- Malfoy Manor, 5th of January 1995 -
It had started snowing in Wiltshire, turning awfully cold. Draco and Harry had been flying all day, training even without a cup to play for this year.
"You're still not as good as me, Potter!" Draco teased with a smirk as he caught the snitch they'd been chasing.
Harry just grinned back.
They had both agreed that they should keep in shape, not only for quidditch, but for whatever Harry might face in the Triwizard Tournament.
The day after the Yule Ball, they had all taken the Hogwarts Express home. Their journey was more quiet than usual. The others quickly noticed the awkward silence between Draco and Hermione who were usually the ones to fill the compartment with intellectual debates and friendly banter. Even Crookshanks seemed to have picked up on the change between them, choosing to curl up on Hermione's lap, instead of Draco's.
Hermione bid her goodbyes as soon as they arrived in London and disappeared with a whirl of curly hair and a muggle backpack slung over her shoulder. She was going home for a brief stay before she and her parents left for a skiing trip in the French Alps.
Draco, now alone in his room, wondered if she was enjoying herself on her trip. He'd caught Dobby more than once, scouring the Malfoy Library at her request. The elf had an unusual fondness for Hermione, even if she was not his mistress. Not yet.
The blond wizard sighed, cracking his neck left and right as he took off his quidditch gear. He regretted his past actions. Perhaps he had truly pushed her away this time? And she would never become the Mistress of Malfoy Manor.
After he'd showered and wrapped himself in a warming spell, he settled into an armchair in the corner of his bedroom with some muggle fantasy book that Mione had gifted him for Yule. He had been sceptical about muggle literature, but after his own wife had shared so many of her science-fiction and fantasy novels with him, he'd found that he quite appreciated the muggles' way of describing unknown worlds. It was definitely more entertaining than reading "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" for the umpteenth time.
Dobby bustled in a while later, opening the windows and door to the balcony to air the room. Draco felt a chill, and with a snap of the little elf's fingers, he was no longer bothered by the cold. Draco nodded in silent thanks before Dobby disappeared again.
An hour or so later, an irate owl swooped through the balcony doors. It was clutching a snow-covered package.
Draco gave the owl some treats, and let it rest on Ulysses' perch as he wiped the melting snow off of the package. He'd recognise that handwriting anywhere. Mione. He felt a surge of eagerness and nearly ripped the brown paper packaging away. Her letter that was attached to the book she'd sent him twirled down to the ground.
The blond picked it up and smoothed it out carefully, his heart racing with anticipation.
Draco, How has your Yule Holiday been? I apologise for not contacting you sooner. Even I, who always has so much to say, find myself at a loss for words. When you get this letter, we're probably on the ferry ride home. Have you ever seen the white cliffs of Dover? If not, I recommend that you see them at least once. I trust you haven't sent an angry letter to Director Ragnok. He has been nothing but kind and helpful. You would do well to remember that. I discovered the hidden room at the end of the Malfoy library the summer before last. It wasn't too hard to guess who exactly put a shimmer on the family tapestry to make sure no one would see the bond between us. When I went to Gringotts for confirmation, the Director could not lie. I put him in a difficult position. Rest assured, he has not spilled any of your other secrets and remained discreet. One day, I hope that you will find it in your heart to trust me enough to share them with me freely. Mum and I were at the Place Cachée the other day. I found this book while browsing for something to read at Magillard. I thought it might intrigue you, considering I've seen you sneaking around with some science-fiction novels. It is called "The Time Machine" by H.G. Wells. I swear, the author could not have been a mere muggle. A device to travel through time? We all know that only a time-turner can do such a thing. Or do you perhaps have any other thoughts on the matter? I'm curious about your opinion on the topic, so I would love to hear what you thought of it once you've finished the book. And please, don't tell Luna I said that. She's been quite persistent about starting a book club at Hogwarts. I haven't the heart to tell her that I don't feel particularly inclined to organise such an event. Forever your friend, HermioneDraco inhaled deeply, his thoughts swirling. " Deandra, have you mentioned anything about time travel to Hermione? " he asked, unsure if the spirit had betrayed his trust.
" Never," she stated adamantly. "Perhaps it is just a coincidence?"
