AN: In case I don't upload before the holidays, i'm just going to say - Happy Holidays - I'm not sure how i'm doing with pacing, i'd like feedback, if any. Constructive Critism is ALWAYS welcomed. Foxtrot1702; Yeeesss~ Slytherin's can act reckless too. And thank you AtlasNyx, glad you're enjoying the read! Everyone else, thank you! Fav/Follow/Review.

Once again, Mortimer finds himself walking the busy streets of Diagon Alley.

Seeing it the first time had been truly an amazing experience, he never got over how lively and vibrant the street looked. With the variety of shops and services offered to wizards and witches, they had congested each and every department. No matter where your destination left you, they had been cramped all around. It surely was a sight to behold.

As he stood in the middle of the active pavement, Mortimer found himself easily lost, easily bewildered by all the magic.

What was even more exciting was the mere fact that he was longer a first-year student, rather second. Second! It might be a small number but it certainly showed him how far he's come since the days of he's spent it on this world.

His summer was relatively nice. Spending majority of his time with Draco, he's exchanged a few letters between Tracy and Daphne. Theo visited when he could, but only when he's father had business to conduct with the older Malfoy. They were excited to start off the new year, and maybe this time Slytherin would get back and win the house cup. Draco was a little sore from the loss. He didn't think it was fair that Gryffindor had won just because the boy-who-lived had been sorted there.

Mortimer didn't mind, but that didn't mean he wasn't upset about. How on earth did Potter mange to earn sixty points, despite it being the last day. It was absurd, ridiculous, even Longbottom received ten! Ten! It was more than he's earned all year and somehow it was him that gave Gryffindor the house cup.

On the bright side, both Aunt Cissy and Uncle Lucius were quite proud to find out that Mortimer had ranked first among his peers. Second place had belonged to Granger, much to her dismay and disputing the unfairness, she had eventually faltered, accepting that someone else had come before her.

Not much has changed over the summer.

Physically, Mortimer felt the same. His dark hair remained short, messy, but still enough that it stopped just above his ears. He hasn't grown, at least he didn't think he has, him and Draco were practically the same height. Beside that, not much else could be said.

If anything was note worthy, it would be the maturity of his nature. Occlumency lesson's have been a contant thing over the summer. Professor Snape had visited the manor twice a week to teach the boy the power to defend his mind.

It had been a concern among the family for a while. But after giving it some thought, they had conceded to the idea that he'd be taught. They had their personal reasons as to why, but had kept it hidden.

For example, Aunt Cissy. There was a sort of sadness that often opened itself whenever Severus showed up at the home. Before lessons she had always given Mortimer a hug of encouragement and a smile, but it wasn't one those happy-good-luck smile's. It was one that held a burden, an unknown pain that consumed what ever she was thinking.

Lucius remained quiet. Frowning when it was time for his lessons. There was tension between his uncle and his professor, but they never said a word, at least not in front of him. But Mortimer knew his disapproval, clearly, Lucius had been ticked that his friend had gone against his wishes. To teach the boy who was thought to be believed as the next big ol' grand wizard since his last predecessor.

It mattered not to him. Mortimer has been very determined, very much willing to put in the effort to master the craft.

Then there was Draco. Mortimer trusted him enough to tell him his plans. He knew more than anyone why it was necessary, why it was important for him to learn. Of course, they never spoke about it, but they didn't really need to. A silent promise, the topic was sensative, Draco was aware, which is why he never brought it up.

"Mortimer, come on!" Far off, Mortimer hears the sound of Draco's faint voice calling to him.

Lucius walked ahead from the two boys, expecting them not to loaf around. Mortimer hurries, all this excitement has got him drifting into silly thoughts.

Expecting they'd be purchasing their books first, Mortimer was surprised to find themselves walking pass the shop, Flourish and Botts. But to his surprise, there was a large overcrowded of wizards and witches; mostly witches. You could hardly see inside, it was that bad.

Scratching his head – Maybe it wasn't the best idea to start off there.

