered in the common room, sitting in front of the fireplace.
The whole room went silent when his godfather entered, his commanding presence enough to make everyone shut up. Draco nodded at his godfather and got a rare half-smile from him, clearly proud he had been sorted into Slytherin.
"I would like to welcome all the new first-year Slytherins to Slytherin house," he drawled, his arms crossed, looking intimidating. "Now, I would like to make a few things clear. The first, concerning Mr. Potter." He now pointedly looked at Harry, whose bravery was showing as he looked Professor Snape directly in the eye. "Mr. Potter will not be treated as a celebrity by Slytherin House. He is your classmate and I will expect you to treat him as such."
"Thank you, sir," Harry said, clearly surprising Snape. Perhaps he'd thought the boy would be as arrogant and fame-loving as his father? At least, that's how Draco's mother had described Lord Potter.
Snape nodded slowly before continuing. "Secondly, Slytherins take care of each other. This means we do not snitch on each other, we do not travel the hallways alone and any issues come directly to me. Understood?"
Hermione was nodding so fervently that Draco started to wonder if she would get a whiplash.
"Thirdly, remember that Slytherin will help you on your way to greatness. I expect all of you to show your ambition, your resourcefulness, cleverness, and determination to do well. The House Cup, as well as the Quidditch Cup, will be standing in my office for another year," he stated, no one questioning him.
Well. That should be no issue with Potter on the quidditch team and the smartest witch of their age in their House.
"Now, all of you, off to bed. Except for you, Mr. Potter. The headmaster would like a word with you."
Bugger. The old codger was already going to meddle with things.
Luckily, Harry had started realizing that the adults in his life were quite lacking in taking care of his needs, so he decided to take matters into his own hands.
"Ehm, sir," Harry said, scratching the back of his already messy head. "I got specific instructions from Mr. Malfoy's mother to not meet alone with any adults without my magical guardian present. As Lord Black is currently unavailable, I would like for my head of house to represent me, and to bring my friends. If that's possible, sir?"
Snape seemed to be impressed with Harry's politeness. Thank fuck he had prepared both Hermione and Harry for his godfather's sternness. To be fair, the man could be a complete and total asshole to anyone not in his House, but having him on your side was the best thing that could happen.
"Of course, Mr. Potter." He turned to Draco and Hermione who had both risen, showing they wanted to join Harry. "And friends. Come along."
Severus Snape stalked off, his dark black robes billowing behind him, the three children almost having to run to keep up as he walked through the hidden wall leading into the hallways. Hermione politely, but persistently asked him some questions about Slytherin house, as well as potion making as she had taken a book from the Dagworth-Granger vault with her. Draco could see his godfather pinch his nose, trying to hide his frustration.
"Miss Dagworth-Granger," he said as they were nearing the staircase to the headmaster's office. "I understand your curiosity and willingness to learn. But I urge you to tone it down, not just with me, but with your peers and other professors as well. No one likes a swotty little-know-it-all."
Draco almost stumbled when her feelings hit him. Hurt. Hurt was what he felt the most. Anger. Hurt. A painful tugging of not belonging anywhere. He reached out to her, grabbing her hand, trying to make it go away.
"What my godfather is saying," Draco said, frowning at the Professor's back, "is that children often do not know how to deal with someone who is clearly smarter than them. Their jealousy or their idea of you being a teacher's pet might make them resent you. Therefore, you should be more cunning about showing how smart and studious you truly are."
Snape looked back at them as the Gargoyle statue moved and a set of moving circular stairs appeared. "Mr. Malfoy formulated it a bit better than I did, I must admit," he said, before leading the three of them up to the Headmaster's office.
Draco could feel understanding from Hermione now, as well as determination. Good. He didn't need her to be doubting herself more than she already was. He remembered how she confided in him how those first few years she still felt like the odd one out, just because she was so eager to learn, to do well.
A knock on the door, and a few seconds later all four of them had entered the Headmaster's office. Minerva McGonagall was also present as Deputy Headmistress. She shook hands with all four children. "I must say, I was a bit disappointed not to see you sorted with my lions like your parents before you, Mr. Potter," she began. "But I am sure that Slytherin will suit you as well. And of course, as Deputy Headmistress you can always come to me with any concerns you may have."