Draco wasn't sure if he believed in coincidences anymore, especially when Hermione Granger was involved. It seemed like fate was playing a wicked game with him. With them.
He took the two-way diary they shared from his nightstand and scribbled a quick message to her. He thanked her and said he was looking forward to seeing her again at Hogwarts. He tossed the diary onto his bed, not waiting for her answer. There probably would be none.
Tipsy popped in not a second later, offering him some delicious apple pie. Just the distraction he needed.
- Potions classroom, 21st of January 1995 -
Even if the two friends had greeted each other with more than a little awkwardness when they boarded the train in London, shyly nodding and blushing as they bumped into each other, they quickly fell back into their easy-going friendship. Thank Merlin for that. At least, she'd taken his words to heart last school year, when he told her that he couldn't live without her being his best friend.
Draco had finally given in to his own curiosity and Daphne and Hermione's encouragement for him to join them in their extracurricular adventure that was potion making. The two Slytherin girls were currently huddled over a bench in the corner of the room, brewing some Draught of the Living Death.
Severus looked at them, checking if they needed his assistance. The girls were engrossed in their concoction. Seemingly pleased, he waved his wand and enveloped himself and his godson in a privacy bubble.
"What's your professional opinion, godfather?" Draco asked as he held the small vial in his hands, the purple gas within it swirling around.
Snape's response was stern, his arms crossed. "What I think, is that you have been holding out on me, Draco. Unlike your peers, you have never shown such a keen interest in potions. Yet, here you are, telling me you've weaponised one."
This is what Draco had always been scared of. His godfather was eerily perceptive. He had to be as a potions master. Like the blond had predicted, Severus immediately noticed that Draco's potion skills far surpassed those of a regular fourth-year student. If only he knew the truth - that in the first timeline, he himself had been Draco's mentor. Their lessons were designed to prove Draco's worth as Snape's assistant, protecting him from Voldemort's wrath. For that, Draco would be eternally grateful. Even if his godfather would never remember.
"Seeing your friends stalked in the woods by a maniac is quite the motivator," Draco dryly replied. "After Greyback attacked Daphne and Astoria… I can't imagine what would happen if he attacked anyone else. We need to put an end to this."
His godfather smirked approvingly. "Does this mean you and Miss Dagworth-Granger will start producing the cure en masse?"
"For those who want to take it," Draco confirmed. "For those who don't and instead want to inflict suffering like Greyback… For them, we have this ." He gestured to the vial in his hand. It had taken him many tries to get this right. But he'd succeeded in making it airborne. If he ever encountered the werewolf again, he'd make him live through his darkest fear. To be human.
"The death eaters will be less than thrilled when they learn what you and Hermione have done," the head of Slytherin House commented as he waved his wand, cleaning up the remnants of Draco's potion.
"That is kind of the point, godfather," Draco smirked.
Snape approached and placed a hand on Draco's shoulder, a rare gesture of his affection for his godson. "Since I know that your father will never say this, allow me to do so: I am proud of you, Draco. A cure…" He had a wistful smile on his face. "I only wish that Lily would have been alive to witness this. She and Lupin were always thick as thieves."
Draco clasped his godfather's hand and bowed his head at him respectfully. "I couldn't have done it without Hermione," he admitted humbly.
With a knowing smirk, his godfather glanced towards his other two snakes who were grimacing as they added sloth brain to their potion. "No, I suppose not. You and Miss Dagworth-Granger make quite the pair. Almost as if… it was meant to be ."
Draco nearly choked on his own spit at that particular comment. He had become way too suspicious and paranoid after Hermione's letter and her mention of time travel. Part of him was scared the whole bloody wizarding world had seen through him and his scheming.
The blond waved at Hermione and Daphne, signalling to them that he was heading upstairs. They smiled and nodded at him. They would be joining him soon.
Unresolved tension from the Yule Ball still lingered between him and Hermione. The memory of her bittersweet kiss still haunted him. He hung his head in shame. Why couldn't he muster the courage to tell her the truth? Maybe, just maybe, she wouldn't despise him for changing her life so drastically…
Lost in his thoughts, he barely noticed he'd already reached the seventh floor. He'd casually told his friends he just happened upon the Room of Requirement when he was looking for the loo one night. More often than not, Draco had to climb the stairs to the Gryffindor Tower, because Harry had forgotten curfew was near. No one would think him roaming around the seventh-floor corridors would be suspicious.