Following Draco and Lucius, he felt odd once they stepped into a corner, just around Diagon Alley. It was dark, a twisted alleyway that had melancholic tones. It appeared beat-down and filthy.

There was a near battered, smudged sign, that you could hardly see. Knockturn Alley, it read.

"Father –"

"Quiet!" Lucius hissed when his curious spoke. "I have business to conduct. I don't want a word out of either of you."

Mortimer was not one to disobey. The way his uncle had spoke and the how his mannerism had turn rather iffy, he couldn't help but question the sort of 'business' Lucius was into.

They passed several witches and wizards on the way. They didn't appear that way though. They all stood out like drunk hollowed out figures. Some barely stood, only slouched against brick walls. Witches murmuring to themselves while they fidget their fingers. A different category, Mortimer felt like he's entered a different planet.

Draco became nervous that he's stood close to Mortimer, refusing to leave his side. Mortimer felt the same, it was rather strange, very shady. Filthy and dirty, he covers his nose as a harsh musky smell entered his nostrils.

Aside from gathering their school supplies, Lucius had promised Draco a racing broom. Why? Mortimer guessed Lucius was trying bribe his son into silence, to not utter a word to his wife about where they might be going.

His answer was confirmed once they stopped in front of a wide glass window; an unknown shop.

Borgin and Burkes

Staring, you could barely see what was inside. The window's were dusty and smeared, appearing as though it has never been cleaned. Mortimer was almost afraid to go in over how much contamination there might be. But then Lucius, opening the door, the bell ranged upon entering.

"Touch nothing, Draco, Mortimer." A warning. The two boys shared a nervy look as went fully.

The older Malfoy went for the counter, ringing the bell that rested on the table. At the same, Draco drifted away and began touching what looked like an eye glass. Fussy, Draco questions his father as to why there were here in the first place.

But the conversation didn't go far as before, Draco went to rant about Potter. Mortimer was use to it, but his own father was starting to get annoyed – Made clear by his pale skin that wrinkled when he frowned.

The voice of the seller appeared, saving Draco from a future scolding.

As the two men began their little 'dealing' arrangements, both Draco and Mortimer pitter-pattered and explored its antiques that covered the shop.

An assortment off masks hanged of the wall, Mortimer grabbed one that resembled a baboon, with spikes sticking out of its head.

Placing it on his face. "How do I look?" Mortimer asked.

"An improvement, I'd say." Draco snickered. Sharing the same reaction, his cousin ran over to what looked like an old crooked hand.

Having his fun, Mortimer took off the mask and placed it back to its original spot. He doesn't pay any attention to what his cousin was saying at the moment, nor the reply his uncle was giving him.

That wasn't until Granger's name came up.

" – that Hermione Granger –"

Lucius wouldn't allow Draco to finish, in one quick swoop, his cousin's face turned into defeat. "Thank merlin for your cousin, had it not been for him, that little girl would have been at the top. And then where would be? Our blood is what is keeps us ahead from those kinds."

The older Malfoy turns to Borgin. "Pay attention to this one Borgin – this one," Eyeing Mortimer. "is going to change the world."

Turning back to his son, Lucius tells him. "You should follow Mortimer's example, Draco. Maybe some of his intellegence will rub off on you."

Draco wards off. Angry footsteps storm at a different part of the shop as Lucius and Mr. Borgin begin to trade. He didn't need to guess that Draco was upset, having been belittled in front Borgin – Who wouldn't react that way?

"Are you ok?" Mortimer asked, near shy-like.

Afraid that Draco would take it out of him, the last thing Mortimer wanted was conflict, especially when the school year was about to begin.

"No, not really." Draco said coldly. " That stupid girl, Granger – "

"Wouldn't matter." Said Mortimer. "You'd still be second; not first and your father would still whine. So, I don't think you should care."

"Easy for you to say." A small grit of his jaw, Draco walked towards a closed cabinet. "It's not your father telling you how you're a failure."

"My father…" A slight pause, Mortimer looks away. "would rather show me. . . I think."