Harry thanked the professor, shyness creeping into him as he met Dumbledore, the old man's eyes twinkling. Draco strengthened his occlumency.
"Welcome, children," the headmaster greeted them. "Sherbet lemon?" he offered.
All three of them nodded and took some of the candy before being seated.
"I must say, Harry, I am happy to see that you are counting on your friends for support at such a young age. It shows the makings of a great leader and wizard to be able to trust others."
Oh, why did Gryffindors always come with this bloody crap instead of just getting to the point?
"I wanted to talk to you about your godfather, Sirius. I regret never looking into his case as well as I should have. He was a dear friend of your father's, and it never sat right with me that he was convicted of betraying them. Alas, my hands were tied when the last minister, Minister Bagnold, and her cabinet decided to throw a lot of presumed followers into prison. Yet, a few days ago I learned from the goblins that Sirius Black had never actually been convicted. Imagine my surprise when I went down to the ministry and ordered them to show me the files of his arrest, and there were none."
Harry just sat there, staring, not knowing what to say.
"Weren't you the Chief Warlock at that time, Headmaster?" Draco asked innocently, planting the seed. Dumbledore might be a great wizard, but he was not always to be trusted. He had hidden so much information from Harry in the past that Hermione had been ready to pull her hair out. Let's give him a taste of his own medicine and make him the one in the dark this time around.
Dumbledore sighed, sitting back in his chair. "I was, Mr. Malfoy. But, I was also the leader of the Light. So many decisions had to be made in those days that I was spread thin. The case of Sirius was decided on without my presence, Minister Bagnold and Barty Crouch Sr. overseeing the proceedings. They had always assured me that the young man was guilty and I never thought of looking into it… One of my biggest regrets."
Harry had finally found his voice. Draco could kiss him when he asked: "Do you know who decided to put me with the Dursleys, professor? The goblins mentioned that I should have grown up with Sirius or the Longbottoms, and if something happened with them, a man named Remus Lupin or the Bones family. Nowhere did it say that I should be raised by my muggle family."
Potter's green, innocent eyes had definitely caught Minerva McGonagall off guard. Mhm. She also looked a bit miffed. Perhaps the feline animagus had also disagreed on placing Harry with the Dursleys?
"I'm afraid, that was me, Harry," the old man sighed, regret filling his eyes. "Professor Snape has since explained the situation to me, and I am sorry for what has happened to you. Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse, has offered to give you a physical and mental check-up if you would wish to go through some painless medical tests."
The boy contemplated this for a second. "But… Why? And why did no one ever come to check up on me?"
"The night your parents died, your mother evoked an ancient strand of blood magic. She was especially gifted in both charms and runes. Your own blood, combined with the love for her child, protects you from harm. To keep the protections strong, to make sure no rogue death eaters would come after you, you would need to live with another blood relative… Your aunt Petunia, being her sister, was the strongest anchor to the blood wards that protect your home at Privet Drive."
"But, professor," the small boy answered. "Privet Drive was never my home."
Harry had barely spoken the words when chaos ensued. Multiple silver instruments which were silently moving in the background were now starting to shatter, flying through the room, and making an awful screeching noise, Dumbledore's phoenix familiar flapping its wings to keep the debris from hitting the wizards and witches in the room.
"Oh, Harry my boy. You have no clue what you just have done," the Headmaster said gravely.
"He broke the blood wards at Privet Drive," Deandra explained to Draco who was confused at what had just happened. "They were his only form of protection from Voldemort and his allies. The strands that were attached to his magical core snapped. He isn't safe at that house anymore. Not that he ever truly was considering how he grew up…"
Dumbledore explained the importance of the blood wards and how they had been protecting Harry since he was a little boy, stating that Harry could never go back now because he would be an easy target.
"He could live with his godfather," Hermione piped up. "He lived with our family for two weeks this summer and he was perfectly fine. I'm sure his godfather would be able to ward his house, professor?"