The Hogwarts elves had confirmed Draco's tale a few days later. They called it: 'the Come and Go Room'.
Once the students learnt how to use it, it quickly became their secluded haven to train and study in. What most of their friends, Cedric included, didn't know was that they weren't just helping Harry train and study for the Triwizard Tournament. What they were worried about the most, was whatever was waiting for him at the end.
Draco knew how important it was that Harry be prepared. That Cedric be prepared. Considering what had happened last time, things could turn quite dire very quickly. At least Boy Wonder had a Horcrux stuck in his head, protecting him from the killing curse. It wouldn't protect him from harm, however. That's why Harry needed to learn how to defend himself. They all did.
When he entered the room, Harry and Cedric were already practising concealment and transfiguration spells.
Luna was there too, draped over a comfy blue couch with a book in her hands. A pencil was sticking behind her ear, and she hummed as she read through her Ancient Runes textbook. Her hair was neatly braided and she wore kiwi-like earrings that jiggled as she turned to greet him. "I told you Draco was just around the corner," she said.
"Luna." He greeted her with a warm smile.
"Little dragon." She responded, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
Deandra preened in his mind at Luna's use of her nickname.
Draco rolled his eyes playfully. "Please stop calling me that when they are around." He sighed, looking at Harry and Cedric who stifled their laughter. Cedric even conjured a miniature dragon to circle above their heads.
Luna looked at the two boys over the edge of the couch, a slight frown crossing her face. With a flick of her wand, the dragon morphed into a pixie that was attempting to steal Harry's glasses. Satisfied, the Ravenclaw turned back to her textbook.
Draco threw off his Slytherin cloak and loosened his tie. No use in training if they would be restrained by their school uniforms. "Have you been practising your disillusionment spells?"
"Well, sort of," Harry admitted, "but we still haven't figured out what to do with the egg. It just screams whenever we open it."
Luna, twirling her hair, chimed in. "Like I've been telling you, Harry James Potter, they aren't screaming. They're singing a beautiful song. All you need to do is listen the right way."
Harry grinned at Cedric and approached Luna, pulling up a chair beside her. He sat on it backwards and rested his head on his arms. "Luna, love. You know I value our friendship. Could you, just this once, stop speaking in riddles and tell us how to listen the right way ?" He batted his eyes at her.
Luna paused her reading, considering his request. "And what would I get in return, Mr. Potter?"
"I will name my first-born daughter after you." The raven-haired boy joked, making Draco facepalm.
Luna shrugged nonchalantly, seemingly disinterested in what he had to offer. "That was already a given. Just like her father, Lily Luna will go into the Forbidden Forest with me to meet the thestrals and unicorns. How else will she become the greatest magizoologist of the twenty-first century?"
Harry looked at her, completely taken aback. His expression softened. "Lily?" he whispered. "Like…"
"Your mother, yes." Luna smiled now, and took his hand. "Solve the egg's riddle, and you might meet her someday. And her brothers, James and-" the blonde's eyes flickered for a second. "Oh. Well. Fate is still undecided about your secondborn's name it seems. No matter. I'm sure you and Ginny will come up with something."
"So you are telling him about his future, but not me ?" Draco huffed at her, half-joking, half-serious.
"You don't need to be a seer to be able to see Harry's future." Luna simply stated. "Harry and Ginny have been darting around each other for years now. Mrs. Weasley practically has the wedding planned already."
Harry blushed deeply and started stuttering after Luna had indicated that he and Ginny would be having children.
Cedric and Draco exchanged knowing grins.
Cedric suddenly looked flabbergasted, however. "Wait, can Luna actually see the future? I thought you lot had just been joking."
"I see possibilities," she answered. "Some things are set in stone. Others are…" She tapped her chin, looking for the right words. "Flowing, like water. It's hard to see it the right way ."
Harry, still red-faced, suddenly sat up. "If it is difficult to see the right way in the water, then would it be easier to hear underwater?"