Sensing the small sadness in his voice, Draco let's out a huff. "I'm sorry."

Mortimer only shakes his head quietly. "No, it's ok." Staring at the old sooty cabinet, Mortimer traces shapes. "Let's not ruin the day. We've still got stuff we'll need for the term and I for one am curious to see what future classes hold."

Draco rolled his eyes before snorting. "Is that all you can think about? What about broomsticks? I don't think its fair that we're not allowed to try out."

"Ugh – Please," Mortimer groans. "What good is flying when we can't even do it in public? Besides, how has no one ever died from falling? It's nerve-wracking!"

They went back and forth. Before they knew it, Lucius called to the boys. It was time to leave.

Thank goodness. Mortimer was starting to get creeped out by the gaze that Mr. Borgin had been giving him. Studying his movement as if he were expecting him to preform some magical feat. Nearly, whizzing out the shop, Lucius bids the shopkeeper before closing the door.

An hour into their shopping list. What was left now was their books. He had hoped that, in time, the gathering of the large crowd would have dial down.

Shocked, the horde has been very much alive.

There was a banner out in the front of Flourish and Botts, a very large one, with big letterings that spelled Gilderoy Lockheart.

Where has he seen that name before?

"He's the guy who wrote most of the books on our school list.!" Draco spoke loudly, it was hard to hear him when the sound of squealing women dominated the whole area.

"I. Am. Getting. My. Books." Mortimer whispered to himself.

Rolling up his metaphorical sleeves, Mortimer starts shoveling his way through. Pushing and forcing, Draco goes from behind in support. At some point they had to close their eyes shut when they came close to touching the bottom's of the unknown women.

When they finally made it to the front. Mortimer was confused when he hears. "I will be taking up the post of defense against the dark arts!

Loud clapping and cheering, he spots Potter at the center of it; holding the newest of books.

Straying his attention, Mortimer found Draco crossed. It was something he would never understand. "Look at him. He just has to show how bloody great he is, using his so-called fame to get what ever he wants."

Silence was mortimer's answer, considering no words would ever satisfy Draco.

"Bet you loved that, didn't you, Potter?" Listening to his cousin, he watches as Draco walks up to the boy-who-lived, mocking and trying to get a razzle out of him.

Should he intervene? Despite wanting to, he didn't want Potter to dry a wedge between them, a cause as why Draco and Mortimer could never get along. Draco had no problem bullying other's as long as it wasn't him. But he didn't stop to think how it might feel.

Hearing a girly voice, his attention was quickly landed on a small redheaded girl, standing next to Potter. An unexpected surprise, his dark eyes widen when he slowly starts to recognize her.

"Ginny?" Mortimer calls, tilting his head, it felt like a small world.

She jolts and let's out a small gasp, sharing his reaction. "Mortimer?"

"You know each other?" Harry's voice intervened.

"You actually know each other?" Draco nearly spits out.

Dividing the amount of shocked that overtook their features was once Mortimer would remember. It really was a small world. Draco appeared mortified, Potter remained neutral, but clearly shaken at the fact that they knew each other's names.

"We bumped into one another." Mortimer said with a hint if humor.

Ginny expels a tiny laugh. "Mmhmm... he helped me."

"If I were you Mortimer, I'd stay far away from the Weasley's. But I will say – I'm shocked to find one in here and not a second-hand store."

Before Potter could come to her defense and retort, Hermione and Ron pushed themselves out the of crowd. The same look of annoyance and an irk had spread their youthful faces.

It was here that Draco does the predictable, and starts going off on the trio. Insulting Ron for being poor, Harry for flaunting his so-called fame, and Granger for being a bushy know-it-all.

"Hey…" Mortimer was somewhat timid when he walked towards the Weasley girl. "I'm sorry about that."

"You're with Malfoy." Sounding sad, she didn't bother to look at him.

Mortimer gazes at the trio who shouting over Draco. "Does it matter?"

"I don't know, does it?"" She says softly. The boy was practically a Malfoy if he was hanging around his sort.