Oh, sweet, innocent, little Hermione. Always thinking of her friends. Technically, they had been perfectly safe. What she didn't know however was that Draco had sneaked out of the manor to put up some wards of his own, protecting them from harm. No death eaters were currently active, but Draco could not shake the feeling that if something happened to them, he needed to be there to protect them.
"The Black Estate has certain protections on it," the Headmaster agreed, cleaning up the mess of his instruments with a wave of his wand. "Once Sirius has been freed, and has been cleared to be able to take care of a child once he is in a healthier mental state, I will personally go and increase the Estate's defenses," the Headmaster promised.
"The goblins will help too, if we ask them, Professor" Hermione said. "I'm sure they would want one of their biggest benefactors and last heir of a magical line to be protected."
Both Draco and McGonagall looked at Hermione, pride in their eyes. She always thought ahead, didn't she?
- October 31st, 1991 –
The first two months at Hogwarts flew by, and Draco's apprehension about being a child and having to go through both puberty and school again had mellowed because he was actually enjoying himself this time around. Crabbe and Goyle had never truly been his friends, but his friendship with both Hermione and Harry, as well as with some of his other housemates, was steadily growing. He was still the prince of Slytherin and still kept his snobby, better-than-anyone personality, but he was well-liked by the members of his own house.
Both Harry and Hermione had been thriving, Harry and Draco even getting Professor Snape to bend the rules and now allow all first-years to try out for the Quidditch Teams of their respective house. Both of them had of course made it, Draco as a chaser and reserve seeker, with Harry being their new seeker.
Hermione had been studying with Daphne and Tracey and even Neville Longbottom had joined a few times, claiming that his Gryffindor housemates were not as interested in getting good grades as he was. What Neville lacked in confidence and raw magical power, he made up in knowledge of herbology and loyalty to his friends. Harry had taken pity on his godbrother and his fear of Snape and was now always teaming up with Neville during potions, actually helping the boy. Who knew Potter would actually be good at potions if Snape wasn't breathing down his neck every time?
They had celebrated Hermione's birthday in the common room when she turned 12 in September, and they had even snuck off to the third-floor corridor together with Neville to see what exactly was hiding there. Filch almost caught them when the four of them ran away from the giant three-headed dog, and tea with Hagrid a week later had taught them the creature's name was "Fluffy."
Today being All Hallow's Eve, Harry had been in a bit of a mood. His godfather had started writing to him in a two-way diary after he was acquitted and told him stories of his parents while he was recovering for the rest of the school year from his stay in Azkaban. Draco's anonymous letter to Madam Bones had led to the capture of "Scabbers the rat", A.K.A. Peter Pettigrew. Ronald Weasley had been none the wiser and had assumed his rat must've crawled off into a corner and died somewhere. None of the adults wanted to traumatize the child, but Draco was sure Weasley's parents had been in for a surprise when Madam Bones popped up at their doorstep, questioning them about a pet rat. According to Harry his godfather had almost actually ended up in Azkaban again when they told him they'd found Peter Pettigrew. Lord Black had attempted to sneak out of St. Mungo's to enact his revenge but was stopped by a stern Madam Bones as she encountered a big black shaggy dog in the hallways of the hospital. Needless to say, he'd received a bit of a scolding.
"We can just not go to the feast tonight, mate," Draco said as he lazily levitated the feather in front of him during Charms class. "I'm sure one of the house elves will bring us some food to the dorm and we can just hang out there."
"Thanks," Harry smiled. "I get that everyone is celebrating, especially since this is the day that You-Know-Who disappeared. But to me… After everything Sirius told me. It's the day my parents died," he whispered to his friend, also levitating the feather and making it go in circles around Draco's head.
Right as they were going to agree to just hang out in the common room, Draco overheard Hermione talking to Ron.
"It's Leviosa, not Leviosar," Hermione told the redhead who was sitting next to her.
The boy frowned and grumbled at her as she perfectly cast the Wingardium Leviosa charm and let her feather float all the way to the ceiling.
"Nice one, 'Mione," Harry smiled at her, giving her a thumbs up. She preened at his praise and made her feather tickle his cheek, trying to lighten the mood.