"Perhaps?" She winked playfully.
"You're the best, Luna!" Harry yelled as he got up from his chair and gave her a big wet kiss on the cheek. "Cedric, get your egg. We are going to the bathrooms."
Lune laughed. "There's no need for that, Harry. We are in the Room of Requirement, after all." She clapped her hands once, fully focused, and it started pouring inside the room.
The boys all groaned when their clothes got wet and were sticking to their skin.
"Well, what are you dunderheads waiting for? Don't just stand there! Open the egg!" She urged them on, waving her hands at them to get on with it.
Cedric got his egg out of his pocket and enlarged it. He pressed the top of the gg and all three boys braced themselves for the screaming that would surely ensue. But, to their surprise, a melodic song filled the room instead.
"Come seek us where our voices sound, we cannot sing above the ground.
And while you're searching, ponder this: we've taken what you'll sorely miss.
An hour long you'll have to look, and to recover what we took.
But past an hour — the prospect's black.
Too late, it's gone, it won't come back."
As the song faded, so did the rain. Luna clapped her hands twice and summoned a gust of wind that dried them off. It left all of them with unruly, Hermione-like hair, however. Draco and Cedric tried to tame their locks, while Harry, being used to his hair being a mess, simply let it be.
"We'll have to go underground for the second task?" Harry pondered, recalling the lyrics.
"Considering we opened it in water, it might be underwater," Draco suggested. He had to use logic, not just his knowledge of the future, to keep both Harry and Cedric on the right track.
Cedric's eyes widened. "The Black Lake! The Merpeople live down there. But we'll only have one hour to retrieve what we'll ' sorely miss'? "
"Our brooms?" Harry guessed. "They can't possibly take our wands. And I don't know about you guys, but for a bunch of teenage boys, what is there to miss?"
"There's one thing," Draco grimaced. "Daphne. Ginny."
"They wouldn't!" Cedric said, clearly disgusted at the thought. "We signed up for the Tournament, not them ." Harry gave him a look at that comment. Technically, the Boy Who Lived hadn't either. "And what is that nonsense that it 'won't come back' after the hour is over? No. They wouldn't put anyone's life in danger. The Headmaster would not allow it."
Draco and Harry exchanged knowing glances. "Actually, the Headmaster knew we were in danger plenty of times already and left things to fate," Harry admitted reluctantly.
As they pondered over how to see, swim, and survive underwater, Neville, Blaise, Daphne, and Hermione entered the Room. An assortment of plants were floating behind them.
"Draco," Neville greeted him, "I brought more plants from Longbottom Manor after the Yule Holiday. Maybe you could use some in your experimental potions? Hermione and Daphne told me you've joined them in their classes you see. The girls already had their pick, so please, have a look."
He nodded at Neville, clapping him on the back in thanks. The Gryffindor had often joined them for their training, claiming he wanted to get better at Defence after he'd heard what happened at the World Cup.
Draco couldn't shake the feeling of Neville's vigour in training also having something to do with seeing Bellatrix Lestrange because of Draco's Boggart last year. The witch was still out there. Neville probably wanted to be prepared if she ever escaped Azkaban like Pettigrew had.
Hermione and Daphne excitedly pointed out some of the plants to Draco.
"Is that… Gillyweed, Neville?" Draco asked, perplexed that he'd grown this particular plant. The one they would need for the second task.
"Oh, you've heard about it, have you? My Uncle Algie threw me into the lake at home one time, trying to get my magic to come out." The wizard said, making Hermione wince at the story. "It didn't, but I had some gillyweed in my pocket and I chewed on it. I was lucky I was so engrossed into learning about plants ever since I was small. Gillyweed makes you breathe underwater, you see," he explained to Harry, Cedric, and Blaise. "I had to stay underwater for almost an hour before the gills disappeared. It was fun though, it makes you a better swimmer too."
Harry and Cedric grinned at each other excitedly. "Neville, mate," Harry said, swinging his arm around the other boy's shoulder. "Have we ever told you that you're our favourite Gryffindor?"
Neville blushed at the attention and shook his head. "Just don't let Ginny and the twins hear you say that."
The others laughed and Draco basked in the feeling of comradery that he had never had in the first timeline.