A moment of silence, he pondered before replying "Remember what I told?" Curious to know how far her memory went.

"You don't believe in any rubbish?" Her small eyebrow rose in puzzlement.

A nod of the head. "I understand if you don't like me anymore, not many do."

"Why is that?"

"I'm a Black." He confesses coldly, without looking at her, Mortimer could easily tell she was quite disturbed.

No use in making her more uncomfortable, Mortimer quietly walks away and goes to stand by his cousin.

His uncle, Lucius, makes his presence know to the Weasley clan. No better than his son, the older Malfoy demeans the man Mortimer assumed was Ron's father.

Mortimer chooses to ignore the encounter. It wasn't worth his time, so instead, he strolls near the various of bookshelves.

"How was your summer, Mortimer?" A question, he turns to find Granger holding Lockheart's hefty assortment of books.

He shrugs, there wasn't anything specific that came to mind, not one he was willing to share. "Alright. Pretty normal."

"Oh! That's good." Hermione watches as he starts collecting the books on his list. "I was wondering, if we do end up sharing transfiguration classes, would you be interested in being my seating partner again?"

"You aren't still upset with me?" His eyes glued to his parchment.

Her bush hair made a jump, it was like her hair had a mind of its own "Why would I be?"

"You were very upset when you realised you came second in our year – Even accused me of cheating in front of the Professors." He cracks his neck.

There was a guilt in her tone. Almost ashamed that she had done it in he first place. "I know. . . And I'm sorry for that. I thought I deserved it. I've worked so hard, harder than anyone else, and I guess that's all I cared about… me."

He shifted slightly, and stared off into the distance. "I didn't ask them to – could care less about who made top. Like I told you Granger, I just want to learn."

"You proved me wrong."

He makes a small grumbling noise and looks back at her. A textbook in his hand – The Standard Book of Spells, Grade two.

Mortimer wondered. "Beside… I thought you might want to join your other friends."

"They're nice to be around." She purses her lips. "But academically speaking, I wouldn't trust them with a slug. And I thought we made a good fit last year. We both know the value of a book."

There a sound of commotion coming from the front right. Both children gasped when the two fathers had begun throwing their fists. Who knew uncle Lucius was capable of such behaviors…

Ron's mother had began to plea with her husband – during which time, the two twins were encouraging his father, yelling in good fun. The quarrelsome adults brushed off the store clerk who was trying to cease the argument. It wasn't until the half-giant hagrid had pulled Ron's father away, talking some sense into Weasley.

The two suffered small injuries but nothing too serious.

Mortimer wanted to leave at this point. He was uncomftable but doubted anyone else could have noticed. At least that's what he thought when he catches Ginny's eyes staring at him. He doesn't say anything of course but only stared back.

What little contact they had was interrupted by Lucius when he tosses a book at her cauldron. "We're leaving, Draco, Mortimer."

Embarrassed, Mortimer covers his face with one hand as he leaves the shop with two angry Malfoy's.

What a great way to start of the new year. He mumbles to himself.

Boarding the Hogwarts Express, the many children that were excited to return were quick to find their friends, chatting and socializing about their summer. Those that were new were awfully nervous, some stick to their parents, while other stared out in amazement.

Mortimer could relate, it was a still one of those moments he could hardly get tired of. The golden words that spelled 'Hogwarts' promised an exciting journey to where the adventures of becoming a full fledge wizard would commence.

Tobey; the no longer small creature, slept inside it glass cage. Holding the container tightly, Mortimer breathed in deeply. Draco was only a few feet away, talking to his mother. She sweetly, pours small kisses around his little blond head.

His velvet face tries to brush her off, but his mother wouldn't allow it.

"Mortimer dear, let me say goodbye." Narcissa drags Mortimer into a tight hug. Unlike Draco, Mortimer easily gives in to her warmly gesture.

"Remember to be good." She tells him close to his ear. "Write me everyday. Watch out for each other. Oh – and listen to your professors."

"I know Aunt Cissy."