As they were packing their book bags, Weasley said loudly to Finnigan and Thomas: "Honestly, what a nightmare. It's Leviosa, not leviosar. I wonder how her so-called friends put up with her. They probably only like her because she does their homework for them, bloody know-it-all."
Draco stopped in his tracks. He could feel it again. The hurt. Had he been such a git to Hermione as well at this age?
"What the bloody fuck are you on about, Weasel?" Draco asked haughtily, feeling Hermione's magic scurry out of the room. He'd have to find her afterward. "It's not because you have a brain the size of a peanut that others should dumb themselves down for you."
Blaise and Theodore laughed, Harry just looked angry. "Sod off, Weasley," he said. "And you better apologize to 'Mione next time you see her."
"Why should I do that?" Ron asked, red in the face.
"Because, Mr. Weasley," Professor Flitwick interrupted. "I do not atone for bullying. That will be 10 points from Gryffindor. And 5 points from Slytherin for your foul language, Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter," the part-Goblin said.
Draco and Harry just shrugged, said their goodbyes to the Professor, and walked to their next class. Draco was still focusing on Hermione's familiar tug as Daphne ran up to the boys.
"I'll talk to her when I see her," she said worriedly. "Honestly, Weasley is such a prat."
"She's probably in the girl's bathroom," Draco said, noticing Hermione's magical core had come to a stop in that direction of the castle.
Daphne nodded and hurried ahead of them, trying to get Hermione before class started.
"I know 'Mione isn't always as easy to deal with," Harry whispered to Draco as they made their way down to the dungeons for potions. "She's passionate and she's smart. Kids don't like it when you show off, I know from experience…" he mused. "But she, and you, were the first two friends I've made. I don't want to see her hurt. She's like my annoying big sister, always nagging me to do my homework, wanting me to be the best me I could be. And I kind of like it, someone worrying and taking care of me," he said earnestly.
Draco smiled at his friend, putting his hand on his shoulder. "You should tell her that, mate."
Harry nodded, and the two boys entered the classroom, Draco making clear to his godfather he would explain later where the two missing Slytherin girls were.
Later that evening, Draco and Harry were lying on the carpet in front of the fireplace, robes off, ties loosened. They were playing exploding snap in their common room while the rest of the school was enjoying the feast. Their excuse had been that they were waiting for Hermione to come back to the dorms, but both Blaise and Daphne had realized that Harry probably didn't want to attend the celebration of his parents' deaths.
Draco had the feeling he was forgetting something important. Sometimes he felt like his past memories were like a distant dream, almost as if he'd never actually lived it. Deandra had hypothesized it might be because so many changes had been made that the new memories were taking up more room in his brain, pushing the old ones to the background.
When Daphne burst in through the doors, followed by the rest of Slytherin House, Draco could feel the panic rising. The only problem was, it wasn't his. Oh Merlin.
"There's a troll in the castle," Daphne cried out. "Please tell me Hermione showed up? Me and Tracey talked to her earlier, but she said she wanted to be alone for a while…" She turned to one of the prefects who also looked distressed, realizing a snake was missing. "Has any of you seen Hermione?"
Meanwhile, Draco's pulse had risen. Hermione's core was flaring out in panic. He could feel her. Oh no. The troll. That first year, he remembered the gossip mill saying that Harry Potter had defeated the troll. The Slytherins had all claimed it was to gain more fame and had scoffed at the Boy-Who-Lived's tendency to look for danger. Draco had never thought he had done it to save Hermione. Why had she never actually told him this?
Deandra's words that first day on the train echoed in his mind. "Some things, are always meant to happen. They may not happen in the way we expect them to."
Fuck. Hermione was going to die if he didn't do anything. There was no Harry to save her this time. No one even fucking knew where she was.
"The girl's bathroom," Daphne was now hysterically relaying to one of the prefects. "We have to get Professor Snape, what if the troll gets to her?"
Draco elbowed his way through the crowd, making his way to the exit. "It's already found her," he said, as Harry now too was making his way to the exit, some prefects trying to stop them.
"Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter, it is way too dangerous for a bunch of first-years-" one of the prefects began.