Cautiously, she looks around the crowd just before she places her soft hands on the side of his face. "Professor Snape said your lessons will continue in a few weeks. For now, keep up with your meditation."

Shaking his head, Mortimer listened closely and took in her advise. His Aunt has been very supportive throughout the summer – Always asking him how lessons went, how he felt afterwards. It was in all senses, nice.

"Mother, the train is boarding!" Draco whined from behind.

Narcissa was still holding Mortimer close. "Now Draco, the train isn't going to leave immediately. Make sure you two look at for each other. I worry enough as it is."

Letting go of Mortimer, Narcissa gives him one last goodbye before patting him away. "Alright – off you go."

Waving from behind, the two boys proceeded to board the train. Crowded as it was, Draco had led Mortimer to the front carts of the train. They weren't too lost considering they were now more familiar with the area.

Most posh families resided in the front carriages while the rest went in the back. It was a dumb rule but not many children questioned it, nor did they fight about it.

Right near the doors, they easily found Theo talking to Daphne, Tracey was no where to be seen. Once Theo caught sight of them, he greeted while Daphne gave them a nod

The four of them walked inside, finding a seat on the left side of train, they huddled together. Mortimer placed the well sealed container on the cushioned chair. Draco began conversing with Theo. Daphne stared out the window, silently drowning down the noise.

The train's engine start to rile up and before they know it, they were finally moving and heading towards their destination.

The ride to Hogwarts was mostly what Mortimer expected; boring and uneventful.

Nothing had changed in Mortimer during the ride. He doesn't know what to expect either. Last year had been bad, he says bad and not the worst because there wasn't much to compare it with. This will literally be his second year, but there was always room for disaster.

His luck here so far hasn't been great. An improvement sure, just not as great as he has hoped. Things were getting relatively a lot better since practicing his little mind tricks. It was slowly becoming easier with each lesson. Though it came with a cost. That cost being constantly poked by a specific Potion Master. The various memories Severus had manage to dig up, there were certain instances where he got to close to finding his most personal, precious secret.

So long as he kept up with training, no one will ever have to know.

"Hey guys!" An excited Tracey ran towards the group, waving her arm in the air. "Saved me a spot?"

The luxurious table and padding cushion added a flare of entitlement, the cart itself was only meant to house four people. It was an idea that Tracey soon realized there wasn't any room for her.

Tracey, Near panic mode, Mortimer puts a stop to her deranged thoughts and stands up right. "Take my seat."

"Mortimer, what – " He hears Draco say until Davis asks.

"What about you?" Feeling bad for having to steal his seat, she chews her lip.

Theo and Daphne don't say anything, only because they have come to know Mortimer as a gentlemen. Should Tracey refuse, he wouldn't have it.

"Don't worry about me." Mortimer smiles. "I'll be fine and besides, it's only a few hours. Plenty of time to catch up later." He says before getting out of the carriage.

"Right… just don't get into misfits." Draco said, sounding worried. "Mother will have a fit if she finds out I took my eyes off you for even second."

"Worry not sweet cousin, I'll be on my best behavior. I'll meet at the entrance gates." Everyone agrees, making noises of agreement.

Given that Mortimer took off, closing the doors, he made his way towards the end of the train. Passing familiar faces and those from his year, few stopped to stare at the Black Heir. His head cool, he ignores it.

Legs moving, he nearly bumps into Granger. "Oh –" She jumps.

"You really need to watch where you're going Granger. This can't go on." Mortimer disapproves of her clumsiness, he starts shaking his head.

"I'm sorry." Apologizing, she bites her finger, frowning, there were small wrinkles on her brows. "I'm worried."

Folding his arms, he asks. "About?"

"Harry and Ron. They were suppose to be on the train but they aren't here – I've checked everywhere! Fred and George said they haven't seen them since arrived on the platform. Something must have happened." Hermione seemed confident, so sure that something strange indeed has occurred between her two friends

"I'm sure what ever trouble they've gotten themselves into can be easily solved by using one's brain."

"This isn't funny. They could be seriously hurt." She firmly grasps her hands and stomps on one leg; plainly upset.

"You worry too much." Mortimer's lack of concern was beginning to annoy the buck-toothed girl. "I'm sure you'll find them once we get to the gates."

He gives a quick glance around the train, there was no use in standing here and arguing with an unreasoned witch.

"Will you help me look for them?" Hermione's hesitant voice brome his thought. She wore her emotions on her sleeves, however, he did wonder why she had asked him.

Mortimer's answer sounded flat when he says. "No." A short pause. "Not to be rude, but I doubt they would do the same for me. Good luck."

Treading pass Hermione, she continues to stare as he slowly vanishes from her view.

Eventually he makes it towards the end of train. Sliding the doors apart, he was relieved to find it empty. A sigh, slumps down and closes his eyes, his bottom making contact with seat, he was finally able to relax. It was quiet, except for the noises coming from the outside, allowed him to let his guard down.

"Oh Morty~" A sing-song of his name was coming from the small barrier of the door.

Mortimer felt dread. He didn't needed to guess. The annoying tone, along with the girly-squealish pitch that harmed his ears were met by the one girl he'd hoped to never encounter alone.

Lavender Brown, tapping the door; way too many times, her deep smile that exposed her small teeth caused him to jump in his seat.

Without an invitation, she opens the doors and makes herself comfortable by plopping next to him. Maybe Mortimer shouldn't have given Tracey his seat… Had he known he would be spending the train ride next to this lunatic, he probably would have helped Granger look for her two idiots.

"Hey Morty – " Still smiling, she tilts her head. "How was your summer?"

"Go away." Mortimer turns his body, facing the window view.

"My summer was great! Thank you for asking." She giggles. "My father took me and mother to the states! Can you believe that? It was so fun. So many foods and the dresses! Oh – the dresses. Father bought me ten. The clothes were so colorful, so fashionable – I never wanted to leave. But I guess seeing you here…" She flashes her eyelashes. "makes it worth it."

"BLAGH!" An exaggerating sound, he covers his mouth as if he's going to vomit. A nauseating sensation crawls down in the pit of his stomach that he pushes himself into a corner.

"Wby are you here anyways? Why are you bothering me? Aren't you suppose to be having this conversation with you other girly friends? Where are they?"

"You mean Padma and Parvati? Don't worry about them, they'll be here shortly. I wanted to at least have a little bit of time alone before we have to part ways." Lavender pouted but Mortimer cringed.

Horror seized him when he realized that he will be spending the whole train ride trapped with a bunch of rowdy girls. In the passengers seat, right next to the babbling girl, and it only got worse when the twins arrived.

He made himself small and retreated back into his mind.

The sorting feast went on without a hitch. Everyone clapping once the newly first-year students were sorted into their respected houses.

At the slytherin table, sitting besides Draco, Mortimer watched their nervous, excited faces when they entered. It reminded him of when he first arrived. Granted this was only his second year, so there wasn't a lot to go on, but it's felt like a long time. He's got a few more years to go before he actually receives his full education, before he becomes a full wizard.

Which begged to be asked, what will he do once the years are over with? Where would he go? Surely, he doesn't intend to spend his days at Malfoy Manor. That's not to offend Draco or his mother, for that matter, but part of him wasn't sure he belonged here. Maybe he doesn't belong anywhere.

There is doubt, but he was still young and had plenty of time to decide.

Mortimer found himself clapping to the sorting of Ginny Weasley, placed with the rest of her brothers. Her face red from shyness, she quickly ran to the gryffindor table.

They might have only shared a few words, but Mortimer believed her to be a good person with a kind heart. It was a shame he had been born into a dark family, a negative reputation, the chances of ever having a normal friend was one in a million.

Watching her go, Mortimer made contact with Granger. A short stare, Harry and Ron were nowhere to be seen. Made clear by Hermione's worried features. He pondered over what might of have happened to the two.

Though, it wasn't any of his business, Mortimer peers away from the know-it-all.

A new day, a new year. He questions what else fate has in store for him.