Fuck this. "Accio, Nimbus 2000s!" Draco said. With a flick of his wrist, his broom came zooming down the staircase, half of Slytherin house blinking in awe at a first-year being able to perform that spell. "Harry, get on. 'Mione is in trouble."
Harry didn't need to be told twice. Both boys jumped onto their brooms as soon as they reached the entrance to the common rooms and Draco sped off, Harry in pursuit.
"People will be talking now," Deandra said. "You should not have been able to perform that spell, and they know it."
"I know," Draco replied, focusing on Hermione's magical core, praying to Merlin that his broom would be faster. Why couldn't the Firebolt be released yet? In hindsight, he should've shrunk it and stuffed it in Hermione's beaded bag when he came back. "I'll figure something out. I can't just let her die."
Once the boys arrived at the bathroom, the troll was about to hit Hermione when Draco exploded the door to the Girl's bathroom with a well-aimed Bombarda, hopping off of his broom. "Protego Maxima," he yelled, his arm stretched out straight to point his wand directly at her, protecting Hermione and the sink she was hiding under.
The troll, now even more angered than before, started running at the two boys. "Locomotor Mortis," Draco cast, tangling the troll's legs together, right as Harry yelled "Wingardium Leviosa!".
The troll started falling over, and Harry aimed the troll's club at the monster's head, knocking him out.
Right before the Slytherin prefects, as well as professors McGonagall, Snape, and Dumbledore entered the bathroom, Harry said: "Mate. You have to teach me some of those spells. That was bloody brilliant."
"Oh, dear Merlin," McGonagall exclaimed, her hand on her heart in shock. "You two, explain yourselves."
Before either Harry or Draco could answer, she noticed Hermione huddled under the sink, blinking and clearly in shock, a magical shield surrounding her. "Oh my, Miss Granger!" she cried out, going over to the girl.
"Minerva," Snape said as he took her by the wrist, stopping her. "It would not be wise to attempt and get through the shield, by the looks of it…" he raised an eyebrow at Draco curiously. His godfather recognized the silver sheen on the shield for what it was. Malfoy family magic. Well fuck. He'd overdone it. As his body slowly aged, his magical core grew, throwing way more powerful spells than he should be capable of as the true Lord of Malfoy Manor. His growing core and his expansive knowledge of spells were not normal for a regular 11-year-old.
"It's alright," Draco said as he approached her, dropping the shield with a wave of his wand. It was too late now. The adults had seen what he'd been capable of. He'd better come up with an explanation, and fast. But his first priority right now was Hermione, the small and tiny girl he'd sworn to protect. What a fuck up he'd been if she'd almost died due to an eleven-year-old bullying her into hiding in the bathroom. He crouched down, taking both of her hands in his, rubbing soothing circles on them as she looked up. "You're safe, 'Mione. Harry and I knocked that brute out for you."
Tears were filling her eyes. Panic was still swirling around Draco's mind. For this one time, he'd help her. He looked into her eyes, grabbing the magical thread that bound them together and sending a soothing wave of pure calm to her.
"You… Came to save me?" she stammered, looking from Draco to Harry who had also approached their friend and was crouching down as well.
"Of course we did," Harry said. "Even Daphne was screeching like a harpy in terror in the common room for someone to come help you. Don't tell her I said that though, she might have my head."
"But… Why? You could've died…" she whispered, the professors now also slowly approaching the girl as Madam Pomfrey had entered, calming draughts in hand.
"This git right here is the Boy-Who-Lived, remember?" Draco joked. "If Voldemort can't kill him, then a lousy troll won't be able to. I was just here to do some of the heavy lifting so our local celebrity could get all the credit for saving our best friend," he said.
"Best friend?" she asked, as Madam Pomfrey now crouched next to her, rubbing soothing circles on her back as well.
"Of course," Harry scoffed. "We wouldn't be the silver trio without you."
A grateful smile broke out on her lips, and the panic started to fade as she threw herself forward into both boys' arms, making all three of them tumble backward in the most awkward group hug on a bathroom floor. Draco's heart clenched as he stroked her hair, realizing how close he'd been to losing her. Again.